The Arts of Fashion: An Interview with Favour Joseph

Art is generally an expression, but to me, it’s more than just an expression of oneself. It’s an expression of a greater work of excellence in a man.

Whatever a man displays in excellence on the face of the earth, I term it art.

By David Oletu (DCM)

Meet Favour Joseph, a renowned Nigerian Christian fashion model, acclaimed for her stunning runway presence and her commitment to faith in God.

With captivating beauty, artistic flair, and excellence in her craft, Favour beautifully reflects the brilliance of God’s creation!

She sees fashion beyond mere physical coverage; it’s a vibrant expression of our identity.

Join us as Favour shares her insights on the world of fashion, empowering us to embrace our unique style,

celebrate and feel confident about ourselves, and showcase excellence in every thread.

The Arts of Fashion: An Interview with Favour Joseph

DCM: Can we meet you?

Favour: I’m Joseph Favour Musa, born and brought up in Kaduna, and from a Christian home.

I studied Mathematics at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State.

Most Importantly, I have lived most of my life in the fear and knowledge of God, and that has been my strength to navigate through life.

I’ve had a struggle picking what to do majorly, given that I was into so many things from a tender age and did excellently well in them.

These include dancing, singing, catering, modelling, and styling.

This struggle made me depend solely on God to direct my path at every stage of my life.

I’ve now picked modelling at this stage of my life, and I’m so glad I did.

DCM: What does art mean to you personally?

Favour: Art is generally an expression, but to me, it’s more than just an expression of oneself. It’s an expression of a greater work of excellence in a man.

Whatever a man displays in excellence on the face of the earth, I term it art.

I see one’s expression of excellence as art because, from that, so many others would follow in that path.

Even if I’m doing something abstract and it looks as though it hasn’t been done by anyone before, as long as I do it excellently well, it’s art to me.

DCM: How do you express art through fashion?

Favour: By doing it excellently well in the way I know best.

I infuse my style with my beliefs, language, views, and ideology, ensuring that my output screams my unique aesthetic.

But I learn every day, avoiding repetition and staleness.

I draw inspiration from other great professionals in the space but make sure to adapt and reinterpret their influences into my own distinctive style,

creating something authentic and original.

The Arts of Fashion: An Interview with Favour Joseph

DCM: Should people view fashion as a form of expression or merely a means of covering our bodies?

Favour: If it’s just to cover up the body, then I don’t think it should be called fashion.

Fashion is a language, and language is a form of expression. We communicate through what we wear.

By paying attention to how someone dresses, we can infer their personal style, values, and comfort zone – beyond situational dressing like work or school.

Fashion is more than just covering the body; it’s an expression of ourselves.

Once we understand this, we’ll become more creative and intentional with what we wear, shaping how others perceive us.

DCM: What should influence people’s style of fashion?

Favour: Your views of life at that time should influence your style of fashion.

We often do this unconsciously, as our mindset and emotions influence how we want to be seen.

Our fashion sense can also be shaped by our culture, which is a beautiful way to showcase our ethnicity.

Additionally, our personal beliefs, not others, should guide our style.

Authenticity is key; embracing what resonates with us, rather than just following trends, ensures our expression feels genuine.

When we’re not one with our expression, it can feel forced or repel others.

DCM: As a Christian fashion model, how do you use your art to glorify God, and how can others follow your example?

Favour: As a Christian fashion model, I let the light within me shine brightly by excelling in my craft.

It’s not just about being a fashion model but thriving in my space while standing firm in my faith.

I express myself authentically, showcasing excellence in every aspect of my work.

My goal isn’t to force my beliefs on others, but instead,

I demonstrate the excellence of God’s spirit working through me.

When asked about my inspiration, I proudly share that it comes from God.

I draw inspiration from Scripture, particularly Matthew 5:16, which encourages believers to “let your light so shine that you may glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16 KJV
[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.16.KJV

The Arts of Fashion: An Interview with Favour Joseph

To fellow believers navigating the fashion industry, I offer this advice:

First, express the excellent spirit at work within you. Excel in your craft, reflecting God’s excellence. That is all you need to glorify your Father in heaven.

DCM: For individuals struggling with low self-esteem due to body shape, how can fashion help them build confidence?

Favour: To address this sensitive aspect, I believe acceptance is key.

Fashion is an inside-out process, where your inner self shines through your outer appearance.

Start by embracing your unique personality, values, and body.

Recognize that your body is a beautiful temple of God, worthy of love and respect.

As you accept yourself, express your individuality through fashion.

Wear what makes you feel confident and beautiful.

The compliments you receive can boost your self-esteem, but more importantly, you’ll learn to love your body and appreciate how you look.

It’s not about seeking validation from others, but rather finding confidence in your own self-acceptance.

When you love what you’re wearing and feel authentic, you’ll exude confidence.

DCM: Do dress colours play a significant role in enhancing our appearance and self-esteem? What should we consider when selecting colours?

Favour: Yes, Colours play a significant role in our appearance and self-esteem.

Different colours evoke emotions and have physical and spiritual significance.

As a believer, I consider both aspects.

Colours can influence our mood and confidence, with “happy colours” uplifting us and gloomy colours dampening our self-esteem.

When choosing colours, consider what makes you feel comfortable and happy.

Also, think about the spiritual significance, such as seasons or themes, and individual preferences.

Occasion and context matter too, like matching with others.

Wearing colours that resonate with you can boost confidence, enhance self-perception, and create positive associations.

From personal experience, I’ve struggled with low self-esteem.

Learning to trust my instincts and make intentional choices, including colour selections, has helped boost my confidence.

So, wear colours that make you happy, feel comfortable, and reflect your beauty.

The Arts of Fashion: An Interview with Favour Joseph

DCM: What encouragement would you offer Christian sisters who aspire to become fashion models but face challenges due to stature, religious doctrine, or fear of harassment?

Favour: If you’re currently scared of venturing into fashion modelling because of your stature, religious doctrines, or fear of harassment,

I want you to take a pause and first ask yourself, “Am I on the right path?”

If the answer is yes, then let nothing stop you.

We need to know we’re on the right track and where we’re meant to be at every given time. That’s the greatest thing.

For me, knowing I’m in God’s will has made all the difference.

I’ve had people talk down on me, not openly, but I could sense their disapproval because of what they perceive modelling to be.

But I never backed down.

Instead, I took a pause, confirmed my calling, and held onto the vision.

I’ve never had to worry about harassment, what others say or even my stature.

When I began modelling, I wasn’t in the right shape, and being a pastor’s daughter added extra pressure.

I had struggled with low self-esteem, and every comment felt like harassment.

But the minute I got the vision from God that I was to be a model, all these factors faded out.

All I could see was how to glorify God through this space. It didn’t matter what others thought; it only mattered what God was saying.

The confirmations you get, not always but most times, make everything fall into place.

I experienced ease learning how to be a model; it came naturally, thanks to the academy I trained with in Kaduna, @onyxmodelz.

So, I encourage you to ensure you’re clear on your vision and let nothing else stop you. Let that light shine so bright.

This advice applies to any field you venture into.

Surround yourself with supportive networks, seek guidance from mentors or role models,

stay grounded in your faith, and continuously seek confirmation from God.

DCM: How do you define modesty in the context of fashion?

Favour: Modesty, to me, is basically making sure you are not just being comfortable with what you are wearing,

but also considering that others around you aren’t aroused by your appearance.

So, as much as we want to express ourselves, please make sure it’s something you are comfortable wearing and also pleasing to God.

We won’t neglect the part of being our brother’s keeper, making sure we aren’t causing another to fall.

We care for the next person enough not to cause them to fall.

The Arts of Fashion: An Interview with Favour Joseph

DCM: Lastly, at TheDiadem Magazine, we love to build the faith of others through our testimonies.

Could you share with us your unforgettable testimony of God’s faithfulness and grace in your life?

Favour: I sure would love to share some of my major testimonies, especially in this modelling field.

I am so grateful to God for the vision and not just giving the vision but also bringing it to pass.

I got scouted and selected by one of the best agencies in Nigeria, @enrolemodelmanagement,

and that same year I walked amazing shows I only imagined but didn’t know how it would happen.

Most recently, I just rounded up my schooling program and had spent so much, but God told me I was going to be a part of the fashion season.

I had a situation where I was to attend a casting in Lagos; previously, I had used the road for it the last year, but when returning, I used a flight.

However, I told God I never wanted to use the road again for the distance was so much.

So, He showed me that I was going to use a flight, but I didn’t know how because I didn’t have the means financially at that time.

But I held on to it and kept saying it, regardless of the fact that I had less than 5,000 naira at that time, which wasn’t even enough for me to travel by road.

I remember I heard clearly, “Tishbite in her Zarephath” (the story of Elijah and the widow). He also gave me a song, “Victory is My Name” by Sinach.

I danced throughout the mornings with that song on the first of October, and the next day, in the morning, the day I was to travel, I went to the park,

still trusting God for my flight, as He promised me, plus I didn’t even have the money for the road trip.

But I knew I was going to be at that casting.

When I got there, the fee for the road was 37,500 naira,

and previously, I had one of my pastors, “pst. Terna Yahemba”of the Remnant Christian Network send me a monetary gift,

which was what I needed to navigate my way to Abuja (FCT-Nigeria) to make the flight vision come to pass.

Then, mind you, castings are 50/50 chances; you might get picked or not.

So, after that trip to Abuja, I was left with nothing in my account.

At the time I was at the park, I was short of cash, but I went anyway to ask for the price of the trip.

Just when my faith almost failed me, I picked up my phone to call my mom to ask for assistance.

Suddenly, my very good friend just offered, willingly, to pay for my flight trip back and forth.

I didn’t ask for it, not once. All I was looking at was God to make it possible.

This person has no idea the magnitude of the alignment to God’s word;

I am sure when the person reads this, it would make more sense than just saying it at that instant.

I cried silently, screaming in my head, “How faithful God is!”

I have never seen God work so tremendously in my life.

My movement to the airport around Lagos was handled without a bother at all—I experienced so much ease.

Although the casting was a very difficult one to get, God showed me mercy, and I got it.

Truth be told, these are the kinds of tremendous works God has been doing in this space ever since I yielded to this vision,

and so many other mind-blowing testimonies I can’t even keep count on. Opportunities just avail themselves with such ease.

This is why I stressed the importance of being on the right track and being sure of the vision.

God really brings His words to pass.

I thank God again and the vessels He used; I don’t take it for granted; it means so much to me.

Also, thank you to TheDiadem Magazine for this great opportunity to express myself and share these experiences with others. God greatly increase you. Amen.

DCM: Amen. Thank you for your time, Favour.

We are also honoured to share your good works and testimonies. God bless and increase you too!

Favour: My pleasure.  Amen!

Favour Joseph’s >>> https://www.instagram.com/favour_._joseph?igsh=MXFvMnl0bWtldG8xdA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

The Arts of Fashion: An Interview with Favour Joseph

Also Read: Sussan Igboanugo: Faith-based Fashion Model Inspiring Modesty – Diademng (thediademng.org)