Teff Nnamani: The art of self-expression

(Here is another interview I did for Fashion2die4...of the lovely Miss Nnamani, whose blog i have followed ever since i started blogging. Enjoy!)

Hello! Today’s interview is with the very bold and eclectic Miss Nnamani of Dank and Dapper blog. Right from the way she talks, dresses and expresses herself in various forms; it is evident that she is not afraid of being herself. Read on…

Tell us a little about yourself…

-My name is Stephanie Nnamani, but I work under the pseudonym, teff, THE don. I am a 23-year-old NYC-based, Nigerian-born Artist.

Why do you dress up, Miss Nnamani?

-As a means of Expression.

What new projects are you working on?

-I recently launched a business with a fellow Artist and friend of mine, Zunyda; together we are called The Archetects. Our premier project being two key pieces, which focuses on infusing African wax fabric with leather-textured vinyl fabric; designed by myself and sewn by my partner. I am also collaborating with two major brands within the next month or so and will be curating a show at The Brooklyn Museum of Art next month, centered on their recently-completed African exhibit, commemorating Black History Month.

What inspired you to blog?

- My overwhelming desire to express myself through words, which eventually evolved into photographs and will soon evolve to much more. I am actually working on revamping and the new site (with the same content) is set to launch on the 3rd of March.

Heels, flats or wedges?

Wedges.

Who are some of your favourite designers at the moment?

I honestly do not have any.

What are some of your favourite things to do in New York?

Wander aimlessly. There is nothing I enjoy more than wandering aimlessly — in any street, in any avenue; transcending dimension; physical, mental, emotional, Spiritual. Will. Wander. Wonder. Wallow. Weep. Win. And, the City provides me with that over and over again. Nothing like it.

How does your style reflect who you are?

My style is mood-driven, so it’s all reliant on how I feel. It’s very unpredictable! Just like me. I have no idea what I’ll wear on a day-to-day basis. I am fond of bold prints, as I am of bold decisions. I like to regard myself as the colour connoisseur; purely indicative of how I tailor colours to fit my mood.

What’s your take on trends…or the whole buying a particular piece of clothing just because say Beyonce was spotted in it?

Distasteful. Character-lacking. Most people are sheep with these things, it’s frightening. Trends do set the mold for the fickle-minded.  I advocate for self-realisation and I just absolutely enjoy seeing that concept transcend in every sense of one’s Being. Expression primarily being one of them. Power in the Self is infinite, And, I will like for more people to embrace that ideology by tapping into it more often.

The hair cut! You look magnificent. What did you think before, during and after getting it?

Ah! It wasn’t too premeditated! I just thought, “hm, I could use a haircut!” and, went for it.  And, I was feeding the 5-year-old me who has always wanted a haircut. I had a hell of a mane as a child, which I put a pair of razor or scissors each time the opportunity presented itself.

What was your worst Fashion faux pas?

You know those dresses with the elasticity band at the bottom of it? Yeah. I can’t believe I ever thought those were desirable. And, form-flattering.

I absolutely love your self-portraits. What inspired you to take up photography?

Truthfully, I wanted to cultivate comfort in front of a camera. And, what better way than to practice, practice, practice.

You can check out Teff on her blog, http://TEFFTOPIA.blogspot.com

One on one with Nick Mwaniki

(Here is an interview I did with Kenyan model Nick Mwaniki for Fashion2die4, and i just thought i should share it with my blog readers. Enjoy!)

With this interview, we get to engross ourselves in the life of one of Kenya’s leading male supermodels, 22 year old Nick Mwaniki. Yes ladies, I got you covered.

How did you get into the industry? Were you discovered or was it a choice, seeing as your mother had been a model?

To be honest, I never thought about being a model, it just happened. A friend came to me one day and asked if I was interested in doing a show and I did not hesitate. Then, I joined Strut It Afrika, East Africa’s leading Model Management Company.  They have made me who I am today, and for that I am grateful.  However, my mother, who was Miss Kenya back in the days, influenced me greatly.

 What are some of the perks of being a model?

I get to attend many social events and interact with different kinds of people. It is the best way of networking. Also, I get to travel a lot.

What’s your favorite show that you’ve done?

I loved most of the shows I have done but if I had to pick one, I would say FAFA 2012 (Festival for African Fashion and Art). The turnout was simply amazing, plus I had the privilege of sharing the runway with Kenyan supermodel Ajuma Nasenyana.

 Out of all the places your career has taken you, where was the most memorable?

I would say Ethiopia, where I travelled to for the Hub of Africa Fashion Week last year.  It was a wonderful experience. I would do it all over again.

Who are some of your favorite designers? (Both for your personal style and to work with)

John Kaveke without a doubt…his collection is simply amazing.  I would rock his designs any day. I enjoy working with him. Other local designers I like include Anna Adero and Nick Ondu of Ankara Vintage, just to mention a few.

                   

Describe your personal style? What determines how you dress on any given day?

My style is casual. A nice shirt, fitted jeans and a pair of loafers does it for me. I dress according to my mood at that particular time.

What are the three style items you can’t do without?

My aviators, my studs and my watch

What’s your fitness regime?

I hit the gym at least 3 times a week when I am not too busy. It is important to keep fit in this industry as you can be called for a job anytime, even when you least expect it.

What’s your Favorite place to shop?

I do most of my shopping when I travel to Paris every summer for the holidays. While I’m there, I mostly shop at Zara and H&M. Locally I shop at Barton’s.

Drink of choice?

Jameson with coke. Although I only drink occasionally and I know my limits.

Favorite hangout spot in Nairobi?

I hang out a lot at Mercury and Brew Bistro. I like mature crowds.

What would you want people to know about you?

I am down to earth, a bit reserved at times but that depends on the kind of crowd I am with.

You can interract with Nick on his facebook page, Nick Mwaniki