TV Girl Ojy Okpe Continues to Dazzle on the Runway

Many years after she was discovered by South African talent scout Jan Malan, Nigerian model of international acclaim Ojy Okpe continues to turn heads on the runway.

This notwithstanding her new-found fame as a TV anchor on ARISE News Channel. ‘What’s Trending with Ojy Okpe’ which she produces and presents has become one of the most followed segments on both TV and social media.

But at the 2021 ARISE Fashion Week held in Dubai, Ojy was turning heads for another reason, fashion; which was what brought her to the limelight in the first place. The graceful six-footer stunned in pieces by Hudayya and Yutee Rone. For the former, she donned a glittering flowing gown with matching headgear, while for the latter, she rocked a long flowing purple gown with a bold butterfly imprint that signifies the ‘wandering dreams’ concept of the designer.

From childhood, Ojy had always been drawn to the fashion world. Her mother was a fashion entrepreneur and had catalogs that paraded models in stylish pieces on the runway. Ojy often spent time poring over these images. Moreso, she was dazzled by the impeccable beauty and fashion of the late Princess of Wales, Diana, such that she had posters of Diana all over her room. To date, Ojy, a perfect 10, still channels Princess Diana in her fashion.

At the age of 17, Ojy entered Mnet’s Face of Africa competition, and emerged as a finalist. Then she moved to South Africa before proceeding to New York where she found fame on the runway.

While many may have faded away from the spotlight, the model has built an enviable reputation in the fashion industry. From New York to Lagos, she has walked the runway for many international and local designers. They include Oscar de la Renta, Jean Paul Gaultier, Versace, Moschino, Ralph Lauren and Dolce & Gabbana, among others. She was also constantly on the covers of international magazines like Elle and Vogue.

Ojy’s lasting relevance on the fashion scene speaks volumes of her professionalism. Although she is known as a TV anchor on ARISE News today, her modelling life is and still remains a large part of her. If there was any doubt, this was dispelled with ease as she glided on the runway in Dubai, against the backdrop of the iconic Burj Khalifa.