I prefer Nigerian designers to foreign brands –Ruth Kadir

My passion for acting started in the church, and that is why I see my career as an obligation to God. I started writing in my secondary school days before I began to attend auditions for movie roles. I can still remember my first audition; it was at the Wale Adenuga Studios where I later met a friend, Victor Eze, who had a writing school. I attended his school and graduated. I wrote my first script, ‘Wild and Dirty,’ and after that I continued to write some more till I started getting roles in movies that adapted my own scripts. That was how acting started for me. I had my first major breakthrough when I starred in, ‘Boy’s Cot,’ which featured acts like Jim Iyke, Nonso Diobi, Mike Ezerouye and Uche Jombo. It was a very great start for me and since then, I have never looked back.

What were some of the challenges you faced while building your career?

Like every other profession, starting up always has its challenges. However, I was determined and focused. For me, it was simply about making it in life and being successful. So I had to cross every obstacle that came my way with my head high. Thank God I passed through all the challenges and I proved to myself that I deserve to be successful.

Is there a difference between fashion and style?

Often time people tend to think that these two concepts are the same but there is a clear cut difference between them. Fashion is simply what is trending; it is what is in vogue at a particular season. That a particular piece is fashionable today does not mean that it would be fashionable the next day. Fashion is very erratic and it is a general trend.

Style, on the other hand, is simply unique and different. It has to do with my choice of clothing and accessories. I believe that my style is my opinion; something that has been modified and customised by my very own self to suit my personality and body.

Has your career influenced your style?

Definitely, I would say yes. My career, to a large extent, has influenced my style. Although my present style has always been what I rock, being a role model definitely also has a part to play in it. I cannot attempt to try some styles because I consider what people would think of me as a role model. Constantly being in the public glare does not leave room to be daring when it comes to fashion.

Thinking back, how would you describe your childhood?

I grew up like every normal kid; though far from being born with a silver spoon. While growing up, my greatest asset was hope. I learnt things the hard way as a child, having great and early experiences, giving clearer understanding of the struggles one has to go through as a child hoping to become someone in life, a lot of obstacles, discriminations and rejections, high shouldered responsibilities but I thank God for what I am today and what the future holds, all challenges I faced, helped me become the person I am today.

Were you fashionable as a kid?

I was more concerned about food as a kid than clothes.

Has been a fair lady served as an advantage for you?

I honestly can’t remember my complexion being an advantage at any point in my life. I just saw myself as a normal girl. I don’t think my complexion really made me stand out.

What is your take on ladies that bleach their skin?

I would not want to comment on this subject. I think everyone has a reason for their actions.

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

I believe God created me perfectly and to be sincere, I love every part of my body. I don’t think I would want to alter any part of my body.

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

Every part of my body make up for who I am, they are all my assets. My body in its entirety is my asset.

What is the most embarrassing fashion mistake you have made?

When you say fashion mistake, it is a general opinion, everything I wear is my style and I love it. To some, I may have gone wrong but it is my style and it is only my opinion that counts.

What kind of clothes do you feel very comfortable wearing?

I’m comfortable in a lot of clothes but what I wear depends on the occasion and environment. As long as my appearance suits the occasion I will be comfortable wearing the clothes.

Do you have tattoos and what is your opinion about them?

I don’t have any tattoo but I have nothing against it. Besides the pain, I feel that my body is too much of a premium brand to be inscribing anything on it but that is just my personal opinion.

Do you think fashion is about dressing alone?

No it is not. Dressing is just an aspect of fashion. To be fashionable, you have to also consider things like your footwear, accessories, makeup, body piercing and tattoos. Fashion is a very broad concept that cannot be limited to dressing alone.

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

As I said earlier, fashion involves everything including your make up, every woman feels incomplete without make up, light or heavy.

How often do you patronise Nigerian designers?

I wear more of Nigerian designs than foreign brands, so I will say I patronise them very often. I am not really a great fan of foreign or local designs, I don’t wear clothes based on the designer, I wear what looks good on me.

What influences your fashion statement?

In one word, charisma; the way you carry yourself in your own skin should influence your fashion statement. That is my fashion motto. I carry myself with the charisma and poise of a princess wherever I go.

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

That would be my hand bag. As ladies, we have a lot of things we like carrying along with us whenever we step out and the best way to carry the load is with the handbag. Plus it is a very fashionable accessory for ladies. A lady doesn’t feel complete without her handbag.

What’s the most expensive item you own?

I don’t know.

What is your fashion fetish?

I am so in love with shoes and bags; to be honest, I am really crazy about shoes and bags.

How many do you own?

Honestly, I have since lost count.

What is your take on ladies who expose their cleavage and wear skimpy, tight dresses?

Well like the saying goes; if you have it, flaunt it but only if you are comfortable doing so.

When stepping out for an event, what are the things you consider?

I simply consider my overall look, my hair, make-up, dress, bag and shoes. I would consider everything that makes me look glamorous for the event.

What project are you currently working on?

I’m working on a whole lot at present aside from movie production and I have a movie project coming up soon, everything will be revealed in no time.