Comfort is my style - Theodora

Theodora Dike got her name stuck on everyone’s lips when she strut the runway half nude with two pythons wrapped around her neck and waist in the much talked about Zizi Cardow’s ‘Jungle Renaissance’ fashion show in 2002. This fashionista whose fashion label is simply Theodora, told http://www.angeladaviesblog.blogspot.com/ in this interview that her style is comfort, among other issues.

What is your most memorable runway moment/experience as a model?

It is the Jungle Renaissance fashion show which was organised in 2002 by Zizi Cardow where I was half nude with two pythons wrapped around my neck and my waist and strut the runway. Before that time, I was always afraid of snakes. The truth is that I was not the original model to carry the pythons; it was Leona Isaiah (Miss Pepeye), but she said that her boyfriend would not allow her do it.

So, you then decided to carry the pythons?

Not immediately. The man who was with the snake told us that we should not be afraid of it as models kept looking and running away from it. I summoned courage to look at it and also touched it as it just curled up on the man’s lap. It felt like leather. Later, I became more comfortable with the snake and Zizi said why I don’t carry it. I told her I was going to think about it after all the show must go on. The snake owner started teaching me how to carry and relate with the snake. He said the snake would not harm me as long as I was relaxed. He made me understand that the python would feel my pulse to determine if I was relaxed or scared. Any, I practised with it until the day of the show.

On the day of the show, were you calm or jittery?

The truth is that on the day of the show, a new python was brought and it refused to curl. It just stood straight. I was half nude and I carried two pythons, one on my neck and the other wrapped around my waist. The one on my neck was so quiet and it felt more like a necklace. But the one on my waist was brought straight from the bush or wherever with sand still on its body. It was so untamed and refused to relax. While on stage, it went around my body twice. But I was relaxed.

What was the reaction of the guests?

It was the first time a model strut the runway with pythons. Really, I don’t know if it was the snakes or half nude model that shocked them. And minutes later, they started clapping.

Don’t you think carrying life pythons may have some spiritual implications?

Spiritual implications? No. I was only doing my job as a model.

Define your style?

My style is all about comfort. In fact, comfort is my style

Who is your fashion role model?

Zizi Cardow. She is an epitome of what I call fashion and style. When you think about fabrics, you think about Zizi, that is for me.

If you have to flaunt, what part of your body can you show off?

I can show off from my shoulder to my hips because I have a very fantastic figure.

What kind of clothes do you love to wear?

I like fitted and short clothes because they bring out the best in me. I feel comfortable in them.

What were your childhood dreams while growing up?

Seriously, growing up, I thought I was going to become a footballer because I used to be a tomboy. I used to play football with the boys and also climbed trees with them. Later in life, I became a woman, I met girls and started playing with them and then my dream started changing.

Everyone has one fear or the other in life, what’s your greatest fear?

I am afraid to fail, thus my greatest fear is failure. Because, when you fail in whatever you are doing, it does not speak well of you.

What is that fashion item you cannot do without as a woman?

I cannot do without my white powder. That is because I have a very oily face. So at every given time, I want to touch up my face.

What kind of shoes do you love to wear?

Although, I am 5ft 9”, I love wearing high heels because it makes me walk elegantly.

As a fashion designer, how would you rate the dress sense of Nigerian women?

Some women don’t even know what they want when it comes to fashion. People just follow fashion anyhow whether it suits them or not. But, the truth is that when you listen to a designer, not a tailor, your dress sense must change.

Do you follow fashion?

No, I don’t. I just move by the trend. It is advisable to follow your body and then your body will now follow the trend.

Most people pray; when you do, what do you tell or ask God?

I tell God to have mercy on me because I know I sin with looking, talking and in my thoughts and other ways as well. I recognise that. So, whenever I pray, I ask for mercy.

How do you love your make-up?

I don’t wear make-up at all. But if I have to go for events, I wear light make-up.

How do you love to carry your hair?

I like to carry my hair loose or I let it down. Letting my hair loose brings out my facial structure, no matter the hairstyle.

What kind of jewelry do you love?

I love wearing loud earrings and cocktail rings because I don’t like wearing necklace. They bring out whatever outfit I am wearing and of course I like flaunting my hands a lot to show off my ring.

How do you relax?

By watching movies.

What are your hobbies?

I love to travel a lot and I enjoy making friends too.

What is your best perfume?

It used to be my father’s perfume and it is called Quorum. Right now, I use Xs, because it has a refreshing, flowery fragrance.

What is your best colour?

Green, because it is nature, it is fertility.

How do you love your nails?

I love them short and natural because I work all the time.