At I.AM.ISIGO, the team has developed the I.AM.ISIGO Digital Mystery System to bridge the divide between physical and digital realms while preserving and disseminating ancient and endangered weaving techniques from Africa. This comprehensive digital tool is a product of extensive research conducted within remote African artisanal communities. Its purpose is twofold: to create a digital archive that safeguards intricate cultural practices for future generations and to serve as an interactive platform where audiences can learn and engage with traditional weaving patterns. By connecting these historical techniques to the digital network, the project integrates ancient practices with modern technology, blurring the boundaries between material science, spirituality, and creative practice.
In designing this digital system, the team drew upon their foundational knowledge from a background in BSc Computer Science, incorporating ancient digital space design principles. The Digital Mystery System reflects the core ideas of the “divine mystery system,” a doctrine emphasizing the theory of salvation through knowledge and enlightenment. This digital innovation is designed to replicate those ancient concepts by offering a digital space that not only preserves traditional weaving knowledge but also provides a dynamic and interactive user experience. The system aims to bring the depth and richness of these ancient practices into the present, offering an immersive educational journey.
The team’s approach involves a cyclical update of their digital space every five years. After launching their first website in 2014 and taking a hiatus in 2019, they returned in 2024 with a redesigned platform that enhances interaction and engagement. The new digital environment features elements such as digital looms, curated sound playlists, artisanal data mapping, and detailed insights into the brand’s ethos. This virtual space is crafted to offer a comprehensive experience for users, combining opportunities for browsing, shopping, creating, and relaxing, thereby reflecting the innovative spirit and cultural depth of I.AM.ISIGO.
I A M I S I G O: Weaving Heritage and Future into Wearable Art
A groundbreaking contemporary wearable art brand is redefining fashion as a vehicle for historical preservation and socio-political discourse. I A M I S I G O merges traditional textile practices with innovative design to create garments that serve as both artistic statements and cultural commentaries.
A Mission Rooted in Heritage and Innovation
I A M I S I G O’s core mission revolves around preserving and transmitting African history and knowledge through fashion. By utilizing the human body as a living canvas, the brand transforms unconventional materials and heritage textiles into powerful forms of wearable art. Their creations are deeply informed by extensive research with remote African communities, ensuring that each piece reflects a profound understanding of the continent’s diverse cultural tapestry.
The brand’s approach is not just about fashion; it’s a deliberate act of reclaiming and reinterpreting forgotten historical narratives. Through their garments and fibers, I A M I S I G O stages a silent protest against the lingering effects of post-colonialism, challenging contemporary issues such as religion, gender, traditions, symbols, magic, scripts, and environmental sustainability.
Crafting a Narrative Through Textile Art
I A M I S I G O’s work is an eloquent dialogue between past and present. Their designs are more than just clothing; they are a fusion of textile art, space installations, visuals, and film that engage with and question various socio-political issues. Each material and technique is a result of meticulous research and creation, respecting and integrating the artisans’ methods, practices, and environments.
By blending traditional and modern elements, I A M I S I G O not only pays homage to ancestral techniques but also addresses the pressing issue of environmental sustainability. Their commitment to upcycling and incorporating unconventional fibers into their pieces underscores a broader vision of cultural and ecological preservation.
From Local Roots to Global Stage
With its main showroom in Lagos, Nigeria, I A M I S I G O has expanded its presence across continents. The brand’s unique creations are available in retail stores in Nairobi, Accra, New York, London, Geneva, Zurich, Johannesburg, Abidjan, Mumbai, and Paris. This global footprint reflects the universal appeal and relevance of their work.
I A M I S I G O’s impact extends beyond retail; their designs have graced some of the most prestigious international fashion platforms. From London Fashion Week and Lagos Fashion and Design Week to Paris Fashion Week and Bogota Fashion Week, the brand has showcased its innovative approach to textile art and fashion on a global stage.
Celebrated by Icons and Featured in Prestigious Publications
The brand has garnered acclaim from notable figures such as supermodel Naomi Campbell and actress Julia Fox, who have worn I A M I S I G O’s distinctive pieces. Additionally, their work has been highlighted in prestigious publications like Vogue, Elle, CNN, and more, further cementing their status as a trailblazer in contemporary wearable art.
I A M I S I G O’s ability to merge artisanal craftsmanship with contemporary issues creates a unique narrative that resonates across cultures and borders. Their commitment to preserving heritage while addressing modern challenges through fashion underscores their role as agents of change in the global fashion industry.
In essence, I A M I S I G O is more than a fashion brand; it’s a dynamic expression of cultural dialogue and environmental consciousness. Through their innovative designs and thoughtful practices, they continue to weave together the threads of tradition and modernity, creating wearable art that tells stories, provokes thought, and inspires change.
Creative direction and design @bubuogisi
Art direction @tusharhathi
Assistant Art direction @mbanga.mbanga.mbanga
Coding @uzoma.studio
Developer operation @kayocabalear
