Podcast Summary: "Destined for Style with Ugo Mozie"

Podcast: Mick Unplugged
Host: Mick Hunt
Guest: Ugo Mozie
Date: October 30, 2025

Overview

This episode of Mick Unplugged explores the journey and philosophy of fashion innovator Ugo Mozie. Renowned for styling icons like Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, and Justin Bieber, Ugo delves into his "Because"—the deeper motivation beyond his achievements. He reflects on his heritage, creative process, and his mission to elevate African luxury fashion with his latest venture, 11:16. The conversation is packed with insights for aspiring creatives and leaders about purpose, authenticity, and building legacy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ugo's "Because" – The Deeper Drive

• [01:47] Ugo Mozie: Ugo shares that his ultimate purpose is to elevate and empower others through style:

  “My because is the way I'm able to influence and elevate and make people better, feel better from the inside out. ...I love the smile I put on people's faces, and I love the way I make people feel good.”

  • He recalls an early interview where he realized that helping people feel good inspires them to do good:

  “No one’s ever gone out and hurt somebody because they were confident.” [02:26]

2. Fashion as a Calling and Heritage

• [03:24] Mick notes Ugo sees fashion as something that “called him,” not vice versa.
• [03:44] Ugo Mozie: He credits his path to a calling bigger than himself (“for sure say God”), reinforced by discovering a long family lineage of fashion designers:

  “I found this family tree book… I counted like eight or nine fashion designers since the 17, 1800. …It put it all in perspective and also made me feel like what I do is part of my destiny. …I’m actually making my ancestors proud by carrying the torch that they lit centuries ago.” [04:31–05:31]

3. Breaking into the Industry & Defining Moments

• [06:19] Mick asks about designing for superstars. Ugo recounts:
  • Moving to New York at 17, just after high school.
  • Joining a generation of boundary-breaking creators such as Virgil Abloh.
  • Early experiences interning at Virgin Records and connecting with icons.
  • The pivotal trust Stevie Wonder placed in him:

    “If someone like this iconic, legendary, incredible human being can trust me to dress him and he can't even see... There’s no deeper level of trust than a blind person allowing you to trust them.” [08:42] “That was my check—if Stevie can trust me… my gift has been certified by God.”

4. Building Aston Mozie at Age 18

• [12:24] Mick highlights Ugo founding his first fashion brand so young.
• [12:55] Ugo Mozie: Describes necessity and vision as motivators:

  “Honestly, at that point, we have bills to pay… Aston Mozier was my first fashion brand that I founded with my best friend...” “At that time, you either had Gucci and Dior and Louis Vuitton, or you had Zara and H&M… There wasn’t many brands in between. Young, young people were not given the opportunity to operate on that scale.”

  • Launching at New York Fashion Week at 18 was a “baptism into fashion.” [14:11]
  • The venture was pivotal in building Ugo’s foundation for future success.

5. The Vision for 11:16 – African Luxury Redefined

• [15:25] Ugo Mozie: 11:16 is more than fashion; it’s about authentic African storytelling and global luxury:

  “It is an African luxury lifestyle brand… It’s about informing the world on the reality of Africa, how I've seen it, how my peers see it... My storytelling was being able to incorporate just African culture and legacy into the conversation.”

  • Ugo describes collaborations with artisans across Africa:

    “From beading in Kenya to cottons and fabrics from Morocco… dyeing in the Kano diapits, making bronzes in Benin, getting beads from South Africa… these are all the elements… telling the story for 11:16.” [17:57]

  • The aim:

    “When people… see this brand… they’re buying a piece of culture, a piece of history… this story that hasn’t really been told on this kind of forefront before.” [18:47]

  • Ugo wants to see “Made in Africa” become synonymous with luxury and excellence on a global scale.

6. Advice for Aspiring Creatives

• [22:26] Mick Hunt: Asks for advice for budding stylists and designers.
• [22:35] Ugo Mozie:

  “Your strongest weapon is your personal perspective… your point of view… what’s going to set you apart… is your perspective. …It comes from digging within. What do you like, what’s your story?”

  • He stresses that authenticity and individuality are what make creatives memorable and successful:

    “We’re in a world where it’s so easy to be the same. What’s going to make you stand out… is your perspective.” [23:36]

• [24:33] Ugo Mozie: Adds the importance of building a strong team:

  “You cannot do it by yourself… you need people around you that believe in your vision, that can push you, that can tell you the truth, and keep you in mind for opportunities.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Purpose:

  “When people feel good about themselves, they do good things.” — Ugo Mozie [02:13]

• On Ancestry and Destiny:

  “It made me feel like what I do is part of my destiny. ...I’m actually making my ancestors proud by carrying the torch that they lit centuries ago.” — Ugo Mozie [05:15]

• On Breakthroughs:

  “There’s no deeper level of trust than a blind person allowing you to trust them.” — Ugo Mozie, on working with Stevie Wonder [08:42]

• On Authenticity:

  “What’s going to make you stand out, get hired, make a name for yourself is your perspective.” — Ugo Mozie [23:36]

• On Teamwork:

  “You cannot do it by yourself. ...You need people around you that believe in your vision, that can push you, that can tell you the truth.” — Ugo Mozie [26:15]

Important Timestamps

• [01:47] - Defining Ugo’s “Because”
• [03:44] - Discovering his ancestral lineage of fashion designers
• [06:19] - Discussing first breakthroughs and working with iconic clients
• [12:55] - Founding Aston Mozie at age 18
• [15:25] - Launching 11:16 and reshaping narratives around African luxury
• [22:35] - Ugo’s top advice for aspiring creatives
• [24:33] - The importance of teamwork in creative industries

Conclusion & Closing Thoughts

Mick Hunt and Ugo Mozie’s conversation weaves together legacy, purpose, and the real work it takes to build something meaningful, not only in fashion but in any leadership or creative pursuit. Ugo’s journey is a testament to finding power in one’s roots, believing in your unique story, and having the courage to lead with authenticity while lifting others up.

Follow Ugo Mozie:

• Instagram: @ugomozie
• Website: ugomozie.com
• Brand: 11:16 (spelled out: eleven sixteen)

Final Message:

“Remember: your because is your superpower. Go unleash it.” — Mick Hunt [27:55]

(Note: Ad sections and sponsor reads were omitted in this summary; focus has been maintained on the main content and insights.)