Introduce yourself!
A: Aghogho Sowho, currently living in London and I’m a Pre-reg Pharmacist (Pharmacist in training).
What is your style philosophy?
A: Wear what you like, but try to look classy and well put together. I am not a fan of cheap looking clothing and outfits that reveal your body and scream for attention. One’s style is a reflection of their personality in a sense! I believe you can look sexy, but also leave a bit to the imagination. I believe you can show skin and still look sophisticated. It’s all about the entire ensemble and presentation.
How would you describe your sense of style?
A: My style has become more classic, minimal and simple over the years. I like buying timeless pieces then spicing my outfit up with nice shoes and accessories. I do follow trends, but I know all trends aren’t suitable for my body type and don’t compliment my style.
What is the process of deciding what to wear in the morning?
A: I know this may sound weird, but there are days when I spend hours just trying on different combinations of pieces in my wardrobe. So whenever I’m in a hurry, I remember what goes well together and what doesn’t. Whenever I put on an outfit, my shoes have to compliment the outfit, so I start with shoes, and end with shoes. The shoes pull the outfit together!
What are the three favorite things in your closet?
A: My Miu Miu Glitter Sneakers from MiuMiu in London. My Collection of Vintage Czech Necklaces from my Etsy shop: ZFSowho. My Carven Bow Flats from Net-a-Porter.
What are some of your favorite shops/websites for clothes, shoes and accessories?
A: For Clothes: I frequent J.Crew, COS (I love this store!!!), ASOS, H&M, Zara, GAP, Topshop, as well as vintage stores and thrift stores. My African print clothing I make with my Tailor when I visit Nigeria. Shoes: These days a lot of them have been bought from Net-A-Porter, Outnet, and Ebay. Jewelry: Ebay, 34th Street in New York, Outnet, Topshop, thrift stores, and any and everywhere. I’m a Jewelry Hoarder.
How long have you been natural?
A: I have been natural for 9 years this fall.
How and why did you transition into natural hair?
A: I was a sophomore at Howard University and I used to see so many women with beautiful natural hair. I also hated perms since I was a kid, and as a chemistry major I started to question the effects of what chemicals can do to the human body. Thus it was a mixture of stress (heavy course load), curiosity and enlightenment. After a long day of classes I just went to the Hair Cuttery and told the lady to cut it off. She kept asking me if I was sure and I kept telling her yes. My family and parents weren’t having it. Back in 2004 there was no natural hair movement, but I was stubborn and didn’t care. I wore it short for two years then started to grow it out with braids and half braids/weaves.
What is your signature hairstyle?
A: I always say don’t do what I do because I can be very lazy with my hair at times because it’s easy to manage. I wash it twice a month, and co wash about twice a month. I do a protein treatment (mayo, eggs and honey) when I remember to, which is every 1-2 months, and I try to moisturize daily. I use a variety of products however the main product I cannot live without is Wave Nouveau Moisturizing Finishing Lotion!!! I am also very scissor happy. I like trimming my hair and having it looking healthy as opposed to long and unhealthy with split ends. I also braid my hair at night or do bantu twist outs to achieve a more defined look.
Other products I use are:
Clarifying Shampoo: KMS California Clarifying Shampoo
Sulfate Free Shampoo: Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo
Cholesterol Conditioners for deep conditioning: Queen Helene Cholesterol Hair Conditioning Cream, Lekair Cholesterol Plus, Proclaim Professional Care Cholesterol
Moisturizers: Wave Nouveau Moisturizing Finishing Lotion, Fantasia IC Shea Butter Oil Moisturizer, KeraCare Hair Milk Daily Hair Sustainer
Sealants: Natural Shea Butter, Castor Oil, Peppermint Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Almond Oil, Coconut Oil (also the only oil that also moisturizes)
Deep Oil Treatments: VO5 Moisturizing Hot Oil Treatment, Pink Hot Oil Treatment
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
A: My signature hairstyle is definitely an afro, which I wear after my bantu knot twist out. Everyone says they couldn’t imagine me without it.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
A: Yes I have a blog: http://www.zeldanfestus.blogspot.com.
