Ik Ogbonna
Model and Nollywood actor, IK Ogbonna, talks about his style with Ademola Olonilua
From your perspective, what is the difference between style and fashion?
The manner in which a design is brought
to light, the art of creating, what makes one thing different from the
other; at the end, fashion is a statement made out of a process. While
style and fashion go hand-in-hand, style to me is the way in which
fashion is carried; your ability to define yourself through a particular
fashion. You can look expensive but what style do you carry your look
with? Charisma, personality; the way you talk, walk, your ability to
define yourself through fashion, that is style.
What influences your style?
My mood influences my style. The
occasion, my personality and my body structure are also determining
factors. I for one stand-out as an adventurous person who is confident
in whatever look I carry. If you can’t stand out, then you have no
business with fashion and style. I am guided by those words; so it plays
a huge role in my style.
What kind of clothes are you comfortable in?
I am comfortable in casuals, suits and
traditional attires. I love suits when the occasion demands it but I
would say I am most comfortable in casuals.
What is your fashion weakness?
My fashion weakness is the fact that I
could be regarded as metro sexual in looks especially because I am not
confident in wearing anything that’s not fitted. I feel lost in clothes
that are not cut to fit my body. Apart from that I don’t think I have
any weakness. I am a 6 feet tall, bald headed man sometimes the kind of
shorts I would love to rock won’t go well with my height and sometimes I
wish to play with my hair but I am bald. Finally, we all know I have a
crush on Genevieve Nnaji so whenever she’s around I lose my guards, just
joking.
How come a young man like you is bald?
Nature, hereditary traits, I am bald thanks to my Dad and I am proud of it. The only challenge I face is how to maintain it.
What is that fashion item you cannot leave home without?
My face, I always have to carry it whereever I go. I think it should be my perfume. A man must always smell good.
What is the most expensive fashion item you own and about how much did it cost?
Should I really say this? Let’s just say it is worth $35,000.
Are you a fan of bright colours?
Yes I am. Even when I have to play it simple, I always have a touch of one bright colour.
What fashion item do you admire on a lady?
I would say her hair, bags, and shoes. I admire them so much.
When shopping, do you look out for and buy made in Nigeria brands?
Most of the clothes I wear are made in
Nigeria. I support our designers. They are very creative and deserve
support. The western fashion is dead and is only experiencing recycling
of the old fashion. But down here, we always have something new and
creative. I won’t say I don’t have a few western labels, I do. When I
see something I like I buy it especially when I can use it to beef up my
styling.
Are you still into modelling or you have quit it for acting?
Yes I am, although I have more of my
attention focused on acting and I am pursuing some modelling gigs
overseas. I still model a few designers’ clothes and I seek more of
corporate brand representation. I have modelled for years and I believe I
have had a healthy career. I sat back a bit to allow the new comers
have some space to work and enjoy what I have enjoyed. I am looking at a
bigger picture.
How did you get into modelling?
I have been modelling for about seven to
eight years. I have always been a model but professionally I started
modelling in 2005 after the Amstel Malta box office reality television
show where I was a housemate. I gained little recognition and I followed
the dream. I also did a few modelling back in Jos.
Has been a model enhanced you?
Well I would say my style is a part of
me. I am also an artist. Naturally, I am never satisfied until it’s a
perfect picture in every circumstance even as far as interior decoration
is concerned Modelling might have played unconscious roles in my style
but honestly, none I can evidently state.
It is common knowledge that homosexuality thrives in the modelling world worldwide, have you ever had such encounter?
It thrives in every sphere of our
society- politics, modelling, acting, music, soccer, education. The
truth is it can’t be restricted to one institution. As stated earlier,
my metro sexual look has put me in a zone where I am approached by both
sexes but I am straight and I do not compromise.
How did you delve into the movie industry?
It’s totally God’s grace, God’s time, and
God’s speed because it’s almost as if I was picked up and dumped in the
industry and unexpectedly this hidden passion was rediscovered. All
thanks to some people. Rukky Sanda who thought I was meant to be in
Nollywood and pushed me in even when I was reluctant. Elvis Chucks who
has been an elder brother and guide and also made sure I starred in big
screen movies. Ini Edo and Emem Isong have also helped my career.
You have tattoos on your body, what do they symbolise?
I love art and every tattoo on my body is
related to the Bible verses I love and that guide me. Sorry to all
those who don’t like it, tattoos don’t define who you are like; they say
read a book and know its content. Know the person, not the tattoos.
What is the best fashion gift you have got from a friend and what is the one you gave your friend?
The best fashion item I got from a friend
would be a wrist watch although it was ‘stolen’ and the best item I
have given out is actually my vintage jacket.
When stepping out for an event, what do you bear in mind when it comes to dressing?
What event I am going for, I don’t want
to be too simple and I don’t want to be overdressed. At the same time,
am I representing the brand IK Ogbonna? And finally, who you are
stepping out with. Your dressing is not complete if you don’t have the
right company. It’s like a beautiful cake without icing.
Share some common errors you see men make?
Colour combination, wrong fitting, and the ‘wannabe’
factor. God created everyone differently and we all have particular
things that would fit us that sure won’t fit the next person.
While growing, would you consider yourself a fashionable kid?
Yes I have always been in tune with my
fashion sense. My mother said while I was learning how to talk I was
used to a particular line every time I was dressed up. I would say ‘tuck
it in’ in my baby voice.
Who would you say you took after when it comes to fashion, your father or your mother
Well let’s just say it is a balance from both sides.
How do you cope with lady fans?
I love them all. I wish I could marry all the girls in the world but since I can’t, I can only love and appreciate them.
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