NEW ERA with : OMOH MOMOH
Photographed by Nick Scaife. Styled by Marina German. Words by Charlie Newman.
Makeup directed by Christabel Draffin and applied by Omoh.
2020 will be a year that marks the history books for many reasons. We are experiencing a pandemic of historic standards whilst simultaneously writing new history books for the future, welcoming diversity and equality for all. For the majority of us work has been a write off this year but nevertheless our minds have still been challenged and expanded. Covid-19 has demanded we pause to think on what really matters and the Black Lives Matter movement has forced us to question and examine how we live our lives, paving a way for a new and improved future.
You’ve been modelling for 2 years. What has been a career highlight?
After winning Elite Model Look Nigeria in 2016, I started my professional modelling career in 2019.
First time working with Giorgio Armani at the British Fashion Awards 2019.
What do you enjoy about modelling the most?
Sashaying on the runway uplifts my spirit.
Travel comes hand in hand with working in fashion. Where has been your favourite place to travel to? What would you recommend our readers do/see/eat there?
Paris. Taking a walk along the Champs-Élysées, seeing the Eiffel Tower, eating a French croissant.
If you weren’t modelling what would you be doing?
I would be a journalist.
Where and you have you been quarantining with?
London. I've been with my fellow Nigerian model friend.
If you could choose one famous person to quarantine with, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
My mum, because I miss her so much!
It’s very easy to get bogged down with the negatives of Covid-19, but what positives have you taken from this period?
It has been a time of self reflection and discovery. I now have a better understanding of the important things in life.
Lockdown has afforded us the time to pause and reflect. What have you learnt about yourself over the past few months?
I've learnt that I can be impatient sometimes, so I now know to be more tolerant of people and be more accepting of God's plans for my life.
What are you most looking forward to post lockdown?
Going back home to my family in Nigeria.
Only 9% of people would like to return to their former lives pre lockdown pre lockdown. What changes would you like to put in place in your life post lockdown?
I want to setup my own business. Asides modelling, I want to do other things that will give me more control over my work and personal life.
On the topic of change, the Black Lives Matter movement is rightly changing the world one march and petition at a time. It’s been couple of weeks with a lot to process. How does this make you feel?
Although I'm sad that people had to die for this issue to gain worldwide attention, I'm happy that there seems to be more active responses to what minorities have always been talking about. For example, in my industry Naomi Campbell has been advocating for diversity for over 30 years now.
The fashion industry may be celebrating diversity but its still has along way to go. From your own experience and knowledge, where would you like the industry to improve and change for the better?
There should be more opportunities given to new and upcoming Black models in diaspora and those based in Africa as well. Designers should ensure that their casting directors give equal representation to models of all ethnicities.
Whilst the BAME models are gracing covers and campaigns worldwide, behind the camera this isn’t necessarily the case. Are there any BAME creatives you would to shout out and share with us?
Kelly Green and Humphrey Da Legend, both based in Nigeria.
Often the best way to implement change is through educating ourselves and inspiring others. Do you have any stories or people you would like to share with our readers?
I think Naomi Campbell is my most inspiring personality in my industry. Her advocacy, zeal and passion makes me always want to do more to better myself and help others around me to do the same.
Omoh appears courtesy of First Model Management.
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