Amélie Ngira

Stylist

“NEVER LET YOUR HEAD DOWN”

Hi Amélie! Thank you so much for your time. How are you?

Hey! I’m doing okay. Just okay because I’m a mom, so life is hectic. But I’m blessed to be alive and to be a mom of two kids, because not a lot of people have the privilege to have children, so I’m really thankful and grateful for that. So yeah, I’m booked and busy, and that’s a blessing.

You're a stylist. Where did your passion for styling begin?

My passion for styling started when I was a little girl. I was always arguing with my mom because I wanted to choose my own clothes, and she was always like, “No, I’m buying the clothes, so I am styling you.” So that’s where my passion for styling started. I was also always dressing up my Barbie dolls, but I didn’t know at the time that I was actually styling—I just loved clothes. I liked having new clothes, I liked being ahead of the trends, and I was always elevating my outfits because I didn’t have a set style. I just loved everything.

So that’s where the passion started, but when I was 16 or 17 years old, I wanted to start my own clothing brand. Then it evolved into AMS. Now, AMS is not only a clothing brand, but it’s my signature. It’s a stamp for others, but together we make a difference. AMS is there to create. So styling became real through AMS. Because I was created to create.

Where do you find inspiration for your looks?

That’s a good question! I have a lot of Pinterest boards, and I follow a lot of stylists. When I see things, I remember them. When I make a mood board, I make it based on the person. I analyze them, see what fits their body type, and look at which colors they love or hate to wear. Sometimes I also ask them about their icons so I can understand their inspirations.

It also depends on the job—Is it an artist? Is it commercial? It all depends on the mood. That’s where I find my inspiration. But the real magic happens in the moment—that’s when I can really see what fits together. I can always make adjustments on the spot. Most of the time, I dream about how I’m going to style the person the day before, and then I bring that vision to life the next day. It’s really a vision that’s visioning.

Who are your ultimate style icons right now?

My ultimate style icon is Teyana Taylor. She just ate. Then you also have Rihanna—I love the looks she pulls off. Pharrell Williams is doing amazing. Willow and Jaden Smith… we have to talk about them haha. I have multiple style icons. I love different styles, and I mix them to create my own. I don’t copy, but I take inspiration from what I love, and then it becomes fluid.

You have daughters—do you enjoy styling them as well?

Yes! I have two daughters: Amavi and Ariëlla. Ariella means "Lion of God." Her full name is Ariëlla Adora, because from the moment she was in my belly, I knew she was going to be adorable haha. And Amavi—her name means "I love you" in Latin. Both their names are Hebrew, and Amavi’s second name is Alora, which means "Light of God." God is in both their names because I’m Christian.

I love styling them, but it’s different. I love when people dress their kids like little adults, but personally, I want my kids to just be kids. I want them to grow into their own style as they age. That’s the most important thing to me. But when they get older, it will definitely happen! They’re only 1.5 years apart, so they’ll be able to mix and match. I think it’ll be even more fun then.

Speaking of motherhood, you started a podcast on the topic, and I’ve learned so much from it. What’s been your favorite part of that journey?

I love that you’ve learned from it—that’s exactly why I do it. I love talking about my journey of motherhood. I don’t really do it on Instagram because, for me, that’s professional. Since October 2024, my content has shifted more towards content creation. I’m still navigating that and finding my signature. It’s really trial and error. I’m trying everything out to see where I feel most comfortable.

I love having the podcast as a space to talk about that aspect of my life, to educate mothers-to-be, and to learn from other mothers in a cultural way. I love learning about different cultures and perspectives from mothers of all ages. It’s one of the most inspiring things I’ve done. Every time I come back from recording an episode, I’m like, “Damn… I learned so much.” That’s the most amazing thing! And I love that it’s bigger than just me.

What’s one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from the podcast?

That we are all just doing our best—and that’s more than enough. I know that "doing your best" is subjective; it’s different for everyone. But I know that my best, and the best of the other mothers I speak to, is the ultimate best. I would do anything for my kids—anything—to be the best version of myself, so they can be the best versions of themselves.

I have confidence in myself, and through that, I show them that they need to be confident in themselves too. That’s what I’ve learned.

You have such a packed schedule! What’s your go-to way to relax and recharge?

I’m really busy busy busy…. But I love being busy. I get bored when I’m not busy. Even now, I’m sick and on my period, and I’m still doing this interview because I’m so passionate about what I do.

My way to recharge might be weird, but I recharge by having conversations with my man. I love him—he’s my best friend. I just love talking to him.

Also, scrolling on Pinterest or watching brainless TV shows—things where I don’t have to think too much. That type of shit is what I like!

What’s one essential piece everyone should have in their closet?

For me, the basics are dark pants and a white shirt. That’s essential. Maybe with ballerinas or boots—black ones. Cute, pointy, classy, or carré.

And for me, a basic must-have is a fur coat haha. You can’t go wrong with an outfit if you have a fur coat. If you have the basics, you’re good to go.

Is there a fashion trend you just can’t get behind?

To be honest, there isn’t really a trend I dislike. I don’t follow trends. I follow my intuition with fashion—I wear what I fuck with, not just what’s trendy.

For example, the leopard print trend. I had a dress like that two years before it became a trend. I just buy things because I think they’re beautiful. My style grows with me, so I don’t like to be critical of how people dress. Fashion is personality coming to life. It’s you being you, so I’m never going to judge that.

I love that mindset! Looking back, what are some of your favorite looks you’ve styled?

An iconic look I did was for Zia. She’s a queen—she has an open mind and knows what she wants. It was crazy working with her. Even though it’s been a while—shoutout to her! When you’re in Belgium, we really need to recreate something iconic!

Also, my African queens like Maxi and Nana Kill… I’ve done so many looks. Sometimes people remind me of things I styled that I’ve forgotten because of my pregnancies, my work, my studio, projects, podcast, radio… Sometimes you just forget.

Tell us something to inspire the culture!

Never let your head down. Africans are such strong people. We’re creative, different, and we make noise in our own way. We inspire people through visuals and storytelling.

It’s amazing to see where we come from and where we’re going. We’re having such an impact. Because we’re Black, we already start with less. But the way we push through and gain respect for our creativity is inspiring.

Thank you so much for the questions. It was a pleasure!

Stylist

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