Evans Ofori: Model extraordinaire, inspiring sense of fashion

Unlike many that pursue a career in Fashion modelling for the clout, fame and the celebrity status it provides, UK-based Ghanaian model, Evans Ofori, has a different motive — the passion to inspire people’s sense of style.

The 25-year-old has over the years been intrigued by the massive influence of fashion modelling in people’s fashion choices and personal style.

For this reason, he has decided to be a part of people’s journey as they pursue their fashion goals by ambling on the runways and posing for photographs to inform and showcase the latest clothing styles to aid their choices.

”Fashion is everything. We see nice things and we want it. Fashion is one of the most important aspects of our lives. You dress good; you feel good. You get compliments.

“You attract others and unconsciously you influence someone without knowing it. How many times have people asked others ‘where did you get that from’?” he intimated.

The opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds with different experiences and cultures has also been a great incentive for Evan’s love affair in modelling.

He talks fondly about the networking opportunities the profession has introduced him to; the everlasting bond that he has encountered and working with people he never imagined he would ever meet.

Career

Despite being in second year as a professional fashion model, Evans has made significant headways and is billed for great exploits in the industry.

He started off by doing extras for shows in the United Kingdom (UK) including the ‘only way is Essex’, Hollyoaks and popular Chinese movie installations, IPman 4 on Netflix. Evans again starred on ITV’s dating show, ‘Dress to lmpress.’

These works boosted his profile going on to work for notable brands including Liverpool Football Club (LFC retail), Zanouchi, Envisage, KIR while featuring also on the runway for the Bepo and Osprey clothing brands at the Cheshire Fashion week.

A graduate from the University of North Lanchashire in Preston, Evans owns a Sports therapy business also.

For him, his confidence, affectionate and savviness with communication and networking skills have been the major pillars of his career.

Challenges

According to Evans, being a Fashion Model is physically demanding as it always “requires you to be in good physical shape.”

“There’s also the challenge of learning how to adapt since brands may need you to do a specific job that suits their preference,” he noted.

Maintaining an unblemished reputation when thrust into the spotlight, according to him, is crucial for progress, since brands and clients do not want unreliable or controversial models.

He again admits that favouritism is rife in the profession and, therefore, models need strong networking skills to advance their careers and continuously prove to agents that they deserve certain jobs even if they have rightfully earned their place.

Notwithstanding the inherent challenges, he says the job provides an adventure, thrill and fun that fuels his love and pride to stick to it.

Future

Having worked with leading global and UK clothing brands, Evans says he is prepared to venture into the Ghanaian and African markets to make an enviable mark.

As a Ghanaian and an African, he believes working with clothing brands on the African continent will be an expansion of his work and a dream come true. It will also afford him the opportunity to introduce his works across the continent.

“Being a Ghanaian and African, I’ve also dreamt about influencing fashion across the continent because I believe as Africans, we have an authentic and unique style which we should be harnessing for global impact,” he states.

By Nana Bentsi Oduro