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Heel, toe, heel, toe, that’s how we are advised to walk in heels, however, it is a lot easier said than done. Mishaps such as slips and falls are rather popular occupational hazards when it comes to modelling. Then there is the inability to build a graceful walk that captivates the audience.
The job of a model is a bit of an ironic one because a model that stands out is one with a bright future, yet the model must not distract from the clothes. So the task of strutting down a runway is an art where the muse must walk in tune with the theme of the garments. This is where the beauty in watching a runway collection lies; seeing the way the clothes move and dance around the model’s body. This could be seen on the runway at Lagos Fashion Week as the models switched up their walks to fit each designer’s brand. The perfect instance of this was during the Kadiju show at Lagos Fashion Week. Kadiju is an ethical brand known for its handmade maximalist shapes. So it was no surprise to see bold designs on their runway and their models added the right amount of life to the looks.
A particular model walked at an impressive speed and with every step, the bubbled hem of her outfit bounced—it was simply impeccable. She had a signature walk with her hips swaying, whilst she maintained eye contact with the audience. Every time she hit the runway, there was a simple wow because she embodied the clothes. She’s a little shorter than most models but she commands the stage like a giant. I had to learn more about this model with a killer walk, and as luck would have it I ran into her on the third day. I started this day, the final day of Fashion Week with so much excitement to meet up with and when I did, I was impressed. Her name is Munachmisoaga Opoke and she owned the runway and had the crowd cheering her on for her 5-10 seconds on the run.
Munachi for Kadiju.
M: 13!
M: No, it is not. However, my first was in 2016, I was really young back then and after that, I moved out of state for school. I am a graduate now but my school was the University of Benin, where I studied Mass Communication.
M: It was just because of the money, I was young and realized if I walked on a runway I would get paid. That was pretty much my motivation. Now I am a lot more passionate and I always want to deliver. The modelling game has changed, casting directors are not just looking for pretty faces and bodies. For the casting for LFW, they hinted that they wanted girls with personalities; people who could carry the clothes rather than drowning the clothes.
Munachi for RENDOLL
M: So it was 2015, my father worked in Falomo and he had a client that had an agency. One day, he sent me to the agency for a competition. I didn’t get through and I had a bad experience with the person- not saying names. Shortly after, I got signed with another agency and I did Africa Fashion Week that year. Next, I did One Lagos Fiesta- an initiative by the previous governor of Lagos, His Excellency, Akinwunmi Ambode. Between 2016 and 2022, my career was practically on hold.
M: The team requested the best models from Africa Fashion Week and I was selected. It was all surreal because it was within the first two months of modelling- post my modelling training. It was so crazy and I was initially overwhelmed.
M: I practised for a few days before attending my first casting show in years so I would not be rusty. After a few walks, I was glad I still got it.
M: My mother. She attended all my shows and the ones she didn’t have tickets to, she gently explained to the bouncers why she wanted to view the shows and they let her in. So it was amazing walking and watching my mom point and say, “That’s my daughter.” She would always tell me I was going to be a star, she is my biggest fan.
M: I got to open the GTCO fashion weekend last year.
M: I love to buy roughly 5,000 naira worth of Suya and several cans of Pure Heaven, it is like red wine in a can. So I drink a chill Pure Heaven, eat suya and watch Friends.
Munachi for EKI… Africa on silk.
M: I love it and it is not entirely over, I have a private for IAMISIGO tomorrow.
M: It is very comfortable, sometimes I like to be sexy and just show legs because I have a lot of it.
M: I love runway and I mostly do runway jobs.
M: One time, when I was being cast in 2015, she looked at me and said my legs were horrible and I would never do runway. She also body-shamed me and I was much slimmer and younger then. So looking back it is funny.
Munachi for Jewel Jemila.
M: Pinterest, I get a lot of inspiration from there. Instagram is very busy, everyone is selling something and I just want a good time.
Munachi Opoke proved why she is an in-demand runway model. She walked for shows such as Kadiju, a Nigerian label known for its intricate styles; EKI… Africa on Silk, a womenswear brand showcasing beautiful African prints on mulberry silks; Kilentar, a womenswear line whose collection was titled “Out of this world” paying homage to the enigma of the waterworld; Pillz and Poizn; a brand focused on making well-tailored timeless garments for the modern woman; Jewel Jemila, a label making their debut at Lagos Fashion Week, with their sultry yet dramatic silhouettes; Rendoll, who provided a collection that emphasises on showcasing the beauty of femininity and many more.
Lagos Fashion Week was amazing, from the designs to the sounds. Everyone pulled their weight and I can’t wait to see what the 14th edition has in store for us.
