Category Fashion
Published August 20, 2025
Young Woman Knitting, by Berthe Morisot
We Asked Designer Izadora Hodges 4 Important Questions (Interview by Livia Vourlakidou)
MKH:Hi Izadora! How are you doing today?
IZADORA: I am well thank you! It’s been a busy week, training up our lovely new Caitlin who helps with bits around the studio. I had a massive delivery this week too – my studio is on the 3rd floor – so that makes it a bit tricky sometimes haha.
MKH:What inspires the unique shapes and colours of your designs?
IZADORA: It really goes back to my childhood when I spent a lot of time in Asia. I would see women dressing beautifully with such encapsulating fabrics, drapery and fits. There’s something so special about how women in different cultures display their femininity. In most Asian countries, they wear a lot of fabric. This emulates a significant power I wanted to transfer to my designs – meaning you don’t necessarily have to show skin to feel sexy or empowered. I choose baggy / flowy silhouettes for comfort physically, but also within. As women, historically we don’t have the best relationships with our bodies, so creating something one can wear on a not-so- good-brain-day is what I wanted to do.
MKH:How do you retain authenticity in your designs?
IZADORA: Retaining authenticity is hard nowadays. At times you feel like everything has been done – and when you create something new most people will copy it. Unfortunately I have had experiences with massive companies clearly copying my designs. It’s hard, but also it is what it is – us small businesses don’t have the capacity to sue, or go down any legal route.
I find taking yourself out of your comfort zone enables authenticity, at that point you’re at your most vulnerable – so also the most YOU – and will bring out the realest creations. (I believe, anyway.)
MKH: What is your message to the girls who wear Arodazi?
IZADORA: A message to all the ARODAZI girlies – is to focus on what makes you feel most powerful in life, look after yourself before anything, and all women are beautiful no matter what.
We are led to believe there’s a typical standard of beauty we need to upkeep, but says who??? MEN!!!! F*** em, focus on within and your beauty and power will become apparent!!
MKH: What do you think is the best & worst thing about the fashion industry right now?
IZADORA: The best thing is that I feel like almost everyone nowadays is into fashion, and I love that we have more and more independent businesses arising, it really brings a community-feel to things. It’s how you meet new people, get inspired etc.
The worst thing.. hmm… FAST FASHION and COPYCATS!!! It’s honestly so draining and I hate them all. THANKS!!
Shop the brand at: www.arodazi.com
Follow the brand on Instagram: @arodazidesigns
