Iman Mohammed on the Comfort of Style and the Style of Comfort

In this edition of The Lane, we step into the world of Iman Mohammed—a fashion icon, runway star, and the creative force behind lifestyle brand Mani Mo. From childhood afternoons spent around sewing machines and fabrics, Iman’s story is one of passion, resilience, and reinvention. With Mani Mo, she translates her personal philosophy of “elegant comfort” into pieces that celebrate storytelling, craftsmanship, and individuality. In this conversation with Haneefah Abdulrahman, Iman reflects on her earliest inspirations, the journey of building her brand, and the deeper narratives woven into every outfit she creates.

HANEEFAH ABDULRAHMAN: Why Fashion?

IMAN MOHAMMED: Fashion has always been one of my earliest and most familiar worlds. Growing up, I was constantly around sewing machines because my mother—who was and is still a fashion designer—poured so much passion into clothes. I was a curious child, and my parents encouraged that curiosity. My mother would take me on trips to Senegal and Mali to source fabrics and work with tailors, and I’d always tag along. From those trips, I began making dresses for my Barbie and Bratz dolls. Looking back, it all feels like a natural journey that led me here.

HANEEFAH: What was the first piece of clothing you ever designed, and how do you feel about it now?

IMAN:  The first piece I designed was my university graduation dress. I sketched it myself and sent it to my mother to have it made. It was a mustard yellow dress with puffed sleeves and frills at the bottom. Looking back at it now, I think with a few tweaks and updates, it could easily make a comeback as a Mani Mo piece. It still reflects the essence of who we are today. 

HANEEFAH: What non-fashion influences have had a significant impact on your personal style and aesthetic?

IMAN:  Honestly, a mix of everything—music, books, travel, and memories—has shaped me. I grew up with a vast taste in music, and at the age of eight, my father created a personal library for me with over 500 books. I went from Enid Blyton to Sidney Sheldon and John Grisham, and I’ve always loved a good mystery. Looking back, it makes sense that people often describe me as “mysterious.” I think that quality reflects in how I dress and design; I let my style and clothes speak before I do.

HANEEFAH: If your designs could speak, what do you think they would say?

IMAN: I’ve never thought about this before, but I believe they’d say: “I am elegant, I am comfortable, and I am yours to embody in your own way.”

HANEEFAH: Do you design more for your younger self, your present self, or the person you dream of becoming?

IMAN: I design for all three, and I think they meet in the middle. My younger self, the little girl who was curious about fashion, still drives me. My present self, the woman who is here actualising that dream, shapes me daily. And my future self, the woman I’m becoming, pushes me to keep evolving.

HANEEFAH: You have a brand called Mani Mo. What is the backstory of creating the brand?

IMAN: The name Mani Mo comes from my name, Iman Mohammed—it’s a playful spin on it. What most people don’t know is that I actually started a brand in 2018 while schooling in Accra, Ghana, a few months before graduation. Back then, it was called TIL: The Imani Lifestyle. I cringe at the name now, but that’s growth. I produced in Nigeria but sold in Ghana, and my first collection sold out faster than I expected. I had to pause when I moved back home. Mani Mo isn’t tied to TIL, they’re different stories, different branding, different journeys, but the same passion and fire fuel both.

HANEEFAH: Every weave tells a story. What’s the role of storytelling in fashion?

 IMAN: Storytelling is at the heart of fashion. It allows every piece to become a living narrative, carrying the elegance of African craftsmanship and the comfort of self-expression. Every weave tells a story is not just a mantra—it’s our commitment to creating clothing that reflects who you are and where you come from, while also inspiring who you are becoming.

HANEEFAH: What’s the naming process of Mani Mo outfits?

IMAN:  The names aren’t random. I often name them after women in my life or muses who embody the essence of the outfit. For example, the Hadassah Dress was named after our stunning muse Hadassah, while the Nano Bazin Set was named after my younger sister, Afnan. These names give each piece character and life.

HANEEFAH:  Can you walk us through your sketchbook? What inspires your sketches? 

IMAN:  My sketches come from the most unexpected places, but they always align with our ethos of elegant comfort. So, in my sketchbook, you’ll see statement pieces that are bold yet graceful, and always designed to feel as good as they look.

HANEEFAH:  What’s your personal style like, and how does it influence Mani Mo designs?

IMAN: My style is elegant comfort. I love to look stylish and put-together, but comfort is always key for me. That’s why Mani Mo designs reflect both—pieces that allow you to feel good and move with ease while still making a statement.

HANEEFAH: What’s the most awkward inspiration you’ve ever gotten?

IMAN: Definitely, when I once considered using thick jute ropes to create a spiral detail on a boubou. The only reason it didn’t make the cut was comfort—it just wouldn’t have been wearable. But who knows, I’m still exploring how to achieve the balance between that raw texture and elegance. Seeing as we’ve recently infused raffia into our designs.

HANEEFAH: Which piece of your work are you most emotionally connected to and why?

Iman: The Nano Bazin Set, without a doubt. Not because it’s our bestseller, but because it has a personal story. I originally made it for myself for Eid, even before Mani Mo officially launched. After releasing other pieces, I decided to put the Nano Bazin Set out—and that’s when it quickly became our signature. It feels like the piece chose us, not the other way around.

HANEEFAH: Finally, what words of encouragement do you have for people out there?

IMAN: Sometimes the journey feels overwhelming, whether in work, life, or chasing dreams. I’ve learned that growth doesn’t always look like a straight line; some days it’s tiny steps, other days it’s just showing up. What matters is that you keep moving, keep believing in the beauty of what you’re building.

With Mani Mo, I remind myself daily that every weave tells a story, and so does every season of our lives. Even the hard ones are shaping something beautiful. So, give yourself grace. Trust your pace. And never forget: you are worthy of creating the life you dream of, one thread at a time.