Friday 1 May 2015

Igwilo: The Nigerian model making waves in India



Ugochi Latoya Igwilo is an international model and former practicing interior designer based in Delhi, India.
Igwilo the model
Igwilo is fast becoming one of the most recognised models in the Indian fashion industry, and one of the most recognizable faces in the Nigerian community in India. She is well read, versed, young and versatile socialite. She takes pride in her ability to communicate with different types of people and go for the things she appreciates. Igwilo is most defiantly a force to be reckoned with.

Six feet tall Igwilo spends her time strutting the runways of different fashion shows in India. Her style of walking is often described as the perfect mix of edge and sensuality. She has done campaigns and editorials for fashion designers; she also works with photographers to explore new depths in fashion photography.
How it all started
Igwilo went to India to further her education at her father’s suggestion, while studying in the university; she saw an opportunity to model. She studied interior design and even worked for a while with an architectural firm in New Delhi. She took interest in modeling while in high school; friends and acquaintances had often encouraged her to model. While studying in India, some fashion students approached her to shoot for their fashion portfolio and that was how modelling started for her.
The Nigerian model in India
Igwilo is known to be the first Nigerian model to walk down one of fashion’s most celebrated platforms in India, Lakme Fashion Week (LFW). She is said to be breaking the spell of white model favoritism in India.
She is often commended for her efforts in continuing to push the boundaries of modeling in India. She’s done photo shoots and fashion shows with premier designers in India.
Life of a model
Modeling is not as cool and easy as she had thought or as most people believe. The life of a model is not always glamorous. Modeling is still a business and a profession, and just like any other profession; it requires hard work, personal, intra-personal and professional skill. 
Hobbies and inspirations
She enjoys travelling, seeing new sights, meeting new people, going on exciting outings and reading. She discovered that all these are the things that inspire her the most. She plans to model in Europe or the United States as well as Nigeria and eventually start her own design company.
Staying in shape
Speaking on how she stays in shape, Igwilo stated that she does yoga. “I do yoga to stay in shape and I take a lot of protein and fiber-based foods now, less carbs and drink a lot of water.” 
Sartorial preferences
Are there sartorial preferences or inhibitions for her? “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 would be horrible,” she adds (laughing)
Advice for aspiring models
Pretty Igwilo advised aspiring models to, “Be realistic about their expectations and choices. Avoid being desperate because when you are desperate, it shows as such, people will take undue advantage of you. People should believe in themselves and allow their inner voice guide them. Rejection is a part of success. Take it in the right spirit. Use it as a learning tool; don't let it affect who you are.”
She also advised people in general to always live in the moment. Make the most of their time today. Don't give in to depression or self pity. Improve their skills and try to be better than what they were yesterday.





 
Connect with her on Facebook; ugochi Latoya igwilo ,  instagram; model_ugochiigwilo  twitter; @IgwiloUgochi

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