The world of fashion is vast, many of us who live in America are mostly inundated by related events, fashion shows and media that only pertain to North America. In this article, international model Joy Kingsley-Ibeh will share with you her candid views on fashion and modeling covering four continents.
by Rodney W. Branche
Copa: Where are you originally from Joy?
Joy: I was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, in Imo State. I'm from the Igbo tribe.
Copa: Where are you originally from Joy?
Joy: I was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, in Imo State. I'm from the Igbo tribe.
Copa: When and where were you introduced to the wonderful world of fashion modeling?
Joy: Well, I was introduced to fashion as a child simply by watching my mother and father. They were always stylish in the classic sense, well put together, and usually slightly overdressed for every occasion. That's when I first learned that "you can never be overdressed, but you certainly can be under dressed". I remember my father was always wearing perfectly tailored suits, and my mother interchanged her looks between traditional Nigerian attire and Western looks and sometime she would infuse the two styles.
It wasn't until my family moved to the U.S. in the late 80's that I started to really pay attention to the world of supermodels and high fashion. My childhood was that moment in time when the term "Supermodel" became prominent and there was a true difference between being a model and being a supermodel. Naomi Campbell, Paulina Porizkova, Cindy Crawford, Iman, Linda Evangelist, and Christy Turlington were the "It Girls" and I was in love with them! And in the 90's George Michael introduced me to just how important music is to the fashion industry when I saw his video "Freedom" featuring ALL my favorite models. It was sexy, edgy, beautiful, funky, raw, stylish...it was fashion! I was sold, and from that moment on, fashion and music became the loves of my life!
Joy: Well, I was introduced to fashion as a child simply by watching my mother and father. They were always stylish in the classic sense, well put together, and usually slightly overdressed for every occasion. That's when I first learned that "you can never be overdressed, but you certainly can be under dressed". I remember my father was always wearing perfectly tailored suits, and my mother interchanged her looks between traditional Nigerian attire and Western looks and sometime she would infuse the two styles.
It wasn't until my family moved to the U.S. in the late 80's that I started to really pay attention to the world of supermodels and high fashion. My childhood was that moment in time when the term "Supermodel" became prominent and there was a true difference between being a model and being a supermodel. Naomi Campbell, Paulina Porizkova, Cindy Crawford, Iman, Linda Evangelist, and Christy Turlington were the "It Girls" and I was in love with them! And in the 90's George Michael introduced me to just how important music is to the fashion industry when I saw his video "Freedom" featuring ALL my favorite models. It was sexy, edgy, beautiful, funky, raw, stylish...it was fashion! I was sold, and from that moment on, fashion and music became the loves of my life!
Photo Credit: Monica True Photgraphy
Copa: What is your opinion on the state of today's fashion industry?
Joy: Evolving, the fashion industry is always evolving, reinventing and recycling itself. I feel like fashion is transcending all age groups now, from the very young to the old. More than ever you see women in the late 40's and up dressing the part and maintaining a stylish age appropriate look that's in line with today's trends. I have watched my nieces who range from 3, 7, 9 and 21 fall in love with fashion and create their own style trends and patterns. They are heavily influenced by the media and their friends, but they use their influences and think outside the box. They are more creative and freer than I think my generation was. And with that freedom comes exploration of wild and imaginative designs...I'm curious to see what style trends of their generation will produce. I think fashion is cyclical, and if you are lucky enough, you will see old trends re-emerge that you still may have hanging in that closet. I know I recycled quite a few looks in my day.
Joy: Evolving, the fashion industry is always evolving, reinventing and recycling itself. I feel like fashion is transcending all age groups now, from the very young to the old. More than ever you see women in the late 40's and up dressing the part and maintaining a stylish age appropriate look that's in line with today's trends. I have watched my nieces who range from 3, 7, 9 and 21 fall in love with fashion and create their own style trends and patterns. They are heavily influenced by the media and their friends, but they use their influences and think outside the box. They are more creative and freer than I think my generation was. And with that freedom comes exploration of wild and imaginative designs...I'm curious to see what style trends of their generation will produce. I think fashion is cyclical, and if you are lucky enough, you will see old trends re-emerge that you still may have hanging in that closet. I know I recycled quite a few looks in my day.
Photo credit: Monica True Photography
Copa: In your experience living and working in various countries, are there many differences in the way they perceive and express their fashion?
Joy: As I compare the fashion expression in the various countries I've lived in (Nigeria, London, Holland, New York) as well as the European countries I've visited France (of course Paris), Germany, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Croatia and over to Brazil), what I've learned is that people are people, and everyone has a desire to express their personalities though fashion. One's lifestyle and life experiences have a lot to do with their fashion choices. Designers are influenced by their upbringing, culture and lifestyle. Some of my favorite European designer use their life experiences as a direct inspiration for their collections based on a sense of need in the market place; Dolce & Gabanna (whom I've been following since 1985 when they launched their first women's collection), Givenchy, and Coco Chanel (who is my style icon an popularized a more casual and less constricting silhouette in the 1920's, as well as the timeless LBD), Coco Chanel's designs allowed women to be free, comfortable and sporty. It was a niche that needed to be filled at that time, and something that the everyday woman was naturally drawn to.
Joy: As I compare the fashion expression in the various countries I've lived in (Nigeria, London, Holland, New York) as well as the European countries I've visited France (of course Paris), Germany, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Croatia and over to Brazil), what I've learned is that people are people, and everyone has a desire to express their personalities though fashion. One's lifestyle and life experiences have a lot to do with their fashion choices. Designers are influenced by their upbringing, culture and lifestyle. Some of my favorite European designer use their life experiences as a direct inspiration for their collections based on a sense of need in the market place; Dolce & Gabanna (whom I've been following since 1985 when they launched their first women's collection), Givenchy, and Coco Chanel (who is my style icon an popularized a more casual and less constricting silhouette in the 1920's, as well as the timeless LBD), Coco Chanel's designs allowed women to be free, comfortable and sporty. It was a niche that needed to be filled at that time, and something that the everyday woman was naturally drawn to.
Photo credit: J. Marcus Photography
Copa: What do you think are the biggest differences in fashion shows in America, Europe and Africa?
Joy: I wouldn't necessarily say there are big differences in the shows in these areas because everyone's goal is to produce an amazing fashion show. But I would say there are many things that are similar. Each country shows their cultural pride though their fashion. In Africa, it's bold bright beautiful colors and patterns. The fitted styles are created to showcase the beautiful curves of the African woman. America is deemed the "Melting Pot", and it's fashion reflects that by merging together all the different cultural looks from the United Kingdom, to Europe, Africa, Asia and so on. The difference I notice comes in the production and behind the scene processes. Some countries tend to be better organized, and a lot of thought and effort goes into the creative as well as the presentation process. The music is always reflective of the countries, and there you can also see how the world of music and fashion merge...you can't have one without the other! I find more African/American models in shows in Europe and Africa where there is a bigger market for black models. When you look at the big runway shows by top designers in America, you still find a shortage of black models gracing the runway, which is still a barrier that a lot of black models face today.
Joy: I wouldn't necessarily say there are big differences in the shows in these areas because everyone's goal is to produce an amazing fashion show. But I would say there are many things that are similar. Each country shows their cultural pride though their fashion. In Africa, it's bold bright beautiful colors and patterns. The fitted styles are created to showcase the beautiful curves of the African woman. America is deemed the "Melting Pot", and it's fashion reflects that by merging together all the different cultural looks from the United Kingdom, to Europe, Africa, Asia and so on. The difference I notice comes in the production and behind the scene processes. Some countries tend to be better organized, and a lot of thought and effort goes into the creative as well as the presentation process. The music is always reflective of the countries, and there you can also see how the world of music and fashion merge...you can't have one without the other! I find more African/American models in shows in Europe and Africa where there is a bigger market for black models. When you look at the big runway shows by top designers in America, you still find a shortage of black models gracing the runway, which is still a barrier that a lot of black models face today.
Photo credit: Trevor Kingsley-Ibeh
Copa: Would you please share with our readers some exciting experiences while modeling and undergoing fashion shoots in New York?
Joy: New York is always an exciting experience, but often times you don't classify it as exciting until way after the fact when you tell the story to your friends, because in the moment you are probably pissed, tired and annoyed. Some of the obstacles you face in NYC are the uncontrollable elements from public transit, people rushing along that don't care that you are running late fo a "go-see", shoot or fashion show, unfamiliar addresses, cabs, and mass model competition...these all add to some exciting experiences.
My first major runway malfunction was quite an experience. Although it didn't happen in New York, it's pretty funny. It's 2012, Inauguration time in Washington, DC, and I have a few fashion shows lined up. I'm excited to walk for Designer Korto Momolu in her first Inaugural Ball Fashion Show, hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus and WHUR. It's the usual fashion show schedule, a lot of hurry, hurry wait, wait. We are all set to go, I'm wearing two looks for Korto. My first look is a beautiful top and skirt, and the second is a beautiful yellow gown that I've named "The Yellow Stunner!" The dress has a slanted keyhole opening that lies in between my chest. Let's just say I should have had double sided tape on hand, but no one had any. It's show time!! It's finally time for the "Yellow Stunner", and of course I feel fabulous and I'm ready to do my thing on the runway. I get on the runway, and as I'm walking in full confidence, I notice the crowd getting a little rowdier. I notice men standing with cameras up, and lots of people taking pictures and applauding. I think to myself "I know the gown is fierce, but folks are a little too excited". I started to notice women with a nervous look on their faces and I finally lock eyes with a friend of mine in the crowd, and she motions to me to look at my chest. So down I look, and bam...my left breast is out for the whole world to see. I clutch my chest, cover myself , and for a split second, laughed out loud in embarrassment at the end of the runway as I tried to figure out what to do next. I did what any seasoned model would do...I took a bow, posed and kept on walking. I finished showing off the gown, and made my exit. When we flooded, I proudly gave my best Miss America wave to the crowd, who embraced me for having the courage to continue and own the mishap. I love that story now because it taught me how to turn a bad moment into something good. Moral of the story, don't be afraid to laugh and show a vulnerable side...it's all in how you finish, not how you start!!
Joy: New York is always an exciting experience, but often times you don't classify it as exciting until way after the fact when you tell the story to your friends, because in the moment you are probably pissed, tired and annoyed. Some of the obstacles you face in NYC are the uncontrollable elements from public transit, people rushing along that don't care that you are running late fo a "go-see", shoot or fashion show, unfamiliar addresses, cabs, and mass model competition...these all add to some exciting experiences.
My first major runway malfunction was quite an experience. Although it didn't happen in New York, it's pretty funny. It's 2012, Inauguration time in Washington, DC, and I have a few fashion shows lined up. I'm excited to walk for Designer Korto Momolu in her first Inaugural Ball Fashion Show, hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus and WHUR. It's the usual fashion show schedule, a lot of hurry, hurry wait, wait. We are all set to go, I'm wearing two looks for Korto. My first look is a beautiful top and skirt, and the second is a beautiful yellow gown that I've named "The Yellow Stunner!" The dress has a slanted keyhole opening that lies in between my chest. Let's just say I should have had double sided tape on hand, but no one had any. It's show time!! It's finally time for the "Yellow Stunner", and of course I feel fabulous and I'm ready to do my thing on the runway. I get on the runway, and as I'm walking in full confidence, I notice the crowd getting a little rowdier. I notice men standing with cameras up, and lots of people taking pictures and applauding. I think to myself "I know the gown is fierce, but folks are a little too excited". I started to notice women with a nervous look on their faces and I finally lock eyes with a friend of mine in the crowd, and she motions to me to look at my chest. So down I look, and bam...my left breast is out for the whole world to see. I clutch my chest, cover myself , and for a split second, laughed out loud in embarrassment at the end of the runway as I tried to figure out what to do next. I did what any seasoned model would do...I took a bow, posed and kept on walking. I finished showing off the gown, and made my exit. When we flooded, I proudly gave my best Miss America wave to the crowd, who embraced me for having the courage to continue and own the mishap. I love that story now because it taught me how to turn a bad moment into something good. Moral of the story, don't be afraid to laugh and show a vulnerable side...it's all in how you finish, not how you start!!
Family photo
Copa: Tell us all about Lovejoy.
Joy: Lovejoy Image is a styling and wardrobe consulting business created from my personal experiences and connection with women. I'm a people person, and I have so many friends from so many different avenues of my life. I haven't always been in the fashion industry, and my life took on so many different twists and turns before finding it's own way to fashion. I was a tomboy growing up, earning a full volleyball scholarship to George Mason University, and played professional volleyball in Holland. I've been a Realtor, a top sales person in an IT company, a sales manager for a high end fur department store, a varsity high school volleyball coach, and so much more. By having those various experiences, I've been able to meet women of so many different backgrounds and one theme remained the same...lack of confidence. Women who were married with children had tendency of putting themselves last in every aspect of their lives. Most of the friends I had know since high school or college went from being these beautiful women that cared about their appearances to women who had no time or energy to take care of themselves. I had quite a few friends ask me to help them regain their confidence and image and help take the pressure of finding time to shop out of their hands. I would go shopping for them and help them pick out new looks and style them. What I saw was a miracle in the change in their personal view in themselves. That's when I realized how important a women's image is to her mental outlook of herself. That was how I coined my tagline "fall in love with you again", because that's what these women were doing. My business soon expanded to not only styling stay at home or working moms, but to styling the everyday business women, atheletes (because I could relate to the plight of the tall, long armed, long legged athlete, with broad shoulders who had a hard time finding fashionable styles to fit their unique shapes), to models, musicians, and men. I'm fortunate to do what I love to do and help people love themselves as I do it.
Joy: Lovejoy Image is a styling and wardrobe consulting business created from my personal experiences and connection with women. I'm a people person, and I have so many friends from so many different avenues of my life. I haven't always been in the fashion industry, and my life took on so many different twists and turns before finding it's own way to fashion. I was a tomboy growing up, earning a full volleyball scholarship to George Mason University, and played professional volleyball in Holland. I've been a Realtor, a top sales person in an IT company, a sales manager for a high end fur department store, a varsity high school volleyball coach, and so much more. By having those various experiences, I've been able to meet women of so many different backgrounds and one theme remained the same...lack of confidence. Women who were married with children had tendency of putting themselves last in every aspect of their lives. Most of the friends I had know since high school or college went from being these beautiful women that cared about their appearances to women who had no time or energy to take care of themselves. I had quite a few friends ask me to help them regain their confidence and image and help take the pressure of finding time to shop out of their hands. I would go shopping for them and help them pick out new looks and style them. What I saw was a miracle in the change in their personal view in themselves. That's when I realized how important a women's image is to her mental outlook of herself. That was how I coined my tagline "fall in love with you again", because that's what these women were doing. My business soon expanded to not only styling stay at home or working moms, but to styling the everyday business women, atheletes (because I could relate to the plight of the tall, long armed, long legged athlete, with broad shoulders who had a hard time finding fashionable styles to fit their unique shapes), to models, musicians, and men. I'm fortunate to do what I love to do and help people love themselves as I do it.
Copa: How would you describe your personal fashion and style?
Joy: As an African woman who has lived abroad, and raised in America, my style is made up of so many different influences. My favorite style era is the 1920's, so I like to add small touches of the 20's to my look, but I like to think of myself as a chameleon. One day it's punk rock, another day it's African enfluenced, or another day it's a business professional look with a modern edgy twist to it. I'm a model so I'm able to change my look in photo shoots, and I love that I can change my look in my everyday life. My goal is for the viewer to not know what to expect when I step on the scene, and if you meet me for the first time, I want the only thought to be "she is wearing that look!" My style is comfort based, because when I was a kid my mother harped in my head "if you have to pull and tug, you shouldn't be wearing it!" I don't like to box myself into any particular trend, but all my styles say "Joy!" I wear what I love, and my goal is to look good for me...If I feel and look good, others will see it too!
Joy: As an African woman who has lived abroad, and raised in America, my style is made up of so many different influences. My favorite style era is the 1920's, so I like to add small touches of the 20's to my look, but I like to think of myself as a chameleon. One day it's punk rock, another day it's African enfluenced, or another day it's a business professional look with a modern edgy twist to it. I'm a model so I'm able to change my look in photo shoots, and I love that I can change my look in my everyday life. My goal is for the viewer to not know what to expect when I step on the scene, and if you meet me for the first time, I want the only thought to be "she is wearing that look!" My style is comfort based, because when I was a kid my mother harped in my head "if you have to pull and tug, you shouldn't be wearing it!" I don't like to box myself into any particular trend, but all my styles say "Joy!" I wear what I love, and my goal is to look good for me...If I feel and look good, others will see it too!
Photo credit: Edgar Artiga
Photo Credit: Robert Photo-Rob Arnold
Fashion for a Purpose Fashion Show
Copa: What does the future hold for Joy Kingsley-Ibeh
Joy: The future holds endless possibilities because I'm a woman who to takes risks, and when opportunity knocks I take it. I believe you have to be ready and always be on your "A" game (the competitive athlete in me) or you may miss the ride. The biggest thing I want in my future is to be happy doing what I love. I want to pass along the lessons and knowledge I've learned from my travels and within the fashion industry to bring a sense of style, confidence and love to women all over who seek to make changes towards a happier, healthier confident and more stylish lifestyle. I believe a woman can and should be beautiful and sexy at any age or at any stage of her life. And I also believe that if you work hard enough, your wildest dreams can come true.
Be on the lookout for some fabulous styling collaborations between Lovejoy Image and some top industry photographers and models. I will continue working on my TV hosting gigs interviewing designers, musicians, models, and other professionals in the industry. Of course there will be some fashion show productions in the works, and I will continue to encourage women to be healthy, fit, confident, strong and passionate about their hearts desires. A few surprises are in store that I can't speak of at the moment, so you'll have to wait and see!
And the words of my style icon, "Fashion fades, only style remains the same" ~ Coco Chanel
For more information regarding Lovejoy Image: http://www.lovejoyimage.com
~Copa
Joy: The future holds endless possibilities because I'm a woman who to takes risks, and when opportunity knocks I take it. I believe you have to be ready and always be on your "A" game (the competitive athlete in me) or you may miss the ride. The biggest thing I want in my future is to be happy doing what I love. I want to pass along the lessons and knowledge I've learned from my travels and within the fashion industry to bring a sense of style, confidence and love to women all over who seek to make changes towards a happier, healthier confident and more stylish lifestyle. I believe a woman can and should be beautiful and sexy at any age or at any stage of her life. And I also believe that if you work hard enough, your wildest dreams can come true.
Be on the lookout for some fabulous styling collaborations between Lovejoy Image and some top industry photographers and models. I will continue working on my TV hosting gigs interviewing designers, musicians, models, and other professionals in the industry. Of course there will be some fashion show productions in the works, and I will continue to encourage women to be healthy, fit, confident, strong and passionate about their hearts desires. A few surprises are in store that I can't speak of at the moment, so you'll have to wait and see!
And the words of my style icon, "Fashion fades, only style remains the same" ~ Coco Chanel
For more information regarding Lovejoy Image: http://www.lovejoyimage.com
~Copa