U.Mi-1 (pronounced you.me.one) unique design aesthetic offers a modern interpretation of Nigerian culture through a conscious cross-pollination between British tailoring and Japanese minimalism elements. We create thought-provoking silhouettes through creative construction. Describing the style as tailoring with a twist, Creative Director, Gozi Ochonogor transmits in the collections an appreciation of the culture of her homes: Nigeria, UK and Japan, where the brand was established.
Our Ethos: Unity
Our ethos is that all cultures share more similarities than differences. And through U.Mi-1’s all-embracing concept, you can connect with the heartbeat of the African continent. Owning a U.Mi-1 piece is not only owning a piece of culture but an acknowledgement of the statement that “We Are One”. We strive for perfection in all our processes. We give back by organizing workshops in orphanages, engaging children in artistic projects through our Live!U.Mi-1 initiative. The collections are exhibited in Paris and sold worldwide. Read more about our fascinating brand history U.Mi-1: Past, Present and Future.
U.Mi-1 Creative Director
Gozi Ochonogor studied Software Engineering at Imperial College London. Eschewing this career to become a fashion designer, she studied menswear design at the Central School of Fashion London and worked at the Anthony Reynolds gallery, which represented Turner Prize winners Mark Wallinger, Keith Tyson and movie director Steve McQueen, learning from first-hand experience and interaction with these artists. An astute pattern-cutter, Gozi explores themes of contemporary art forms, in particular architecture and cubism through clever construction.