UGONNA: FASHION LAW, & FEELING
The Modern Professional
INTERVIEW BY: EMILY ARAUZA
JUNE 17th, 2026
What happens when a lawyer decides to build a fashion label from scratch? For Ugonna Abakwue, it is about more than clothing. It is about creating a community, bringing a new perspective to Houston, and making people feel.
Also known as Ugo, Ugonna is a lawyer, designer, and the founder of his eponymous label, UGONNA. Ahead of his debut fashion show, we talked about the connection between law and creativity, the story behind his RED HAT, and what it has been like building a fashion culture in a city that is not always recognized for high fashion.
He also shared what law school taught him, how Obama inspired his decision to become a lawyer, and the importance of having a vision even when there is no blueprint.
Ugonna Abakwue: “My name is Ugonna Abakwue. People call me Ugo. I’m involved with the art in many ways, but more specifically I close deals in the entertainment space as a lawyer and I design as well. This is interesting timing because I am working on my debut fashion show for my eponymous label, UGONNA, on September 19.”
Emily Arauza: “That is fascinating, especially because I’m on the pre-law track myself! I think a lot of people see law and creativity as being on opposite ends of the spectrum, but your career seems to blend both worlds together. I’m curious, how have you been able to balance practicing law while also building your own label? Do they complement each other, or has it been challenging navigating a profession that intertwines so closely with what seems to be your passion?”
UA: “Yes a lot of people do see it as opposites, but my job is to give the world a perspective on what a modern professional looks like at a high level. It’s difficult to balance, but the good thing is that the skills we learn in law are very transferable to any dealings with people in general. Also, I’ve been transitioning more to the entertainment law space, which keeps my art, community, and business ventures aligned.”
EA: “I see, it sounds like you’ve found a way to align your professional work with your creative interests instead of keeping them separate, which I imagine makes the work feel a lot more intentional. I want to ask you, when you talk about showing people what a modern professional looks like at a high level, what does that mean to you? Also with your transition into the entertainment space, what are some of the biggest skills you’ve taken from law that have helped you navigate?”
UA: “My brand is not an e-commerce money machine. I am building a community from scratch in a city that typically doesn’t care about high level fashion. Modern professionalism is about being extremely efficient with the new technological tools we have without having a drop off with quality and taste level.”
EA: “That’s interesting and you are right. I think a lot of people recognize Houston for its music, business, and entrepreneurial culture, but not necessarily for high fashion in the way they might think of New York or Paris. It sounds like you’re trying to build something that doesn’t already have a deeply established infrastructure here, which makes the community aspect even more important. Tell me, what has that process been like? Have people been more receptive to your vision than you expected, or has building that kind of fashion culture in Houston come with its own unique challenges?”
UA: “People have definitely been receptive. My first product is the RED HAT, which was intended to be a representation of my emotions while going through law school - very distinct, can’t be missed, but seemingly easy at the same time. But it’s been the perfect conversation starter at events I go to, whether it’s a networking event or a party. Obviously it has its own challenges because I'm pioneering something new. But I've worked so hard already without seeing immediate results so I’m very patient. The show is going to be huge, in terms of helping people understand. A lot of people are visual learners.”
EA: “I think that’s really interesting because the hat sounds like it became more than a product. You mentioned that the show is going to help people understand. For someone who’s never encountered your work before, what is the main thing you hope they walk away understanding after seeing the show?”
UA: “I just want them to feel. I don’t care how it’s interpreted.. everyone can have their own take on it. But I want everyone to feeeeeeel something.”
EA: “I like that. Do you think art is at its best when it raises questions rather than provides answers?”
UA: “Yes, and more specifically, when it makes you feel.”
EA: “I like that! So, switching gears a little, I want to ask: how old are you now? You’ve already built a career in law while simultaneously creating your own label and community, which is impressive. Looking long term, what do you see for yourself? Do you think you’ll always practice law alongside your creative ventures?”
UA: “27. I do see myself practicing law - but I will continue building out teams so we can make an impact on a larger scale and build the infrastructure in Houston and beyond.”
EA: “That’s a really ambitious vision. Where does that mindset come from? Was there someone who inspired that way of thinking, or is there a particular experience that’s shaped the way you approach your work and the impact you want to have?”
UA: “When we were in college, I think the group of friends I had were very influential even though people might’ve not known that we were the origins of some of the lingo. Also, I started doing all this from scratch. I didn’t have a blueprint. This started from just jumping in the ocean, going to fashion weeks, and now this is where I am. With a unique network, skills, and a vision from seeing the world.”
EA: “I get that and that’s respectable. Also, since you’ve mentioned law school a few times, what was that experience actually like for you? A lot of people see law school as this incredibly intense and competitive environment. Was it what you expected going in, or did it challenge you in ways you didn’t anticipate?”
UA: “Law school was a great time. I had to get back in the groove of studying, especially for long periods. And it was a challenge because everyone is so smart so the things you say have to be correct. It was a while since I was in a space where everyone had such a unique and valid perspective with real life experiences to back their perspectives. While knowing how to communicate it at a high level.”
EA: “I feel that at my school in my classes. So, I wanted to ask you, what made you choose law in the first place?”
UA: “When I was younger, I was so inspired by Obama and how he spoke, it was so well controlled and he was doing it with a lot of swag. So, I looked to see what his occupation was. Then I realized most of the big decision makers in the country were all lawyers. Elections and social studies were always pretty fascinating to me as a kid. So, I always knew I would become a lawyer. I just didn't know when.”
EA: “It sounds like once you saw that connection between communication, influence, and law, everything else kind fell into line. Before we wrap up, do you have any advice for young people who want to build something meaningful, whether that’s in law, business, fashion, or any other field? And thank you again for taking the time to talk with me today. I really enjoyed hearing about your journey, your visions, and how you’ve balanced law with building something creative! I’m so excited to see the show and everything you continue to build.”
UA: “Likewise, thanks for doing this. It made me think in real time. But my advice would be to just keep going. Don’t ever give up on your goals because the journey is tough. And so many people will tell you no or that you can’t pull off what you’re imagining. But if you imagine it, you can do it.”