So, there I was, waiting for the SS20 Salvatore Ferragamo fashion show to start during PItti Umo last summer in Florence, Italy. I was so fresh to fashion and behind me sits this guy in velvet green pants. As I was taking in the magical square of Piazza della Signoria, and absorbing my birth into fashion, a guy from LA started talking to the velvet green pants wearing gentleman behind me. With their very American accents we shared a few words. It was later that evening I saw them both again at the house party of Robert Cavalli for the launch of his Triple RRR collection in the Florentine hills. Finally, a name for the velvet green pants wearing gentleman: Ugo Mozie. Truly a lion in a lamb’s body, Ugo is soft spoken. The Nigerian-American is not braggadocio at all, he’s calm and sure of himself, but has a go-getter force in his demeanor.

If you follow him on Instagram, he comes off as very well connected, and he is. A stylist and fashion designer, Ugo got his first celebrity client at 17. He has designed for Justin Bieber, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce and more. But more than working with celebrities, Ugo oozes with wisdom, and it’s this wisdom that keeps him grounded and from being arrogantly bombastic about his success.  

As he continues to design and style, he has turned his sights to the rich continent of Africa- although he has always had a focus on the things happening there, working with artists, in African luxury and African entertainment- as well as getting his non-profit WANA (We Are New Africa) off the ground.

Seele Magazine: You seem to be spending more and more time in Nigeria. Naomi Campbell, who loves the continent and does a lot of work there says, “no more of this African poverty talk- no more of that.”

There’s a lot of innovation happening in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana… What's happening in African luxury and entertainment and what’s your role in these spaces?

Ugo Mozie: I’ve watched the African luxury and entertainment space grow throughout my life. The growth and changes I’ve seen has been more so on the acceptance abroad rather than a change in the continent. Africa has always been rich in culture, art, music, fashion, and luxury. The world is just now beginning to recognize and see the immense value in it.

As a creative manager and storyteller, I’ve dedicated the past 5 years to introducing a new narrative of Africa than what’s been commercially showcased for centuries. I’ve made it a duty to work with artists like Wizkid, Davido, D’Banj, Tiwa Savage, Nasty C, Runtown, Boy Director, Meji Alabi and more to show the world how universal and amazing African culture, lifestyle, and music is. Many brands like Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, Ciroc, Moschino, have supported me in sharing this message and showing the importance of inclusion and diversity. I am currently working on more content creating and storytelling to help reshape the image of what the world thinks they know about Africa. 

SM: You have a non-profit. What’s its focus, mission and vision?

UM: I have a Non-Profit called WANA. (We Are New Africa). It was inspired by the incredible amount of talent and creative youths on the continent of Africa that don’t have platforms to express, network, and learn about their crafts.

I was born in Nigeria and got a chance to dream big and achieve those dreams. It became my passion to create avenues for children that came where I came from, and to also have the privilege of dreaming and achieving. Some of our projects include a film school in Uganda, A sports center in Lagos in partnership with ESPN, Beyond Sports, and Slum2School, adopted 2 orphanages in Nigeria, and are building clean water stations around impoverished communities around the continent.  

SM: How did you know it was your calling to go into fashion, to become a designer, stylist, and creator of luxury brands?

UM: I always feel like fashion called me. Rather than the other way around. I’ve always been aware of the way I dress. At an early age I began to understand and observe the way people treated me based on the way I would dress. My mom would always tell me “Dress the way you want to be Addressed” and this just stuck to me. Moving to NYC after high school gave me the opportunity to not only express myself more, but to turn my natural skills and taste into a career. 

SM: You’re from Nigeria but you’re also an American too, right? What have you taken away from both worlds?

UM: I’m from Nigeria but I was raised in America. I owe a lot to this dynamic growing up. My parents kept me very in touch with my African culture. We went back to Nigeria almost every year. And this kept me cultured and grounded. My current aesthetic, taste level, and drive to succeed comes from my double perspective of growing up in the US and with a strong Nigerian foundation. 

SM: You’ve styled Justin Bieber, Travis Scott, and David O. and Celine Dion, Beyonce, Mary J Blige, plus so many more have worn your designs. What’s it like styling celebrities? And what’s your process when styling someone?

UM: I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many inspiring talents around the world. Thanks to God. Every single project or client is different and that’s what keeps the career interesting. Whether I’m working with Diddy or Stevie Wonder, the first step is always the research and analysis process. You have to know where your clients came from to understand where they are trying to go. 

SM: You’ve got a unique sense of men’s style- cowboy mixed with Nigerian traditional wear, sprinkled with Che Guevara vibes, mixed with some punk influences, and then sometimes you wear loose fitted velvet pants. How would you describe your style?

UM: I would describe my style as “culturally selfish.” I'm inspired by my personal experiences, childhood, and most importantly... travel. I love to incorporate different cultures and eras into my day-day style. One day I may feel like vintage Harry Belafonte, other days I want to look like Mansa Musa. 

SM: A well-dressed man should be?…

UM: A well-dressed man should be original and comfortable. 

SM: You’re close with Lil NasX and his song “Old Town Road” dominated the music charts last year, surpassing any other artist. What is the significance of him coming onto the music scene? And how do you feel about the fluidity of genres crossing into other genres?

UM: I believe Lil Nas’s amazing career is an example of success through crossing cultures. It was the first time the world has heard Country and Trap music combined. As opposite as those two genres are, the combination was a recipe for viral sensation and a Grammy winning song. 

SM: You’ve got wisdom, it comes across through your social media. What does wisdom mean to you and how have you gotten yours?

UM: Wisdom to me means experience. One can only truthfully speak on what they’ve been through. I’ve been working successfully in fashion since I was 16. I had my first celebrity client when I was 17. Now 10+ years later... I have a tip or two I can share. 

SM: What would you tell your 17-year-old-self?

UM: I would tell my 17-year-old self to take more risks and express myself unapologetically. The only regrets YOU will have are the chances YOU don’t take.