Founded in 2009 by Bubu Ogisi, IAMISIGO is a contemporary African fashion brand focused on preserving handcrafting techniques and ancestral textiles through its assertively conceptual, and abstract yet highly wearable designs. Their artisanal collections tell a story of cultural diversity and Pan-African unity, exploring a divine connection to the continent through sartorial expressions of social commentary, diverse cultural inspirations, and spiritual exploration. “It’s definitely also a reflection of my own style,” Ogisi says of the drama and undeniable ingenuity of her work. “I always say if I’m not going to wear it, I’m not going to design it.”

Over a call with Industrie Africa, Ogisi plainly expresses passion as she speaks of her brand and is confident in its purpose. “I’ve never wanted to create work that could be considered normal,” she says, laughing. “[The brand] is experimental and embraces a rebellious spirit. I design for women or men who are adventurous, curious, and ready to explore. ” As opposed to rapidly producing trend-focused fashion, Ogisi uses the power of slow fashion design to communicate complex stories of Africa's past, present, and future. Her brand operates between studios in Lagos, Accra, and Nairobi, she explains, while regular trips to various locations across the continent to source materials and learn new skills are crucial to Ogisi's creative process. “I also try to [use my work] to question certain issues that have to do with the environment,” she says. ‘And I think that’s one of the reasons I try to make everything by hand.” To this end, IAMISIGO emphasizes low waste processes like patchworking and reuse, priorities that are powered by childhood lessons from her family in not being wasteful with the abundance that we have.

According to Ogisi, the entire process of designing and producing a collection takes about a year. During this time, she says, she’ll gather fresh inspiration from her travels, search for the best quality materials, think about the story or message she wants to portray, while also ensuring that she’s in a spiritually and mentally prepared space to create. But she always makes room for the unexpected. “You need to allow for mistakes in the process of creation. Many people may like to over define things but I’ve learned… not to over-plan,” she laughs. “Because nothing ever really goes as planned.”

A recurring theme of IAMISIGO’s collections has been one of spirituality and mythology. Through the use of traditional textiles and championing of socio-political themes, she aims to communicate stories that offer a new understanding of the continent to the world. For instance, the brand’s FW ‘20 collection, titled ‘Chasing’ Evil was rooted in Congolese mythology and culture. Taking its cue from the country’s traditional spiritual practices and the popular Sapeur subculture, the collection features textured surfaces, dyed recycled cotton, and reconstructed recycled garments that collectively create a pool of eccentric designs. “Essentially we’re conveying and transforming [these stories] into fibers as a form of wearable art,” Ogisi says.

Also key to Ogisi’s creative process and aesthetic is the idea of legacy. To her, what IAMISIGO offers is “wearable art,” the kind of creations that will both reflect and define a generation in years to come. The luxury brand aims to represent a continent that understands its history and stories by bringing together those scattered tales of the continent and crafting them into something tangible and beautiful. “Through unison, we are able to …create and live better,” Ogisi asserts. “It’s through finding, preserving, and owning different stories and philosophies of the continent that we can assert our identities creatively.”