By Christine Onwuachumba
Olayinka ‘Yeancah’ Adamu is one of the pioneer presenters on the pan-African music channel, Sound City TV.. She is also the Director of LWTZE (Lady with the Zoom Effect) Concept INC, an online fashion hub. An expert on screen fashionista, the former TV personality spoke to Saturday Sun at a photo shoot in Lagos;
As a TV presenter, what are the style rules of appearing on television?
The first thing is the make up rule which states that the more make up you use, the better you’ll appear. Secondly, we try different looks in our private time in order to determine what works for us before appearing on TV. This is really important as you’ll feel more confident. Thirdly, colours always work, you can do all the colours of the rainbow if you want to, as long as you put it together the right way, although you may want to keep it simple if you’re to wear a lot of colours at once.When it has to do with the hair, stick to a hair style that suits the shape of your face.
What informed your decision to quit broadcasting for fashion?
Owning a fashion business has been on my mind for a long time but I’m sure it’s not coming as a surprise to people who know me personally. I was fashion conscious while in school, I was always concerned about my looks. I wouldn’t wear the same cloth twice. Although I can’t try it with this recession. I decided to start selling clothes, shoes, accessories, bags etc off my car trunk. I stopped the business when I started presenting on Soundcity and even as a presenter, I styled many people around me as well as putting fabrics together for any gender. So, I’m doing what I enjoy doing, it’s only this time that it’s official.
Tell us about it?
It is called LWTZEstyles” accronymn for Lady with the Zoom Effect” Styles. I believe in being comfortable, classy and marketable.
When you look good, people listen when you speak.I strongly believe that you do not have to break a bank to look good and that a good stylist can change your life for good !
Who do you cater for?
I cater for men and women of different shapes and sizes, especially those who have no idea what being a fashionable entails. I care for people who don’t know how to dress their body types; people who do not have an idea of what will work for them and what won’t. I don’t believe there is anybody that can’t be fashionable, with the right guidance we can all look exceptional. I take pride in styling my clients, it becomes so personal when I don’t see you as a client but as a friend.I style my husband and he is a good representation of men of style.
A lot of fashion conscious nigerians are turning to western styles made with African fabrics, what is your take on that?
Nigerians are turning to foreign styles sewn with African fabrics because Nigerians are stylish people and we get bored easily. We have also always desired to be comfortable in African prints and patterns, even now that we have African prints in lighter fabrics.
Manufacturers now see Nigeria as a market. So, they are becoming more creative and more flexible with their creations. I’m sure you have also noticed #Looknaija is in vogue. People are becoming more aware that your culture makes you stand out. Even foreign acts now wear our fabrics.
Can you recall the greatest fashion risk you took onscreen?
I wore high boots on the first red carpet event I ever anchored in Nigeria. Although I later noticed people doing the same, I saw it as a bad idea when I did it.
People have shared not too pleasant experiences about online shopping,what are the guiding rules to online shopping and how can consumers get good value for their money?
To shop online, first look at the return policy because you really never can tell until you see what you have ordered physically.
So, ensure the return policy of the store you are ordering from works for you perfectly. Also, pay on delivery is always a better option, it keeps you on the safer side and makes you trust the online store.
Lastly, read the reviews of the product or item you are ordering, other buyers’ opinions can go a long way.