By Latasha Ngwube

Enado Odigie is a budding actress in Nollywood. She has starred and featured in films like, From Lagos with Love, and the critically acclaimed, Joba.

With competition in the Nigeria film industry getting fiercer every year, she constantly strives to do better and perfect her craft.

Enado is also a style star in the making. In this chat with Allure, she talks about her work and style.

What’s the one thing you would change about your industry?
Can we have some structure please?

What’s your favourite role or character in your career so far?
I have a few that I love for different reasons. Ify Pedro from the movie, From Lagos with Love, Ore in the movie Joba, and the character I’m going to play in the American drama series called Suits as Harvey Specter’s heart throb. (in my mind). A girl is allowed to dream

How would you describe your personal style in a sentence or less?
Evolving.

If you could give your 18-year-old self one piece of style advice, what would it be?
Trends will come and go. Great skin never goes out of style.

Who are your favourite Nigerian/African designers? How many of their pieces do you own?
Deola Sagoe, House of Nwocha, Tubo, Mai Atafo, Zhena woman. I own a few HON and Zhena Woman pieces.

If you could design your own fashion line, what would you call it? What would it look like?
I’m still deciding between names but, at the topmost of that list is a name that carries the names of both my parents, Rose and Michael, in honour of both their memories.

However, my line will feature contemporary styles for the African man and woman, even though we’re starting first with a female line. Our style will be fresh, colourful, bold, happy and chic. Our pieces will be designed to accentuate the body of the everyday African woman, to mask her flaws and highlight her curves. We want her to tell us who she is simply by walking into a room, with all the glory of her African beauty, and comfortable in her own Skin. Loud, Bold and Proud.

Do you have any passion besides acting?
Yes. Fashion, Beauty, Counselling. Helping others find themselves.

How would you say your style has changed since you became an actor?
In the last couple of years, as I have evolved as a person, and transitioned between careers and this has reflected in my style. Naturally, when you work in the corporate world, style can be a little restrictive and this might also reflect in your wardrobe.

However, it’s quite different in the entertainment space where there’s an abundance of inspiration and the freedom to explore whichever way I want. I’m definitely a lot more daring and more adventurous. My style is more expressive and much more reflective of my personality.
Image is so important in your industry.

Would you say you’re big on fashion? How do you decide what to wear to important events or castings?
I’m definitely big on fashion: not necessarily on trends, but definitely, on personal style. With some events, it’s easy to style yourself. In some cases, I leverage on my existing partnerships with stylists and designers. So sometimes, we can pull from a designer’s already existing collection and at other times, a fresh outfit is custom-designed for me and tailored to the event, depending on the amount of time available to prepare. For castings, more likely than not, my look is influenced by the character that I am reading for. It helps to get my head in the right space and influences my body language and my delivery.

Who are your ultimate style icons?
Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, the late Kyrzayda Rodriguez (God rest her soul), Rihanna, Sarah Jessica Parker and Rita Dominic.
Where do you like to shop for everyday clothes?
I shop from any and everywhere I find anything I fancy. Both local and international brands, from small retailers to huge chains. E.g, Fashion Nova, Miskay, Zhena Woman, Zara etc.

What is your favourite piece in your closet right now ?
My current fave is a teeny weeny, floral dress from Miskay Boutique.

What’s your favourite red carpet look you’ve worn so far?
AMVCA 2018. It’s an Emerald green dress made by Ugonna Omeruo for House of Nwocha

Has there ever been a time when you felt you had to wear something you weren’t entirely comfortable in?
Absolutely!

Heels or sneakers?
Can I say both? If not, heels.

Denim or dresses?
Dresses

Vintage or new?
New

Gele or no gele?
No gele

Lipstick or highlighter?
Lipstick