You Need to Know This Cinematic Content Creator

Igee Okafor, found on Instagram at @igeeokafor, is a 24-year-old content creator known for his cinematically striking images and his ability to capture a sort of dapper nostalgia that transcends his years. A well-traveled man about town, Okafor imbues a sense of elevation.

We’re tapping Okafor in partnership with Kenneth Cole’s "What Moves You" campaign—an initiative that highlights the movers and shakers in style, business, culture and sports. Here, he answers a few of our most pressing questions:

Where are you from?

Igee Okafor: I’m originally from Nigeria. I was born and raised there for about 14 years of my life. I also got educational opportunities that took me to Europe, particularly France and Spain.

When did you start loving fashion?

Okafor: I think from a young age. I've always had an eye for anything I assume to be aesthetically pleasing. From a young age, maybe 9 or 10, I started to understand the way fashion was going and why we need it today, but I didn't really start to take it seriously until my senior year of high school.

Who’s your favorite visual artist?

Okafor: I mean, Tom Ford—does he count as one? Also, not to be cliche, but Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen… it goes across the board. I like anyone who works so hard for their art and works to get their point made.

Can you tell us about your writing career?

Okafor: Attending my first fashion week ever, I covered women's wear backstage, beauty, makeup and designer interviews for The Source. I also worked for The Examiner and Nylon magazine. Somehow I ended up in Nylon’s digital marketing department, and that's where my digital experience started.

When did these passions first become a business?

Okafor: At the time of my first collaboration—a giveaway with a brand—I didn't realize I could turn my passion into a business, but I did realize that I could make money off of it. I didn't see a lot of people like me represented, so I wanted to contribute to the conversation. I was going to go to college, interested in marketing and fashion, so I started blogging. When I started to write for other publications, I realized that I actually really liked writing and creating on my own terms, and having my blog was one of the only few ways to do that.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Okafor: It’s really boring and very serious. Most people would be surprised because, you know, when you share your Stories and put stuff on Instagram, it looks like you're having a great time all the time. Which I am, but you still have to remember that I’m working. I wake up really early, around 5:30 a.m. From 5:30 to 9 a.m., I contemplate articles and go running. When the day starts, I usually have meetings and emails all day. I'm a very strict person. I try to end around 5 or 6 p.m., so most of the time I'm in front of a laptop, on set producing or recording. Lately, I’ve been loving my Futurepod Cap Toe Dress Oxfords with Techni-Cole from Kenneth Cole. They have triple-layer cushioning for all-day comfort while looking sharp.

Do you have any tips for young entrepreneurs or young style people?

Okafor: I would say that your perspective is the only thing you have, and your perspective is really the only thing that makes you special. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that your perspective doesn't matter. Stay focused on your perspective, because if you are focused and have a willingness to succeed, you will.

What motivates you to keep at your work?

Okafor: I have a team at Bond Official, my men’s lifestyle website, so that helps. I wanted to inspire people to go after whatever it is that they want, and to be honored. I try to push myself to see all of the possibilities.

What are some of the craziest dreams for your platform that you’d like to accomplish?

Okafor: My end goal is to have my own menswear and lifestyle brand. I'm inspired by people like Tom Ford and Ralph Lauren; people who start off with one thing and are then able to accomplish other things under the same brand. Even with Kenneth Cole, it's all about sending a message that inspires other men to be themselves. The Rebound System IP technology encourages men to move through their day with ease and elegance, giving sneaker-like comfort in polished oxfords and chukkas. 

It’s fashion, but they’re also able to explore other parts of their passion, whether its travel or film. If I am able to accomplish all of those goals, then I’m happy.