"Nigerian fashion designer is garnering attention with her '4D' clothing designs"
Tessy Oliseh-Amaize: Pioneering Global Fashion with a Mathematical Twist
Tessy Oliseh-Amaize, the founder of the Tesslo fashion brand, is making waves in the international fashion scene. With a vision to see a Nigerian brand sell out in iconic department stores like Harrods and Macy's, Oliseh-Amaize is determined to break boundaries and redefine African fashion.
Oliseh-Amaize does not aspire to be labelled as an "African designer", but rather a global brand creating for the global market. Her innovative designs, which incorporate mathematics and classic aesthetics, are capturing the attention of fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
One of her most striking creations is the "Pyramids" dress, inspired by the pyramids of Giza and featuring prism-like shapes. This dress, along with her other designs, showcases her unique use of 4D geometry concepts and mathematical inspiration to create complex, angular shapes such as gowns with sharp angles and cone-structured jackets.
Oliseh-Amaize's designs are not just visually stunning; they also tell a story. Her "Africa to the World" collection merges geometric forms with traditional ankara fabric, drawing influences from both ancient pyramids and Nigerian ceremonial art. This fusion results in innovative, sculptural fashion pieces that celebrate African culture while pushing the boundaries of fashion design.
In addition to her creative work, Oliseh-Amaize is also an active mentor. She has held 35 mentoring sessions on Instagram, teaching young designers about various aspects of the fashion industry. Through her "Fashion Professor" project, she is helping to nurture the next generation of designers.
Oliseh-Amaize's influence extends beyond the African continent. She is a celebrity in the US fashion scene and has received a commission by celebrity stylist J. Bolin for one of his high-profile clients. At the Ankara Festival, she made a statement, expressing her disapproval of the expectation that African fashion should appear primitive or poorly made.
Folake Olowofoyeku, star of the US sitcom "Bob Hearts Abishola", wore Tesslo's "Hollywood" dress at the Ankara Festival, further highlighting Oliseh-Amaize's impact on the global fashion stage.
Oliseh-Amaize's designs are not mass-produced. Each piece takes four to eight weeks to create, reflecting her commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Her modern takes on traditional ankara designs, which incorporate mathematical concepts and geometric shapes, create an optical illusion of depth and elevate African fashion to new artistic and technical levels.
As Oliseh-Amaize continues to push the boundaries of fashion design, she remains committed to her vision of a global brand that transcends cultural boundaries. She emphasizes that African designers should not limit their thoughts to designing or selling to only Africans, but should aim for global appeal. With her innovative designs and dedication to mentoring young designers, Oliseh-Amaize is indeed a trailblazer in the world of fashion.
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Tessy Oliseh-Amaize's innovative designs, which incorporate mathematics and classical aesthetics, are resonating not only in the fashion-and-beauty realm, but also in home-and-garden, entertainment, and celebrity sectors. Her unique, sculptural fusion of geometric forms with traditional ankara fabric has gained attention from celebrities and festivals such as the Ankara Festival, highlighting her global impact.
As a prolific mentor, Oliseh-Amaize continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of designers through her "Fashion Professor" project, widening the influence of her lifestyle brand beyond the African continent.
