Showstopper
Jessica Nkosi talks fashion, icons and women empowerment
For a small town girl from KZN, Jessica Nkosi has made a big name for herself across SA: she’s had lead roles in Mzanzi Magic’s hit dramas isibaya and Ayeye, extended her talents to presenting Our Perfect Wedding and hosting high profile events, and appears in global beauty campaigns for Clinique.
We couldn’t resist the chance to find out her style and life rules.
Who are your style icons? Jennifer Lopez We have the same body type, and she is unpredictable but always ladylike and classy, even when she shows a lot of skin. Victoria Beckham I love her boldness, and how she found her identity through clothes and designing. Kefilwe Mabote She’s just super stylish and chic.
Who are your favourite fashion designers? Tuelo Nguyuza, of TN Collectiv, is always fun to be around. He always accommodates my crazy fashion ideas. But it’s his passion for fashion that I adore most. Nhlanhla Nciza and her team at NN Vintage go the extra mile, pay attention to detail, and are incredibly relevant and professional. Zarth Designs speaks to my feminine side with elegant creations. And the owner and head designer, Zama Mathe, and her team transform me into Princess Jessica, which is always fun.
What’s one fashion tip every stylish woman should know? Go with what makes you comfortable, as it’s all about confidence.
What are your favourite items in your closet? A white floor-length skirt, lightwash jeans and all my shoes!
What’s your biggest style fail? I’d love to believe I haven’t had one. I loved whatever it was when I wore it.
The most frustrating part about red-carpet outfits? I hate when something doesn’t fit over my chest. It means I’ll have to fiddle with the dress all night just to keep everything in place – very annoying!
Which fashion trend should go away forever? Those tiny, little shades everyone is wearing on the red carpet. Even Beyoncé can throw hers away!
Which fashion trend should stay forever? High-waist everything! Nothing beats a woman with a cinched waist.
What’s your take on the stance women are taking in the entertainment industry? It’s about time we stood up for ourselves and made our voices heard. Women are widely overlooked in the entertainment world, but now, with movements like #Metoo, we’re encouraged to be bold and fight for what we know we deserve.
Then comes the important issue of equal pay. Women have a lot to offer and should be paid accordingly, and not have to compromise morals and values in order to get work.
And your thoughts on the body-positivity movement? People often share their negative opinions about my weight gain or My five most memorable fashion moments weight loss on social media and, as a result, there have been many times when I’ve felt really insecure about myself. But I’ve had to develop a positive mindset, one that allows for me to block out the bad, so I can be happy about the body I’m in. People will always have negative things to say, but I know that it has absolutely nothing to do with me and more to do with their own insecurities.
And I love how the fashion industry is opening doors and embracing every type of woman – it took long enough! Mostly, I love how women are now standing up for themselves in the fashion and beauty world. We are a force to be reckoned with, and we are beautiful in every type, shape and form.