subscribe to Style Like UUgo Mozie | designer and image consultant
"Every time I go to Nigeria, I always come back with so much inspiration. It's like stepping into a different world. They value art, friendship, and family." Ugo Mozie
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"I want to travel the world using what God blessed me with to bless others." Aston Mozie' studded vest -
"Growing up, I was always very fascinated by the ancient Egyptians. I was captivated by King Tut and Cleopatra. I want to be buried in a tomb with all of my things. I love that. I love the richness of the culture." Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier shirt, Aston Mozie' pants, John Varvatos shoes -
Ugo was born in Nigeria, raised in Los Angeles and Houston, and currently lives in New York. He co-designs his line Aston Mozie' alongside his roommate Quinn Aston. He is also a creative director and image consultant. Aston Mozie' shirt and pants, Diesel watch -
"I want everyone to know that in life, success is not of the pocket. It's of the mind and spirit." Zara sneakers -
Aston Mozie' blazer and pants -
"I feel like most creativity and art come from the people who are not very fortunate...I see that somehow they find happiness through all of that." Aston Mozie' shirt, pants and African-inspired necklace, British Army combat boots -
Patricia Field shirt, Zara pants and shoes, Bailey's hat, Diesel watch -
"Everything [Quinn and I] wear, we wear because we are trying to create communication with other people. We go out to different events and people want to know who we are, what we are wearing, and who made the clothing. It becomes a topic of conversation." Aston Mozie' vest -
"I love fashion. It is what I do everyday. It is what I breathe and love, but at the end of the day, it's not really about the clothes. It's not really about the labels. It's just about me loving the art of fashion." Aston Mozie' shirt, necklace and goggle glasses -
"I am very comfortable in my sexuality. I feel like as time goes on, people are becoming more accepting and more open to who they are and to who others are. Just living life and not being so judgmental." Aston Mozie' shirt and pants, British Army combat boots, Diesel watch -
Aston Mozie' shirt, goggle glasses and African-inspir -
"I love androgyny. Many of the pieces in our collection look like women's clothing, but a man can definitely wear them." On Ugo: his mother's sequined blazer, Aston Mozie' pants, shirt, and goggle glasses; On Quinn: his mother's gold cardigan -
Ugo and Quinn attribute much of their influence to Transfomers and Power Rangers. "I get the dopest reaction from this vest. It's one of my favorite pieces right now." Aston Mozie' vest -
"If you are happy with what you are doing, then you will be successful. In other words, don't chase the cash, follow your heart." Aston Mozie' shirt, pants, necklace and goggle glasses, British Army combat boots
Ugo feels that guys like him are leading the way for other males who are scared to be more open to self-expression in their fashion, and I hope it’s true. I remember being so impressed with Ugo’s absolutely carefree explanation of his sequined, Michael Jackson-inspired cardigan and how it came from his mother’s closet. It struck me as especially forward and confident that a “boy who likes girls” thought nothing of digging for female clothes to wear (although I am partly loathe to adhere to any of these stereotypes of who likes whom, because if there is anything I have gotten from these interviews, it is that we are hopefully heading for a time when these labels disappear altogether). Always a “black sheep among the white ones” or “the shepherds,” as he puts it, Ugo and his best friend from high school, Quinn Aston, design a collection that is unisex and they wear it all. Ugo is a lover of the richness of historical references, like the Egyptians’ passion for jewelry, which can be seen in his chunky metal necklaces, or the classic and romantic – see his signature jodhpurs. However, he also draws from contemporary culture, like the bulletproof-inspired vest and accompanying chest shield that came from his younger brother’s love for Aerosoft guns. What touches me the most is how Ugo’s Nigerian roots have influenced him and his sensitivity to the gifts of his parents’ culture. “It’s like stepping into another world. They mostly value art, family and friendship…they accept you for who you are…they have no money, eat once or twice a day, and are happy. They are very connected.”
If you like Ugo, you might also enjoy Ian Bradley and Jose Pozo.
