Supermodel host of Nigeria’s Next Top Model, Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi has been telling it like it is to Vogue, weighing in on the much-envied style of Nigerians and pitting it against New Yorkers while dishing on Nigerian weddings and her life in fashion.
The beauty and former Victoria’s Secret model explained in her recent interview with the mag that her introduction to the industry came from the designer behind Henrietta Design Collections, who;
“…Specialises in made-to-measure traditional Nigerian and Western outfits for her clients. I would hang around, watch, and assist her with errands.
Those were my early associations with fashion. She actually introduced me to modelling.”
On her first impressions of New York’s streetstyle, versus that of her home country’s, Ms Onweagba said;
“Ah! I immediately noticed the sneakers, jeans, T-shirts, and denim jackets of New Yorkers. As the season changes, their casual uniform always stays the same.
The style of New Yorkers and Nigerians couldn’t be more different. New Yorkers are effortless and cool, while the Nigerian woman is more feminine and embellished. However, we all wear the same accessories: Hermès, Chanel, Céline, Saint Laurent, Givenchy.
Lagos women also flaunt their culture unapologetically… Where they are from locally has a lot to do with how they style their garments.”
To “blend in” Oluchi says she would wear “countless jeans” and infuse Lagos style into her look by mixing her New York wardrobe with knee-length tunics and caftan dresses for the weekend. She also schooled Vogue on how stylish Nigerians shop, saying;
“She does it all! The retail experience is changing in Nigeria, so most of the international designs are either purchased online at a retail outlet like Mall for Africa or at the Palms Shopping Mall in Lekki, Lagos.
Others shop at the luxury concept fashion store Alara or Temple Muse. And for a range of designs made in their native country, Nigerian women shop at Grey Velvet.
…The days of flying to shop is coming to an end. Nigerians now shop with a sense of pride and confidence, knowing that the product they would normally buy a travel ticket to get is now available in their country, and they can trust that it’s all original.”
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On Nigerian wedding culture and wardrobe, the supermodel said;
“Weddings are a huge tradition in Nigeria. Our clothes are mostly customised with authentic local fabrics like aso-oke and lace. These are always elaborate and glamorous.
Apart from the actual outfit, which is usually made from exquisite embroideries, we would usually wear a head wrap and lots of jewellery. Gowns from brands like Valentino are now being worn to traditional events, as they fit the aesthetic of our clothes. The shoes and other accessories tend to be from top international brands.”
Do you think she left anything out? Read the full interview here and then let us know what else Oluchi could’ve told Vogue about Nigerian weddings and how Lagos street style compares to that of New York’s (or the style of any other city) in the comments box below or by tagging us in your thoughts online @SPICETVAFRICA.
Image source: Vogue.com
