Secrets that have sustained me over the years –Opral Benson

[Mirror]

Chief (Dr) Opral Mason Benson is a trailblazer in fashion and beauty care in Nigeria. She is the Chairperson of Johnson Products Nigeria Limited. She started the Chic Afrique Beauty Company in 1980 and the Opral Benson Beauty Training Institute in 1985 when she clocked 50. The Iya Oge of Lagos pioneered and organised a trade fair exclusively for the cosmetics and fashion industries. In this interview with Adaeze Amos, this woman of style expresses worry about rampant nudity among young women.

At 78, you are strong enough to wear high heeled shoes and still look this good; what are you doing right?

The secret is that I'm a hard worker. Yes, I'm working very hard. I never relented, I never relaxed or rested. I'm ever active, always on the go.

You are always on the go to do what?

I'm ever ready to promote the beauty and fashion industry. I have a non-governmental organisation. I have various organisations that I do which I use to keep myself very busy. But most importantly, I don't worry about anything. Not worrying about anything adds to a woman's good looks and health. That helps you not to develop early wrinkles. You know when you worry a lot, your whole body system is also worried and that reflects on you.

At your age, you still wear high heeled shoes. As a beauty expert, what are those beauty rituals you do to look good?

Are you sure I'm really looking good? You have your eyes wide open on me. Well, I still try my best to do some little exercises. I eat well. I don't have any special beauty routine but whatever I need to do to look good, I do it. My life is very simple and hard work is a must in my life. That is all I do.

Opral Mason Benson

Some women after getting married or when they attain to some age feel it is no longer necessary to look good or be fashionable. What is your opinion on this?

I don't think that is proper. I don't believe that should be the case. I think every woman should take good care of herself whether single or married. Take good care of yourself and look as presentable as you can all the time.

What are some fashion blunders by our women that put you off?

Nudity! Oh there is much nudity these days or haven't you observed it? I think the fashion blunder common these days is body exposure. Our young ladies are exposing too much. Please help me tell them to start covering up. I mean nudity is becoming very rampant. There is much nudity these days than our own days.

You are the 'Iya Oge' of Lagos, what makes your style stand out?

My style is comfort. That stands me out. I wear something that I feel comfortable in, that makes me appear respectful and responsible before people.

What is your opinion on colour-blocking trends?

There is nothing wrong with colourblocking trends. Young ladies are free to play with colours provided they look good in colours of their choice.

Where is your tattoo?

I don't have any on me. I don't think having tattoo on me is necessary. It is not because of my religion but I don't need tattoos on me.

In your heyday, what styles were you crazy about? Did you wear minis in those days?

My styles have not really changed much although to some people they would regard such styles as very conservative if compared with today's trends. But I think there are styles that are timeless. Dresses that have been there in the fashion radar and they are still being worn till date. Those are the styles I used to wear in my heyday. I still wear them till date. I wore minis but mine weren't as short as the ones today's young ladies wear now. Ours were a little bit short but never as bad as the ones today's ladies wear. Then in our minis, nothing was showing. But it is no longer like that now. I still repeat, there is too much exposure now. I pray our young ladies reduce their rate of nudity. A lady can be properly covered up and still look trendy. Exposing your body would not make you more fashionable, it wouldn't make you trendier or prettier. It would rather attract the wrong kind of men to you. It's always good to dress to appear decent and not tacky.

Do you find time to exfoliate?

I do just like others do. I don't do anything extraordinary. I have a beauty institute. It is 28 years old now. It is where I teach ladies and gents how to take care of themselves. I practise what I preach by doing the things I teach them just to look good. I don't only teach how to take care of the face alone, but how to care for your nails, skin, hair, I mean body care generally.

What thrills you in life and when you are down what do you do to derive your inspiration?

Making others happy thrills me. When I'm down, I pray to God and he lifts me up. I don't joke with prayers.

What is your life philosophy?

Do unto others as you would like them do unto you.

You are the life patron of Fashion designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN), can you reach out to FADAN?

I think FADAN should continue its good work. They should continue to add power to the fashion industry by training more young people. I counsel them to help promote Nigeria by helping to create jobs for the people.

National Mirror