"To me, Fashion is the interpretation of beauty while expressing ones culture."
Meet Uba everyone!
A gorgeous model, who aspires to be one of Africa’s success stories by becoming Nigeria’s next Supermodel. I was totally ecstatic when she accepted that I interview her and without any doubt, I couldn't wait to share it with all of you.
Tell me about yourself. [Who are you, where were born, what is your family like, where have you lived? What is your educational background?
How old are you?]
My name is Uba Ahunwa. I was born in Lagos State but my parents are from Imo State. I'm the 5th of 6 children and the last girl in my family. I go to North American University where I study Accounting. I have lived practically all my life in Lagos State and I'm 21 years old.
How did you start Modeling?
My Uncle is a very well-known photographer, Kelechi Amadi Obi and his brother also runs a modeling agency so I started my modeling with their help. I have also been scouted by other agencies on a number of occasions but since I was already with an agency, I could not leave. I am till date an agency model.
What marked your first big break in the industry?
It has been pretty even for me… Every year, I get to do Lookbooks, fashion shows, and private shows for designers. A few designers also select me to be the look for their brands. I will call it a pretty fair foray as a model.
If I was to think of memorable days, then Arise Africa Fashion Week might just be it! My participation in the Nigeria's Next Supermodel event and being chosen to be an FTV Angel are also some of the great opportunities that I’m blessed to have received.
What has been your favorite job so far?
I think it was the O'eclat Bag Collection and some of the work I did for the one of Nigeria's best designers, Mon Ami designs.
Who do you dream of working with in the industry?
A collection for Giorgio Armani or someone at that level will be awesome!
I was in India to do a feature for a designer. I cancelled a couple of shows this year due to conflicts with school and have had a few offers but I'm balancing modeling with education.
How do you deal with all the travelling?
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I make myself available for shows in the region on weekends. During breaks and holidays I can go on long distances trips for shows outside the country. But for a really important client, "The Dream Client", I can arrange a week off from school.
Have you done many jobs outside of Nigeria?
I was in India to do a feature for a designer. I cancelled a couple of shows this year due to conflicts with school and have had a few offers but I'm balancing modeling with education.
How do you deal with all the travelling?
I make myself available for shows in the region on weekends. During breaks and holidays I can go on long distances trips for shows outside the country. But for a really important client, "The Dream Client", I can arrange a week off from school.
For example, I was supposed to be in South America in February but had to stay for school. I had shows cancelled in the UK, France, and South Africa this year all because of school but I have no regrets.
That's a good one, haven't done enough to have a favorite but I think I'm excited about visiting Belize
What fashion trends do you see being big in 2013?
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In this region, not much is trending. Everyone is doing their thing and in the cases where we see a pattern emerging it seems be led by something that has a buzz abroad and people then jump on the wagon. A good example is what is going on in the ankara space, so the answer is we have many great designers in the region but everyone seems to be doing their own thing.
As for Designers, they’re too many to mention… House of Jola, Kibonen Nfi, Ituan Bassey, Deola Sagoe, Tiffany Amber and Mon Ami Osodi. Many of my clients will get mad at me for forgetting them. There are also some young and upcoming ones I like House of DoF, Von Vanaj etc.
How would you define your personal style?
Over the past year and even recently, have you been featured in any magazines, newspapers or websites/ blogs?
I'm actually working on two now but they have not been released yet so I can’t talk about them. Recently, there was a feature in the Saturday papers on Street Style by Marayaho. I also did a shoot for Carson's Dark and Lovely
I don’t do catalogs. However, I prefer to buy directly from designers. I also like to buy some clothes when I travel abroad.
The guidance I receive from people in my life is of great value to me and I'd never want to let them down.
When you're not busy modeling, what are some of your
favorite things to do?
I grow roses and play tennis. I used to be a professional basketball player and will love to play basketball but it’s too rough for the modeling business. Now I just watch the game.
Singing another thing I love to do. I think they get pretty tired of me around the house, singing opera all day
If you weren't a model, what would you want to do?
An Accountant a bean counter but I will still do operas
What is your favorite place to travel to?
That's a good one, haven't done enough to have a favorite but I think I'm excited about visiting Belize
What does fashion and lifestyle mean to you?
To me, Fashion means interpretation, expressing beauty and culture
What fashion trends do you see being big in 2013?
In this region, not much is trending. Everyone is doing their thing and in the cases where we see a pattern emerging it seems be led by something that has a buzz abroad and people then jump on the wagon. A good example is what is going on in the ankara space, so the answer is we have many great designers in the region but everyone seems to be doing their own thing.
In your own opinion, what is the most
difficult aspect of being a model?
I think its doing a quality job for a quality pay. So many models work for ten thousand naira when they get that or work for free with promises rarely kept. I won't put my face out there for anything unreasonable.
Who are some of your favorite fashion designers, and models?
As for Designers, they’re too many to mention… House of Jola, Kibonen Nfi, Ituan Bassey, Deola Sagoe, Tiffany Amber and Mon Ami Osodi. Many of my clients will get mad at me for forgetting them. There are also some young and upcoming ones I like House of DoF, Von Vanaj etc.
Models, my first choice is always Kate Moss, she's an amazing model. Outside of Nigeria, Alex Wamba [Cameroon] and Beatrice Bee Arthur [Ghana]
How would you define your personal style?
Conservative
Over the past year and even recently, have you been featured in any magazines, newspapers or websites/ blogs?
Can you tell me a little about that?
I'm actually working on two now but they have not been released yet so I can’t talk about them. Recently, there was a feature in the Saturday papers on Street Style by Marayaho. I also did a shoot for Carson's Dark and Lovely
What are some of your favorite clothing stores/ catalogs/ websites?
I don’t do catalogs. However, I prefer to buy directly from designers. I also like to buy some clothes when I travel abroad.
What are you afraid of in the future and what plans do you have for yourself?
I have no fear of the future, I'm doing the right thing getting an education now which will open up options in the future.
What is the best reward in being a fashion icon?
What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career in fashion?
Do you have any question you’d like to ask me?
None at this time.
Thanks Uba for letting me do this interview!
To see more of Uba's work, and 'zoharous' (=glamorous) photos, visit her Facebook Page.
Do you know anyone in the fashion industry that you'd like to read about? Why not recommend someone and I'll do the interview.
For your comments, concerns and contribution, please leave a comment here or on Facebook and I'll be sure to get back to you!
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