Being different and bullied for my style only deepened my love for it my roots shaped a fearless passion to wear my story with pride
We would like to thank you for supporting Emmanuel Agbons in this years competition. Your participation allows us to empower the Elton John AIDS Foundation in their mission to end AIDS for everyone, everywhere.
What makes your style stand out?
My style stands out because it is more than clothes, it is storytelling. I dress as a maximalist, blending masculine and feminine, softness and boldness, to show that limits do not define me. Each look is a message to my younger self who felt he did not belong, and to anyone who feels the same. My style is my freedom, my confidence, and my way of proving that you belong exactly as you are.
What’s your dream fashion moment?
My dream fashion moment is to become a stylist, working with both celebrities and everyday people. There is joy in seeing how clothing can uplift and transform confidence. I would also love to create a team to redesign hospital gowns, making them more stylish and practical for patients. More than anything, I want to give back in any way I can, using fashion not just for beauty but to bring dignity, joy, and belonging to people’s lives.
What would you do with $20,000?
If I won, I would first invest in my foundation, which I started two years ago, with the goal this year of feeding 100–150 people back home in Nigeria. I would also buy my dream camera to elevate my content, take my dad on a holiday for his 60th birthday, and save and invest the rest for my future. Most importantly, I want to use this opportunity to give back, create meaningful change, and continue inspiring through fashion and storytelling.