Personal Style- Elohor Asien: Model Scout/Manager

Elohor as she is known by many is an ex model who came into the limelight after winning the Miss Nigeria United Kingdom pageant in 2001, she now works as a model/manager and scout and runs a high-brow modelling agency called Beth Model Management.

On completion of her studies in Business and Information Technology from the Metropolitan University London in the UK she returned to Nigeria and started the business of identifying and grooming aspiring models. Elohor has always been intrigued by the world of fashion, according to her “I have always loved fashion and everything about fashion. I started modeling when I was 17 years old while doing my A’ levels and from the first day I did my first show I fell in love with fashion/modeling.  When I moved back home in 2005 I decided to set up my modeling agency”.

In 2007, Beth Model Management clinched the franchise rights to be the representative of Elite Modelling Agency and the yearly Elite Model Look Competition in Nigeria. Elite is one of the prestigious agencies in the world that does a yearly scout for models in over 50 countries with the help of 37 scouting agencies worldwide.

The search gives hope to young girls everywhere the dream of becoming a successful model. The winner from Nigeria takes part in a worldwide competition with about 80 other girls from around the world.

She’s worked with every major player in the Nigerian fashion industry including designers such as Deola Sagoe, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Momo Couture, Tiffany Amber and Jewel by Lisa, as well as with big telecommunication companies such as MTN, Glo, Starcoms and Multi links.

Elohor and her models have also been featured in various magazines including Thisday Style, Genevieve, Pop Africana, Elan, Wow, OnoBello.com and Stylehousefiles.com.

Elohor in this interview lets us in on her personal style, her love for Fashion in clothes, shoes and handbags.

OB: What does the job of a model scout/manager entail?

EA: I'm responsible for discovering new talent. I travel all over the country scouting for new faces every year.I identify people with unique/ valuable talents and help them start a career in modeling.

OB: What is a typical work day for you?

EA: I arrive at the office 9am everyday, check my emails and sends out ‘comcards’ to clients. The rest of the day is filled with arranging castings for models with clients, advertising agencies and photographers and negotiating fees.

OB: Since you have been working in as a model scout/manager, what is the biggest shift you’ve seen in the fashion world regarding your sector?

EA: The biggest shift I have noticed is the higher demand of models from ethnic minorities.

OB: How fashion has gone from being a niche subject to something everyone wants to be part of?

EA: A lot of people are drawn to the fashion industry because of the hype that surrounds the industry.

OB: What is your favourite outfit that you have right now?

EA: My Alexander McQueen dress that I got two yrs ago but I have never worn it. Looking for the right occasion to wear it and a blue blazer I got recently from Zara.

OB: If you could hire any fashion designer to create a whole wardrobe for you who would it be and why?

EA: I would hire Robeto Cavalli, Alexander McQueen and Hervé Léger. I love their uniqueness.

OB: What are your top five essential clothing staples?

EA: A pair of jeans, shoes, a blazer, a little black dress and leggings.

OB: Is there any person or character who’s style you really admire?

EA: Right now I am loving Victoria Beckham and Blake Lively. They are always on point.

OB: Is there a certain city or country you think has great style?

EA: Paris,New York and Capri are my top cities for fashion.

OB: Which colours/patterns do you love to wear the most?

EA: I like classic colours. White,blue and black are my favourites.

OB: Any trends you wish were never created?

EA: Harem pants because they always look funny and Turbans because I don’t think women should cover their hair.

OB: What do you think are the best trends ever?

EA: Blazers and skinny jeans.

OB: Do you have any clothing goals right now?

EA: I am currently saving up for a Victoria Beckham dress and a Balmin Wool military jacket.

OB: Which clothes from what decade or era do you think should make a comeback?

EA: 1960s style dresses.

OB: What is your first stylish purchase?

EA: I think it was a Burberry bag and a blazer from Zara

OB: The biggest style mistake women make, what advise do you have for them?

EA: Wearing the wrong bra and buying clothes that don't fit right.

OB: What tips do you have for any aspiring model?

EA: Aspiring models should make sure they go to school and get a degree. If they fit in the modeling industry, they should absolutely submit themselves. People are born for different things. If you have the right natural gifts then modeling can be a promising career.

1. Cross-section of designer shoes
2. Black peep-toe by Christian Dior pumps
3. Black leather Hermes Birkin handbag
4. Orange leather Hermes Birkin handbag
5. Cross-section of designer handbags- Hermes Birkin, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton and Prada
6. Handbags- Alexander McQueen, Christian Louboutin and Prada
7. Black dress with zip detail by Gucci
8. Red bondage dress by Reiss
9. Grey blazer by Echo Party
10. Black sequin jacket by Monsoon
11. Purple dress by French Connection
12. Ankara print and sequin mix top by Oreva
13. Blue wrap shirt by Nara Camicie
14. Purple silk dress with embellished sleeves by Phase 8
15. Pink embellished tunic top by Monsoon Fusion
16. Black blazer by Zara
17. Beige cape coat by Massimo Dutti
18. Tailored vest by Ted Baker
19. Black sheer rouged dress by Roberto Cavalli
20. Blue blazer by Zara
21. Check trousers by Zara
22. Black wide-leg trousers by Zara
23. Black wide-leg trouser by Roberto Cavalli

For more information, visit:

http://www.elitemodellooknigeria.com/

Photo Credits

Bashir Sadiku

Genevieve magazine cover courtesy Elohor