If you’ve ever had the pleasure of encountering Ashley Okoli—either in person or online through her numerous creative endeavours—you’ll be a testament to her contagious confidence and freedom of self-expression. If you’re yet familiar with the creative icon, you’re in luck. Ashley Okoli’s presence is one of those rare forces that alters your brain chemistry. Revered for simply being herself, her uncompromising authenticity is infectious and inspiring. It’s this very quality that positioned her as one of the foundational creatives of the Alté movement. 

Emerging in the mid-2010s, the word Alté became popular slang used to describe individuals who fearlessly went against the grain. At first harbouring mildly negative connotations, Alté was what you called anyone who dared to be different—and Ashley Okoli has been different and for her whole life.

The second child and the first of three girls in a typical Nigerian household, Adaobi—Ashley’s native Igbo name, which translates to “first daughter of the heart”—would traditionally be expected to take on a conservative, cautious second mother role in the household. But for the Okolis, the norm wasn’t something to aspire to; it was something to exceed. Still an undeniable role model to her younger sisters, Ashley and her siblings grew up with an understanding that authenticity is the best and only way to live in your skin. One of the key tenets of being Alté, Ashley’s mindset has always been to be unapologetically Ashley, no matter what anyone else is doing. So when the slang for ‘different’ began growing into a cultural movement, it was no surprise that Ashley Okoli would find her way to the Alté movement’s epicentre. 

By 2018, Alté had become far more than a slightly derogatory label for alternative people. The scene’s prolific musicians and enthralling creatives rewrote the moderate judgement into a culture worth paying attention to. Primarily a model and influencer at the time, as Alté grew in popularity, so too did Ashley Okoli, her professional creative career both responsible for and benefitting from the movement’s own local and global prominence. 

Her fashion brand, Sillet by Ash, gave her fans the chance to slay like Ashley, offering bold, sexy, and distinctive pieces that served as an entry point into the Alté community. Her styling coloured music videos for the likes of Lady Donli, Nonso Amadi, Cruel Santino, and later Little Simz, Obongjayar and more, enhancing their visual appeal and gaining international acclaim alongside the songs and videos. As the decade turned and global attention turned toward the creative renaissance propelling Nigerian art into the global zeitgeist, Ashley Okoli was, of course, recognised as one of the movement’s key stakeholders. Her interviews with outlets such as Vogue, W, and Allure offered deeper insights into the culture and its impact. 

Definitive of Alté, Ashley Okoli has built a career on one simple principle: freedom. She is free to be herself, free to create, free to dream. Though she has always known who she was, Ashley credits the Alté culture for expanding her perspective. What began as a label evolved into a driving force—one that gave Adaobi the confidence to spread her wings.

ADEWOJUMI ADEREMI – When was the first time you heard the word Alté and were described as Alté?

ASHLEY OKOLI – It was around 2015 or 2016. People started attaching the label to me because of how I dressed and did my makeup—they just couldn’t understand. Or maybe it was because of how free I was. They kept asking me, “How am I so free? How are you so yourself?” Like I’ve always said, Alté is freedom. And I was labelled that way because I was free, and I was different. 

A.A. – How did you feel about the label?

A.O. – Both empowered and judged. Empowered because I was doing what nobody else was doing. Judged because, on the flip side, it’s hard doing what nobody else is doing in a world where everybody is doing the same thing.

A.A. – How has the Alté scene changed over time? 

A.O. – It’s mainstream now. Before, it was something people used to judge others for. To be fair, it still is, but now it’s also something that people want to be a part of. 

A.A. – Why do you think it became mainstream and has stayed that way for so long?

A.O. – Because it goes against the norm. People are always curious—What the f**k is going on here? They want to judge. It’s interesting, so it always stayed relevant. 

A.A. – The early Alté years were very definitive for you as a creative. How did Alté culture contribute to your growth? 

A.O. – Being Alté helped me seek freedom even more. Like, if being myself is considered freedom, then what does freedom actually look like? That mindset pushed me to pursue things I maybe didn’t see clearly before.

A.A. – Is this what led you to pursue film as another mode of expression?

A.O. – Everything I’ve done up to this point—fashion, makeup, video-making, editing—it all just built up to the film [Gemini Confessions]. It made so much sense. I’ve always loved the idea of acting, of playing different characters, so it was only a matter of time. I was waiting for someone to cast me in a film, and then I thought, Why not just make the film myself? 

A.A. – Let’s talk about the film—can you give us some scoop on Gemini Confessions? 

A.O. – The scoop is that it’s a very intense, personal film—super close to my heart. I feel like it makes so much sense that it’s not out yet, because I’m still on this journey of self-discovery. Whereas in the film, I felt like I had already figured it all out. The film is ready, but now, at this stage and mindset, I feel like I’d even love to re-edit it. The emotions I’m trying to convey have changed since last year, when I felt like I needed to rush and put it out. Also, I’m still looking for sponsors and funding. I don’t want to just drop it as an Instagram film. I have a full rollout plan for the screening, exhibition, talk, and party to wrap up. So the scoop is that it’s coming. Very soon.

A.A. – What is your space and mindset now?

A.O. – Right now, I’m all about doing things with more intentionality. In the past, I moved on vibes—God’s grace, understanding, and direction got me this far. But this time I’m trying to build a routine or ritual. That’s where I’m at. I’m just trying to take things one day at a time and trusting that everything is happening for my good. I just have a better, more relaxed headspace. It feels like I’m working more, but I’m happy about it. I feel content. I feel great. 

A.A. – You’re a big music head as well. Do you think you’ll ever venture into making music? 

A.O. – If I had a ghost writer? For sure. I’d kill the delivery. If I could sit with someone, gist about my feelings, and they turned that into lyrics I could perform. I’d put my creative ideas in the videos and be a performing artist. I’d absolutely do it.

A.A. – Oh, we’ve got to make that happen! What other projects are you working on?

A.O. – I’m building my baby, Hot Girl Wellness. I’ve got some more exciting things coming up, but I can’t share too much yet. Just look out! 

A.A. – Earlier, you mentioned you asked the question, “What does freedom actually look like?” What answers have you found so far?

A.O. – I’m still on the quest. But I also think that everything I do embodies freedom. Now, I’m also looking for ways to feel grounded in that freedom. To find balance in it.