In an industry where access has long been gatekept, Nigerian-born designer and consultant Tare Isaac is building something different and global eyes are beginning to take notice.
She’s the founder of the Unity in Design Global Network (UDGN), a new digital platform and fashion incubator designed to support Black and minority designers across the world, helping them grow their brands, tell their stories, and access the kind of opportunities usually reserved for a privileged few.
“I know what it’s like to be talented but shut out. UDGN is about creating access, structure, and visibility — so no designer has to shrink their ambition to fit a broken system,” says Isaac.
Officially launching this September during London Fashion Week, UDGN’s first cohort includes 12 designers from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, the UK, and the Caribbean, each selected for their originality, cultural storytelling, and brand potential.
The programme offers mentorship in product development, fashion finance, PR, branding, and marketing, culminating in a runway showcase at Ladbroke Hall, one of London’s most prestigious venues.
The initiative is anchored by a strategic partnership with the African Fashion Foundation (AFF), and led by Tare Isaac, a British Fashion Council designer member and UK Global Talent endorsement recipient.
UDGN’s mentorship network includes experts from respected institutions such as the London College of Fashion, Fashion Enter, and other industry-recognized organisations.
Designers will also receive post-show support to build their press visibility and prepare for commercial retail opportunities.
“I didn’t just want to make it in fashion,” Isaac says. “I wanted to make space — for others like me, whose stories and craft deserve to be seen, sold, and celebrated globally.”
Ms. Isaac, who was recently named Entrepreneur of the Year by Simply Ladies, brings years of experience working behind the scenes in fashion — from consulting emerging brands to building press kits, production strategies, and strategic global partnerships.
With its emphasis on cultural authenticity, community-driven growth, and real industry access, UDGN is more than a platform. It’s a pipeline — and one that’s long overdue.
