Imane Ayissi was born in Cameroon to a family of artists and sportsmen. His father was a champion boxer, his mother was Miss Cameroon 1960, and his brothers and sisters are dancers and singers. As a member of the Cameroon National Ballet, he toured internationally while also working as a model for brands including Cardin, Dior, Lanvin, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, and Valentino, as well as appearing in various editorials and campaigns with renowned photographers. Ayissi became interested in fashion at a young age, making garments for his mother and later for one of the largest ateliers in Cameroon. Relocating to Paris, he began designing small collections and made-to-measure pieces for private clients. In 2010, Ayissi debuted at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week. In 2020, he became the first sub-Saharan designer to be invited to show on the official Haute Couture calendar in Paris as a guest member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. Ayissi focuses on ethical and sustainable production with a deep respect for traditional craftwork, almost exclusively using natural and organic materials. He supports various skills-training projects fostering economic growth in Cameroon and throughout Africa.