Tesslo is a premium fashion brand specializing in creating customized, high-quality, timeless, and professionally tailored pieces, both classic and avant-garde. Founded by the talented Tessy Oliseh-Amaize in 2005, Tesslo currently operates as a virtual atelier based in Washington, D.C.
A Visionary Founder
Born into a family of footballers, Tessy embarked on a journey of artistic expression that led her to study fashion at Middlesex University in London. After graduating in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design, she returned to Nigeria to launch Tesslo, becoming its Creative Director.
Tessy’s passion for fashion and dedication to quality were immediately recognized. In 2006, Tesslo emerged as Nigeria’s top designer, beating more than 125 other fashion designers to clinch the Best Fashion Designer Award at the Nigeria Fashion Show (NFS) 2006/2007—a national talent competition. This award marked a turning point in Tesslo’s remarkable journey.
Ever since, Tesslo’s designs have been showcased at prestigious fashion shows and events around the world, from Lagos to Paris, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. These include the Nigeria Fashion Week, Stars on the Runway, Encomium Black and White Ball, Nigeria Model Awards, “Heart of Africa” Project, and AfriNEXT.
Brand Aesthetic
Tesslo’s vision is to create a sustainable global fashion brand that promotes a fusion of traditional African aesthetics with Western styles and fashion trends from around the world. This unique blend of influences gives birth to clothing that is both timeless and contemporary, sophisticated and bold.
The giraffe, the brand’s logo, symbolizes grace and elegance. This majestic creature, though gentle and quiet, naturally becomes the center of attention. The giraffe embodies the essence of the Tesslo brand: confident, captivating, subtle, and effortlessly stylish.
Quality and Sustainability
The brand’s focus on quality and excellence ensures that each piece is meticulously handcrafted to perfection with durability in mind. This commitment to quality has earned Tesslo a loyal following among business professionals, fashion connoisseurs, entertainers, celebrities, and other prominent personalities.
It's so great to see what our past students are getting up to. Just look at these incredible designs by fashion alumni @TessyOliseh – she even designed her own wedding dress 😍 https://t.co/C5JAEfx6cn
— Middlesex University (@MiddlesexUni) March 15, 2019
Africa to the World
Tessy is banking on her nearly two decades of experience and talent to offer the brand’s unique pieces to the American and global markets. She is leveraging her unique African heritage with fabrics such as the Isi Agu of southeastern Nigeria and the Ankara African wax prints.
“My vision is to elevate Ankara into a fabric that transcends cultural borders. I want Ankara outfits to become products that everyone desires to wear, no matter where they are from,” she said on September 1, 2024, at the launch of her “Africa to the World” collection.
