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Germany's Zalando awards IAMISIGO for innovation in fashion

30 Jan '25
3 min read
Germany's Zalando awards IAMISIGO for innovation in fashion
Bubu Ogisi | Pic: Zalando

Insights

Zalando is thrilled to announce IAMISIGO as the winner of the 2025 Zalando Visionary Award, a pioneering brand that blends heritage textiles with traditional craft techniques drawn from across Africa. Founded by Bubu Ogisi in Nigeria, IAMISIGO redefines modern fashion while preserving cultural legacy; the result is a compilation of contemporary designs with a bold, fresh perspective.

IAMISIGO is set to present its full collection on the runway at Copenhagen Fashion Week in August.

The Zalando Visionary Award honours excellence in design, innovation, and social impact and the 2025 finalists FEBEN, IAMISIGO and Rave Review were selected for their dedication to reshaping fashion through bold creativity and commitment to inclusivity and design. Aligned with Copenhagen Fashion Week’s Sustainability Requirements, the award also underscores Zalando’s commitment to championing positive change in the industry.

At an exhibition at Copenhagen Fashion Week AW25 [January 29, 2025], the award finalists introduced their brand, presented their vision and ethos through a showcase of their hero pieces and a panel talk, hosted by Zalando. Following the showcase the Zalando Visionary Award jury of industry experts selected IAMISIGO as the winner for its dedication to blending ethical sourcing with a commitment to empowering local communities. The brand’s distinct voice, visionary and magical aesthetic challenge conventions, offering a new perspective on what it means to drive positive change in fashion; transcending gender norms, designing for spirits and energies.

Jury member, Anne Pascual, SVP Design, Marketing and Content at Zalando, shared her thoughts: “Huge congratulations to IAMISIGO and Bubu Ogisi. This award was created to highlight designers who approach their craft with authenticity and intent and that’s exactly what IAMISIGO has demonstrated and we’re proud to support that. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate inspiring innovation and talent. We look forward to working together, continuing the goal to build a more inclusive and innovative industry.”

The jury also emphasised that Bubu Ogisi embodies the essence of a visionary in many ways, and that she is a rare creative talent working in this space today, with a brand whose output is both beautiful and miraculous.

IAMISIGO founder, Bubu Ogisi, expressed her appreciation: "I am very grateful for the recognition and I believe that this is just the beginning of an exciting partnership for IAMISIGO as we evolve as a brand. Expect some magic in August!"

As the 2025 Zalando Visionary Award winner IAMISIGO will receive a €50,000 (~$52,000) price and production support for its runway show at Copenhagen Fashion Week SS26. Zalando will further support the designer’s business development by providing tailored resources, mentorship and networking opportunities. Dio Kurazawa, founder of Bear Scouts, will serve as a dedicated mentor throughout the year to the winning brand, offering invaluable insights and industry knowledge.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (MS)