Behind The Scenes: Nifemi Kolade’s Iconic moment at GTCO Fashion week

Following her stellar performance at the GTCO fashion weekend 2024 runway, walking the stage for brands like LaQuan Smith and Orire, we had an interesting conversation with the talented Nifemi Kolade where she spoke to us about what goes on behind the scenes for such a huge event, the preparation process and the exhilarating moment when she’s strutting her stuff on the runway.

Nifemi Kolade

But taking it back to the very beginning, we talked about her personal journey and what made her choose modeling as a career path. “Honestly, my parents fueled my passion early on,” she said. “I would strut casually around the living room, and my dad would give me “awards” for my catwalks. My mom also bought me high heels from a young age—I wore the highest heels in the children's church!” she told us laughing. Her height and build also naturally made it commonplace for her to be fondly referred to as Naomi Campbell by people around her—something she says every slim girl might be able to relate to, which in its own way planted the seeds in her heart that gave birth to the dream.

She’s now officially been modeling for four years and has walked the GTCO fashion stage three times consecutively, which is no small achievement. She was first cast through her former agency as a presentation model and she talked about the perks of being a returning model. “As a returning model, you know what to expect and how to prepare, which helps ease any nerves,” she explained.

Talking about the rehearsal process for the event, she mentioned that it was intense. The models arrive four days before the event kicks off and immediately start their auditions, as they are required to audition for individual designers even after being selected by GTCO, either through physical castings or Polaroids. “Our days start early, leaving the hotel by 7 AM, and sometimes we don’t return until 10 PM, depending on the schedule,” she told us. The models are required to be fit, bring their stilettos for rehearsals and robes for fittings.

She talked us through her personal preparations which involves praying- something that helps to center her, researching the designers to better understand their brand tone and of course, getting as much rest as she can. One thing we were really curious about was the atmosphere backstage on the day of the showcase, and Nifemi described it as beautifully chaotic. Everyone from the hairstylists to the production team work in sync to create the magic that we see.

Nifemi walking for LaQuan Smit at GTCO fashion weekend 2024

On the runway, Nifemi is completely immersed in the moment, keeping her mind blank and her steps sure. “The runway is my safe space, my favorite place to be… as long as there’s no drama with my shoes!” she joked. After the event, her go-to routine is to grab dinner, meet with friends and family who came to support and then head straight to catch up on beauty sleep.

As we round up the conversation, she shared with us that walking for the LaQuan Smith show was a dream come true. “I’ve admired his work since he showcased at GTCO Fashion Week years ago, and to be part of it this year was surreal. Seeing it all come full circle is a memory I’ll cherish forever. And let me just say—I deserve a crown for that walk! Hopefully the right people get to see it,” she said and we completely agree! She put on quite the show and it’s our hope to see her on more runways doing what she loves in the future.