Welcome to the second episode of Jewellery Obsessions, where we dive deep into the love stories behind people’s favourite accessories.
This week, I’m chatting with the charismatic Ganiru, who’s all about bold, dramatic pieces that turn heads. From her early fascination with oversized earrings to her love for vibrant colours and breaking all the fashion “rules,” Ganiru shares how her style has evolved.
Whether you’re new to bold accessories or looking for fresh inspiration, you’re in for a treat.
Let’s get into it!
- What first got you obsessed with bold accessories? Was there a specific piece that started it all?
Ganiru: As a child, I loved all sorts of jewellery although I gravitated towards the more dramatic ones. Growing up, I didn’t get to explore my love for bold jewellery because I was too shy to.
When I became a teenager, I gave it a try. There was a time I wore lots of big earrings just like the ones I wear today and my dad teased me. He was like, “You and all these your bicycle wheel and signboard earrings.” It was so funny but I loved it. After that, I stopped. Not because I didn’t like them anymore, but because I felt I was attracting too much attention.
But as I got older, I decided that everybody will be alright. So I stopped caring about how I was perceived and focused on exploring more of what I liked.
- You totally own vibrant colours! How do these colours make you feel and express yourself?
Ganiru: They make me very happy. That’s one of the reasons why I wear colours.
Before 2020, I mostly wore neutral colours like navy blue to blend in. I was shy and didn’t want to draw attention. Then, my sister, who loves colourful clothing, sent me some colourful clothes. I tried them on and realised I enjoyed wearing them. Whenever I wore colourful clothes, I felt happy and received compliments. So, I started incorporating more colour into my wardrobe and have been enjoying it ever since.
Tee: Yeah, I agree. While I don’t wear lots of bright colours, I love colours and often add a pop to neutral outfits with accessories like a scarf or jewellery.
Ganiru: I know what you mean. Today, I wanted to wear all black, but I wasn’t feeling it. So, I added my multi-coloured mlouye bag to brighten things up.
It’s definitely a mood thing for me. Sometimes, I’ll wear all black but only when I’m feeling happy. I don’t know if there’s a science behind it.
Tee: I think it affects your mood. I’ve also worn monochrome outfits, like all-white or all-black. Back in Uni, I wore all black a lot and often added small touches of colour to break it up.
- You throw all the “fashion rules” out the window in the best way possible! What inspires you to embrace those bold pieces and create such killer looks?
Ganiru: To be honest, I guess it’s because I decided to just do me. I think I’m just a very unconventional person. I don’t believe in rules regarding style or anything else. I always try to find my unique way of doing things.
Sure, I get inspired by others, but ultimately, I focus on what makes me feel good. I ask myself, “How does what I’m styling make me feel?” For example, people say that a capsule wardrobe should be neutral, but it’s not working for me. I have a lot of colours, and even though I know that black and white go with them, why can’t other colours go with them?
Tee: Yeahhh
People say that a capsule wardrobe should be neutral, but it’s not working for me. I have a lot of colours, and even though I know that black and white go with them, why can’t other colours go with them?
Ganiru: Why does it just have to be black and white? I think I’m just a stubborn person, maybe that’s another reason, haha.
Also, I’ve seen many stylish people who break the rules and do their own thing, and that inspires me. Confidence is key. Even if I’m wearing six different colours, I wear them with pride, lol. And anyone who sees me goes, “Wow Ganiru! Wow!” Hahaha.
Tee: Lmao, if you’re doing something unconventional, you should be confident.
- I see you serving some MAJOR statement earrings in your Instagram posts! They always tie your outfits together perfectly. How do you get everything to work together?
Ganiru: It depends on several factors: my outfit, where I’m going, and my mood. If I’m in the mood to go bold and I’m going somewhere exciting, I might opt for bolder earrings.
When thinking about what to wear, I consider the main fashion item and plan my outfit around it. This could be my earrings, my dress, bag or shoes. There’s always a focal point.
For example, let’s say I’m about to go out and I have a new red shoe that I’ve never worn, and I want to wear it by all means, whatever I’m going to wear must be planned around that shoe. Once I buy something new, I’m ready to wear it!
Tee: Me too!
Once I buy something new, I’m ready to wear it!
Ganiru: Then when it comes to pairing the outfit with the earrings (the main fashion piece in this case), the outfit colour is a big consideration. I don’t always stick to traditional colour-matching rules. I like to experiment and see what combinations work for me. If I pair yellow and blue and it looks good, I’ll wear it.
I also think about the fabric undertones. Certain fabrics, like those with a silverish undertone, might call for silver jewellery. This is why I’m building my silver jewellery collection this year to have more options for these occasions.
Overall, I enjoy pushing myself to try new things and find unique combinations based on what I have.
Tee: Hmm, brilliant!
Random question: When planning an outfit, do you try it on in the mirror several times to ensure it looks good even though in theory you know it will?
Ganiru: Like mad! See if I get an invite for an outing on Friday–by Monday, I have an idea of what I’ll be wearing. I recommend trying on outfits well in advance of the event.
See if I get an invite for an outing on Friday–by Monday, I have an idea of what I’ll be wearing.
Tee: Yes! You’ll be disappointed.
Ganiru: And angry! I’ve even ironed an outfit only to realize it didn’t look right when I tried it on. “Uber is here Ganiru, what do you mean this is what you’re wearing?!”
Tee: I also like to have a backup outfit ready. This is usually something simple and easy to wear, like a gown or an abaya.
Ganiru: Yeah, and that won’t require ironing.
- Are accessories just about looking good, or do some hold deeper meaning for you? Like a special story or memory?
Ganiru: There’s an earring that I’ve had since my University days. I don’t wear it anymore, but I’ve refused to let it go because it was a graduation present from one of my best friends.
Her mom told her to give it to me. It was a big, round wooden earring, she knew I’d love it. And trust me – I wore the life out of the earring! The earrings were begging me! I am still here. I’m not going anywhere.
Tee: hahaha hahaha
Ganiru: Now, it has faded, but it meant a lot to me because an earring like that wasn’t the graduation present I expected from my friend. It was very thoughtful of her because she knows how much I love earrings.
Tee: Are you still in contact with that friend?
Ganiru: Yes! Definitely! Is she crazy? Where’s she going, hahaha. If she thinks she can leave me, I’ll call her mom!
- You are a master of mixing different textures and styles of jewellery, but how do you keep things from looking too cluttered?
Ganiru: Most times, I won’t lie to you. I don’t overthink it. If you hadn’t pointed it out to me, I wouldn’t even know that it’s something I do.
I just go on vibes. I simply open my wardrobe and I’m like, “Okay, I’m wearing this, this is the ring I want to wear with it.” So half the time, I’m experimenting–because sometimes I could finish dressing up, and then ask myself, “How do I want to confuse people today?”
Tee: Hahahahah hahaha!
Sometimes I match my wooden bangle to my gold ring. Other times, I match my wool earrings to gold jewellery. So it’s just here and there. There isn’t one way to it.
However interior design influences my ability to bring different textures together. As you know, it’s similar to fashion styling.
I enjoy watching interior design shows and getting inspiration for both my future home and my personal style.
In interior design, sometimes the most striking elements are the textures, not the colours. For example, a plain couch can be elevated with a textured wool blanket and a fluffy pillow.
Similarly, in fashion, I appreciate outfits that combine plain fabrics with interesting textures. The interplay of different textures is what makes everything look pleasing.
- Bold accessories are sure to spark some fun chats, right? Ever had an interesting conversation that all started because of a piece of jewellery you were wearing?
Ganiru: I love wearing bold pieces, especially in unfamiliar social situations. I believe wearing eye-catching pieces can make people more likely to approach me.
Let me tell you about a time this happened. I attended a 2-day networking event in Canada for black people.
Tee: Oh, when was that?
Ganiru: Last year.
So on the first day, I called my friends for ideas on what to wear. Seeto was one of them. We were all on a group call. I was like, “Guys, I don’t have any professional clothing. I don’t even know what happens in all these networking events anymore, please help my life.” They suggested I wear a Blazer and some other corporate looks.
But I did otherwise, and I wore a pink shirt instead.
Tee: Haha haha, you wore pink?
Ganiru: I paired my hoops with a pink shirt and corduroy pants! And I still looked professional. A few people wore colours as well and that gave me the confidence to double down for day 2.
So the next day, I wore a linen shirt with a twirl detail from Yewande Lagos paired with a nice earring from Khoi.
I received a lot of positive attention while wearing it. People kept asking what I was wearing. During the after-party, an HR babe walked up to me and said “I love your look, whatever you’re doing, keep it up!.”
Tee: Haha haha
Ganiru: It was a fantastic conversation starter and it confirmed the power of bold pieces.
- Are there any dream pieces you’d love to add to your collection someday?
Ganiru: Hmmmmmm
Tee: Haha haha, Schiaparelli right?!
Ganiru: When I have money, there will be signs! Schiaparelli will hear from me, they’ll keep seeing my name on their accounts!
Tee: I knew it!
When I have money, there will be signs!
Ganiru: Yeah, Schiaparelli is one of the brands that I love. I love love their bold pieces. Brands that create statement pieces always have my attention.
- For someone hesitant about bold accessories, what advice would you give them to start embracing their own style?
Ganiru: It’s a step-by-step process. I’ve taken a gradual approach to incorporating bolder jewellery pieces into my wardrobe.
I started with a simple pair of elongated earrings. This was the first small step I took towards incorporating bold pieces.
Over time, I’ve introduced more dramatic pieces, like the bangle I got from Khoi–they understand what I’m looking for when it comes to bold jewellery.
Tee: When I stumbled on the brand, I immediately thought of you, lol.
Ganiru: Haha haha.
I think it’s important to start with something you’re comfortable with and gradually build from there. What’s the first bold step you can take in your jewellery collection? Once you get used to it, you’ll naturally want to experiment further.
What can I introduce into my collection that is different from what I already own? That’s another step. I keep taking bolder steps as I grow in my style.
For me, this year’s goal is to try incorporating various styles of belts and layering necklaces. These are areas I haven’t explored much in the past.
Tee: Great advice! It’s all about taking one step at a time. Don’t feel pressured to overhaul your entire look overnight. Start with something small and build on it gradually.
Tee: This was absolutely amazing, Ganiru! I had such a blast chatting with you. Your funny expressions cracked me up, and your vibrant, fun-loving personality shines through. You’re such a joy to talk to!
Ganiru’s story reminds us that style is a personal journey—one that doesn’t have to follow anyone’s rules but your own. Whether it’s through bold earrings, colourful outfits, or mixing unconventional styles, the key is to wear what makes you feel good.
We hope this episode of Jewellery Obsessions inspires you to embrace your unique style and maybe even take a step toward bolder, more confident choices.
Whether you’re a seasoned accessory enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of bold pieces, remember that confidence is key. So, go ahead, experiment, and let your jewellery tell your story.
Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll chat with another jewellery lover and uncover the stories behind their favourite pieces!
Until next time, keep accessorizing and stay stylish!