I feel incomplete without a wristwatch – Kaylah

Kaylah Oniwo is a fashion presenter on radio. She talks fashion with Ademola Olonilua

What inspired the idea of having a fashion-based talk show, catwalk, on radio?

It’s funny because a few days ago, Freeze asked me what made me come up with the idea. I am in love with fashion and the business of fashion. I’m the go-to girl when you need to get something. I had never heard anybody talk about fashion and style on the radio and I thought I could do that. I have a segment to talk about it, get the listeners to call in, speak with designers, photographers and stylists.  I figured that it seemed unattainable without visuals. I reasoned that I could achieve that by communicating with the listeners through the social media. We have a lot of people watching us around the world via live streaming. That was how the idea was birthed. I discussed it with my boss Freeze who encouraged me to go ahead. The next step was to hand it over to my programmes manager for approval. He initially declined but later asked me to bring a synopsis. I did that and he eventually approved it. It has grown over the past one year and I’ve got support from the management, family, friends and listeners.

Why do you have a penchant for fashion?

I was born into a fashion family. My grandmother was a tailor; my mom is a fashion designer and she is very stylish. My siblings are stylish as well. I grew up seeing patterns, colours, fabrics and sketches all around me. I knew my uncles’ stylish girlfriends and I would hang out with them. As a teenager, I could easily put my clothes together and I loved magazines.  I guess it’s innate.

What are the common major wardrobe malfunction you see people make?

I think the major problem in Nigeria is the quest to outdo one another when it comes to style. We are indeed very stylish whether in our traditional or western attire. This problem is common with women and in the end, you come out looking like you are at the circus. We tend to overdo things. Another issue is not dressing according to our body type. The moment you are aware of your body type, you will have no issue looking fabulous. Dressing in line with one’s age is yet another and it is often interpreted as being old school or less fashionable. For example, American actress Sandra Bullock is 49; look at her style in 2013, I think she looks amazing. Her stylist pulls clothes that make her look very classy, yet young and vibrant without revealing too much. Coming back home, the iconic Onyeka Onwenu is another example of someone who dresses appropriately for her age and still looks fabulous. A lot of older women do not dress according to their ages. No matter how great your figure is, you can show it off and still look way younger. Also, over-accessorising is another error. For the men, it’s the lack of attention to details, the cut of the pants, the fit of the shirts, the shoes. If men pay more attention to fittings, they will come out looking dapper. The men also need to focus on personal hygiene and grooming.

It seems ironic that you love fashion so much yet you are more comfortable in jeans and sneakers, why is that?

I started off as a tomboy even up to my university days in Bowen University where we were not permitted to wear trousers. I used to wear sketchers and Timberland boots on skirts. Looking back now, it makes me laugh. I walk very fast like I’ve got a deadline and the most comfortable outfit to get away with walking like that is the sneakers, flats, jeans. Once I put on a skirt or heels, everything slows down. Initially, I used to walk very fast in heels but thankfully I have people around me who tell me to slow down as a lady. I love to play on dress and look like a lady too.

Prior to working on radio, you managed a fashion outfit. What was the experience like?

It was a great experience and an eye-opener for me. It was a luxury clothing store exclusively for men. I learned a lot about men’s fashion and I met quite a number of stylish men in Nigeria. Men who understood the meaning of the popular quote, ‘The way you dress is the way you are addressed.’ They were concerned about their looks and that’s why I can easily tell a stylish man at a glance. It was also my first shot at customer relations, learning to deal with all sorts of characters, my boss inclusive, and being responsible and accountable.

How lucrative is investing in fashion in Nigeria today; is it advisable for one to delve into it?

It is indeed lucrative if you go into it the right way. And when I say right way, I mean being sure of what you want to do; whether it is men’s fashion, women’s, kids’, bespoke, high end, etc. Definitely, people must wear clothes but you have to define your market. Then, while setting up, there are challenges involved such as power and location, just like any other business.

What is that fashion item you admire on a man?

Whatever he puts on his feet, especially when he puts on slippers and his watch too.

What’s your favourite hairstyle?

I love curly hair, styled at the centre, side or all the way to the back. I make my hair and nails every two weeks. For my skin, I use the spa once a month.

Do you prefer looking natural or you feel incomplete without make-up?

I’m okay with or without make-up. I’m very confident about my looks.

How often do you patronise Nigerian designers?

Very often, I’m a Nigeria fan, always patronising our own, especially the ones that are very detailed.

What influences your fashion?

It surely depends on my mood, how I feel when I wake up. Some people also inspire my looks.

Is there any fashion item you can’t leave home without?

A wristwatch; I will definitely feel empty without it.

What is your fashion weakness?

It has to be bags and jewellery. My new weakness is wristwatch. I’m very interested in collecting watches now.

What is your take on ladies exposing their cleavage and wearing skimpy and tight dresses?

I have no issue with cleavage as long as it’s decent. As regards skimpy and fitted dresses, there must be a flattering silhouette and dressing accordingly for the occasion.

When stepping out for an event, what are the things you consider?

Comfort is key because it boosts your confidence; every other thing falls in place. I also groom myself before hand because I’m aware that I will have my pictures taken so I make sure I’ve sorted my skin, hair and nails.

Do you prefer shopping online or you would rather go to stores yourself?

 I have no preference really but I can say shopping online gives you variety and saves time. But for some outfits, I need to go to the store to purchase what I need.