Model Adeola Ariyo Talks Model Life And Why Eku Edewor Is Her No 1 Celebrity Style Icon

How did you get into modelling? Adeola: I got scouted by an agency in London. I was only 13 and had absolutely no clue about anything that had to do with modelling. I modeled for about two and a half years then had to stop because my family moved from London to Nigeria. Also, I needed to finish high school. It picked up again after I got entered into the Face of Africa competition in 2005. I think its safe to say, that’s when my career really started. I started booking a lot of jobs, editorials, commercials and fashion shows.

What do you remember about Africa? Adeola: Anything at all. I live in Africa, so the constant reminder of what a beautiful continent I live in is always at the back of my mind. Its vibrancy, its people, the culture, the fashion, music!!

What are some of your favorite moments as a model? Adeola: The travelling, always! Especially when I get to travel with other models. Also, I would have to say shooting for Sports Illustrated in Seychelles and also shooting beauty campaigns for Elizabeth Arden, an iconic brand that I am the brand ambassador for.

Who are a few of your favorite designers you enjoy working with? Adeola: That’s a tough one. I love working with everyone, I’ve never really had favorites when it comes to designers. The likes of Thula Sindi, Taibo Bacar and David Tlale are some of my favorites.

Which fashion magazines, websites, blogs, and catalogs do you visit most often? Adeola: I love reading Cosmopolitan, Elle, Harpers Bazaar and Vogue. I hardly ever visit blogs, or websites. Call me a weirdo but I’m just not into them as much as I think I should be. I am really quite the tomboy at heart.

How would you describe your fashion style? Adeola: My style is very laid back. I literally go with the flow. I can go from sneakers to 6 inch heels and back again. Im like the girl next door, a pair of jeans, vest and all stars. I am not keen on jewelry. In fact I don’t own such and the little I do own I don’t wear. I think it has to do with the fact that I see myself as a blank canvas all the time when it comes to work that it has made its way into my lifestyle.

Who’s your celebrity style icon? Adeola: My style icon has to be Nigeria’s very own Eku Edewor. I love the way she puts outfits together, she’s always ready to try out new looks that a person might never think would work together. Her body basically compliments everything she wears. She is not afraid to try new things and I love that about her.

 Your best holiday moments……. Adeola: Spending time with my family away from home. It’s always refreshing whenever I’m with them and whenever we’re together in another country all we do is relax, have fun, laugh, eat and just be. It’s nice when we come together because we all don’t live together.

Favorite holiday destination? Adeola: So far, my favorite holiday destination is Mauritius. It’s extremely peaceful there, beautiful and the perfect place to relax.

Which tourist country would you love to visit next and why? Adeola: I would really love to visit Sao Tome and Principe. It’s a little island off the coast of Ghana. I have seen pictures and videos of the place and it looks just like paradise.

African or continental foods? Adeola: Both! I am a big foodie! I eat any and everything. Give me a plate of hot okra soup and pounded yam any day!

 Best beauty advice Adeola: Drink lots of water and get enough sleep. Sleep is the time your skin gets time to rejuvenate itself. Also, always wash your face before going to bed in order to allow your skin to breathe.

What is your favorite beauty product? Adeola: My favorite beauty product is a day serum by Elizabeth Arden called the Skin Illuminating Advanced Brightening Day Serum.

If you could model for one designer, who would it be? Adeola: I would love to model for BALMAIN if I ever got the opportunity. What Olivier Rousteing does for the label is absolutely amazing and I can see myself walking one of their shows.

What are your guilty pleasures? Adeola: Eating junk food at ungodly hours of the night. From chocolates, to popcorn, sometimes pasta. As long as I can get my hands on anything late at night when I know I shouldn’t. There was a time when I would make pounded yam almost every other night after 2am just because I wanted to and I knew I shouldn’t (Laughs).

What advice do you have for all aspiring models across the world? Adeola: Aspiring models should know that the industry isn’t the easiest at all. It may look it but it really takes a lot of confidence, courage and strength. It is also a hard one to break into and if they really want to do it, they need to be patient. It took me almost 6 months to book my first job after I was signed to an agency. They have to have tough skin and need to be ready for all sorts of criticism, both good and bad. Most importantly, they need to look after themselves; their skin, body and overall health. Modelling is a very demanding job.

What’s next for Adeola? Adeola: I have a couple of things I’m working on and I can’t really say yet so make sure you keep close tabs on me (Laughs).

Source : ZenMagazine