ARCHIVES OF ZOBO (ZOBO) is founded on the juxtaposition of character: the idea of harmonising two seemingly contradictory features. We envisage the figure ‘ZOBO’ as a person instilled with this characteristic — a person not bound by the restraints of a linear outlook, and is admired equally in diverse corners of society. They are a person that is always stylish but never “fashion”. With this juxtaposed character, we aim to achieve a gritty grandeur which is the pairing of quality finishes, with a rugged feel, to achieve an effortlessly chic look.

In our first three collections, we began to find our voice, and demonstrate these characteristics. Silhouette continues to be a language we return to again and again, particularly as we explore what the ZOBO identity is becoming. We focus on fabrics with a natural weight and movement, allowing the garments to sit firmly at the shoulder before relaxing downward. This decision is less about traditional tailoring and more about how clothing settles on the body in lived-in, almost unconscious ways. Our goal was to create pieces that feel “on” without requiring effort - cosy but composed, un-styled but precise. Our latest collection VOL. 4, offers our clearest expression yet of the ZOBO ethos: the interplay of refinement and rawness, or what we’ve come to describe internally as gritty grandeur. Of course, we aim to continuously outdo our previous offerings, through listening to client feedback, improving our skills and honing our style.

As always, the intention behind each piece goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about how it feels to put something on, and what that feeling might quietly say.