THE POWER WOMAN EDIT

Words: Foyin Ogunrombi | Photography: Supplied

With a career spanning over 15 years in the entertainment industry as a musician, presenter and fashion designer, as well as being a wife and mother, Nandi Madida is someone who epitomises the modern woman. She can’t be confined to one box and being multifaceted is her superpower. This Women’s Month, she and Aldo shoes collaborated to capture what makes her feel her most powerful. Introducing the Power Woman Edit, a selection of Nandi’s favourite handbag and shoe designs. We spoke to the power woman herself to find out more.

You’ve recently collaborated with Aldo to create your own Power Woman Edit. What are some of your favourite selects and why?

It was so easy to choose, because there was so much to choose from. I love tribal prints and retro styles. so I chose them because they’re an extension of who I am and what I love. I’m drawn to quirky shapes and styles – they’re so chic. A lot of people think Aldo is strictly for corporate wear, but they’re also very experimental. They speak to all kinds of women and that excites me, because I’m also multifaceted. I’m a mother, a businesswoman, a TV host, so I could relate.

Would you define your personal style as multifaceted too?

It’s exactly that. I’m very versatile yet very practical at the same time. My mom was a huge style icon for me, because not once did she ever look like she had just rolled out of bed. Style was a big thing for her. So as much as I love to experiment, I always want to look super chic and like I’ve dressed with intention. You only have one life to live, so celebrate who you are. As long as it isn’t forced and contrived, let’s do it. I can be very daring or super conservative, but either way, it has to be stylish.

As someone in the limelight, you often have many red carpet events to attend. What are some of your personal power-dressing tips for when you need to go big?

When it comes to events that are big, I always want to go big and get something new. I ask my friends to style me for these occasions, because it has to be something big, something bold, something alternative that stands out. Fashion is exciting and red carpets can often be very monotonous since people don’t like to be daring, so I try to get something different.

With all the pressure that comes with fame, what do you do or wear to feel like your most powerful and beautiful self?

Contrary to popular belief, I’m actually a short woman. So a good heel – a good, super-high heel is paramount for me. It makes me feel super powerful, helps my posture and just gives me that little edge. It makes me feel more elegant, powerful and it just gives me boldness.

And when you’re getting ready, what’s your ultimate hype song?

Obviously, Run The World (Girls) by Beyonce *laughs*, but there’s also I’m Coming Out by Diana Ross. It’s how you should live every day. You need to let the world know who you are.

Why do you feel like it’s still important to celebrate and honour Women’s Month?

I feel like it’s still extremely important to celebrate it, but the purpose needs to come out more and for that, we can all do better. We need to celebrate women every month, not just this month. I think the best way to honour it is to actually empower women. Our society is incredibly patriarchal, in the workplace, in the industry, in society, and we need to change that. We need to challenge this. Even when a woman is empowered to a higher position, she’s still challenged by patriarchy at that new level so we need to help support women, especially in the workplace. Women need support, especially from their partners and I’m very lucky to have a supportive husband.

How do you stay on top of your professional game?

I truly believe that if you do what you genuinely love, you’ll find a way to always be relevant. When it’s your craft, talent and purpose, it becomes second nature. I’ve always known what I wanted to do and it’s an extension of who I am. It is who I am, and different professions are just different versions of me. I find it very easy to always be stimulated and intrigued, so it doesn’t feel like work to me. I mean, I’m currently sick, I was working until 1am on Sunday, I’m about to fly to Cape Town for a shoot at 6am – this wouldn’t be fun to the average person, but for me, it is because it’s what I love. If you’ve got a passion for what you do, that’ll give you that longevity.

What are the top three qualities you need to have a long career in entertainment?

Authenticity, hard work and humility.