Nigerian Model, Ugochi Latoya Igwilo, Becomes The First Black Model To Walk The Runway of Lakme Fashion Week (LFW)
Foreign models who walked the ramp in India have all been tall, slender, confident and white. Breaking the spell after 15 years, this year is 23-year-old Ugochi Latoya Igwilo from Nigeria.
Scores of foreign models have walked down one of fashion’s most celebrated platforms in India, Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) over the years. They’ve all been tall, slender, confident and most importantly, white. Breaking the spell after 15 years, this year is 23-year-old Ugochi Latoya Igwilo from Nigeria. Cutting a powerful picture with her short blonde crop, Ugochi is well aware of the attention she’s been garnering as the first black model to walk the ramp at LFW. “I am not the most conventional face here, so a few designers are apprehensive to work with me. But again, there is also a certain level of excitement of working with an African model, which I really like. It’s great that designers are willing to experiment and take chances,” says Ugochi who came to India five years ago as a student of interior design at a college in Noida.
“It was something my father suggested. He’s a businessman who has work connections here and it was his idea. I thought it was a good opportunity for me to move out of my country and explore another one. It was when I was studying there that I started doing fashion shows for college festivals and events.”
She further adds, “Then one day I decided to get a portfolio and approach some agencies and choreographers. That’s how I started.”
It may be her first time at LFW, but modeling isn’t new to her, she reminds us when we ask her if she’s been seeking tips from the more established names on the ramp. “I don’t think they need to give me tips when they see that I am managing on my own. For a smart model it is very important that you watch and learn. I watch a lot of fashion television and music videos to pick up the charisma and poise needed on stage. I do a lot of research too. I know that a lot of models here have been in the business for a very long time, I have watched them on television and leant. Even if they don’t give me any advice, they’re open and approachable,” she says.
Having said that, friendly advice is always welcome. “One afternoon when I was rubbing the make-up off my face, Ricky walked up to me and said ‘don’t do it like that, you need to be softer on your face!’ So yes, everybody is very friendly, professional and encouraging. All the girls I work with are my friends. We lunch together, laugh about things and hang out.”
Thanks to a supportive family back home, Ugochi has plans to approaching international fashion weeks soon. “My family is super supportive. As long as I am having fun, getting work and growing as a person,” she says.
Are there any sartorial preferences or inhibitions she has? “I like things that are stylish and quirky. I am open to wearing anything that fits well. But I wouldn’t want to wear a thong on the ramp. That’d be horrible,” she adds with a laugh.