Kibirango Ogal Gabriel a multi-faceted creative from Lira district in Northern Uganda is a force to be reckoned with in the blooming Ugandan fashion and art scene. Gabriel is driven by a passion for self-expression, sustainability and community impact being a freelance model, fashion designer and creative. His journey is one marked by challenges and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.
Gabriel’s creative journey began with modeling which was a platform that allowed him to explore the vast and untapped potential of the fashion industry. Through attending both paid and unpaid shows Ogal has been able to build meaningful connections as well as gain invaluable experience. This exposure ignited his curiosity and led him to delve deeper into the creative world, as he also went ahead in attending seminars and workshops that expanded his knowledge and connected him with like-minded individuals.
A significant influence in his development has been his involvement with Enzo Production a leading fashion show production house in Uganda. Gabriel serves as a part-time project manager and fashion consultant with Enzo Production which has enabled him horn his skills while contributing to the empowerment of emerging designers and models. Simultaneously, he is furthering his education at Kyambogo University where he is pursuing a degree in fashion and cosmetology to ensure a blend of practical experience and academic rigor.
Gabriel’s connection to art is deeply personal and it stems from back when he was growing up, he always felt a strong urge to communicate beyond words a desire that found its outlet in artistic expression. “Growing up I always had the urge to communicate without talking and when I discovered art in my early teenage years, I became very attached to it as it allowed me to express myself without being confined by barriers,” he reflects.
His initial ambition was to study industrial art and design but the unexpected circumstances of the COVID-19 lockdown led him to explore fashion, particularly jewelry design and modeling. This shift in focus influenced by the covid-19 lockdown proved to be a pivotal moment as it was the time he started venturing into jewelry design and modeling.
Despite his initial preference for industrial art as his intended career path, Gabriel found himself drawn to the fashion and cosmetology program at Kyambogo University. He embraced this new direction because he viewed it as an opportunity to further his creative aspirations. “I have embraced the new waters in the fashion and cosmetology industry hoping that I manage to make it through the storm,” he acknowledges.
Gabriel as a fashion designer is committed to creating designs that communicate, raise awareness about sustainable fashion, and address community challenges. He is currently working towards his first collection.His collection is a project fueled by his growing knowledge and passion for the field.
His styling project named “LOCALS” exemplifies his commitment to sustainable fashion and his desire to bridge the gap between fast and slow fashion. The project uses crochet pieces to symbolize the slow and deliberate nature of sustainable design while incorporating versatile garments that promote mindful consumption. “The title Locals in this context is intended to mean the strong urge of connection with slow fashion,” he explains. The project’s use of headgears and jewelry inspired by his Lango community heritage further emphasizes his commitment to cultural preservation and identity.
Gabriel’s collaborations with local creatives have been instrumental in his development. He values the network of creatives he has built despite the challenges in the industry of navigating differing perspectives and evolving professionalism, “I have collaborated with different creatives locally, I can confidently affirm that we are growing and have made progress with every passing day. The biggest rewards for collaboration is a network of creatives that I have connected with which has been very pivotal for my exposure in the industry,” he shares.
Gabriel is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices within his community. He uses social media and word-of-mouth to share knowledge and resources, fostering a culture of environmental consciousness. “As a sustainable design manager, I have made it my sole duty to preach the gospel of sustainable designing within my local community reach of creatives,” he states.
Gabriel’s vision extends beyond his individual success. He is passionate about the potential of the art and fashion industry to address community challenges and create opportunities for Ugandans. He believes that these opportunities will enable the art and fashion industry to bloom. He views art and fashion as powerful tools for social change as he believes that a deep understanding of these mediums can help communities overcome their challenges.
Gabriel is committed to ethical practices and he puts great emphasis on the importance of crediting collaborators and sources of inspiration. As a creative who is intrigued with the idea of sustainability, I credit each and every individual creative that I work with as I have learned that it is key to always give credit where its due to partners, collaborators and sources of ideas from which I build my projects,” he affirms.
