There is a distinct magic in the way a perfect garment can make a woman feel. It is this emotional connection to clothing, the intersection of confidence, wanderlust and structure that defines the world of Ethel Eze. As the Founder and Creative Director of the contemporary Lagos-based fashion house SassybyEtty, Eze has spent years refining a design language that speaks directly to the modern African woman on the move. Fresh off the debut of her travel-inspired collection, Escape to Summer, and ahead of her highly anticipated August showcase at the TALES exhibition in London, Eze sits down with IFEOMA OKEKE-KORIEOCHA to discuss the philosophy of wearable luxury, navigating the business realities of fashion in Nigeria, and why exceptional craftsmanship remains her non-negotiable standard
“Escape to Summer” is deeply rooted in the romance and freedom of travel. Was there a specific destination or a personal travel memory that sparked the mood board for this collection?
Rather than one destination, Escape to Summer was inspired by the feeling that travel evokes—the excitement of discovering new places, embracing different cultures, and creating unforgettable memories. Every destination has its own personality, and I wanted each piece in the collection to capture that same spirit. Whether it’s the elegance of the Amalfi Coast, the vibrancy of Marrakech, the charm of Nice, or the serenity of a tropical island, the collection celebrates the joy, confidence, and freedom that come with exploring the world.
