I love tattoos –Ireti Doyle

 

Ireti tattoo.jpg

Popular Nollywood actress and television personality, Ireti Doyle, tells Ademola Olonilua about her style and career

Is your style the same as your fashion?

No. Fashion is something that is transient. It is here today and gone tomorrow. Style on the other hand is innate. It is an integral part of who a person is and goes beyond what the person wears but it is captured in every facet of one’s life.

What influences your style?

The number one influence on my style is comfort. I am comfortable in my own skin and usually not in need of the added protection of ‘body armour.’ Then of course, propriety is part of it. I believe that there is an appropriate outfit for every occasion.

Were you fashionable as a kid?

I think I was although my mum would probably disagree. I remember having strong and distinct ideas about the kind of clothes I wanted to wear and how I wanted my hair done. This made my mum and I to disagree many times.

Did you take after her style?

I certainly developed my own personal style that evolved from many years of trial and error before finally understanding and coming to terms with what works and what doesn’t work for me.

How did you get into acting?

The first time I acted, I was headhunted by a very forward thinking and ambitious young lady at the time, Evelyn Obahor. I can’t remember the name of the project and I’m not sure it saw the light of the day. Subsequently, I auditioned for a role in the late Matt Dadzie’s Riddles and Hopes, in 1995 and got the role. The rest, as they say, is history.

Would you say your career has influenced your style?

Most certainly. All those red carpet events, constantly being in the public eye and scrutiny force you to up the ante. As casual as I am, when it’s time to pull out all the stops, I clean up nicely even if I say so myself.

You have a flare for fashion. How did that come about?

I think what I have is style and once that’s in place, it will invariably show through every other facet. My flair for fashion is just my intrinsic style, speaking to you through the medium of clothing and accessories.

Being a dark skinned lady, what is your take on ladies that bleach their skin?

I have no take. It is a personal choice taken by hopefully informed people. But as it is with any kind of choice comes consequences and you will be responsible for the consequences of the choices you make.

Can you bleach your skin?

I did my share of ‘toning’ when I was much younger but my skin let me know very quickly that it would not tolerate such nonsense.

Have you ever wished you were born with a fair skin?

I must have indulged in such foolishness. Thank God for ridding me of such ignorant stupidity.

If given the opportunity to alter any part of your body, which part would it be?

Maybe as I grow older, I may consider a face lift but to enlarge or decrease any part of my anatomy, I’m good the way I am.

When it comes to your body, which do you see as your best asset?

I am an actor, my body is my tool and therefore I consider every single part of my body as an asset.

What is your favourite hairstyle?

I personally prefer my hair in braids or Ghana weaving because such styles require very low maintenance.

How much does it cost you to make your hair?

My hair can cost a little or a lot depending on how elaborate the style. I rarely go to salons; I have a young lady on retainer who provides home service.

How much can you be offered to shave off your hair?

Frankly speaking, the way everything is monetised in this part of the world bemuses me. I don’t see why anyone should be paid extra for cutting their hair. If you are committing to a role, be committed. If the portrayal of that character demands that I cut my hair in order to be believable; I cut it. All inconvenience should be considered and factored into the initial fee. Asking for a separate fee just because you are asked to cut your hair for a character you have undertaken to portray is plain silliness to me.

Do you prefer looking natural or you feel incomplete without make-up on?

When I am not working or on ‘display,’ I prefer to go completely natural. It gives my face the opportunity to rest and breath.

What is your take on tattoos?

I love tattoos. I think they can be a thing of beauty. I’m sure I’ll get a discreet one sooner than later.

Do you patronise Nigerian designers?

For any major occasion, Nigerian designers would be my first choice. I love their work and I have different outfits from different indigenous designers and I have the privilege of calling several of them friends.

Some believe it is not classy wearing made in Nigeria brands. Do you subscribe to such school of thought?

Really? That’s taking low self esteem and an inferiority complex to a whole new level. I think it says more about the person who thinks that way than it does about the creativity and ability of Nigerian designers.

Do you prefer labels or bespoke wears?

I prefer interesting, well fitting clothes, whether they are labels or bespoke, expensive or not is beside the point.

Is there any fashion item you can’t leave home without?

None at all; I have conditioned myself over the years not to form unhealthy attachments to any material thing. And I am most certainly passing that on to my daughters.

What’s the most expensive item you own and how much did it cost?

I can’t tell how much it costs but it would have to be one of those ridiculously priced bags that you buy, then get home and begin to wonder to yourself ‘what was I thinking.’

What is your fashion weakness?

It would be between perfumes, shoes and bags. Also I love jeans that look like they were created just for me.

What is your take on ladies exposing their cleavage and wearing skimpy and tight dresses?

I try not to have an opinion or be judgmental about an individual’s choices as it is theirs to make. By all means, wear what you like. It would be great if it sits well, suits your body type and is appropriate for the occasion; and even if it’s not, that’s nobody’s business but yours. There is only one caveat, remember, you bear the responsibility of the consequences of the choices you make.

What are the things you consider when you step out for an event?

The type of event, time, and most importantly what is expected of me. For instance if I am expected to be high up on stage, I would wear a dress that would make me confident, one that nobody can see up my skirt. If it is on an open field, then it would be an outfit that the wind can’t blow up. If I am expected to frolic with children, then it would probably be a pair of jeans. Comfort is key, the nature of my work demands that I put functionality first.

Have you considered venturing into other aspect of entertainment like being a singer?

No. At this stage I have ventured, and to the glory of God, dominated the various aspects of media or show business that I am interested in; what’s left now is for the Lord to consolidate and expand the many things He has blessed me with.