Style Spotlight: Abel Ngala Dresses For The City

Growing up in Harlem, New York Abel Ngala has many years under his belt of running around the big city amongst art, fashion and culture. While networking and freelancing, looks can be very important, especially when you work with visual art and design. As a native New Yorker, Ngala’s expression through clothes continues to evolve and interact with his journey as an artist. 

The Curio Cabinet team chatted with Ngala on the edge of Chelsea Market and walked NYC’s iconic High Line during 2024 Fashion Week. Along with talking about brands, we dove into Ngala’s personal relationship with fashion as a streetwear designer and visual artist. Ngala was quick to emphasize the importance of comfort in his day-to-day looks. 

“I usually like to wear things I can breathe in, or I can sweat in,” Ngala explained, with an emphasis on the ability to be comfortable in different climates. Durable shoes or sneakers while walking in NYC are a must and Ngala highlighted the many ways he stays comfortable while still dressing things up. Dress shoes with sweatpants or a hoodie with a sweater tied across his chest are easy examples of this and are nicely accented by rings or necklaces. 

One important piece of this style is keeping an eye on the quality of garments. 

“Whenever I do buy something I spend a bit of money on it because I’m gonna wear this for however many years. So it is worth that investment.” Ngala emphasized. 

Despite the emphasis on comfort and durability, it is clear that Ngala keeps an eye on the visual aesthetic of his clothes. 

“My sisters have been a huge influence,” remarked Ngala, “they don’t bite their words when they’re speaking to me about how I look. They are both super fly.”

The evolution of Ngala’s personal style shifted as he left NYC for school at Phillips Exeter Academy and Trinity College. The more preppy and classic wardrobe styles in New Hampshire and Connecticut caught Ngala’s attention and the intentionality of different looks stuck in his mind. With the help of his siblings and exposure to many different styles, Ngala explored the variety possible within athleisure and streetwear.

“I’ve been finding my style through [my sisters] and experimenting on my own,” Ngala explained. 

“Sometimes I do sacrifice if I have an event or something,” Ngala noted. “There was a period where I didn’t like giving fashion too much attention, but then I realized that it is important. How you are perceived and how people see you and think about you, all that stuff does matter. It’s important to look good and feel good. I’ve definitely seen it where I have a different fit on and I’m more charismatic or sociable.” 

Living in the city as an adult Ngala is figuring out what he actually wants to do with his career and creative drive. 

One creative project manifested into a brand titled No Cain with a series of shirts, sweatpants, shorts and accessories. The distinct and colorful designs give a relaxed yet intentional look to each piece. No Cain is any streetwear enthusiast’s dream come true. There is clear freedom of creativity with touches of relevance to Trinity College, classic varsity lettering and athletic fashion. 

These days Ngala is moving his career in a different direction, though there may be a few more necklaces and accessories on the way. 

Ngala joined his sister on a brand project for Daily Paper and got a taste of the behind-the-scenes in video marketing. After a more traditional design job that felt incredibly isolating and individualistic, this experience was an exciting change of pace. 

“I’m active, walking around, being social,” Ngala explained, “and it’s also creative.” This experience sent Ngala down an inspiring new path. The dynamic roles behind the scenes of video projects are rather mysterious for those not on set and pose exciting challenges and collaboration for creatives looking for freelance work.

“I want to be a producer one day. I love brands and I love marketing,” Ngala revealed, “I want to help make pop-ups and brand activations happen.” 

Now with experience in music videos and marketing campaigns, Ngala is building his portfolio and networking as a freelancer.

Photography by Ben Harrison and Victoria Glidden.