Meet Ify Úby: The Scientist‑turned‑Fashion‑Icon from Italy to Singapore
Think of a scientist who’d give up chasing cancer for a runway. Sounds fictional, right? But Ify Úby did just that. Born in picturesque Venice to Nigerian parents, she swapped the lab for a laundered African print and founded OliveAnkara—a Singapore firm that celebrates authentic African fabrics with a splash of sustainable flair.
From Letters to Lab Reports
- PhD in Molecular Biotechnology at the prestigious Scuola Normale di Pisa.
- Post‑doctoral stint at Singapore’s National Cancer Center—focusing on molecular carcinogenesis.
- Graduated 2019, then pivoted to fashion—heaven’s great leap.
Why OliveAnkara? A Wedding, a Wardrobe and the Quest for Authenticity
In 2016, Ify planned her Nigerian wedding dress but hit a snag: no African fabrics folded into her Singapore wardrobe. She flew to Lagos, snagged some textiles, and stitched her own gown. “The compliments were pouring in—so why not share the love?” she mused.
So, OliveAnkara was born in July 2017—a capsule collection born from a gap in the local market and, crucially, from passion.
The Afro‑Asian Fusion Collection: AJO AYE ’21 “Colourful Journey”
Named after the Yoruba phrase for “colourful journey,” AJO AYE ’21 fuses the vibrant patterns of West African lore with the fluidity of Japanese Sui water motifs. All fabrics are OA ORIGINALS, meaning Ify designed every print herself.
Key inspirations:
- Yemojá – the goddess of water, depicted as a mermaid ruler stirring tidal waves.
- Sui – the Japanese concept of water, symbolizing flexibility, magnetism, and constant evolution.
- The collection’s narratives spotlight women who blaze trails—warriors, goddesses, visionaries who defied conventions.
Bold Prints? Absolutely. Singapore Can Wear Them.
While the city’s neat dress code can seem conservative, Ify champions bold prints as empowering for women. Her clientele love the splash of color, and they’re surprised to find that these prints fit effortlessly into professional wardrobes.
“They instantly lift my outfit—feeling brilliant” – one blouse‑lover
Zero Waste? That’s the Beauty of NuCycle
At AJO AYE, sustainability is king. The brand’s waste neutrality is achieved through NuCycle’s offset program. Each production run’s waste is neutralised by producing renewable fuels in Indonesia—removing plastic from the oceans and converting it into a cleaner energy source.
In practice:
- NuCycle assesses production data and calculates exact waste to offset.
- Offset credits are then funnelled into projects that tackle marine pollution.
- Every garment’s lifecycle—from manufacturing to disposal—is responsibly managed.
When the Showroom Turns into a Cross‑Training Ground
Retail, design, and manufacturing keep Ify busy. To unwind, she conjures nature or laces up her sneakers for a brisk 5K run. These pauses reset her mind and keep her fashion fresh.
Home: The First Destination Post‑Border‑Closures
With travel finally a gateway again, Ify’s top ticket is HOME—a euphoric reunion with family and friends after a three‑year miss.
Follow OliveAnkara for more vibrant stories: check the website, Facebook, or Instagram (scroll up for the quick‑links).
This article first appeared on City Nomads under the Fashion Designers, Sustainability, Earth section.
