Zalando Visionary Award

1. What does being recognised by the Zalando Visionary Award represent for you as a designer?

It represents a validation of my ethos as a contemporary artist and designer working in preserving craftsmanship and heritage. I’ve always been interested in making sure that I preserve the work of the artisan communities I engage with and I’m happy that this core process is being recognised by the Zalando Visionary Award.

2. How do you think the brand identity of IAMISIGO sets you apart from others in the
industry?

I really don’t like to compare myself to anyone as I believe everyone follows their own path. For IAMISIGO, we have a very strong vision while guarding the softness that is the divinity of the feminine. We articulate craft processes into modern, sometimes highly conceptual silhouettes. I’d say the whole idea is a combination of wearable art, design and abstraction all rolled up into one.

3. Beyond your collections, how does your commitment to social impact shape your day-to-day approach to design and production?

All the magic happens beyond borders, in remote communities across Africa. I’m always in a rush to leave the city and engage with the artisans there. They are so knowledgeable and it is a pleasure to be around all of that wisdom. I don’t think they would call what I’m doing ‘social impact’ because this is just the way their world works - knowledge has just always been transmitted from generation to generation in this way. I’m the one jumping into this system and getting a new perspective on things.

4. What inspired you to start IAMISIGO? Are there any messages you want people to take away from your designs?

I started IAMISIGO to tell untold stories and share historical research through textiles. My goal is to expose the world to the magical ancient techniques that have been existing on the Continent. Our message for people is “Magic is real! The spiritual is real.”

5. Storytelling is an important part of your process, how does this show up in your design?

Storytelling shows up in every pattern, print and fibre. Each item's colour, texture and form is intentional in exposing a larger part of the story. For example, my AW20 collection research was done on site in Congo and I was exploring how communities there have been dealing with the trauma of their colonisation. My research brought me to Nkisi Nkondi, a mystical figurine used to affirm oaths and protect communities from evildoers. One of the pieces - a handwoven cotton and raffia full length jacket - took on this form in a way to bring the Nkisi Nkondi to life.

6. As a brand working across Lagos, Nairobi, and Accra, all incredibly vibrant cities, how do you weave the cultural influences of each city into your work?

All these big cities and the people in it - my large network of friends and collaborators - inspire me. However, I will say that most of my work is done in the outskirts of the city and this is the main engine that drives my maker practice.

7. Your collections often explore key themes like spirituality and identity. What inspires you to explore these areas?

I grew up in a deeply spiritual family and this upbringing has had a lasting impact on me. “Ogisi” means “king of the sky” and it stems from a spiritual hierarchy that sees us as kingmakers. Where I’m from, becoming an Ogisi comes with going through many spiritual tribulations. I’ve definitely gone through mine to be here today and as a result, I take this facet of being human - the spiritual - very seriously.

8. IAMISIGO is redefining modern fashion while preserving cultural legacy. Can you explain how this approach has created a brand with a bold and fresh perspective?

It’s all about manipulating old techniques and traditions in new ways. How can we introduce a new material to an old weave to create more textures? How do we sustain techniques that are slowly dying out by introducing new ideas or processes of making into the old idea to make something new? That, in essence, is what we’re about.

9. Bringing IAMISIGO to Copenhagen Fashion Week offers new opportunities for connection—how do you see the city’s unique fashion identity complementing or contrasting with your vision?

I’ve always respected Copenhagen’s fashion identity as one that stands out compared to the other larger cities in Europe and beyond. Fashion is intentional here and I’m excited to present my vision in a city like this.

10. IAMISIGO frequently incorporates innovative practices like recycling and natural dyeing. How do you see innovation evolving in your brand’s future?

Innovation happens in a very fluid manner for us and is mostly led by new material exploration. At the moment, I’m very interested in hard materials like glass and brass and I’m exploring how to bring these materials together in single pieces. In this vein, we’re also exploring how to bring elements like sisal (traditionally used in the building industry) onto the body.

The Zalando Visionary Award 2025 jury consists of five industry experts who all hold relevant expertise and credible knowledge that allow them to review brands based on the three Zalando Award pillars; Social Impact, Innovation and Design. 

Joining Zalando’s SVP Product Design Anne Pascual in the jury are Edward Buchanan, Creative Director SANSOVINO6 and Milano Fashion Director Perfect Magazine; Emma Matell, industry leading Casting Director; Giuliano Calza, Founder and Creative Director GCDS and Herbert Hofmann, VP of Creative and Buying at Highsnobiety. 

Each jury member brings a wealth of experience and is recognised for their progressive and influential voices in the fashion industry.

The three Zalando Visionary Award 2025 finalists, FEBEN, IAMISIGO and Rave Review were selected for their dedication to reshaping fashion through bold creativity and commitment to inclusivity and design. With each brand challenging conventions and offering new perspectives on what it means to drive positive change in fashion.

FEBEN, the London based brand, draws inspiration from a global tapestry of influences, with its innovative work redefining contemporary fashion with a unique and visionary perspective. Nigerian based brand IAMISIGO pioneers innovation by blending heritage textiles with traditional craft techniques drawn from across Africa and Stockholm based Rave Review use of deadstock to create new and fresh designs, breathes new life into second hand materials.

The finalists showcased their collections in January 2025 at CPHFW as part of the Zalando Visionary Award. Following the finalist showcase and panel talk the jury named IAMISIGO winner of the Zalando Visionary Award. As part of the winning prize, IAMISIGO will present their SS26 runway show at CPHFW in August 2025.