Igor Ivanenko is a London-based entrepreneur and brand builder. After graduating from Bayes Business School with a BSc in Management, he entered the fashion industry in 2016 and has since focused on building contemporary brands with international reach.

He is the founder of Group 21 and owner of Only the Blind, a fashion brand recognised for its craftsmanship, premium materials, and narrative-led collections. Under his leadership, the brand has expanded into key global markets and is stocked by leading retailers across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

Igor’s expertise spans brand development, wholesale expansion, manufacturing oversight, and operational strategy. With a hands-on approach to growth, he specialises in guiding brands from concept to market while building the infrastructure required for long-term scalability.

Beyond his work as a founder, Igor contributes to the wider fashion industry through panel discussions, international trade shows, and showroom presentations, sharing practical insights into brand building, global retail, and supply chain development. His experience spans working closely with manufacturers, expanding into overseas markets, and building community-driven initiatives such as Blake’s Club. He undertakes select collaborations and advisory conversations supporting emerging and established brands navigating growth, retail expansion and operational challenges and international expansion.