Tessy Oliseh-Amaize founded Tesslo Concepts in 2005. The label was born shortly after Tessy graduated in 2005 from Middlessex University, United Kingdom where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fashion Design.
Banking on her vision for a global fashion brand, her creativity, qualification and versatility, Tessy took a bold plunge into the creative waters of fashion, starting the business as its pioneer Creative Director.
“Tesslo” originated from the first and maiden name of Tessy Oliseh-Amaize, with the beginning of her Oliseh maiden name “OL” spelt backward “LO” but with the exemption of the letter “y” from the initials.
The Tesslo brand represents a fusion of Western and African cultures inspired by emerging fashion trends. Over the years, the brand has been inspired by the need to constantly create new, innovative and bold refreshing pieces focusing on the wide array of colors the African fabric provides.
Creative Director of Tesslo Concepts, Tessy Oliseh-Amaize had her early education in Nigeria after which she proceeded to London for her university education. Her fashion career parades experiences working with some top British fashion houses including Gharani Strok and Fashion Forum in Kent.
The Tesslo Brand
In 2006, Tesslo Concepts beat 126 other Nigerian fashion designers to emerge winner of the Best Fashion Designer Award at the Nigeria Fashion Show (NFS) in Paris.
Also in 2006, she was nominated for the Future Awards’ Entrepreneur of the Year (Beauty & Style) category.
Designs by Tesslo Concepts have been showcased at several fashion shows from Nigeria Fashion Week to Stars on the Runway, Nigeria Model Awards and Encomium Black and White Ball alongside top Nigerian designers like Modela, Zizi Cardow among others.
Tesslo targets creating outfits for confident and independent minded fashionistas and eccentric individuals (fashion risk takers). Some Nigerian celebrities who have worn designs by Tesslo Concepts include D’Banj, Tuface Idibia, Olu Maintain, Brymo and Ice Prince among others.
The Tesslo brand logo is the giraffe. The giraffe is a graceful and elegant animal that stands heads and shoulders above other animals in the animal kingdom. Giraffes by nature are not arrogant but naturally become the center of attraction. Tesslo Concepts draws a lot from the giraffe and this reflects in its style and brand character.
Sitting as Creative Adviser at Tesslo Concepts is her husband, Ohimai Godwin Amaize - a consummate political technocrat and media strategist who served as ministerial adviser at Nigeria's Youth Development, Foreign Affairs, Sports and Defense ministries between 2011 and 2015.
In 2015, Tesslo Concepts birthed the Tesslo Fashion Academy (TFA) in Abuja – a fashion school designed to groom and nurture fashion talents and enthusiasts into professional fashion designers.
In March 2016, Tessy caused a stir in the Nigerian social media when she unveiled ‘Lagos Island’ -a riveting menswear collection modeled by her husband, Ohimai_Amaize.
In May 2016, Nigeria’s soccer legend, Sunday Oliseh modeled a collection of suits made by Tesslo Concepts. The ex-Nigerian football team captain, national team coach and Olympic Gold medalist described the suits as “rich and fabulous”.
In June 2016, Tesslo Concepts unveiled ‘FLOTUS’ – a riveting collection for women. Creative Director of Tesslo Concepts says the collection was partly inspired by the sartorial style of former United States First Lady Michelle Obama.