Since it’s inception, conceptual label, IAMISIGO has consistently released collections that not only stimulate the eyes but the mind! Creative director, Bubu Ogisi, has mastered the subtle art of using clothing to tell stories of Africa’s past while supporting local artisans and remaining eco-conscious and sustainable in production. We’re delighted to present the launch of the ‘Chasing Evil’ collection, exclusive to Temple Muse!
We’re delighted to present the launch of the ‘Chasing Evil’ collection, exclusive to Temple Muse!
This collection, “chasing evil”, is centered around the exploitation of Congo and Africa as a whole, through research in Bukavu and Kinshasa by working closely with war victims and understanding how a country so strong and rich (3 times the size of Nigeria and 3 times richer in natural resources), seeks to overcome issues of post war trauma, post colonial exploitation as well as neo-colonism through fashion in particular.
Through indigenous spirituality, we discover a connecting link with the Congolese mystical idol Nkisi Nkondi, an aggressive fetish figurine commonly used to affirm oaths and to protect communities from evildoers and enemies. Thereby examining, the act of placing particular importance in physical appearance or dressing up as an act or form of a protection and in essence a fetish.
THE Collection
Colours and forms highlight the popular Congolese Sapeur sub-culture, sape gotten from french slang “to dress up” alternatively meaning Society of Ambiance and Elegant people. Beginning at the start of slave trade, colonisers paid slaves with clothes as opposed to money, today the Sapeurs are a symbol of anti-establishment.
Demonstrated by creating textured surfaces referencing Congolese raffia clothes in interrupting expected lines, by weaving dried Palm leaf raffia from Congo and Nigeria with unbleached cotton from Uganda, as well as weaving acrylic dyed yarn and cotton, establishing juxtapositions of sharply differing units and abrupt shifts of forms, with dyed recycled cotton and deconstructed recycled garments. Bag accessories were made from Banana raffia from Madagascar and shoes dyed vegan leopard skin made in Nigeria.
JOURNAL
