It was during the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring Summer 2012 model auditions that a vibrant African girl exuding the feline charm was a cynosure. That slender structure, boyish curls and glowering eyes made Ugochi Latoya Igwilo from Nigeria stand out. It might be her typical African features, or her confidence laden lithe thinking girl persona which renders distinctness to Ugochi infusing diversity in Indian modeling fraternity.
So fashionfad caught up with this differently appealing Nigerian girl who came to India with those starry eyes and let the world takes notice of her.
Tell us briefly about your formative years and academics.
I was born and brought up in Lagos, Nigeria. I graduated from Vivian Fowler Memorial College in Lagos itself and moved to India thereafter to study design.
What’s your take on Indian modeling industry?
There is definitely a lot of competition as there are many good-looking models. So to make your foothold you have to up your game by presenting yourself confidently.
Being from Nigeria what does it take to wend in this fair skin obsessed industry which predominantly works in cliques?
As a Nigerian model, the industry is tough but not discouraging, there are designers who want work with African models, either because the models suit the collection, to make a statement or simply for the purpose of diversity. I go for castings /auditions and do my best, and hope for the best.
Do you encounter any biases or discrimination here?
No, I do not encounter any discrimination or biases.
How is Ugochi as a person? What does she like to do when not modeling?
Ugochi is a fun-loving easy-going girl who loves to go with the flow.
When not modeling I love hanging out, meeting new people or just laying back and watching comedy shows. I just finished 4 seasons of big bang theory; I had a blast!!
What is beauty for you?
For me beauty is confidence and good carriage.
What’s your beauty and fitness regime?
For fitness I do yoga and I try to stay active during the day, for beauty I don’t do anything intense, I drink a lot of water, I try to eat healthy, to get rid of tan I use ‘dahi’ and freshly squeezed lemon juice; as this is natural.
What is your idea of an ideal date?
Candle lit dinners are great, but I rather prefer something relaxed like a fun activity perhaps, cycling in the park and a picnic afterwards.
QUICK SNIPPET ANSWERS
Favourite Food: I am non-vegetarian, but I really enjoy Rajma-Chawal.
Things you are addicted to: Éclairs and Ice-cream.
Music you love to listen: Most musical genres appeal to me. I like anything with fasts beats.
What runs on your TV: Sitcoms.
The man you find hottest: Brad Pitt.
