Nobody has extra power at 10 a.m. on a gray Thursday morning than Julie Adenuga. Contemporary from filming, enhancing and selling her new present Work In Progress, Adenuga is camera-ready and raring to go, and all earlier than espresso. As you’d count on from the second youngest sibling in one among Britain’s most prolific musical households and a DJ in her personal proper, the soundtrack to her Greatest Wardrobes in Britain shoot is a heady mixture of party-starting R&B and Afrobeats, though she modifies songs with every outfit to curate the correct of temper.
As soon as we’re within the spirit of issues and switching effortlessly between Raey tailoring and Corteiz tracksuits, we’re desperate to ask about the remainder of her wardrobe—is she a purse collector? A jewelry obsessive? Nicely, one factor you will not discover are any denims (her home is a denim-free zone), however when you’re a shoe fan, you will be entertained. “Luggage and equipment aren’t actually my factor; I favor to spend my cash on footwear. It already takes me lengthy sufficient to prepare with out having to decide on between 5 or 6 totally different luggage,” she muses as she sifts via a wardrobe of rigorously archived pink carpet robes. The footwear in query vary from box-fresh Nikes to killer stilettos, and do you have to be questioning, they’ve their very own immaculately organised wardrobe separate from the remainder of her assortment.
(Picture credit score: Phill Taylor)
Whether or not you already know Adenuga from her beginnings at Rinse FM, her stint internet hosting reveals for MTV and Comedy Central, her dwell excursions and karaoke nights or her superstar interviews, as soon as you have seen her you will keep in mind her. She could also be small in stature however her presence is mighty, and he or she comes alive on digital camera with an ease that reiterates why she’s such a sought-after expertise. Though she could also be used to asking the entire questions, this time round, she’s comfy being the topic, and we took the chance to ask her all about how she will get prepared within the morning. From embarrassing trend fake pas to being a front-row mainstay, hold scrolling to learn in regards to the intriguing model evolution of Julie Adenuga.
(Picture credit score: Phill Taylor)
You’re a born and bred Londoner. How did rising up within the capital affect your model?
Loads of the issues that I believed had been cool to put on occurred as a result of I grew up round boys. Rising up in North London, particularly surrounded by grime and music, every thing that was cool to me was tracksuits, Nikes [and] Reebok classics. The look of a “roadman” was my favorite model. I did not have any feminine trend icons going up in any respect, and I beloved dishevelled males’s garments, dishevelled garments—truly [like] Eminem used to put on; I do not know why. However the dungarees and hoodies? That was my factor. You would not see me in crop tops, low-cut, cleavage, all that stuff. I used to be simply drawn to heat, comfortable trackies and T-shirts. Any hand-me-downs had been from my bros, so it is likely to be an previous Moschino one thing from Junior.
So, designer hand-me-downs and tracksuits apart, what’s your earliest trend reminiscence?
Oh, it was a pink gown that my mum made me put on, and it was virtually like lederhosen, you already know with the straps on the high? Yeah. The skirt was big, like an enormous Princess-style skirt, after which there was a floral sample on the chest. If I look again at photos of myself as a child, that is what my mum and pop had been dressing me in, and I do not know why. I do not know if one of many aunties had additionally purchased their daughters one and so they needed me to appear to be that. It is so miserable. However that is my earliest trend reminiscence of when it wasn’t my very own selection. When it was, I’d put on Spice Ladies merch. That white T-shirt that had their faces within the “S.P.I.C.E.” That and horrible, horrible BHS trousers. As a young person, I might store in Jane Norman, however I by no means actually had an concept of what I used to be doing—I wasn’t in search of garments that made me look good; I simply wore garments as a result of I needed to.
As I bought older I by no means used to put on trad [traditional Nigerian dress] until I used to be going to a celebration or one thing. We might have stuff made, however I rarely wore it. By the point I began studying to stitch, I used to be in all probability round 16 and I bought a stitching machine from Argos and I’d make my very own garments. It could not make something large, and when you tried to stitch any material like denim, it would be a wrap, however I might go to the material store in Edmonton Inexperienced and give you my very own factor. I used to like taking issues aside. I’d take the deal with off the door in my home simply to place it again collectively. And I believe I had a second the place possibly I used to be simply taking a look at garments, and I believed, “So with that form, you get this.” It was actually simply me experimenting. When my brother and his spouse bought me a correct Singer stitching machine, I used to be gassed. I used to be so completely satisfied I did not should discover ways to thread a bobbin correctly and all that stuff. I might do little mini photoshoots in my bed room within the outfits that I might made after which rope my mates in. I’ve in all probability removed them now. I do miss them.
What if a model approached you now—would you wish to collab on one thing and check out designing once more?
I am an enormous $ $ Haute Le Mode$ $ fan and when Luke does his opinions of trend reveals and issues I believe, “Oh, this simply does not come naturally to me, I haven’t got that pure ability.” However what I do like and what I believe I’m good at is being a client of issues. My forte is having the ability to inform you what is smart and what does not by way of what you are attempting to realize, however I do not assume I may design from scratch; it is one thing you actually should work on and examine. I will placed on a pair of denims and determine why the silhouette is mistaken or why the underside needs to be open and wide-leg moderately than elasticated, however the product must be made first. I might be an important model guide.
(Picture credit score: Phill Taylor)
If I take into consideration what’s on my temper board now, it is the “It woman mum”…They give the impression of being fly, and so they’re not attempting to decorate how an “older” particular person “ought to”
Julie Adenuga
If we appeared via your wardrobe on any given day, what may we look forward to finding?
Now? Crop tops, simply. Bras that aren’t bras, bras that aren’t for under-wearing. Cargos all day lengthy. Jogging bottoms all day lengthy. What else would you see? Oh, unitards! Lengthy-sleeved, short-sleeved, square-neck, high-neck, low-back, full-back, spaghetti-strap, flared-bottom, split-in-the-hem, quick, mid-knee, mid-thigh—however at all times in black. Simply an array of these for consolation and practicality. Once I cannot be bothered to placed on an entire outfit, I do know that if I simply have a pleasant skirt that I can put on over my unitard, or shorts if I am not bloated, I can get away with a good bodysuit and a pleasant pair of trainers and it nonetheless has a glance to it. Put a bomber jacket on high of it, and we’re laughing. It looks like the inspiration of any outfit after I’m attempting to do a fast get-out-the-house.
In an interview with Model and Metropolis Diaries podcast you speak about working carefully with stylist Rhea Francois. What clothes manufacturers finest signify your model evolution, and the way has that modified?
A.W.A.Ok.E Mode by no means lets me down. I wore an A.W.A.Ok.E gown to the Brits the opposite day—they get me. Burberry is one other one—I at all times think about that Burberry is my mature self after I’m not carrying a tracksuit and a few trainers. If I wish to placed on a pleasant outfit and dress up, Burberry is a go-to. Each day Paper is one other large one—I do not know the way they do it however throughout the board, I can discover dressed-to-the-nines outfits and lounging-around-the-house-quickly-pop-to-Sainsbury’s outfits in addition to every thing in between. It is so totally different from after I was youthful and I did not put on any manufacturers aside from Nike. Nike trainers nonetheless simply do it for me, no pun meant.
If I take into consideration what’s on my temper board now, it is the “It woman mum.” It is like, “I am not dressing the identical as I used to be after I was 17 however I nonetheless look tremendous swaggy.” It is Tracee Ellis Ross, it is Kelly Rowland, it is Hannah Waddingham. They give the impression of being fly, and so they’re not attempting to decorate how an “older” particular person “ought to”. It is very polished. Earlier than I began working with Rhea, COS was that to me—these clear, sharp, Scandinavian silhouettes which might be tremendous minimalist. Whereas I believe these three have an additional component of like… sexiness and are not afraid to point out breaks of pores and skin in there. So it isn’t as low-key as COS, for instance, nevertheless it’s nonetheless one thing you possibly can drop your youngsters off to highschool in after which go to dinner later in the identical ‘match.
(Picture credit score: Phill Taylor)
Those that have adopted you for some time may have identified you with a shaved head, braids, an afro—how does magnificence play into the way you select to experiment together with your look now?
Nicely, carrying my pure hair as usually as potential began out as a problem. As a result of I had a shaved head for 10 years and my hair began rising again, it could have been simple for me to only begin wigging my means via life. However my speedy thought was, “Why? Why not put on your pure hair?” It was only a problem for me to see what would occur, and I am not gonna lie—it is fucking lengthy. I went from having the ability to prepare in 20 minutes to taking two hours. However over time, I am studying the way to care for my pure hair, to see a trichologist, to determine what merchandise I needs to be utilizing for wholesome hair, you already know.
I am pushing myself previous my consolation zone and getting to a degree the place I do not get aggravated with my hair as a result of I need it to do issues that it does not do. And all of these issues over the past 4 years have been superb and I truly really feel nice. I really feel higher. I like how a lot time I put into my hair now, and after I come house, I am not operating round nonetheless attempting to do emails or something like that. I believe, “No. I am gonna go and spend an hour placing my hair in little twists or no matter for the week.” It is an act of self-care. I used to be a assured particular person earlier than however I believe that is actually, actually taking my confidence degree to a distinct place.
What was your favorite pink carpet or occasion outfit that made you’re feeling like you might stroll right into a room and personal it?
There have been just a few. There’s the Damian Campbell outfit I wore to Junior’s Mains trend present. The jacket was beautiful—a white blazer with black feathers that go all the way in which across the again. Such a gorgeous form and a fucking stunning jacket. I wore it with a plain black miniskirt nevertheless it’s truly a part of a full go well with. The opposite was truly an accident. We had been strolling via a store and I noticed this CFCL gown, and it is so plain and easy as a result of there’s nothing to it, however I simply love the wrists and that neck design and it was truly too large for me however after I put it on I used to be like, “No, it is a vibe.” It was the final one in inventory. These two seems stand out for me.
Who’s in your record of all-time model icons?
Maya Jama with out fail. I believe it is easy to say she seems good as a result of she’s stunning, however on the similar time, discovering issues that go with your model is a ability. Generally she’ll simply be carrying like, a black leather-based miniskirt, jacket, black boots and a cap, and he or she simply seems like her. I assume that is what it’s—her model. That is why she’s a mode icon for me, as a result of she has her look and it speaks to her character completely. Additionally, Tracee Ellis Ross, as I discussed earlier. She was the primary particular person I adopted on Instagram and I used her web page as an precise temper board. I like the way in which she carries herself and the model selections that she makes. You may inform she loves trend she does not should put on the baitest manufacturers—there is a degree of respect for trend there. Some individuals put on stuff as a result of it is “in”, and I believe she’s discovered a mode that works for her and it is a very nice marriage.
(Picture credit score: Phill Taylor)
You began your profession in radio, transitioned into TV presenting and now you will have labored with a few of Britain’s finest artists and personalities. When did you realise what you needed to do together with your life, and was it a simple resolution?
I am excellent at understanding how I wish to spend my time versus how I positively do not wish to spend my time. I do know who I wish to communicate to, the place I wish to be sitting, what I wish to be carrying, the place I wish to go, what job I am gonna be working. I am very, excellent at understanding that even when it is difficult or tough if I wish to do it, it will get all of my focus. Equally, saying “I do not wish to do that anymore”—that is simply the way in which that I function. Is it gratifying? Am I having enjoyable? Am I studying one thing? Do I really feel like I can get one thing new, like a brand new ability, earn my stripes and make me a greater model of myself? I wish to look again with delight on the badges I’ve collected on this journey of life, and if it isn’t serving me, it is detracting from my power.
I dropped out of uni in 12 months one—it was dry. So I needed to make a judgement name and assume, “Okay, I wish to earn some cash.” I labored in retail till I may shut my eyes and nonetheless serve 15 individuals in my sleep. Individuals would come to my queue as a result of I used to be fast and I might realized the shortcuts on the keyboard. I knew the way to discuss to clients, and as soon as I might mastered the artwork of being on the tills? Okay, I’ve stopped now. The subsequent factor was pondering it was my dream to do radio and get on a drive-time present, in order that steered me to Rinse FM. I used to be on the radio Monday to Friday, three hours a day, and oh my gosh, it was so mad. However over time, ultimately, I am like, “Oh, I can do that. I can do it rather well. Individuals are having fun with it.” And ultimately, I do know the playlist inside out, when every track is gonna finish, and I will bounce in and say one thing, then play the following tune, however what else although? I need each resolution, each selection I make to be thrilling to my mind, and if it does not try this in any capability, it is not likely value it.
Am I having enjoyable? Am I studying one thing?… I wish to look again with delight on the badges I’ve collected on this journey of life, and if it isn’t serving me, it is detracting from my power.
Julie Adenuga
Who’ve been your favorite individuals to interview and what did you be taught from them?
KSI is up there. I used to be so nervous about interviewing him as a result of I actually needed it to be good. He is somebody that everyone has an opinion on so it was so vital for me to have the ability to give individuals a brand new perspective than what they’ve seen already. It may be so exhausting to interview somebody like that when there’s a lot details about them on the market, so we spent weeks researching him and it was a bottomless pit of data. You may watch movies, take heed to podcasts, learn interviews, watch documentaries and browse his tweets; you possibly can search his identify and go for all of the information articles ever written him or scroll via his Instagram. So I attempted to assume and choose a special approach. I talked to my brother Jamie as a result of he is bought an important relationship with him, and you do not get a man like KSI in and say, “Okay let’s speak about trauma.” So it put the stress on and I used to be so nervous. However then he got here in, sat down and we had been simply laughing and being very, very sincere, and It did not really feel pretend. He ended up simply reminding me of my little brother. So yeah, that was simply one among my favorite interviews.
One other one was Erykah Badu, I simply could not consider I used to be speaking to her—I will always remember sitting in L.A. and listening to her voice on the opposite finish of the telephone. And he or she’s mad. She’s powerful. Usually with a telephone interview, as a result of I am not in entrance of you, even when I am shaking or doing stuff, it is high quality as a result of you possibly can’t see, however along with her, I may hear it in my voice. When she completed speaking I used to be so tuned into what she was saying that I wasn’t even asking her the following query as a result of I used to be nonetheless processing her reply. However her presence made me chill out and really feel comfortable. She’s fucking superb.
(Picture credit score: Phill Taylor)
Aside from interviewing Erykah, what’s your proudest “pinch me” second?
My proudest pinch-me second is at all times going to be interviewing Jay-Z. That’s till I get to interview Beyonce. Or Rihanna. There have been moments after I was tripping over my very own phrases, however I simply needed to keep in mind in my head that he is him and he is performed his factor, however you are you, and you’ve got performed your factor too. We’re simply two individuals having a dialog. It was the identical with Alicia Keys. I keep in mind shopping for her album and placing it into my CD participant and studying the lyrics from the Diary of Alicia Keys album, and I did not assume there could be a world the place she could be sitting subsequent to me within the Roundhouse in Camden. It is prefer it wasn’t even actual to me.
So I’ve had loads of these moments, for certain. However Jay-Z stands out as a result of it was at his movie premiere [for The Harder They Fall], so it wasn’t his standard wheelhouse. I bought to interview him as an government producer and did not should ask the identical questions on what it was like making an album; it was a brand new chapter for him and a brand new chapter for me. I used to be so excited to be speaking to him on this advanced state of who he was as an individual. That was tremendous cool to me.
Whenever you set about beginning a brand new challenge, whether or not that be a TV present, placing collectively an occasion or curating a panel, the place does the inspiration come from? It is boring, however a number of pondering. Simply limitless pondering and speaking issues over with my mates. Sitting down, pondering, driving, pondering, going to sleep, shut my eyes, rise up, write notes in a ebook, return to sleep. Assume once more. But additionally, watching stuff. David Letterman, Philip DeFranco, Hollywood Reporter roundtable. All of these references dwell in my mind till there’s a second the place it is like, oh, that could possibly be an interview collection the place you do analysis and interview individuals. I believe my pure state is to be inquisitive. That comes again to what I used to be saying earlier than about taking issues aside and breaking down why they’re, analysing issues and listening to another person’s perspective on stuff. Name it nerdy, however for me, there are very intricate ideas that I do not assume anybody else actually thinks about as a result of I am only a bit bizarre.
I am studying Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon in the meanwhile, and it talks about having a swag folder of stuff that you simply simply assume is actually cool. Hold issues, take an image of buildings you want—for me it was my brother’s invitation to his trend present. Or he did a karaoke night time ages in the past referred to as KaiKai, and so they lay your entire venue with a furry carpet so when individuals arrived they took off their footwear and he gave them KaiKai branded socks. If I ever do an occasion I wish to take into consideration issues on that degree of element; they dwell in my mind till all of them merge into an concept. Getting issues off the bottom comes from having, I consider, fame with individuals, in order that after I name them and say, “I wish to do one thing,” they are saying “Okay” moderately than “Why?” It is like stubbornness and a perception that I am simply going to do it.
(Picture credit score: Phill Taylor)
You arrange artistic home Do not Belief the Web and produce and host your present Work in Progress on Youtube. How vital was it for you as a artistic, as a girl and as a girl of color to have the ability to create a present that lets you set the agenda and tone of voice?
It wasn’t that it was vital, it was that it was my solely possibility. I did not consider a present after which go and sit in entrance of a commissioner and attempt to clarify to them why it is a good suggestion. I haven’t got any need to do this ever. I did not think about I must go and discover a financier who would assist me put the cash as much as do the factor. My solely possibility was to make it precisely how I imagined it could be. And I used to be open to asking for help and assist as soon as. No, my solely possibility was to do it the way in which I needed to, as a black girl, as a artistic. I don’t waste any time ready for individuals to get on board or for me to be the recent matter of the variety and inclusion assembly. I haven’t got any persistence or have to even take into consideration that. I wish to say, “How am I going to do it? Let’s go and do it.” The tip.
What does a typical day appear to be for Julie now?
Nicely, I simply moved into a brand new workplace, so a typical day for me now is definitely being a grown-up! My bag is packed for the workplace; no extra carrying a laptop computer round and mashing up my again and having to get massages on a regular basis. All my stuff for the following day is prepared, so now I will go to the kitchen and really eat breakfast, take my lunch in a pleasant little bag with an ice pack in there to maintain all of it refrigerated. Then the prepare. I’ve bought a ebook as an alternative of being on my telephone, and I can have a pleasant little second with no matter ebook I am studying and a blueberry muffin. Then within the workplace, I sit down and check out my to-do record however at all times be sure that I make room for an hour’s lunch. I have not taken an hour-long lunch break in years, however now I spend that point going for a stroll or renting a motorcycle—simply being an individual and having fun with truly having a break. Go and do some reformer Pilates, no matter. Not coming house, overworking, sitting there wired and my sciatica begins kicking in. None of that stuff anymore. Simply truly going to work and loving it once more.
(Picture credit score: Phill Taylor)
Within the spirit of streamlining your day, when you needed to put on one outfit for the remainder of your life, what would it not be?
Ooh, it could be my Pangaia tracksuit bottoms; they’re A*, the most effective tracksuit bottoms you will ever discover. Then any type of crop [top], each black with a cropped bomber jacket. That’s me. Oh, after which some Air Max 90’s, all black.
Are there any items in your wardrobe which might be notably sentimental to you?
There may be, and it seems like okra stew with pink pepper in it. It is a inexperienced African print high and an identical skirt. I do not truly know the place the skirt is now, however my mum got here again from a visit to Nigeria and acquired it for me, and after I tried on the highest my niece began crying. I stated, “Rose! What’s mistaken?” And he or she stated, “I need that.” I informed her that something I ever have in my life, if she desires it, she will be able to have it. And so then she wore the highest and I wore the skirt and we took an image collectively in it and he or she wouldn’t cease smiling for the remainder of the day. For her birthday in Could, I’ll get it made correctly for her in order that it suits. It means quite a bit to me as a result of I understand how a lot she loves that we’ll have matching outfits. She’s simply so cool.
(Picture credit score: Phill Taylor)
What’s the most effective piece of profession recommendation you’ve ever been given? And what can we count on subsequent from Julie? The most effective piece of profession recommendation I’ve ever been given is from restauranteur and broadcaster Akwasi Brenya-Mensa: “What bought you right here will not get you there.” Which I actually beloved. We had been speaking in regards to the initiatives I am engaged on in the meanwhile like Work In Progress and a enterprise that I am launching later within the 12 months and all of the issues I’ve performed to rise up thus far. And he stated to me, “Do not be scared to select up new issues, and exit and ask extra questions,” as a result of all of the issues I’ve bought used to right here aren’t essentially going to push [me] to the following stage. So, “What bought you right here will not get you there” reminds you you can’t relaxation in your laurels. That is a very sensible piece of recommendation, bro. And if I had a T-shirt-making manufacturing unit, I’d print that on a T-shirt.
What’s subsequent? Nicely, there are two new episodes of Work In Progress popping out and I am tremendous completely satisfied. We have the KSI episode popping out quickly, which I am very excited for everyone to see, after which an episode with Large Zuu coming after that. I am excited to see the reception to that episode too, purely as a result of we uncovered a whole lot of stuff in our analysis that helped me perceive the issues that he does and why. Numerous individuals do not actually know him in depth—there’s the man that does the cooking present and he is loud and enjoyable. However we had been additionally in a position to break down who Zuu is and what he means to our technology.
Then I am happening tour with Julie’s Prime 5 and we’ll be utilizing dwell reveals to argue in regards to the high 5 songs from Usher’s Confessions album. I say this on a regular basis, however this one’s truly not going to be potential! Individuals is likely to be upset… who is aware of how that present goes to go. Get tickets and are available to the tour! Manchester on 17 April and London Leicester Sq. Theatre on the 18th. It is going to be very fascinating and enjoyable. I’ll lose my voice for certain.
Thanks for having us, Julie!
SHOP JULIE ADENUGA’S STYLE:
Raey
Suede Maxi Trench Coat
Paris Texas
85 Leather-based Knee-Excessive Boots
Pangaia
365 Heavyweight Observe Pants in Black
Loewe
Display Sun shades in Acetate
Skims
Ribbed Cotton-Mix Jersey Tank in Soot
MIISTA
Minnie White Cream Boots
