Designer Spotlight: Mo Agutso

We ask Mo Agusto, Founder and creative director of M.O.T about her hit sensation brand. Made in Nigeria sustainably and ethically, her brand has grown from strength to strength over the years to become a fashion staple in many closets internationally.

How did M.O.T begin, and what was the moment you knew you had to build this brand? 

Mo: The idea for what the M.O.T product would become from my pre-wedding shoot. I wore an outfit I had made for the shoot and got lots of inquiries about it. That was the moment I knew I had to build a brand with this product offering. 

What does the M.O.T represent to you today? 

Mo: Because I mostly have an internal perspective on M.O.T, more than anything, it represents an institution we’ve built that is independent of me. That institution is made up of so many awesome human beings who keep the brand name afloat and promises fulfilled. 

How would you describe the M.O.T woman in your own words?

Mo: The M.O.T woman is a contemporary millennial who leads with confidence and intention. She’s deeply connected to arts and culture, using them as sources of inspiration and self-expression. She has a strong sense of style that is effortless but not forced, and is unapologetically herself.

Where do you usually draw inspiration from when creating a new collection, and what does your creative process look like from concept to finished piece? 

Mo: My creative process is unusual. Since becoming a mother, it has become more practical to have it continuously ongoing. I draw inspiration for months leading up to a collection. When we begin actively putting the collection together, I then curate all the inspiration and references I have gathered, and then we begin sampling and editing the products until I’m satisfied.

What has been the most challenging part of running a fashion brand so far?

Mo: The most challenging part of running a fashion brand has changed dramatically over the years. These days, it’s cutting through the noise and being able to connect to our customer base effectively.

What moment in your journey has made you most proud as a designer?

Mo: Running into customers in public, all over the world, and seeing them wearing our designs always makes me proud. It’s a reminder that what we create truly lives beyond the studio. I’m also incredibly proud of expanding the brand into new categories like denim and kidswear and watching our team grow with people who genuinely believe in the brand and are just as committed to it as I am.

How do you fuse culture and craftsmanship to show up intentionally in your designs?

Mo: We use a mix of fabrics, textures and design elements to fuse culture and craftsmanship into our designs.

How do you balance creativity with the business side of fashion?

Mo: This is a constant struggle, which I don’t think we’ve figured out. In trying to keep our prices accessible, I don’t feel like I’ve pushed the limits creatively. However, we try to keep inching out one step at a time.

What does sustainability or conscious production mean to you at M.O.T?

Mo: For us, it’s our small batch production model, which allows us to avoid amassing too much stock.

How has being part of the Onụli community influenced you / impacted you? 

Mo: Being a part of Onụli has brought us closer to the community in Switzerland. Through our partnership, I connected directly with members of The AfroSwissters in Zurich, engaging in insightful conversations that have strengthened our alignment. We are excited about the opportunities ahead to create a lasting and meaningful presence.

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