Kenneth Ize

Kenneth Ize, born on October 5, 1990, is a Nigerian-Austrian fashion designer and the founder of his eponymous fashion brand. He is internationally renowned for his modern designs that prominently feature traditional West African fabrics and craftsmanship, particularly the Nigerian hand-woven cloth known as Aso Oke. Ize's work is celebrated for merging contemporary Western silhouettes with his Pan-African heritage.Early Life and Education Ize was born in Lagos, Nigeria. At the age of four, he relocated with his family to Austria, where he was raised. He pursued his passion for design at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, studying fashion. During his education, he was mentored by established designers Bernhard Willhelm and Hussein Chalayan, with whom he dedicated time to research in Nigeria following his graduation.Career Progression and Achievements Ize's career is marked by his dedication to elevating traditional Nigerian weaving techniques. His work focuses on Aso Oke, collaborating directly with local artisans and weavers across Nigeria to produce his signature vibrant and colorful fabrics. His designs often feature technicolor suiting and androgynous looks. Kenneth Ize quickly rose to international prominence in the fashion world. In 2019, he was selected as a finalist for the prestigious LVMH Prize, an award recognizing young fashion talent. That same year, he won the Arise Fashion Week Award for Designer of the Year and was honored as the winner of the Arise Fashion Week's inaugural 30 Under 30 competition. In 2019, he also expanded his brand by introducing a womenswear line.Notable Works and Status A significant milestone in his career was his Paris Fashion Week debut in February 2020. The show garnered widespread attention, notably featuring supermodels Imaan Hammam and Naomi Campbell on the runway. In 2021, Ize was named a finalist for the International Woolmark Prize. He also entered a notable collaboration with Maison Karl Lagerfeld for a capsule collection in the same year, blending his aesthetic with the iconic brand. Kenneth Ize is recognized as a designer who champions sustainability and ethical production by ensuring that traditional crafts are central to his supply chain. As of his most recent activities, he continues to operate his brand from both Austria and Nigeria, remaining a leading voice in modern African fashion.