Institute: You are described as being a model, actress and muse… what do you consider yourself most?

Tolula Adeyemi: I consider myself to be a performer. Versatile, I hope! This is a cliché answer but it is soooo true; that I would love to try out different things, occupations, characters, lives and acting allows you to do that. I’m an actress then. I think these days it’s becoming more common to do other things as well, the Internet, our high levels of communication, the way the world is working right now, people are doing more. I find life to be pretty constant right now and I have to mentally press the pause button and relax. But there’s nothing wrong with hard work. I believe in it. What’s that classic quote from that famous producer, from the film The Kid Stays in the Picture (one of my favourite films) he says “success is when preparation (talent?) Meets opportunity” So hard work I think eventually pays off sooner or later.

Institute: What are your thoughts on fashion today?

TA: Fashion today I feel is a new “Anything Goes” generation. We can literally wear anything! In my opinion, of course as long as it looks good and works for the individual. You will always have yourkey trends such as leopard print or wedges that everyone wants, but I think the emergence of fashion blogging, experimental popstars such as Rihanna and Lady Gaga has opened up the world to more unusual fashions. I think fashion is now futuristic. This is what they were talking about in the 50s!

Institute: Do you have an Icon?

TA: Josephine Baker, David Bowie, Elizabeth Taylor.

Institute: Where do you think trends are created?

TA: I think trends are created by the collective Mind of The Fashion Universe! Who knows… I am sure there’s a secret fashion society somewhere… OK, I’ll stop with the conspiracy theories haha. As the great Coco Chanel said, fashion is everywhere.

Institute: Who is your favorite fashion photographer?

TA: I love the work of Ellen Von Unwerth, Jurgen Teller (as I have worked with him before).

Institute: What piece of clothing can you not live without?

TA: I couldn’t live without a hat, I have many hats – they keep your head warm and cover up bad hair days. Can I add high heels? I have a thing for shoes. I just had a picture of me pop up in my head walking around naked with just a hat and pair of high heels… That’s a typical weekend at my house…. JOKE. Yes I love hats and shoes.