Behind every iconic look, there’s a visionary, and Swazzi—born Okolo Miracle Obiechina—is precisely that. While many know him as the stylist behind some of Nigeria’s brightest stars, including Flavour, Nengi, Diane Russett, and Nini Singh, Swazzi’s talents extend far beyond the fashion world. He’s also a singer and actor, showcasing a versatility as captivating as his designs.
The Nigerian fashion scene is vibrant and dynamic, yet it can be hit or miss. We’ve all watched a red carpet-event and thought, “Who did this?” A missed opportunity can turn a promising ensemble into a fashion disaster. But when it’s right and every piece is perfectly in place, it’s nothing short of magical. Swazzi excels in this, consistently hitting the mark with his impeccable taste and innovative approach.
As London Fashion Week wrapped up, the spotlight was on Nini Singh, whose breathtaking ensembles left everyone in awe. Each outfit was a testament to Swazzi’s genius, blending sophistication with a daring edge that captivated the fashion world. Discovering Swazzi as the mastermind behind these looks was our cue to dive deeper into his world. We knew we had to sit down with the man who curated such fabulous styles.
In this exclusive feature for Glazing Hot, we explore Swazzi’s dual journey in fashion and entertainment. From his creative process to his views on the global influence of Nigerian fashion, Swazzi opens up about his rise to fame and what drives his passion. He shares his thoughts on the evolving Nigerian fashion industry, where the stakes are high, and only a few truly understand how to make their clients shine. Get ready to meet the stylist who’s not just setting trends but redefining them.
“Be yourself, stay true to who you are, and know your worth—never let anyone undervalue you”
Swazzi
Glazing Hot With Swazzi
Glazia: You’ve worked with top Nigerian celebrities like Flavour, Nengi, and Nini Singh. How do you tailor your styling to each client’s unique personality while keeping them fashion-forward?
Swazzi: Each of my clients has a unique personality—whether it’s Flavour, Chike, Nini Singh, Diane Russet, or Nengi. I make sure never to blend their individuality, always aiming for standout looks that we can be proud of years from now. I invest a lot of time in sourcing their outfits, being incredibly selective about the designers I choose for them.
G: The looks you and Nini delivered at London Fashion Week were a showstopper. What was the creative process behind those outfits, and how did you approach styling for such a major global event?
S: For Nini and me, it’s always about fun and experimentation. She trusts my vision so much that I have the freedom to push boundaries and create unique looks for her without restrictions. We’ve worked together for years, and I make it a point to avoid trendy pieces that could overshadow the distinct style we’ve developed around her personality.
For London Fashion Week, I wanted a demure, sophisticated look. I contacted Look Different Marque to bring my vision to life, and they crafted the perfect tweed outfit. On Day 2, she wore a stunning piece from Saiid Kobeisy, a Lebanese designer who’s like family to me. I wanted NINI to wear a mix of international and Nigerian brands, and when I approached Saiid, they offered several options—we chose the green and black dress. For Day 3, I curated a custom look by Bemi Ivory, which was flawlessly executed. On Day 4, we went for a red top and skirt.
The goal is always to make her stand out, and I’m thrilled that you loved the looks!
G: As a leading stylist, you’ve seen the Nigerian fashion industry evolve over the years. How would you describe its current influence on global fashion, and where do you see it heading?
S: I believe the Nigerian fashion industry is finally getting the recognition it deserves. The world is not just noticing our designers, they’re embracing them. Take the AMVCA, for example—the red carpet looks were trending everywhere. It’s no longer ‘Nigeria to the world,’ it’s now ‘the world to Nigeria.’ We’re definitely on the right path.
G: Can you take us through your journey as a stylist? What were some pivotal moments that led to your rise as one of Nigeria’s most sought-after celebrity stylists?
S: I’ve always stayed true to myself and my brand, being selective about the people I work with and the outfits I curate for my clients. Styling is always exciting for me. I remember when I styled for Kizz Daniel’s ‘Buga’ music video—that’s when I first started gaining attention. Since then, I’ve worked on numerous music videos, from Asake to Kizz Daniel, Davido’s ‘Feel,’ and Flavour. I think it was through music videos that people really started noticing and appreciating my work.
G: Your clients always seem to exude confidence in their outfits. How do you balance trends with personal expression to ensure your clients stand out?
S: When it comes to confidence, I think my clients trust me a little too much, lol. I remember putting Flavour in that corset fit for his London show—after our final fitting, he asked if I really loved it. I said yes, and he wore it with complete confidence. That’s what happens when you trust your stylist. I don’t follow trends for my clients; we create them.
G: Many aspiring stylists look up to you. What advice would you give to someone just starting in the fashion industry, especially in Nigeria, where competition is fierce?
S: Be yourself, stay true to who you are, and know your worth—never let anyone undervalue you. Create as many editorials as you can and share them on your social media. Think of your social platforms as your portfolio; the more you post, the more people will see your work and want to hire you. The world is watching.
G: From runway shows to red carpets, stage performances and even traditional Nigerian ceremonies, you’ve styled for various occasions. Which do you enjoy most, and how does your approach differ between these events?
S: I approach every styling occasion uniquely, especially when there’s a theme involved. I ensure that the looks I choose align perfectly with the event. Whether it’s a red carpet, runway, or fashion show, I know exactly which designer to go for and the right look for my client. My priority is always to create something iconic.
G: Fashion is ever-evolving. What trends or styles do you predict will dominate in the coming seasons, and how do you plan to stay ahead of the curve?
S: I have a sense that skinny jeans are making a comeback, and honestly, I’m not a big fan. I feel like people are getting tired of corsets too. While I’m always excited about new trends, I ensure my clients don’t just follow them. Instead, I focus on helping them stay true to their originality and personal style because trends are fleeting like waves, but true style never goes out of fashion.
This was such a delightful read.