Jennifer Olize has her plate full. A fashion/style consultant, she is also a stylist and a jeweller. The convener of Music Meets Runway, a fashion show, she talks about her passion for fashion
Q: What motivated the move to have a music and runway show?
A: The fashion and music industry has been doing so well in Nigeria over the past few years and as I have a love for both fashion and music, I thought it would be interesting to combine the two. I have always wanted to provide a platform for talented designers and musicians to perform on stage at the same time.
Q: You are a graduate of Business Economics, how did you end up in fashion consultancy?
A: I love fashion and the business aspect of it. I studied Business Economics at the University Of Reading, United Kingdom and I earned a postgraduate in Event Management at the University of New York. I decided to focus more on fashion when the idea of merging music and fashion cropped up.
Q: What is Music Meets Runway all about?
A: Music Meets Runway is an annual fashion and music show event, which features fashion collections presented alongside live performances by popular music acts. It was established to create awareness for new talent and upcoming fashion designers, musicians, models, stylists and make-up artists to emerge and be fostered toward a future that otherwise may be out of reach. MMR also aims to promote networking among fashion industry professionals including educators, retail buyers, fashion journalists, trendsetters, tastemakers and consumers.
Q: Were your parents in support of this?
A: My parents have always been supportive of everything I have done. They are my biggest supporters and their confidence in me has helped me achieve my dreams. I am blessed with an amazing support system.
Q: But your father, Frank Olize, was a broadcaster, didn’t you think of being in his shoes?
A: My father was but I went for what I had a passion for. We are two girls and none of us is into broadcasting. However, he is not bothered about this and he even helps us with what we are doing. He proffers advice too.
Q: How has your father’s name opened doors in respect to what you do with Music and Runway?
A: I am grateful to my parents for a wonderful upbringing but I do not rely on who my father is to open doors for me. I believe hard work and persistence can get you to where you want to be, regardless of who your father is.
Q: How has the response been from Nigerians especially fashion designers?
A: Fashion designers have been able to gain a lot through MMR. The MMR Foundation, through the help of our sponsors, was able to reaffirm its commitment to empowering emerging talent through the launch of the MMR Rising Icon Competition 2013. A three million naira grant was awarded to the winner of the competition, Olakunbi Oyelese, Creative Director of a Nigerian fashion label, April by Kunbi. After this, her brand grew into a widely recognised brand with lots of Nigerian celebrities wearing it on red carpets of major events throughout 2014.
Q: Who is Jennifer Olize?
A: Jennifer Olize is a strong, unique woman who has great dreams and is motivated to see a change in Nigeria. I am a perfectionist who is working hard at this point in my life for me to enjoy life when I am much older.
Q: Why is pretty Jennifer still single? When will wedding bells ring?
A: I believe the institution of marriage is quite a tricky one. I am still taking my time; I want to avoid any mistakes. I am very happy when I see loved ones making this commitment, but as of now, I strongly believe God has a plan for me and when the right time comes, I’ll be gracefully ready for whoever God has assigned me to. I am not in a rush.
Q: What informs how you dress?
A: I love fashion but I don’t follow trends. Personal style is very important to me and it’s a reflection of my mood. The way I dress is solely dependant on how I feel and getting dressed up makes me happy. I look forward to getting dressed every morning.
Q: What accessories will you die for?
A: My favourite accessories have got to be from my jewellery brand, Le Reve Pieces. I have my jewellery bespoke line and I source pieces from other countries and I assemble to resell in Nigeria. We have amazing pieces from bridal jewellery to everyday earrings.
Q: You are hardly seen in see-through pieces…
A: I am very conservative in dressing and I like covering up my body. I like simplicity and I don’t do well with bright colours. I hate red. I understand my body and I wear pieces that suit my body. I don’t like red and I try not to be a victim of fashion police.
Q: Any special beauty routine?
A: No, I apply sunscreen, stay out of the sun and I have my body scrub— honey, brown sugar and lemon. I scrub my body and I can never go to bed without washing my face.
Q: What is your take on Nigerian fashion trends in 2014?
A: I love the designs and designers. The only concern I have is the conscious attempt by designers not to use local fabrics in most of their designs. I love to see the Ankara, Adires, Batik etc. Then, when you wear these clothes abroad, the Europeans know you are African and a Nigerian.
Q: What will differentiate the MMR 2014 edition from the previous ones?
A: 2014 is a special year as we are broadening the borders of Music Meets Runway to Africa, hence the theme being ‘The African Edition.’ Since 2011, the show has focused mainly on Nigerian designers and performers. However, we wanted to make MMR 2014 about Africa as a whole because there are talents in the continent. The designers exhibiting are Sunny Rose (Nigeria), Osei Duro (Ghana), KikoRomeo (Kenya), Kola Kuddus (Nigeria), Neville Masondo (South Africa), Mademoiselle Aglaia (Nigeria). Artistes such as Patoranking (Nigeria), Mpumi (South Africa), Dj Cuppy (Nigeria), Seyi Shay (Phyno (Nigeria), Wizkid (Nigeria) are booked to perform.
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