LizSanya is more than just a designer; she’s a disruptor
Lizsanya isn’t just a designer; she’s a disruptor, someone who consistently challenges the norms of fashion with bold, unconventional ideas. With her roots in Nigeria and a career that’s blossomed in London, she has cultivated a unique aesthetic that merges practicality with art, defying expectations at every turn. Whether it’s the creation of the “world’s blackest Air Forces” or the growing popularity of her clogs, Lizsanya’s work speaks to a deeper narrative—one that’s driven by a relentless commitment to innovation and a refusal to conform. As she prepares to unveil the new variation of the ‘Sanya Clogs,’ we explore how her background and experiences have shaped her creative vision and what’s next for her fast-growing brand.
Q: For those who might not know, who is Lizsanya?
Liz: Quite literally, Lizsanya is just my full name abbreviated. My first name is actually Elizabeth, but during secondary school, I had one friend in particular who called me Liz… she said Elizabeth was too long. Since then, it just stuck, [lol]. I giggle when I think about this.
Q: You created what you called the ‘world’s blackest Air Forces’. What drove you to develop this concept, and is it confirmed factually by GWR or anyone?
Liz: I really enjoy making random things in the midst of other projects. I call them side quests. I saw someone create the blackest car… I probably didn’t have the time for a car as a side quest, so the next best option was the Air Forces. Really simple and last minute. The paint I used absorbs 99.4% light… a 100% absorption paint hasn’t been created yet. I’ve submitted it to GWR… now we’re just waiting.
Q: Your clogs footwear line has seen some success. What do you think resonates most with your audience about this design?
Liz: They’re just an essential piece. I can’t think of anywhere you couldn’t wear them. They simultaneously dress up and dress down everything while catering to all genders. I believe the controversy of the color pink also resonates with my character and audience… I’ve never liked rules or social norms. I guess the clogs are a physical embodiment of my creativity and values.
Q: You’re about to release the new pink ‘Sanya clogs’. What sets these clogs apart from your previous designs?
Liz: The practicality. There are a lot of pieces I know I’ve created and will continue to create that not everyone can pull off. I like the fact that clogs are literally a shoe for the people. For the humans. Even your grandma wants a pair.
Q: Your designs merge fashion with art in a very intentional way. How do you balance creativity with functionality when working on new product?
Liz: When I design, I tend to propose questions and then answer hypothetically. So usually, the ‘functionality’ is a byproduct once the problem is solved. For example, what’s a waste of time? Hmm, how about a belt on the waist? Question. Answer. [Yes, I actually made this belt on my website www.lizsanya.com.]
Q: What feeling do you hope people have when they wear your footwear or clothing?
Liz: A sense of steeze and coolness. A shoe like this… with this sort of message and branding… has just never existed. Most importantly, the creativity behind the shoes and branding of Sanya is new ground. When I wear clogs, I see a sneak peek into a new world of clothes and fashion being pioneered. I see more adults being kids.
Q: Looking ahead, how do you see your brand evolving, especially with the success of your clogs? What should people expect?
Liz: Runway. I really want to be that Trojan horse and bend the rules inside out. We need people on the inside to create the change we see on the outside. Something about walking into a fashion house and blowing a company’s budget also gets me excited. I
Q: Your journey from Nigeria to London has clearly influenced your approach to fashion and design. How has living in these two diverse environments shaped your creative vision?
Liz: Hmm… I grew up a tomboy in an African household. One thing this taught me is if you stay true to who you are for long enough, people will rather much rather change for you than you for them. To have vision requires belief in something that isn’t physical yet. It’s a stubbornness and pride that what you want WILL come to pass.
Q: London is known for its vibrant and diverse fashion scene. How has this environment impacted your work, especially when compared to your roots in Nigeria?
Liz: I grew up in London, so it’s only when I go back home I see the difference. The fashion diversity in London is just created from opportunities and abilities to do so. I’m sure as Nigeria gets more opportunities, it will double in what we may have originally seen in London.
Q: With your background in Nigeria and your experience in London’s fashion scene, how does your brand represent a blend of both cultures?
Liz: I think the blend is on the side of humanity more than anything. A young Nigerian girl with talent, ideas, and vision. The cultural context around those things is what tells the story. However, individually, everyone is their own narrator for my story, and I’m sure there are parts of my humanity that resonate with people.
Q: As you prepare to launch the new variation of the Sanya clogs, I want you to tell people how long it took to develop this particular design.
Liz: I actually didn’t develop and innovate it further until there was a demand. The first custom was for myself with some glue and fur in my bedroom. Just like the black Air Forces… a side quest. The rest was history.
Q: Lastly, say 3 words of motivation to other creatives like yourself?
Liz: To destroy, is to create. That’s five, sorry, rules are for breaking.
