I have weakness for nice shoes –Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi

May 31, 2014

Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi

Popular radio personality, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, talks about her fashion sense with Ademola Olonilua

Too you, is there a difference between fashion and style?

Yes there is. I believe fashion means trends while style is how you put the trends together. Style is personal.

While growing up, what did you want to become?

There were a lot of things I wanted to become while growing up. At a time, I wanted to be an actress, a beauty queen, a newscaster, a lawyer and an air hostess among many other occupations.

Were you fashionable as a kid?

I honestly have never thought of that. All I can remember is that I started insisting on picking out my clothes at age 10. I would say I was very trendy as a kid and I eagerly followed all the trends.

Whose fashion taste did you take after between your father and mother?

I took a bit from both of them. My parents are stylish, yet conservative people.

How did you become an OAP?

I studied Communication at Oakland University, Michiga. Then I moved back to Nigeria after graduation for my youth service. I served with the Nigerian Television Authority, Victoria Island where I was a junior reporter covering stories for the nationwide news and Newsline. I applied for a part time job at Cool FM as I still continued with my full time job at NTA. I got a position in the news department at CoolFM editing the news bulletin. One day, I walked into the studio to drop off the news and I engaged Dan Foster in a conversation. He thought I was smart and interesting and he gave me a pair of headphones and said ‘Let’s go on air.’ We had a great time on air and I thought it was a one-time thing but the following day, he came to get me from the news department and that’s how I became his co-host on The Good Morning Nigeria Show till I got my own show.

What challenges have you faced building your brand?

It has been quite a journey. In March 2015, I would mark 10 years anniversary on air. I have seen artistes and OAS that have come and gone. Trends in the entertainment industry come and go. It has been a pleasant journey for me. What I constantly do is challenge myself to be better, to build my brand and continue to do things others have not done. The industry has changed. I have remained myself but I keep evolving and getting better at my craft.

Would you say your career has influenced your fashion sense?

A few years ago, radio OAPs were rarely seen but these days, you have to be seen. Being seen means paying more attention to your clothes, hair, make-up and accessories. I now have a team of stylists responsible for my make-up, hair, and wardrobe to take care of my general appearance.

You have a flare for fashion. How did that come about?

I would say it is because I like colours and nice fabrics. I love beautiful shapes and silhouettes.

Being a dark skinned lady, what is your take on ladies that bleach their skin?

I am totally against bleaching. Unfortunately, some of these ladies claim bleaching makes them more attractive which is not necessarily so.

If given the opportunity to alter any part of your body, making it bigger or smaller, which part would it be?

I would like a smaller waist and I’m already working on it by exercising regularly.

When it comes to your body, which do you see as assets?

My entire body is an asset to me.

What are the fashion items you admire on a man?

Nothing in particular, as long as he looks nice and the clothes he wears fit well. I always notice nice shoes.

What’s your favourite hairstyle?

Any hairstyle I don’t have to spend a lot of time on in the morning. I’m not one of those ladies who like spending hours in front of the mirror with a curling iron in hand. Low maintenance hair works for me.

So how long does it take to make your hair?

It all depends on the style. The average salon visit takes about three hours, much to my annoyance and I visit the salon every two to three weeks.

What is your take on ladies who cut their hair?

I believe it is their hair and their preference. Some ladies look better with shorter hair though.

How much can you be offered to go bald?

Go bald? For how long? Hair will always grow back. A nice sum will do, maybe N20 million.

Do you prefer looking natural or feel incomplete without make-up?

It totally depends on my mood actually. There are some days I put nothing on my face and some days I have a full face of makeup on.

What is your take on tattoos?

I believe it is your body and your preference. I have seen some beautiful tattoos and some terrible ones as well.

Do you have any?

Can you get one?

Yes, if I want to.

To you, is fashion about dressing alone or much more?

Fashion encompasses all, clothes, shoes, makeup, fabric. Style is how you put it together.

Do you patronise Nigerian designers and how often?

I do that almost all the time. I have worn clothes from April by Kunbi, Toju Foyeh, CLAN, Grey etc. They are all talented designers.

Some believe it is not classy wearing made in Nigeria brands. Do you subscribe to such thoughts?

That’s ridiculous because we have many Nigerian brands producing international standard garments.

Which Nigerian male celebrity are you crazy about his fashion sense?

Honestly, none.

Do you prefer labels or bespoke wears?

I go for whatever fits well.

What influences your fashion statement?

My mood; it depends on my mood and the dress code for the event.

Is there any fashion item you can’t leave home without?

Nice shoes. I have always loved shoes. I would spend money on nice shoes before I buy a nice dress.

What’s the most expensive item you own and how much did it cost?

Shoes are the most expensive items I own but I won’t say how much.

What is your fashion weakness?

It has to be shoes. I really love good and beautiful shoes.

How many pairs of shoes do you have?

I recently bought more. I have to count again.

What is your take on ladies exposing their cleavage and wearing skimpy and tight dresses?

Anyone is free to dress how they like. If a lady likes skimpy outfits, let her be. It is her style and her body.

When stepping out for an event, what are the things you consider?

What sort of event it is, what time of the day, average duration and the parking situation. If it’s a place where I have to park my car far away and walk for a long time before I get to the venue, I will think twice about the sort of shoes I will wear.

Describe your typical day.

Busy. I’m usually up by 5am and my day starts almost immediately. I don’t go to bed till late at night about 1am or 2 am. There is normally so much to be done and so little time! Meetings, proposals, emails to be sent or replied and my radio show.

Have you considered venturing into other aspects of entertainment like being a singer or an actress?

I have considered acting. I have been offered a few acting roles but I just haven’t accepted any yet.