WE DELIVER NATIONWIDE
WE DELIVER NATIONWIDE
June 17, 2018
Krème Chats with Igee Okafor, Personal & Lifestyle creative writer. I was scanning through Instagram one day, and I stumbled upon an image of a man in a suit tailored to perfection, a welcoming smile, and fantastic skin. I clicked through every image, and each perfectly curated image told a story. When I got a chance to speak with Igee Okafor, our conversation was everything and more. He has been featured for his personal style on Forbes, The New York Times, Huffington Post Canada, GQ Spain, Fader Magazine, Hypebeast, Fashionista, Pause Magazine, and Topman, so I was elated when he agreed to speak with me about his skincare routine and his struggle with acne as a teenager. Thank you Igee Okafor for your advice, warmth, and for sharing.
Photo credit: Daniel D'Ottavio
Tell me about yourself and your career so far.
My name is Igee Okafor, born and raised in Nigeria. I lived there for about 13 years, though in between that time I attended boarding school in Europe. I finished high school in Virginia. I didn’t go to college straight away, because I was sort of battling with my parents, concerning my career path. I was always a performer at heart; my first passion was entertainment, but as we all know it’s a little difficult when you are competing with people who have essentially been performing for years. I thankfully found comfort through telling my story as a creative writer. I started writing for magazines, and then my mum urged me to start my own website. She said “I am going to pay for this website. Here is the money. You have three days to put content up” and the rest is history.
It’s been four years in the making. I have learnt so much about patience, being a leader, being disciplined, dealing with people. I believe this is the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I owe it all to my mother and everyone kind enough to support me.
Should skincare/grooming be important to men?
Absolutely, I believe all men should care about how they present themselves. Your appearance says a lot about you. It’s one of the few ways we can make a first impression, if you look good, you are unstoppable and you never know what opportunities it might present you.
Have you ever had problem skin?
Yes, I had. When I graduated high school, I started breaking out. I had cystic acne, and it was uncomfortable. I remember my mum telling me “it’s just puberty, it will go away”. Eventually, when she noticed that it was something that I was insecure about, she took me to a dermatologist. They put me on medication for 6 months. While on the medication, my skin was extremely dry and I couldn’t do much to help it. After the 6 months, my skin became better and I was glad I followed the dermatologist’s prescription. Since then, I started taking better care of my skin, from the inside out, and I do everything to maintain healthy skin.
Right now, I make sure I eat appropriately, moisturize, and drink water, so it’s not too bad.
You have great skin, what kind of products do you use for your skincare on a regular basis?
I like anything that hydrates my skin. My skincare is really simple; pretty dedicated to LAB series skincare, so I love using hydrating serums, moisturizer and eye creams. At least once a week, I use a treatment mask, but in general I believe less is more, and the more you use it can be detrimental to your skin.
Do you use SPF?
Honestly, it’s something I have to work on daily. I just received Ryan Seacrest skincare line, and the moisturizer has SPF, so looking forward to trying that.
Do you think men feel comfortable talking about their skincare regimen?
I feel that conversation is fine to have now. We have moved into a time when everything is accessible to everyone, and everyone feels powerful enough to really tap into confronting how we live our lives.
How long does it take you to get ready for the day?
(Laughs) Generally, no longer than 30 minutes on an average day.
How do you feel when you are dressed for the day?
I feel like a super hero; I am not even kidding (Laughs). It’s like when I know I look great, nothing can stop me. I can conquer the world and I know I will have the best day/night ever
What's your wardrobe MVP?
I love suits (laughs). Suits emphasize my height, my shoulders, and I think it’s one of the things that brings out my masculinity, which I enjoy as well.
One piece you're buying for spring/summer to update your look…
If I could wear everything that I want from Gucci, that would be great (laughs); like Cuban collared shirt, suiting, loafers…. you know there’s a lot I would like this spring/summer.
What would you never wear?
Never say Never (laughs), but I think anything scruffy looking or ill-fitting; it’s just not my style.
Are there certain types of looks that photograph best?
I think everything works as long as it is authentic to you. I believe variety should be celebrated, so everything works.
Up and coming designers you are excited about
David Hart. I am not sure I would consider him up and coming; he designs in New York city. He has shown at men’s fashion week for a while, and I still don’t feel he has gotten the recognition that he deserves.
If you had an extra hour in a day what would you do?
I would go somewhere and dance. Dance! Dance! Dance!
Moving to Social media
How to create a great looking feed?
I try to tell a story with my pictures, and I switch up the editing with the change of seasons because I prefer telling my story by the seasons. Generally, I do my best to create high quality images. I like to take pictures using a camera, making sure that all my images are well thought out and photographed in an aesthetic that showcases what I am about, and what my brand represents,
I grew up reading magazines and style books, and I aspired to be part of those images, and now I have the opportunity to create images that hopefully people are inspired by.
Finally make sure your feed is clean and always do you; make sure your vision is coming through and I believe you will create a great feed
Beauty is ....
Is in the eye of the beholder.
One reason to love the skin we are in
Because you are stuck with it! Honestly your skin is one of the special things life gives you. Everyone has their community and your job is to inspire the people who are like you, and who will come after you. Once you accept yourself, you’re able to accept people who look like you, and who don’t look like you .
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