Diaspora Star | Ugo Mozie: The Nigerian Revolutionizing Global Fashion

Ugo Mozie’s name is synonymous with style, innovation, and an unwavering connection to African heritage. Born in Enugu, Nigeria, and raised in the United States from the age of three, Mozie’s rise to prominence as a top-tier fashion stylist and creative director is a story of relentless ambition and cultural pride.

At just 18 years old, Mozie launched his first fashion label, Aston Mozie, debuting it at New York Fashion Week in 2010 alongside his design partner Quinn Aston. This initial foray into fashion quickly opened doors in the celebrity styling world. Mozie’s client roster reads like a who’s who of the entertainment industry, including Justin Bieber, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and many others. His work has extended beyond personal styling to consulting on celebrity streetwear lines and contributing to major fashion publications across New York and Paris.

Mozie’s journey began with a distinct lack of resources or precedent. Growing up in Houston and later New York, he found the available fashion did not reflect his identity or style, prompting him to design and craft his own clothes from an early age. This foundation, coupled with his travels and exposure to diverse cultures, deeply informs his creative process. His Nigerian roots remain a constant source of inspiration, influencing both his aesthetic and his mission to elevate African fashion on the global stage.

In 2014, Mozie was appointed U.S. PR Director for iconic British designer Vivienne Westwood. This role was pivotal, allowing him to hone his expertise in fashion marketing and PR while building a network that spans continents. His academic background in advertising and public relations from Saint John's University, Queens, empowered him to bridge creative talent with strategic business insight , a rare combination in the highly competitive fashion world.

Mozie’s latest venture, Eleven Sixteen, launched in Lagos in April 2025, marks a bold new chapter. The label fuses traditional Nigerian textiles like Aso Oke with contemporary, wearable designs aimed at global audiences. Rejecting the stereotype that African clothing is merely costume or event wear, Eleven Sixteen positions African fashion as everyday luxury — inclusive, authentic, and versatile.

“Eleven Sixteen is designed and made in Africa, but made for the world,” Mozie explains. “We want to change the narrative and show that African clothing can be sophisticated, relatable, and relevant in any setting.”

This vision is supported by Mozie’s commitment to local production. His factory in Lagos not only manufactures Eleven Sixteen collections but also serves other brands, promoting Nigerian craftsmanship and economic empowerment within the fashion supply chain.

Despite his success abroad, Mozie remains deeply connected to his Nigerian heritage and diaspora experience. He acknowledges the challenges of maintaining close family ties across continents but draws motivation from his roots and the desire to uplift African creatives. His long-term goal is to lead an organization that fosters African talent and gives back globally.

Looking forward, Mozie plans to showcase Eleven Sixteen at major international fashion weeks, including Paris and Milan, culminating in a full global launch in Los Angeles by the end of 2025. His vision for African fashion is clear: industrial growth, global recognition, and authentic storytelling.

Ugo Mozie is more than a stylist or designer he is a diaspora trailblazer, a cultural ambassador, and a force reshaping how the world perceives African fashion. His story is a blueprint for young creatives everywhere, proving that heritage combined with innovation can create powerful, lasting change.