Aisha Ayoka Azeez reimagines African craftsmanship through contemporary design

Azeez recently completed a master’s degree in project management, strengthening her expertise in strategic leadership and brand development, and has gained professional experience across multiple organisations, positioning culture, sustainability, and identity at the heart of modern style.

The collection marks a defining moment in Azeez’s creative journey, reflecting both artistic growth and strategic clarity. Launched after a brief but intentional pause from active fashion production, Mosaic Muse signals a refined vision for IESHAZIZI—one that balances creative expression with structured business thinking.

Azeez founded IESHAZIZI to create clothing that celebrates culture, individuality, and conscious design. In recent years, she stepped back from the fashion space to pursue a master’s degree in project management, a decision she describes as pivotal to strengthening her leadership capacity and operational approach.

The experience, she noted, sharpened her skills in planning, collaboration, and execution, enabling her to manage creative projects with greater precision while remaining anchored in inspiration.

Mosaic Muse draws its name from the idea of a mosaic—diverse elements coming together to form a cohesive whole. Each piece in the collection reflects this philosophy, combining bold silhouettes with intricate hand embroidery, vibrant jewel tones, and expressive textures.

Azeez recently completed a master’s degree in project management, strengthening her expertise in strategic leadership and brand development, and has gained professional experience across multiple organisations processes were designed to minimise environmental impact while supporting local artisans, reinforcing Azeez’s belief that fashion must be both culturally grounded and socially responsible.

“This collection is a celebration of culture and creativity,” Azeez said at the launch. “Each piece tells a story of heritage and identity. I want people to feel inspired, confident and connected to the richness of African artistry.”

Industry professionals and fashion enthusiasts have already taken note. Mosaic Muse has begun attracting attention within the creative community, highlighting Azeez’s growing influence as an emerging voice in culturally conscious fashion.

Even during her academic break, Azeez remained actively engaged in the creative ecosystem through volunteering and professional workshops, experiences that further strengthened her collaborative and leadership skills.

Looking ahead, she plans to expand IESHAZIZI’s global footprint, promote intercultural collaboration, and continue advocating for a fashion industry that values creativity, ethics, and legacy.

By seamlessly blending local histories with global fashion sensibilities, Mosaic Muse reaffirms Azeez’s commitment to an inclusive, forward-thinking industry. The collection positions her not only as a designer, but as a cultural storyteller shaping the future of African-inspired fashion on a global stage.

Aisha Ayoka Azeez is the founder and creative director of IESHAZIZI, a fashion brand she launched in 2017 shortly after completing her bachelor’s degree. The brand is known for its fusion of contemporary fashion and African-inspired design.

Azeez recently completed a master’s degree in project management, strengthening her expertise in strategic leadership and brand development, and has gained professional experience across multiple organisations in the course of her career.