.::Snapshot ::.

 

 

Name: Mayowa Nicholas

.

Talent: Model

 

Country: Nigeria

 

Achievements: First Nigerian model featured in Dolce & Gabbana’s campaign

 

With a number of Africans making their mark in today’s world, among them is none other than Mayowa Nicholas – the first Nigerian model to be featured in Dolce & Gabbana’s campaign. Born in Lagos Nigeria and the first of 3 children, the 18 year-old first stepped into the modelling scene after being scouted at the age of 14. Signed to Elite model management, Mayowa won her first modelling competition in 2014.

In her exclusive interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she talks about all things high fashion, modelling and life outside of the runway.

---

 

HB: How were you discovered?

M: “By Elite Model Look scouts in Lagos for the 2014 competition.”

HB: If you weren’t modelling, what career would you pursue and why?

M: “I would be in college studying financial accounting to become a chartered accountant. I still plan on going back to college to study that course, because I love anything that has to do with calculations.”


HB: What would you say has been the highlight of your career so far?

M: “Getting my worldwide contract with Elite Model Management and, also, walking for Prada for the autumn/winter16 season.”

HB: How do you spend your free time?

M: “When I am not modelling, I like to hang out with my friends, go shopping or go to the movies.”

HB: Do you have any travel tips for those visiting your hometown?

M: “Lagos is one of the best cities in Nigeria – there are lots of recreational activities to do; for instance, the zoo, the historical museums and the beach. The Badagry Slave Musuem is one of the most inspiring places to visit in Lagos, because this is where the slaves were kept back in the days of the slave trade.”

HB: What are the three products you can’t live without?

M: “Olay day and night moisturisers, Vaseline lip balm and Maybelline mascara.”

HB: What’s your favourite form of exercise?

M: “I love yoga and Pilates, so in my free time I always find a nearby yoga class to go to. Yoga is good not only for a toned body, but also for relaxation when you are stressed.”

 

 

HB: What is your dream shoot?

M: “My dream would be shooting the Vogue Italia cover by Steven Meisel. I would also love to work with Steven Klein, Mario Testino, Mert and Marcus, and Txema Yeste for Numéro.”

HB: Name the five things you wouldn’t leave the house without

M: “A bottle of water, my earphones, lip balm, facial wipes and a map.”

HB: If you had to wear only one designer, who would it be?

M: “That is a really difficult one, because I love so many designers and the creativity that they show in every collection, but I adore Loewe by JW Anderson.”

HB: What kind of advice would you give to girls who are new to the industry?

M: “My advice to them is to be really focused and not be distracted by anything. Be determined and be happy about what you do, stay professional and enthusiastic, and don’t forget to smile.”

HB: Is there a model’s career that you admire and why?

M: “I love Joan Smalls, she’s amazing; she fits in both high fashion and commercial so well, and is also one of the queens of social media. Her career is just goal after goal.”

HB: Let’s talk about favourites. What’s your favourite…

…music? “My favourite song right now is ‘Never forget you’ by Zara Larsson.”

…film? “Once Upon a Time.”


…books? “Becoming by Cindy Crawford.”

…food?  “Nigerian Jollof rice and chicken.”

---

 

To date, Mayowa has modelled with a number of high-fashion powerhouses and is the new face of Calvin Klein’s underwear campaign. Her growth in the fashion industry at such a young age is inspirational. Her accomplishments thus far are ground breaking and we’re extremely confident she will achieve much more! #TeamMayowa

Check out her Instagram page and follow what she’s up to!