THE BEAUTIFUL ZOO X CHECHE UDUMA
Cheche Uduma is a young Lagos based artist, fashion stylist, creative designer and muse. He’s severally partnered with other creatives frequently working on fashion and beauty photo-series exploring the African youth. He in his own words, is often fascinated by the similarities between the male and female and their intersection and constantly peruses this theme in his works.
One of his photo-series projects titled BArE delves into the lushness of the black skin and the acceptance and celebration of our natural beauty. He’s also recently worked with musical artist Olu as a stylist and make-up artist on her ‘Aye’ film which is yet to be released.
We reached out to him to talk about to talk about his upbringing especially in fashion, the difference between fashion and styling, an exposure on his works and more. Read about it.
Also, check out some of his works on Instagram @checheuduma
1. Give an introduction about yourself and what you do.
My name is Cheche Uduma-Zik. I’m a fashion stylist, creative director, UI/UX designer and interface developer.
2. In your own words, what’s the difference between fashion and style?
Well to me, fashion is the main tree from which style branches out. Style or styling is being creative with fashion, mixing and trying out new things to create something different.
3. How did your journey into styling and designing start? What is about clothes that you’re drawn to?
From a young age I’ve always loved fashion, sketching clothes designs, playing with fabrics and watching fashion shows. But as I became more exposed, I found out about styling and after experimenting and weighing my options, I knew this was what I wanted to do. The first designer I ever knew was Valentino Gavarani, I was so obsessed, lol. I downloaded videos of his shows, pictures etc. Later on, I started researching and found Stella Jean, Alexander Wang, Dior, Balmain. I wasn’t really familiar with Nigerian designers until around 2012/2013 when I saw cousin Chiwendu Ukoha in these beautiful pieces from LFDW. I continued my research and fell in love with Ituen Basi, Lisa Folawiyo, Orange Culture, Lanre Da Silva, Fruche, Maxivive, Tzar Studios, Sisiano, Abiola-Olusola etc.
The opportunity to start styling came and I did my first shoot with Asamaige Ogaga in collaboration with Fruche (I’m sure grateful to him), Ifeoma Nwobu and Jordana. Ever since then it’s been a real experience, challenging I must say.
4. What’s your creative process? How do you get and stay inspired?
My process is not as complex as I thought it would be. I get the inspiration from ingenious or artistic things or my own original ideas (most of my projects are original), so I jot them down or form a story, create a mood board and get to work.
5. Who and what have influenced your method to working and creating art today? Who are your role models or mentors?
They are a lot of creative and mind blowing people in this industry and one person to me that really stands out in shaping the styling space in Nigeria is Daniel Obasi. I’ve always been a fan of his work and I really appreciate what he does.
6. Most of your works and projects show a lot of androgynous or unisex influences. What message are you trying to pass across with this approach?
There is a very amazing and vast similarity between the male and female. How the intersection births something extraordinary.
7. Earlier this year, you worked with photographer Asamaige Ogaga to create a photo-series on black beauty called BArE, can you tell us more about the project?
The BArE project was basically about how we should embrace our skin and enhance our natural beauty. Love yourself.
8. You also recently worked with musical artist Olu on her Aye film as a stylist and make-up artist. What was the experience like being involved in that project?
This was the most eye opening experience for me, I really loved it and would definitely do more of this in the future. I saw how my creativity came through during stressful times, making myself a better stylist and being more responsible.
9. There’s a caption on one of your Instagram posts that reads: “…your masculinity doesn’t define you…” Can you explain more on that?
That caption is just about how the society makes masculinity like a religion, just because men are filled with testosterone doesn’t mean they should be put in a box.
10. How important is it for you to have platforms like Instagram where you can easily share your works to the public?
It’s very important to me really, its allowed me to know a lot more and be known by really creative people who have acknowledge my work.
11. You’ve worked extensively with photographers Jimi Agboola and Asamaige Ogaga in your career so far. Would you rather work with a friend or are you open to working with new people?
I’m open to working with new people anytime, but for Jimi and Ogaga, I love their creativity and I’m such a fan, it’s so inspiring when I work with them and magic happens.
12. What else do you do apart from designing clothes and styling? What are your hobbies and vices?
Oh yes, I watch a lot of Anime, that’s my escape route. I listen to music, watch TV or chill with friends. Apart from styling, I work in a tech company as a UI/UX designer and interface developer, that makes me a 9 to 5 guy.
13. What’s your best colour and why?
I have 2 – Black and Emerald Green. Why? They are sexy colours and they go well with my skin lol.
14. Any other Nigerian creatives you’d like to shout out?
John Affah, Ikenna Jnr, my cousin Bernard Samuel, Bloke, Shaun Kalu, OLU, Onyeka Nwobu, Abiola Olusola.
15. What’s the future like for Cheche?
Going beyond my expectations – stay tuned.
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