Kenneth Ize stands as one of the most influential forces in African fashion today, celebrated for his remarkable ability to merge cultural heritage with modern luxury. A graduate of the University of Applied Arts, Vienna, he relaunched his eponymous brand in 2016 with the sole aim of elevating traditional Nigerian weaving techniques to international acclaim. His brand is synonymous with the revival of aso oke, a centuries-old Yoruba textile, which he transforms into vibrant, gender-fluid collections. Kenneth’s work is rooted in inclusivity, sustainability, and the preservation of artisanal heritage, employing local craftsmen while opening new markets for their craft.
He gained global recognition as a finalist in the 2019 LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers, a milestone that placed Nigerian fashion on the global map. In 2020, he made history by becoming the first Black designer to collaborate with Maison Karl Lagerfeld, launching a capsule collection that seamlessly blended European tailoring with West African aesthetics. His Paris Fashion Week debut in the same year further cemented his status as a global innovator, receiving rave reviews from Vogue, The New York Times, and other leading fashion voices.
Kenneth Ize’s collections are not only bold statements of color and structure but also vehicles of social change, designed to ensure that African textiles achieve the recognition they deserve. He represents a generation of designers who challenge stereotypes and rewrite the narratives around African fashion. Through his innovative designs, he continues to promote sustainability and ethical production, creating opportunities for artisans while shaping global conversations in fashion. His career embodies creativity, heritage, and global influence—qualities that establish him as a true Creative Force in Fashion.
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