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Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Introducing… OIZA

FashionIntroducing… OIZA


OIZA is a revolutionary new fashion brand that explores the intersection of African and British cultures through its clothing.

Launched in 2022 by London-based designer Olivia Ozi-Oiza Chance, the genderless label specialises in constructing hand stitched lace cloth, which in turn become garments that examine the “evolving discourse around African fashion and its place within contemporary luxury”.

Woven between the brand’s foundations are intricate details of pearls, cowrie shells, and floral motifs, each of which symbolise the “wealth, status, customs and rituals” embedded in the bedrock of both African and British society.

In line with the fashion industry’s fight against climate change, OIZA demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by embracing ethical production practices, with a focus on reducing waste and using eco-friendly materials.


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Image Credit: OIZA x Danny Kasirye

About the designer…

The daughter of a Nigerian mother and an English father, Olivia Ozi-Oiza Chance has long sought to understand the origins of her family history.

As the sole creative force behind the OIZA brand, Chance uses her inquisitive mind and innate design talent to create unique pieces that reflect the fusion of her dual heritage and life experiences, making each of her collections part of a larger conversation, and narrative.

This thoughtful, and intentional connection and reference to culture and tradition, undoubtedly forms the foundational fabric of the brand’s DNA, with tailored garments transporting their subjects to a romantic, emotive world, where intricate details meet rich textures, delicate embellishments and timeless silhouettes.

After studying design at Middlesex University in London and working for brands such as Burberry and Martine Rose, Olivia began designing her first OIZA capsule whilst working as a designer for British fashion retailer All Saints.


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Olivia Ozi-Oiza Chance. Image Credit: OIZA

Following the successful launch of OIZA’s ‘Ceremony’ collection at London Fashion Week in February, Olivia was one of five designers selected by the British Fashion Council’s DiscoveryLAB program to showcase her most work during LFW in September 2024.

For her Spring/Summer 2025 capsule ‘A Rose By Any Other Name’, Chance collaborated with director and editor Kynza K-J to produce an avant-garde inspired short film, set in the Culpeper Community Gardens, located in the heart of Islington.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind her latest designs, Olivia notes: “The phrase ‘English Rose’ has often been used to describe beauty ideals in Britain. But how do you reconcile a belief in your own beauty when you don’t have one of the most prominent markers of what society determines embodies the English Rose: fair caucasian skin.”

“My OIZA Spring Summer 2025 collection explores the themes of identity and beauty standards that I grappled with growing up mixed-race in Britain, as I worked to find self-acceptance.”



With a clear desire to always bridge the gap between storytelling and wearable art, Olivia Ozi-Oiza Chance is a rare and unique talent, who refuses to conform to industry norms by producing classic, and enduring collections that combine both cultural authenticity, and contemporary aesthetics.

Be sure to keep up to date with the brand, by following OIZA on socials @oiza.studio on Instagram, and TikTok.

 





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