Interview and Photos by Mariam Armisen. Translated into English by Gerard Casas

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I’d say I’m quite unpredictable when it comes to fashion, as I’m a sucker for versatile style. Sometimes I want to look quirky, sexy, ladylike, or in other cases I simply go for a plain outfit.

Q: What impacts your choice for a particular outfit? Your mood, the occasion?

A: It usually depends on my mood. There are times when I feel so good, feeling super active, that I just want to create a bad girl look. It’s usually about anything that springs to mind, ranging from boyish outfits to girly stuff… Sometimes I just want to look like a real minx.

Q: What’s your monthly budget?

A: Well, in the past, I had a weekly budget, but I’ve been trying to control myself lately. In the past, I could just go shopping whenever, as long as I had money in my pocket – and then I begun to realize that I was purchasing the same stuff twice without even noticing it. I’m in touch with some boutiques, so they always give me a ring whenever new styles arrive. Usually they see what comes in and put aside what they think might be my taste. If I’m not happy with their selection, then I don’t take it. If I like it, then I go for it!

Q: Who is your fashion icon?

A: I’m really versatile, so I have several fashion icons. I usually follow Nicky’s trendy style, but right now I’m quite much sticking to Beyonce’s. I don’t actually blindly copy them, but I draw my inspirations from their styles.

I don’t think I follow many African fashion icons. Maybe I would say the Beninese singer, Zeynab – I like the way she’s been dressing lately.

Q: What do you wear the most from your closet?

A: My jeans. Slim ones. I also have some skirts, but I’m not very fond of them. I prefer dresses, jeans, and shorts.

Q: If you had to move to a desert island, what would you take with you from your closet?

A: An overall in jeans and a pair of shoes.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake we could ever make fashion-wise?

A: There goes the fashion police in me. I’d say a mix of many colours. There are some colours that should never be mixed; some colours simply don’t work together.

Q: What garment would you never put on?

A: I do wear ‘pagnes’, but it depends on how they are tailored. I have my ‘pagnes’ tailored the way I like them – basically, copying ready-to-wear styles. I don’t think I’d ever wear a traditional one.