I’m Promise Ekemezie, a final year BA (Hons) Fashion Design student. My project explores the cultural significance of formal wear in Italy and Nigeria. Born in Italy with Nigerian roots, I’ve reflected on my experience navigating both cultures, observing how my family and I adapted to Italian workplace dress codes. This led me to examine how cultural assimilation shapes daily life beyond specific environments. My design approach is rooted in Nigerian heritage, drawing from pre-colonial traditions of adornment using beads, seashells, and feathers. Using secondhand beads honours this legacy while supporting sustainability. Tailoring, a key aspect of my design ethics, embodies uniformity and craftsmanship, values I aim to carry forward in my menswear career.