Nollywood actor, IK Ogbonna is not just an actor with style, but he is also a model with a personality that defines his outfits rather than the outfits defining him.
What’s fashion to you?
Fashion is a statement. Fashion is the exhibition of how comfortable you are inside.
So how would you describe your style?
Adventurous. Some days I want to be simple, but at the end of the day, I am adventurous. I always want to have something on me that will stand me out from the rest of the crowd.
What fashion secret do you employ to stand out?
I am always clean shaven, because clothes don’t make you, but you make the clothes. The way you carry what you’re wearing is important. You can look good, yet you smell terrible, that’s awful. So I take care of my hygiene very well. I have to feel very good so that when people approach me, they’re impressed with what they see and perceive.
So who’s your fashion and style icon?
In Nigeria, I look upto RMD. I mean, he just came out from hiding and took over the scene. At a point when I was feeling fly, RMD came out from nowhere to just tell me; “calm down!” RMD is the best-dressed celebrity in Africa. While international it used to be David Beckham, but of late he is incredibly straightforward and scared of taking risk, maybe his age. Kanye West has lost his game, so all the people I look up to, they’re all losing their game, and hence I am left with RMD.
Considering how busy you are, how do you have time to think of what to wear?
I don’t think of what to wear. I create my style in seconds. It starts with what I want to wear. Like I start with the shoe and dress up, or it starts with a particular shirt, and I use that shirt and create every other thing. Sometimes it’s a special glass I want to rock, and the item decides the rest pieces that come together to give me a unique look.
How would you describe your eating habit?
Terrible! I eat very slowly, I have no respect for food, I can eat anywhere, and if you give me now, I’ll eat it (laughs). I have a terrible eating habit. I can’t say no to food. I’m a “foodaholic”.
Do you exercise?
Well, I haven’t worked out in about two years, which is why I haven’t been posting topless pictures on social media (laughs), but I’m going to be hitting the gym soon, as there’s a movie coming out and I’m going to be acting topless throughout.
So how do you relax?
I only rest when I see my family because I’m always on the road, so the little time I spend with my family is my relaxation time. When I’m working my mind is always with them, so when I’m with them, I’m relaxed.
Where’s your ideal vacation spot?
If it’s Nigeria, I’ll pick Lacapan Tropicana in Epe area. In Africa, I’ll choose Zanzibar or Capetown. And there’s this place I just discovered; I’ll be filming there in two months, it’s called Chobe in Uganda, I saw the pictures, it’s wonderful. Globally, give me 30 billion in my account, and I’ll chill in the sky. (laughs)
How has your style helped your brand as an actor?
The truth of the matter is, I’ll always say that one cannot speak for himself because you only see things from your perspective, and you don’t know what will push your brand forward. I mean I have comments on my page of people coming to say ‘I love your style’. There are others who come up to say ‘I love your acting’, while others say ‘I love the way you treat your wife’. There are some people who come to say ‘I love your yellow’ (laughs) some love my tattoo. So people come for different reasons, but everyone loves a good looking guy, so I think it has added a bit to it.
What are you passionate about in life?
Love. I love ‘Love’, and I love seeing people in love.
What’s your watchword in life?
Put God first, and everything follows.
Life Rule, fashion rule, skin care rule?
For life; Learn to separate the different departments of life and create balance. For fashion; If you make it happen with different colours, stay simple and choose black. For skin care; shower regularly, three times a day, if possible. Work on your breathe if it’s bad and smell nice.
