Fashion thrives on collaboration, where the fusion of minds, aesthetics, and cultures creates something extraordinary. This year, one partnership stands out—bringing together two powerhouses: one established in the early ’90s and the other in the late 2010s. These brands, with distinct yet complementary visions, are Mowalola and Miss Sixty.
When Mowalola Ogunlesi, the Lagos-born, London-based designer, made her mark on the global stage, she did so with an audacious vision. Known for her rebellious, boundary-pushing designs that capture the unapologetic energy of youth culture, Mowalola quickly became a voice for a generation seeking both freedom and fierceness in fashion. Her work, deeply rooted in Nigerian culture but global in scope, plays with bold silhouettes, colors, and subversive statements that challenge fashion’s conventional norms.
On the other hand, Miss Sixty has long been a stalwart of the fashion world. Rooted in the ’90s, the brand brought Italian craftsmanship to the masses, offering denim that defined an era obsessed with femininity and playful silhouettes. While Miss Sixty holds nostalgia for the golden days of ’90s fashion, the brand has continually evolved, appealing to a new generation that appreciates the mix of vintage aesthetics with modern trends.
Now, Miss Sixty—a legacy brand—collaborating with one of today’s most talked-about designers, Mowalola, seems like a perfect recipe for success, especially in its resonance with Gen Z. To understand the thought process behind this partnership and the revival of Miss Sixty, we spoke with Terry Xu, the brand’s Marketing Director.
Terry Xu offers insight into how the iconic brand is reinventing itself while appealing to a younger audience, blending nostalgia with modernity to create a timeless allure.
"As with many heritage brands, vintage is a treasure trove for us. Not only do we have 10,000 pieces of Miss Sixty vintage, but we also have 10,000 pieces from Energie and Killah."
Terry also touches on the serendipitous nature of the Mowalola collaboration and how both brands’ core values aligned perfectly.
"It was a happy accident, really. The collaboration emerged from our connections with Central Saint Martins, as well as my personal ties with people at Mowalola. Interestingly, one of my best friends is Mowa’s brother-in-law. The key to both brands is sexiness, though each expresses it differently."
As Miss Sixty evolves, its global reach is also growing, with ambitious plans to tap into new markets while maintaining its roots.
"Under its new ownership, Miss Sixty has focused heavily on the Asian market, particularly China, where our retail presence is as strong as ever. Trendy, our parent company, is retail-focused, with over 1,000 stores across its brands. We're planning to extend into Europe, starting with a flagship store in Milan in January."
With a nod to early 2000s style, the collaboration draws from rich inspirations without falling into the typical "Y2K" aesthetic. Terry elaborates on this aspect of the collection:
"Definitely the 2000s. This collection is rooted in that era, but it’s not your typical ‘Y2K’ style. It’s more sporty, with a focus on graphic-inspired jerseys."
The designs also emphasize a seamless merging of past and present, making the collection highly wearable yet visually daring. For instance, the denim pieces, a hallmark of Miss Sixty, are reimagined with Mowalola’s edge—unexpected cuts, striking colors, and futuristic embellishments.
To celebrate the launch of this collaboration, Miss Sixty has planned a series of pop-up events across the globe.
"We’ll be doing a world tour of pop-ups in major fashion cities, featuring the best select shops. From Tokyo to Shanghai, London to LA, we’re hosting eight pop-ups globally."
The events are designed to reflect the playful, rebellious spirit of the collection, offering exclusive pieces alongside immersive installations inspired by both brands’ archives.
In a time where nostalgia reigns supreme, the Mowalola x Miss Sixty collaboration is a perfect example of how looking back can inspire moving forward. This collection merges the boldness of the ’90s with future-forward design, resulting in something that feels both radical and reassuringly familiar. It’s a reminder that fashion, at its best, reflects where we’ve been and where we’re headed—boldly, fearlessly, and with style.
Claim your free trial of FORM Archive with code 'FREEFORM' to discover a FORM exclusive digital photo book, covering the Mowalola 'Dirty Pop' SS 2025 show.
Words: Soukita Morgan (@bysoukita)
Photography: Simão Nogueira (@simaonogueira__) & Vic Versace (@vicversace_)
