By Seif Shaggy Gracien Hasingizwimana/Kigali,Rwanda,
Nigerian fashion model and actress Joy Ubeku is taking her fashion journey into a new chapter, moving beyond the runway to explore the creative process behind fashion design.
Known for her work in modelling and editorial fashion, Ubeku has built a career that has taken her to different fashion platforms across Africa and beyond. Her journey reflects years of experience in front of the camera, on international runways and alongside designers from different countries.
While modelling has been central to her career, Ubeku is increasingly focusing on developing her own fashion identity, with ambitions extending from presenting fashion creations to becoming part of the process of creating them.
A Journey Shaped by International Fashion Platforms
Joy Ubeku’s modelling career has seen her participate in fashion events across different countries and markets.
According to profiles and interviews about her career, she has been involved in fashion events in Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, Togo, Liberia, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Palestine, South Africa, Russia and Seychelles.
Her international runway appearances have included events such as Accra Fashion Week, Runway Ghana, International Fashion Week Dubai, International Fashion Week Milan, Seychelles Fashion Week and fashion events in Malawi.
Through these experiences, Ubeku has worked with designers and fashion brands from Africa and other parts of the world, gaining exposure to different creative styles and fashion cultures.
From Wearing Designs to Creating Designs
After years of working as a model and showcasing the work of different designers, Ubeku has turned her attention toward fashion design.
Her experience on the runway has allowed her to understand the fashion industry from the perspective of a model, while also giving her opportunities to work closely with designers and observe the creative process behind clothing.
Her ambition to launch a clothing line and develop her own designs represents a transition from being the person presenting fashion to becoming part of the creative process behind it.
More recently, Ubeku has been associated with Jevi Couture, a fashion venture that represents her move toward the design and creation side of the industry.
A Creative Career Beyond Modelling
Before becoming recognised for her modelling career, Ubeku also had experience in acting.
Reports about her career describe her as having started in Nollywood before expanding her creative journey into modelling.
Her screen credits include the 2018 short film Family, while she has continued to express interest in pursuing acting alongside her work in fashion.
The combination of acting and modelling has contributed to her diverse creative journey, allowing her to work across fashion, entertainment and visual storytelling.
Recognition Along the Way
Ubeku’s work in the fashion industry has earned her recognition.
In 2023, she was associated with honours including Best Star Model of the Year West Africa and Best Zikomo Fashion Model of the Year.
The recognition came after she had already established herself through participation in international fashion events and collaborations with designers across different markets.
A Journey Built Through Resilience
Ubeku’s path in the fashion industry has also included challenges.
In interviews, she has spoken about experiencing rejection and the difficulties that can come with working in an industry where appearance, identity and background can sometimes influence opportunities.
Despite these experiences, she continued pursuing opportunities across different countries and fashion markets.
Her journey highlights her continued commitment to growing within the fashion industry and embracing new creative opportunities.
Continuing to Evolve in Fashion
Joy Ubeku’s career continues to move through different stages, from acting to international modelling and now toward fashion design.
Her experience across runways and fashion events has shaped her understanding of the industry and influenced her decision to explore creating her own designs.
While the runway introduced her to the fashion world, her growing interest in design shows her ambition to contribute to fashion from a different perspective.
As she continues developing her creative journey, Ubeku’s story remains one of transition from representing fashion created by others to building her own fashion identity.
