For Bertrand Lacaze, the founder of Mangrose, ethical fashion is much more than just a trend. With a calm and determined approach, he expresses a profound desire for change. Passionate about the fashion world and aware of ecological and social challenges, he has chosen to create an ethical brand that combines respect for nature with a celebration of creativity. Bertrand does not position himself as an activist; instead, he embodies the transformation he hopes to see in the world with gentle strength. In this interview, he shares his journey, his vision of contemporary fashion, and the values that drive Mangrose.
Bertrand Lacaze, Founder of Mangrose
Hello, Bertrand! Could you introduce yourself and share your professional background with us?
Absolutely! I studied international business at the European Business Programme (Kedge Bordeaux Group), where I spent two years in Germany. After graduating, I started in fashion, first in a store and then at the headquarters in Lille, specializing in Visual Merchandising. I worked for six years as the international merchandising manager at Anne Fontaine. In 2008, I became an independent designer, creating handcrafted works from vintage fashion under the name “Couture Sur Toile,” and later developed the Kutsuto brand. I also spent a few years in New York before returning to France in 2018, where I became interested in interior design, but fashion eventually called me back.
What is your perception of the fashion industry today?
I find fashion to be a fascinating sector because it connects art, social trends, and human beings. It’s a bit like an ecosystem in nature where everything is interconnected. However, in recent years, I have felt a certain rejection of fashion. The acceleration of pace, where everything moves faster and information circulates instantly, is overwhelming. The constant renewal of collections and the pressure of the image conveyed by social media can be oppressive. In merchandising, we often say that too much choice kills choice.
“I don’t believe that the abundance of options and products makes us happier. On the contrary, it seems to be an illusion, and I believe the true meaning of things lies in a simpler balance. Personally, I prefer a form of stability.”
What motivated you to launch your own ethical fashion brand?
Interestingly, Mangrose was born from a kind of rejection of fashion: the refusal to produce at a distance, always cheaper and faster, exploiting labor with low wages and incurring catastrophic ecological costs for our planet. The frequent renewal of collections and the explosion of ultra-fast fashion have led to uncontrollable overconsumption, destructive to our environment and climate. This realization pushed me to want to write my own chapter. I wanted to do my part and propose a reasoned, eco-responsible brand that works for animals, nature, and human beings.
What is the origin of the name “Mangrose”?
The name “Mangrose” was mentioned for the first time a few years ago in Martinique. It is a contraction of “Mangrove” and “rose” (french translation of “pink”) which resonates with a new phenomenon due to climate change in these tropical regions. During the dry season, the water in the mangrove becomes more concentrated with salt, favoring the development of microalgae rich in carotene. The resulting spectacle is spectacular: the appearance of a pinkish mangrove, known as the Mangrose.
Your commitment to nature is evident. How does fashion allow you to convey awareness messages? What causes do you advocate for daily?
Raising awareness through design or words is interesting, but it must be nuanced. When creating a model, I think about aesthetics and the strength of the message. An eco-responsible sweatshirt can embody values, but I prefer a positive approach without falling into advertising. I advocate for animal, environmental, and social causes, as we are destroying our planet. Every action counts: does this harm biodiversity? In my daily life, I try to reduce my impact by reflecting before purchasing, avoiding unnecessary packaging, sorting, and recycling.
Could you describe your design creation process? What stages have you established for this phase?
My inspiration can come from many sources: a dream, a drawing, an exhibition, a trip. I jot down my ideas as they come and use various techniques to create my drawings. Inspiration can stem from a scribbled sketch in a notebook that I then develop, or I start directly with a digital drawing. I work with pencil, marker, layering, and cutting pieces of paper, combining craftsmanship and digital techniques.
Tell us about your first collection. What pieces have you included?
We opted for three unisex products: a t-shirt, a sweatshirt, and a very soft cotton hoodie, in a beautiful range of neutral colors. Mangrose has in its DNA the advocacy for animals, respect for the environment, and the fight against any form of discrimination. For this first collection, the primary cause that emerged was the animal cause, addressing issues such as poaching and the use of fur. These topics are illustrated by drawings of a rhinoceros, a whale shark, an Arctic fox, and a chimpanzee with Jane Goodall. The second cause is environmental, focusing on the protection of mangroves, coral bleaching, and ice melting. Finally, we advocate for inclusion and equality through models that illustrate universal love.
What materials do you use in your creations and where are they produced? Do you have certifications?
We want to offer a product that does no harm to nature. All our models are 100 percent organic cotton, except for two models that have a blend of cotton and recycled polyester. The cotton used is certified by GOTS and is grown in Turkey, while the models are made in Portugal. Our water-based prints are biodegradable and chemical-free. We go as far as delivery, using recycled kraft paper envelopes.
What are your short-term projects for Mangrose?
My projects for Mangrose are twofold. On one hand, I want to make Mangrose a benchmark brand for commitment within the eco-responsible brand sector. On the other hand, I want to collaborate significantly with associations that we already support, donating 5 euros for each model sold to causes related to nature and inclusion, especially with the Jane Goodall Institute for the protection of chimpanzees, WWF for environmental protection and biodiversity, Coral Gardeners for the protection and conservation of corals worldwide, or the Le Refuge Foundation regarding the hosting and support of young LGBT+ individuals rejected by their families…
What suggestions would you like to make to our readers?
It is essential to use “our green glasses” in every decision to avoid harming biodiversity. Financial profit should not take precedence over the protection of our environment. According to WWF, nearly 70 percent of our wild animal populations have disappeared in fifty years. Let’s wake up and act together to preserve our Earth!
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Words: Bertrand Lacaze / Anne-Sophie Castro
Photos: Mangrose: Pixels / Brandon Morrison – Models: Studio SAMAK / Benjamin Boujenah.
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