Precious Amara Ngoka is a graduate of Computer Science & Mathematics Education from Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe but her love for fashion and design has led her to create designs for the Anambra Fashion Expo in 2023.
On the 6th & 7th of October 2023, the organisers for the Anambra Fashion Expo (AFE) held the second edition of the fashion event in Awka, Anambra State.
Young, upcoming designers were called upon to participate in this showcase and Precious Ngoka was one of the lucky few, chosen to showcase their art (a.k.a their designs) at the show-stopping event.
Below is a behind-the-scenes look into how her love for fashion began, the challenges she faced in designing the outfits for the runway showcase and how she got chosen for the fashion expo.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Precious Amara Ngoka. I’m from Umudioka in Dunukofia Local Government Area and I’m a fashion designer/tutor.
I also own a fashion design school and when I’m not busy designing clothes, I sell fashion accessories on the side.
How did your love for fashion begin and when did you decide to become a fashion designer?
Growing up, my mum owned a manual sewing machine and I easily learnt how to use it from her. I would randomly cut materials, sew them together and wear the resulting attire proudly.
I remember making skirts out of my tops many times. I’d style my casual clothes and make them look more sophisticated. Then, when I got admission into the College of Education, I began learning part time as an apprentice under a professional. Later on, when I graduated, I apprenticed at a fashion school.
How were you selected as one of the designers for the Anambra Fashion Expo (AFE) 2023 show?
I applied and was called to an interview with other fashion designers. The organisers interviewed all of us and in the end, I made the cut and was selected as one of the top 10.
What inspired your collection for the Anambra Fashion Expo (AFE) 2023?
I showcased British white bridal styles, traditional bridal wears, classy casual wears, and one male wear.
My environment inspired my collection. The aim was to showcase wears from all walks of life ranging from special occasions to your everyday basic wears.
Can you walk me through the creative process behind your designs?
In fashion designing, there are basic steps every designer follows, but this wasn’t a usual client’s (custom) order, so I resorted to using my creativity and working smartly.
I put myself in the client’s shoes while creating the designs and deliberated with myself on the nitty gritty of the whole thing.
I knew exactly the type of designs I wanted to showcase, so I sketched them out, sourced for fabrics and mapped out production days all by myself. It was basically a one-man affair, so I had to plan it down to the minute details. I gave myself a production target time frame and I brought my imaginations to life.
Were there any specific themes or concepts you wanted to convey through your pieces?
I’ve always expressed myself through my work and the AFE show was the perfect opportunity for the world to see my creativity.
My vision was to style African dresses in a fashionable, eye-catchy way. I aimed at showcasing master pieces that would forever be engraved in the minds of the audience. In a nutshell, my theme was “Seeing Africa Through The Creative Eyes of KAMARA.”
Did you encounter any challenges while designing or preparing for the fashion show?
Yes. I encountered two major challenges: time and finances. Both proved to be significant obstacles to me.
The other designers and I had to put out the clothing designs showcased in the AFE stage together in less than two weeks. It was more like a sew-a-thon.
Money was a problem for me due to the production time frame given. I had to combine all the resources available to me but it wasn’t enough. Luckily, I received help from well meaning individuals, that was the only way I could meet up with the deadline.
What materials and techniques did you use to bring your vision to life?
I had to make do with the resources I had at hand, at the initial stages and thereafter, I purchased every other materials needed as time went on.
I had to persist for the showcase, manage my resources judiciously, plan my time well and be consistent with my craft.
How do you view people wearing and styling your pieces in real life?
I see them as classy, unique people. For every piece I put out there, into the world, I hope the client feels happy for representing my brand.
What are your aspirations for the future of your brand or label?
Although a rebrand is in the works, my current brand name is ‘Style by Kamara’. I’m planning to change the name to ‘KAMARA’ as soon as possible.
My aspiration is for my brand to be well-known globally. I want to be able to create outfits and designs for all social classes.
I also have plans to offer mentorship and train/raise up confident and passionate fashion designers that will stand out in the society.
I wasn’t fortunate enough to be there for this event but this is good
What an insightful article. I’ve never though about the designers in the way I have after reading this. To put together a fashion show is really not easy both for the models, designers and organisers too
Brilliant interview, and I love her pieces.
The clothes are so nice
You are so lovely and your brand shows uniqueness
I love everything about your brand.
keep it up.
Style by kamara.
From one designer’s daughter to another….she’s really an amazing creative young woman