Jennifer Obayuwana‘s high-octane style is a force to be reckoned with! As the Executive Director at one of Nigeria’s leading luxury groups, Polo Limited, her jobs leads to frequent trips to the fashion capitals of the world where she sources classic and in trend pieces from Gucci, Valentino, Alexandre McQueen, Jimmy Choo, Tory Burch am0ng others to match her taste and for the elite group in Nigeria.
In a recent interview with ELLE SA‘s Dimeji Alara, Jennifer admits she loves calling herself the “underboss”, although heavily inspired by très chic mother, she has been trained to be a luxury connoisseur by her father.
Jennifer has a good eye for the classics, little wonder Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of Qatar is one of the few with a sense of style she can approve. According to her “First of all, she is one of my mentors because of her extensive work in education and social reforms in her region. She epitomises the very essence of nobility. Her sense of style is glamorous and sophisticated. She combines local tailoring from flowing robes to abayas and turbans promoting her culture with high-end international brands.”
Whether she’s touring, or making a casual trip through Lagos in a Fendi-to-toe look, @feeljeni has proven her style is always ahead of the curve.
Read the excerpts of her recent interview with ELLE SA below:
What’s a typical day like for you?
I start each day reciting my mantras and my daily affirmations. I read a lecture from the Grail Message. I call my boss and give him a report of the previous day and then either take a swim to power up before work or hit the gym. Then its departmental meetings for the first part of the morning and client visits or sales pitches. I enjoy cold calling, it gives me the thrill to be able to visit potential clients and start an encounter. I close at about 8 pm and then meet with a mentor or a friend or just go home read a book and sleep.
What determines what you wear each day?
The uniform in the watch and jewellery industry is a business suit so this guides my workwear. In addition, we have a strict dress code at Polo, which promotes decency and professionalism and we are big proponents of “you are addressed the way you dress”.
How would you describe your style?
My style cannot be phrased in one word. It is ever evolving, and I am always willing to experiment. It is sometimes Avant Garde but always very feminine. In every case, I do not follow trends.
Where are the best places to shop for local brands in Lagos?
Temple Muse and Grey Velvet have a great selection of African local fashion designers. Balogun Market located in the centre of the financial district is a treasure trove but be sure to haggle.
The best restaurants and places to hang out in Lagos?
The Harvest is a new spot in Lekki and is great for millennials and a hip clientele, the Wakanda pizza is delicious and so is the seafood pasta. Browns cafe in Victoria Island and 100 hours in Ikoyi serves authentic African cuisine. Miliki is an exclusive lounge in the heart of Victoria Island supporting contemporary creativity through curated events introducing poets, writers, and musicians to its audience.
Read the full interview on www.elle.co.za
Instagram: @Feeljeni