Yes, Teams , therefore, her enthusiasm is extra evident even on video streaming, the second-most popular app. It’s not because it’s TGIF and it’s not because she’s got a major announcement to make. Huge. It’s the kind of news that actors will wait for. It’s not a super-hero franchise however, it’s better, more expansive and more stunning than this. It’s so huge that the idea isn’t even a fantasy that Ugandan-Canadians thought they could ever dream of.
The Gossip Girland Hocus Pocus actress is already her face for Chanel and you’ll soon have her wearing the Chanel brand’s logo in a bigger way
Let us know what transpired when you learned that you were to become Face of Coco Mademoiselle.
The manager teased me about it for a short time. My team and I were talking about, “Oh, there might be a fragrance in your future. There might be something going on, there might be a certain campaign,” but they were being extremely unclear. Then one day, I received a phone call, that was from all of the three of them. I thought”Oh no! This could be really scary and scary or extremely great. What’s happened? What’s going on? he announced, “Chanel wants to give you the COCO MADEMOISELLE campaign.”
Internally, I was thinking, “Oh, really? Cool,” because I’m always trying to stay away from getting too excited about something that don’t work out. This is why I kept my expectations very low. Then I thought, “Why? Why do they want me to do this?” We then did it, film it, and then shot it. Now it’s going to come out in a couple of months, and it’s actually.” It’s insane, yet I’m happy, and so excited.’
The advertisements were mini-films featuring characters and elaborate sets. Do you want to play the role of a character?
‘It felt like a mini movie. Everyone was on set would refer to me as Coco. “Okay, it’s crazy Coco, she’s going out with her friends and she’s having so much fun.” Or “It’s sexy Coco. She’s in bed with her lover.” I found myself tapping into the parts of me that I’ve never thought about before. I’ve always been a young character on screen. The challenge of playing this adult-like person was fascinating for me. I was able to see the way my future decade will be like. It was a blast.
“I was thinking fun sensual confident, spontaneous as well as intelligent and self-reliant. She’s very self-assured and I’d like to incorporate that into my daily life. Everybody needs a more of this. I was feeling that sense that wearing a perfume makes me feel. It’s like the last step, and you’ll have that sense of self-confidence. It’s a reflection of your character.’
What would you describe as your first memory of scent?
“Literally speaking I would use baby powder. The only thing I remember are the baby items, such as that Johnson & Johnson stuff that my mom would lather me with all the time. Additionally, I’m sure of anything my mom wore all the time. There is a distinct smell and I could mention it everywhere that it’s a blend of almond oil and cocoa butter. Hair products, such as hair grease. There is one particular hair oil which I can smell each time I kiss her.
Food is also an integral element of my life and my cultural. I love African food especially the aroma of the plantains which really entices me. Also, pilau is rice that has vegetables, meat, and herbs as well as a variety of spices. It smells a bit like Jerk chicken, sauce as well as stew.’
What are the ways to connect the scent of self-care with your self-care?
“I don’t want to smell nice. If I realize that I didn’t use deodorant or my perfume on that day and I don’t have the item on my person, then I don’t feel like I’m supposed to be anywhere. I’m supposed to get to my home, clean up, and put on my fragrance. This is a way of taking care of yourself as it increases your confidence. You’re looking to put your best self forward, and you’d like to ensure that you’re comfortable within the space you’re in. You’re so close with people and I love hugging my loved ones. It’s simply the greatest compliment when someone says that you smell nice. It’s the best compliment that I could ever receive.’
Are you able to associate this fragrance with a specific time period in your life?
“I’m just about to be 20. The first time I came from New York when I was 17 and began working for Chanel when I turned 18. It was the time I was alone, and had to assume more responsibility and doing tasks for me. My mother did a great job of teaching me to handle these tasks from a young age, and I am grateful to God. But I’m still growing and evolving, and allowing myself to go into and out of different periods is what I need for the stage I’m at right now. If I want to feel youthful and in my 60s or something, I’m likely spray a part of Mademoiselle, and then draw back to my young age.’
What’s your preferred perfume?
“I’ll apply some as I get dressed after I’ve done my makeup. As I walk to the exit, I’m carrying an ounce of perfume. I spray myself and anyone else who is in my vicinity, as I’m like “Come on. We have to pull up looking, smelling good.” I have a spray inside my purse. Before I go into a restaurant, and before I need to go bathroom I spray a tiny amount to ensure that it’s there. I put it on my wrists, my skin and on my neck’s sides as well as in my hair because I feel it really sticks well to the hair.’
It’s your first time as a Black spokesmodel to be the Chanel scent. What does this mean to you?
‘It’s insane. Honestly. It’s not insane in a bizarre, “this is a bizarre” manner, but simply because it’s me. I can’t even wrap my head around it. I feel extremely lucky and am so grateful to be able to take on this challenge. I’ve never felt that way, that way when I was younger. I did not see myself in this situation and never believed in myself or felt like I was as if I was represented. It’s interesting that I’m in this position right now, in my late twenties with Chanel is just so… I’m not sure. I was happy with myself. It’s amazing.’
What do you want others of your generation will feel when they look at you as the persona of the scent?
I just hope it will broaden the scope of possibilities. There are times when there’s a method by which things are accomplished or there’s a particular appearance or style that people think is standard or that is valued or desired. It’s a way to show that it doesn’t matter. It’s up to you to take the steps you have to do and do what it is you are passionate about, and then hope that everything works to your advantage. I’m feeling emotional. I just want to hope that it proves to anyone that If I can do it then you can too. Just be confident in yourself and accept all risks.’
The model for her Coco Mademoiselle fragrance. This is an original Black face of the Chanel fragrance, as well as, overall one of the few Black faces to be seen in advertisements for fragrances. ELLE spoke with the Peak about the rituals of perfume as well as her perfume memories and also being part of the history of perfume.
