Editorial – Inside Model Nneka Ibeabuchi's New Los Angeles Life

 

Model and Creative Director Nneka Ibeabuchi (aka African Jawn on Instagram) may have just moved to LA three months ago but she's already started to feel at home. After spending an extended period of time traveling back and forth between New York City and Los Angeles for modeling gigs, she finally decided to trade in the harsh East Coast weather for LA's sunny skies. Ibeabuchi now lives in Inglewood, California, a city in LA's metropolitan area that houses the iconic Randy's Donuts (Google Inglewood and at least four images of the donut shop appears). Like with any model, Ibeabuchi spends a lot of time on the road but when she has time, she enjoys exploring her new city.

This month, Nneka took the time out of her busy schedule to meet up with The Folklore and LA-based photographer Brandon Stanciell in Los Angeles' Echo Park neighborhood. The model strolled through the palm tree-lined streets in some of The Folklore's most popular looks from South Africa-based brands Nicholas Coutts, Selfi and Pichulik, Nigeria-based brand Onalaja, and Côte d’Ivoire-based brand Loza Maléombho. Along the way, Nneka picked up guavas that reminded her of her childhood growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, and spoke with The Folklore about her new life in LA, her favorite places in the city, and what she misses most about Lagos.

My favorite thing about LA so far is really the weather. You can’t go wrong with nice sunny weather. I also love going to The Grove, E.P & L.P, and of course, the beach.

Jumpsuit - Oval Sleeve Jumpsuit (Selfi)

Since I've moved to LA my beauty routine has pretty much stayed the same but my fashion routine switched up a bit. I wear fewer winter jackets and more summer clothing. 

Top - Ere Top (Onalaja), Bottom - Morounou Pants (Loza Maleombho)

I miss everything about Lagos. I miss going to the market, I miss street vibes, I miss fetching water, I miss the street vendors, the list just goes on and on. My favorite Nigerian artists are Wizkid, Runtown, Burna Boy and Teni, and my favorite Nigerian designers are Andrea Iyamah and Mahki Oh.

Top - Disa Scarf (Nicholas Coutts), Bottom - Button Side-Slit Skirt (Nyosi), Earrings - Mithra Earrings (Pichulik) 

Photographer: Brandon Stanciell
Model: Nneka Ibeabuchi
Stylist: Amira Rasool