Vanessa Ohaha: Fashion Journalist

Vanessa Ohaha is a recent graduate of Central Saint Martins. In 2020, she moved to the UK from Nigeria to study fashion journalism at the renowned fashion school. While her CSM experience has been atypical, shaped by the complexities brought on by the pandemic, she keeps things in perspective, highlighting how special it was to study alongside some of the most talented and creative individuals. Since graduating, she has had the opportunity to contribute to one the fashion industry’s respected publications, System. Here, she talks about the role of the digital fashion space in sparking her interest in fashion journalism, the fashion and arts industries in Nigeria and her time at Central Saint Martins.

 

Your recently completed your MA in Fashion Communication at Central Saint Martins. What was your trajectory to studying at CSM? 

I completed a BSc in Mass Communication in my home country Nigeria in 2015 and I spent the next 5 years very sure that I wanted a career in fashion journalism. However, the fashion industry in Nigeria had only started to come into its own. There were very few jobs for very little money and barely any internships. So, when the pandemic hit in 2020 and the opportunity arose to do a Masters in Fashion Communication at CSM, I took it.

What drew you to fashion journalism? 

I wasn’t someone who always knew that I wanted to work in fashion. I have had many a dream. From being a radio DJ to being an On Air presenter. I only came upon my love for fashion in university. I was one of the youngest people on campus at the time and my clothes/style were a huge part of my identity and so I began to write about fashion and style on a personal blog, that I didn’t promote, it was mainly for myself. I became obsessed with Fashion TV and red carpets and stalking runway shows online. The more I wrote in my blog, the more I knew that this could be my career, my future and so I decided to take blogging more seriously. I started a whole new blog, paid for a domain name, got to writing. It was my way of building a foundation of written work, probably not the best work looking back now but it was good training.

Can you give us insight into what it’s been like to study at Central Saint Martins?

I began my course in Tier 4 lockdown and was that difficult. In the first few months, the course was held entirely online. Long days in front of a computer for class and for assignments. We were only able to go into the building towards the end of the second term and that was still with many restrictions and only fully in the final term when we were busy with final projects. So, in many ways it felt like I didn’t get the full CSM experience but in other ways I did. I was surrounded by some of the most talented and creative people I’ve ever met; designers, photographers and other journalists like myself. The people were the best part of being at CSM.

"I was surrounded by some of the most talented and creative people I’ve ever met; designers, photographers and other journalists like myself. The people were the best part of being at CSM."

 

What advice would you give to those who dream of studying at Central Saint Martins?

DO IT! Send in that application, that portfolio, it might appear daunting from the outside looking in but you're one application away from being at CSM. When you get in, make the most of the people you meet. Build friendships and relationships and absorb all the creative energy in the building.

What has been your experience being a student during the pandemic, a chaotic and uncertain time?

Its still uncertain! Honestly, it was anxiety inducing. It was incredibly difficult to focus on the present, which at the time was getting an MA from a prestigious school without worrying about what the future would look like.

Prior to moving to the UK to study at Central Saint Martins, you lived in Nigeria. Can you talk about your personal highlights when it comes to the fashion industry in Nigeria?

Its not exactly a personal highlight, however it was amazing to watch the Nigerian fashion and arts industry grow. Its not quite where music and movies are but its growing. Lagos Fashion Week is now the leading fashion event on the African fashion calendar and ARTXLAGOS founded in 2016 has now become West Africa’s premier art fair and has grown to host galleries and artists from over 30 countries and become renowned for its ambitious program. It speaks to so much growth and much more is coming and that’s really exciting.

What are some highlights/accomplishments you’re proud of so far in regard to your participation in the world of fashion?

I recently was a contributor to System Magazine’s Issue 18 with a letter and a multi person interview with Supriya Lele, Nensi Dojaka and KNWLS. I consider it a highlight because it’s a manifestation of what was my dream for the longest time. To see my name in print, in a respected industry magazine? Amazing!

"Priya Ahluwalia. I genuinely just love seeing the way she translates her Indian-Nigerian heritage into menswear. Mostly because of how colourful and vibrant men’s clothing can be in both those cultures versus the West and its such a refreshing take on menswear."

At a time when more people than ever are participating in fashion, I wish…

I wish more and more Black creatives; journalists, photographers, designers, makeup/hair stylists are given a chance to start a career. I know that seems vague, but it seems like Black people must work twice as hard to show that they are worthy of opportunities that our White counterparts are just handed. Even jobs that are framed as entry level aren’t really entry level if you’re required to have more experience than a midlevel member of staff. How are you supposed to ‘enter’ an industry if you are not allowed to start at all?

What designers and brands hold your interest at the moment?

Nigerian brand NKWO. They’re focused on conscious and sustainable design and do so by implementing traditional textile/craft skills, creating their own textile called Dakala cloth and promoting textile waste reduction by making use of the secondhand clothing that is imported into Nigeria.

Priya Ahluwalia. I genuinely just love seeing the way she translates her Indian-Nigerian heritage into menswear. Mostly because of how colourful and vibrant men’s clothing can be in both those cultures versus the West and its such a refreshing take on menswear.

What are you currently reading or watching, fashion/art-related?

I only just started watching it but Made by Design on Netflix. It’s a 13-episode docu-style series on Nigerian architects, interior designers, art curators and other creatives.

For updates, follow @Participante on Instagram. Find @Vanessaohaha on Instagram.