Name: Uju Ononuju
Age: 19
Classification: Sophomore
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Miami Gardens, FL
Nickname: “Wolfgang”
Apparel/Clothing Line Name: LeBaron by Wolfgang LeBaron
Twitter: @LRD_LeBaron_IV
Tumblr: harajuku-swagger.tumblr.com
Instagram: wolfganglebaron
Vice President, Robyn Mowatt sat down with and interviewed second year Uju Ononuju to present the creative mindset of the well traveled, stylish gentleman. Divulge into the eccentric thought process of this artistic individual and be sure to look out for his apparel LeBaron by Wolfgang LeBaron!
HC FAMU: What is the career you wish to attain upon completing your schooling at our
historically black university?
UO: My goal for coming to school is to be an engineer in Aerospace then transitioning over to the business aspect of that and working in Wall Street. But then again I have dreams of becoming a musical artist and a
fashion designer.
HC FAMU: Why did you choose to attend Florida A&M University?:
UO: To be honest, FAMU really was a last option for me. I mean, I had no idea but I suppose there is a purpose for me coming here!
HC FAMU: We have many aspiring, entrepreneurs on our campus, explain the name of your
brand, why is it unique and what inspired you to create it.
UO: I am the founder and creator of LeBaron by Wolfgang LeBaron. My brand expresses the meaning of life
from many point of views in a luxury format. The inspiration behind my brand as a whole is asking and answering what life is through my designs. In terms of the style, my inspiration is Riccardo Tisci’s Balmain designs. I love his work. The unique thing about my brand is that there is wisdom that comes with every
design I create. I don’t want to really get in depth too much; I rather let my designs speak for itself!
HC FAMU: If you could use one word to describe your personality what would it be?
UO: ME!!!!!!! Get to know me first and I’ll let you answer that for yourself.
HC FAMU: What is the most recent country you’ve visited? What was the fashion like there?
UO: Ah man London, UK was amazing! When I went I hadn’t been overseas in about 8 years so it was really refreshing to see the other side of the globe. I kind of got tired of the states so you know! London’s fashion apart from the runway regarding people’s every day life and the every day aspects of society, it’s very
modern and sharp. I see London’s fashion I think the whole James Bond feel and texture. I love it!
HC FAMU: How big of a role does fashion and music play in your life separately?
UO: I am a musical artist and I design. I suppose that speaks for itself. In my world you really can’t separate the two AT ALL! Its like the Theory of Relativity, space and time are the same thing. That’s fashion and music for me.
HC FAMU: How do you feel about some students referring to our university as Fashion And
Modeling University?
UO: I love it. I love art, so to attend a school that’s known for that I am really humbled [by this acronym]!
HC FAMU: Do you believe having a personal style is more essential than staying up to date on
seasons and trends?
UO: Like Mathieu-Saint-Laurent said, “Fashion comes and goes, but style is forever.”
HC FAMU: How important do you believe it is to dress appropriately in all settings whether it be
on campus or “out & about” on the town?
UO: Forgive me ya’ll! On an arrogant tip, I don’t give a damn about any dress codes because I know how to dress. If it’s embarrassment you want, I shall supply (laughs)! No, but all jokes aside, appearance does matter. I always dress to the occation not for it. So if it’s a ball you are attending, dress to the occasion. Put on that tux homie!
HC FAMU: What can we catch you wearing on a regular day on campus?
UO: (Laughs) ummmmmm, black Balmains, just kidding. I’m not there yet (laughs). I’ll rock black Zara skinny pants, Cement 3’s, and an extra big and tall Calvin Klein black tee to offset the fit. Oh and don’t forget the Movado and my Jesus piece!
HC FAMU: Who is your favorite artist or music group? Why?
UO: That’s a really good question hahahaha! Get it? Well I’ve always been a fan of the group as a whole not just Kanye for a very long time even before G.O.O.D. blew up. Artists like Common and John Legend I listen to on a regular basis so I’m well acquainted with them. Kanye West is my icon!
HC FAMU: Who are your top three style icons? Why?
UO: Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and oddly Scott Disick. Why? Ye has that rockstar style to him. Being that I make music and I design, thats my go to man. Pharrell Williams I admire because of his oddness and his out-of-this-world creativity. He is a very abstract individual and I relate to him on that level because a lot of people on campus think I’m pretty odd. I have a deep intellect. Lastly Scotty, he’s just one bad dude when he styles. I mean, he’s just sick with it yo! The man is clean as hell!
HC FAMU: What is your most recent purchase?
UO: Givenchy Birds of Paradise Tee.
HC FAMU: What is your viewpoint on life? Are you an optimist, realist, etc?
UO: Overall, yea I’m optimistic. Life is what you make it. Not saying I disregard solid facts, but I am very spiritual. I believe with God all things are possible but, then again, you have to want it. Everyone has a gift, but many people tend to lose sight of it. It’s all about choices and you only have one life to live, so you either live as a commoner, or live it to its fullest potential.
HC FAMU: Describe your personal style.
UO: My personal style is very Mafia-like, in terms of the color. My favorite color to dress in is black. When I was a kid I didn’t have a variety of clothes back then so I always wore black and it just stuck with my style, but I’ll occasionally wear other colors like red and white. Now to answer the question of style as a whole, it all depends on my mood or what I want to express at that particular moment whether I feel like a rockstar one moment, or a zen master the next, my style is very expressive! Its passion driven and emotionally based!