Introducing Aissata Ibrahima, classic men's tailoring contrasted with gentle femininity

A gift to my younger self and to any one just wanting to start something of their own…

Inspired by the simple pleasure of putting on a blazer, London based designer Aissata Levi Ibrahima brings together her tomboy nature and love for men’s tailoring with gentle contrasts of feminine elements; giving her brand Aissata Ibrahima its classic but effortlessly modern twist. Soft neutral tones with sharp pops of colour, mimic the designers passion for the brand while creating a subtle defiance to gendered dressing norms. Currently working on a made-to-order basis, Aissata is striving for sustainability and longevity within her brand. Having control over fabric usage and reduced waste is her first step in doing so. 

In light of her buy-now, wear-now capsule collection launching this summer, we caught up with Aissata to discuss her inspiration behind the brand.

When did you start your brand and what was the driving force that encouraged you to do so?

I launched my brand with my first collection in November 2019 and started working on a small collection in July whilst I was still at my design job because I felt creatively bored and just wanted to create something that was 100% mine. After I did the first collection I thought okay I actually want to continue this and have a brand of my own that I can grow into something. When I told myself I wanted to be a designer at 13, I never knew of or saw any black designers in the luxury fashion space so it’s also a gift to my younger self and to anyone just wanting to start something of their own.

How do you begin your design process and where does your inspiration come from?

I always do a lot of research at the beginning and throughout the collection to find imagery that I’m drawn to, whether its colours, shape, vibe of the image or particular details I like. My favourite research isn’t usually solely clothing based so it informs the whole mood of the collection, the story and look-book in a more organic way. After researching I’ll do a mix of collaging and draping on the stand. The collages are my way of “sketching” out any design ideas.

There seems to be common themes running throughout the collections, such as strong classic tailoring with a fun, unexpected twist and also soft neutral tones with sharp pops of colour. Where does this aesthetic come from?

I’ve always loved men’s tailoring and my mum had so many blazers and tailored trousers in her wardrobe and even at a young age, I loved how she would piece them together in a way that was still super chic. I was a HUGE tomboy in primary school and that’s definitely stayed with me. I like to find new ways of contrasting masculine and feminine elements together in a subtle way that makes it feel effortless. I love a classic minimal and timeless outfit but I also love that extra twist that makes it a bit more fashion.

Who do you have in mind when you are designing your collections?

Someone who obviously has great taste and isn’t afraid to define and create their own reality. They go after what they want, regardless of any limitations and looks great whilst  doing it.

Do you design and work with sustainability in mind? If so, how?

Naturally the way I shop for myself also influences how I design. Every piece I buy for myself I see longevity in. I like nice clothes that I can tell have been made well and that I know I’ll have for years. That’s how I want my clothes to be viewed, as beautifully made pieces that aren’t just for a season and can be worn over and over again. I love it when someone says “oh I’ve had this piece for over 6/7 years.”

Everyone likes buying and wearing clothes so I think we should care about the effects what we buy has on us - workers in the industry, the environment and supply chain. I personally still have a way to go to make the brand as sustainable as I want, without compromising on design or quality but changing the things that are in our control one at a time can make a difference.

If you could dress anyone, ever, who would it be?

This question gets me every time because there’s SO many people I want to dress but I’m going to say Rihanna. I just feel like I won’t rest peacefully until I get to make a crazy suit for.

The Aissata Ibrahima website is ‘coming soon’ so in the meantime, follow the brand on Instagram.