When Diana Ross stepped onto the Met Gala carpet this year, her dramatic look instantly made headlines. The vision behind that moment was Ugo Mozie, a Nigerian-American stylist and designer known for bringing elegance, authenticity, and cultural richness to his work. For Mozie, the call to style Ross came through her son, Evan, and it was a dream come true.

“That moment was definitely a dream come true,” Mozie shared. “Evan called me to float the idea, and I thought, ‘Is it possible? Of course it’s possible!’ I’m just so grateful for Evan, Queen Diana, and the whole family for trusting me with that vision.”

Mozie’s styling philosophy is rooted in authenticity. He credits his Nigerian heritage and family values as guiding forces in his creative process.

“How I maintain who I am and keep my work authentic is by making sure to stay grounded in my culture and my roots,” Mozie explained. “I prioritize what I think is truly important in life. That foundation helps me make creative choices that reflect my story.”

His approach isn’t just about high fashion or name brands; it’s about creating meaning in every garment. Whether he’s dressing Shaboozey for a red carpet appearance or curating an iconic look for Blue Ivy Carter, Mozie’s styling is always about narrative — telling a story through textures, colors, and craftsmanship.

A standout feature of Mozie’s work is his love of vintage pieces. He doesn’t just collect clothes; he collects history. Mozie sources fabrics, jewelry, and artifacts, often incorporating them into modern looks that feel timeless.

“Vintage is about perspective,” he said. “For me, if it’s around my age or older, then it’s vintage. I’d say 30 years is my threshold. That’s when something feels like it carries history.”

In his studio, Mozie proudly showed off a Christian Dior jacket from the 1970s and custom garments created from Nigerian fabrics. One of his favorites is a flowing kimono made from 1970s Ashoke fabric, a bold nod to his West African roots.

“I like to collect things that speak to me,” he explained. “I’m more into vintage artifacts — Benin bronzes, fabrics, shells — that carry stories and culture. Then I bring those stories to life through clothing.”

Mozie isn’t afraid to merge tradition with technology. One standout piece in his collection is a double-breasted tweed suit adorned with cowrie shells — except the shells aren’t real. They’re 3D printed, a blend of old-world symbolism and modern design.

“We’ve been playing with bringing AI and 3D printing to life,” Mozie said. “You’d think these shells were real, but they don’t even come in this size naturally. It’s about pushing boundaries while honoring tradition.”

This commitment to innovation has made Mozie a sought-after stylist for celebrities who want to make a statement on the red carpet. His work doesn’t follow trends — it sets them.

Part of Mozie’s success lies in the personal relationships he builds with his clients. He often spends hours with them during what he calls “playing dress-up sessions,” experimenting with different looks until they find the perfect fit.

“When it’s a new client, I like to try on everything and see what resonates,” Mozie said while demonstrating a look during a styling session. “I want them to feel comfortable and powerful in what they wear. It’s about finding their vibe.”

That hands-on, collaborative energy is why A-listers trust Mozie with some of their most high-profile moments.

Mozie’s career is a testament to the power of cultural pride, craftsmanship, and creativity. Whether he’s styling Diana Ross for a moment that will live on in fashion history or creating custom designs for today’s rising stars, Mozie is cementing his place as one of the industry’s most influential voices.

For Mozie, every garment is more than an outfit — it’s a piece of art. “Fashion is storytelling,” he said. “It’s about honoring where you come from while imagining where you can go.”