Swanky Jerry shares his fashion journey
Nigerian celebrity stylist has styled the likes of Wizkid, D’banj and AKA, writes Helen Herimbi
I had the most amazing upbringing. I remember how my uncle just started calling me “swanky the fashion designer” just randomly. Maybe it’s because I would always take my time to plan my outfit. It didn’t matter whether I was going to church or attending a friend’s birthday. I would also always tell everyone in the house what to wear. You’ve styled everyone from D’banj to AKA. Who was your first well-known client?
I launched my line Swanky Signatures Styling in July 2012 and in August I got my first client. It was music star Davido, who contacted me to style his music video in New York – it was an epic experience for me. What was the vision behind starting Swanky Signatures Styling?
The vision was to take African fashion and style to next level. A new age fashion. I wanted to express myself and how I feel without saying a word. That’s fashion. What have been your career highlights so far?
The list is endless. From styling Wizkid for a Pepsi campaign shoot to styling Davido for another Pepsi campaign shoot. I have also styled countless Ice Prince music videos, countless D’banj videos. I have even styled Amber Rose, AKA and over 15 artists for an Etisalat campaign. I have been involved with styling on movie sets, red carpets and my favourite was working with the number one citizen of Nigeria, our president. What are the similarities and differences between the South African and Nigerian fashion scenes?
We are not far from each other. We are evolving and we are taking Africa to the next level. I think as Africans we are on a mission to set the pace with African fashion. Both scenes work with almost the same fabrics, cuts and designs. There aren’t that many differences, but I love that South Africa is so courageous when it comes to fashion. To be bold can’t be underestimated. You styled Flavour for the
launch. Why did you choose to put him in David Tlale designs?
David Tlale designs give me life! I love all his designs; they are amazing, the fit is always perfect and he commands so much authority. Flavour has no limitations when it comes to fashion, which is the same as Tlale and myself. So he was just the perfect one for my client. Aside from David Tlale, who are the other African designers we should look out for?
Deola Sagoe from Nigeria is a legend in the African fashion scene. Mai Atafo, who is also from Nigeria, gives me life with his bespoke designs and bridal collections. He thinks outside the box and he’s a legend in the bespoke world in Africa. What did winning fashion stylist of the year at the 2014 Lagos Fashion Awards
It was my first award ever and I almost passed out at the event. Now I have over 25 fashion awards. I felt so honoured to be recognised for my work and I was only just starting. And that took my motivation to the next level. I have won fashion stylist of year every year since the launch of Swanky’s Signatures Styling. The other awards I have won include: fashion icon of the year, fashion entrepreneur of the year, style icon of the year, youth fashion icon of the year, fashion influencer of the year, just to mention a few. What does 2017 have in store for Swanky Jerry?
This year has no limitations for me. I’m all about giving back to society, so I will be mentoring the youth this year. It’s one thing to style a man and another thing to style a woman. I do both perfectly. So just watch me closely this year.
There aren’t that many differences but I love that South Africa is so courageous when it comes to fashion. To be bold can’t be underestimated
DUMISANI SIBEKO