Fashion | èƵ! /tag/fashion/ Come for the fun, stay for the culture! Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:02:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 /wp-content/uploads/zikoko/2020/04/cropped-Zikoko_Zikoko_Purple-Logo-1-150x150.jpg Fashion | èƵ! /tag/fashion/ 32 32 A Dress Mishap at 16 Inspired Oluwasewa Akinrimisi to Build a Global Fashion Brand /money/oluwasewa-akinrimisi-from-dress-mishap-to-global-fashion-brand/ Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000 /?p=379386 Oluwasewa Akinrimisi’s graduation ceremony in 2012 was supposed to be her announcement to the world. The day she finally shed her secondary school uniform for a beautiful dress. 

She was so consumed by the excitement that she had sketched her dress’s design herself, completely unaware of the nightmare that awaited her. 

Instead of a celebration, she remembers a heavy, suffocating exhaustion as she and her mother walked into store after store across Lagos, searching for a graduation dress that did not exist for a plus-size body.

“Every store we stepped into, we could not find something in my size,” Oluwasewa recalls, her voice carrying the memory of that disappointed 16-year-old girl. “My mum runs a business; she’s a very busy person. Eventually, she said, ‘If we don’t get it here, we have no choice.’ We had to go to Yaba to pick a bend-down-select dress.”

The dress they found was unflattering. Her mother tried to soften the blow with an old-school Nigerian parent hack: “Just put an abortion belt on it, wear very nice shoes, and you’ll feel better.”

Oluwasewa didn’t feel better. The sadness enveloped her beyond her graduation day, and she spent the next two weeks crying, spiralling so hard she failed her university entrance exam. But inside that heartbreak, she realised something.

“There was a mixture of the fact that this was a life-changing moment, and I also didn’t look good,” she says. “I just knew I never wanted to feel like that again.”

13 years later, Oluwasewa isn’t crying in fitting rooms anymore. At 29, she is the Founder and Creative Director of (derived from her name, Oluwasewasimilara), a bootstrapped, six-figure fashion brand operating out of a duplex in Lagos and serving clients worldwide.

This is the story of how a 16-year-old girl who failed an exam after a dress mishap left her heartbroken built a global empire by standing her ground, mastering systems, and refusing to dilute her identity.

Oluwasewa Akinrimisi. Source: Sewasimilara

The three-month apprentice

Shortly after the dress incident, Oluwasewa told her mother she wanted to learn tailoring. Her family immediately supported the idea. Her mother scouted a local tailor down the street and got Oluwasewa an apprenticeship. But back in 2012, no one thought fashion design was a viable career path for a young girl heading to university.

“Nobody saw it as a career,” Oluwasewa says. “They just thought, ‘Okay, maybe as you’re learning in school, you just have this extra handwork on the side.’”

But Oluwasewa wasn’t the typical apprentice. While traditional tailoring apprenticeships in Nigeria famously run for two to three gruelling years, Oluwasewa was out in three months.

“I had an eye for fashion and asked my boss a lot of questions. She could pick up the scissors, and I’d be like, ‘Why did you pick the scissors like that?’ At a point, she was frustrated by my many questions. But I was just so interested.”

By Christmas 2012, armed with three months of formal training, she transitioned to intense self-learning. When she entered the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) to study Statistics in 2014, her heart was already inside a sewing machine.

University brought unexpected challenges. Her mother’s business took a financial hit, forcing Oluwasewa to fend for herself. She went into survival mode. She tied gele, did makeup, styled hair, and sewed clothes. “Seven days a week, if you find somebody making money, I was there,” she laughs. “My major goal was just to eat. Not to have the best of anything; just to be able to eat.”

Her first real clients were secondary school girls preparing for a pageant. Remembering her own graduation trauma, she poured everything into making them feel beautiful. Subsequently, she began scouting girls at her university, transforming ordinary students into campus modelling stars through hair, makeup, and styling.

By her final year, while her classmates were preparing for corporate life, Oluwasewa looked at her full name, Oluwasewasimilara, which loosely translates to “The Lord has brought beauty into my life,” and realised her path was already written. Fashion wasn’t a side hustle; it was a calling. The Sewasimilara brand was born.


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The Ikorodu bottleneck and the room that blew up

Finishing university meant returning home to Lagos, which brought a harsh geographical and socio-economic reality into her full view: She was living and operating out of Ikorodu.

In the Lagos fashion ecosystem, geography is destiny. To the elite clientele in the upscale areas like Lekki and Ikoyi, Ikorodu might as well be another country.

“I didn’t know there was such a big issue with Ikorodu versus the rest of Lagos,” Oluwasewa says. “People would see my clothes on social media and call me. They’d say, ‘Oh, but you’re in Ikorodu? That’s so far away.’ They always used that as a reason to beat the price down. The price was already low, but they wanted it lower because of the perception of where I was based.”

Undeterred, she woke up early, packed her custom-made dresses into bags, braved the chaotic Lagos BRT buses — almost losing her leg in a bus terminal stampede once — and took ferry rides to deliver pieces to Island influencers.

By 2019 and early 2020, her work was already yielding returns. She was building online momentum, making sample pieces from her mother’s bedroom. 

Then, in the middle of the pandemic, she got her first big break: a massive government gig to produce 2,000 fabric face masks, which she executed with a designer friend. The contract brought her first major financial win of about ₦500,000. Her mother celebrated by making a victory meal of pounded yam.

But the high from this win was quickly followed by devastating lows. Shortly after the mask contract, tragedy struck twice in a single week.

“My niece accidentally threw fire into my workspace and burnt down half of the room,” she says quietly. “All my savings, my fabrics, gone. In the same week, my Instagram page got hacked.”

With her physical workspace in ashes and her digital storefront stolen, many would have thrown in the towel and looked for a 9-to-5 job. Her parents definitely dropped hints, asking when she was going to get a “serious” job. Oluwasewa stayed down for exactly two weeks.

“I didn’t have a second option. It was either this or nothing,” she says. She braced herself and decided to keep moving. 

From runway losses to Vogue pages

Late 2020 brought another test. Oluwasewa entered a high-profile organised by WAW Soap. Beyond showcasing her designs, she wanted to make a statement. So, she demanded a plus-size model on her runway, forcing the organisers to hold special auditions.

Her collection featured that changed silhouette as the models walked. “It got the loudest reaction from the audience. Everybody was screaming,” she remembers. Yet, when the winners were announced, Sewasimilara didn’t make the cut.

“I left there feeling like, ‘You know what? I’m going to prove them wrong.’ It was the first time I ever got to say publicly that I am an inclusive fashion designer, and I stood my ground.”

The universe rewards those who stand their ground. In 2022, an international shoe designer based in Canada slid into Oluwasewa’s Instagram DMs to collaborate on a clothing collection. They signed a formal 50-50 contractual agreement, designed the collection together, and produced it entirely in Nigeria.

The collection walked international runways and, unexpectedly, got featured in Vogue.

“The whole experience was mind-blowing,” Oluwasewa says, the awe still fresh in her voice. “I went from not having money, from a brand people doubted because I was in Ikorodu, to getting a Vogue feature. At that point, my parents stopped asking me when I’d get a real job. It was obvious I already had one.”

Going fully global

If the Vogue feature brought prestige, 2024 brought explosive global scale.

Oluwasewa was navigating the suffocating crowds at Balogun Market in central Lagos when her phone buzzed. It was a DM from The Shade Room — an American media giant with over 28 million followers — asking for permission to post her work. She had designed a vibrant purple dress for a Nigerian content creator, and the internet had taken notice.

The purple dress. Source: Sewasimilara

“I was holding my phone in the middle of Balogun market. I thought I was blind. I thought it was a scam,” she laughs. “I turned the phone off, picked it up, and looked again. The Shade Room. Wow.”

When the post went live, the carousel triggered an avalanche of international orders. “People straight from The Shade Room DMs were reaching out. Our international clientele loved the purple dress.”

Today, Sewasimilara is no longer an Ikorodu business. It is a fully registered American company (as of 2025), removing the historic nightmare of cross-border payment structures that plague Nigerian creators.

“At the beginning, receiving payments from abroad was a real, serious issue,” she explains. “I had to diversify, using two or three trusted family friends abroad to collect money so no one person would hold onto my funds. Now, clients just put their cards in, pay, and they’re good to go.”

The currency of value

Now 29, running a six-figure dollar brand out of a duplex with a team of 12 full-time staff, Oluwasewa looks back at her 13-year journey with intense self-awareness.

She has completely unlearned the traditional Nigerian corporate mentality of hoarding cash or exploiting workers. Instead, she pours her profits directly back into her team. When her head tailor showed an interest in digital design, Sewasimilara paid for her digital illustration courses.

“People think of money as cash, but I think of it as value,” she says. “I don’t have a hoarding mentality. I would rather my team members get appropriate training that makes them better. That is a serious investment.”

More importantly, she has refused to dilute the African essence of her brand to appease Western markets. While other brands westernise their aesthetics to appeal globally, Sewasimilara leans heavily into its heritage. Her collection series, , celebrates deep Yoruba culture. Her logo intentionally retains raw Yoruba artistic markings.

“We are Yoruba. We are Nigerian. We are not attempting to look like African Americans or Germans,” she says defiantly. “And what we find is that our international clientele actually love the culture. We had a client travel from the United States to Lagos just to pick up a dress. We took her to the John Randle Centre, talked about history, and she connected deeply. Your story and your perspective are unique. You must carry your brand with its story.”

From crying over an ill-fitting thrift dress in Yaba to dressing global icons from a duplex workshop in Lagos, Oluwasewa’s advice to the next generation of African builders is simple:

“You have to 100% bet on yourself, because there will be days where that is the only thing that will carry you through. Build your systems around making your customer’s life seamless. Be authentic, and never apologize for the story that brought you here.”


NEXT READ: “I Make C$6,000 a Month as a Nigerian Photographer in Canada” — How I Turned My Hobby Into a Business

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I Bet on My Fashion Brand After Uni. Now I Earn Over ₦1 Million a Month /money/from-unpaid-intern-to-earning-one-million-naira-monthly/ Sat, 18 Oct 2025 11:10:26 +0000 /?p=361795 At 24, Jemima* is learning what it means to build a life on her own terms. She walked away from the corporate path many dream of, opting instead to invest in her craft that once felt small. Two years later, her designs command six-figure payments and a growing client base that proves she made the right call.

As told to Aisha Bello

I made my first significant fashion income in July 2023.  For a moment, I did nothing but stare at the ₦300,000 credit alert. I’d just finished clearing my sewing table, and the air in the studio was still thick with steam from the pressing iron. 

The money wasn’t for a client order; it was for a practice corset dress I’d made for my final project in fashion school. A woman had seen the photo online and insisted on paying for it. The image was still open on my laptop: the model standing tall, the corset hugging her frame like a statement: structured, bold, unapologetic.

That moment unlocked something in me. It was the first time I realised my craft could pay me like a real job, maybe even more.

When I think back to how I got where I am today, I keep circling back to that first corset payment, especially when I think of it in the context of my internship in 2022.

The Corporate Dream

I was in my penultimate year at university, and the internship was meant to be a door into the real world. I got the placement in a traditional corporate organisation, marked by high ceilings, carpeted hallways, faint smell of air freshener and caution. I was enthusiastic enough to be naive. My tasks were mainly fetching files, taking meeting minutes, making coffee rounds, running photocopies, or doing “support” for projects I never saw to completion. I was not paid. I was doing what a dozen other interns had always done, free labour under the guise of experience.

One afternoon, while delivering copies to a senior manager, I overheard a conversation in the corridor. Two senior colleagues were talking numbers: salaries, promotions, and the reality of compensation in the sector. The highest-paid professional in our department earned about ₦500,000 a month, they said. Entry-level staff typically received around ₦80,000. The words landed on me like weights. The years of service, small raises, and endless bargaining for increments barely added up as I did the math quietly in my head. I could not see myself folding into that pattern or imagine the work required to get there matching the life I wanted.

I watched time get siphoned into things that did not feed me. The internship taught me, bluntly and finally, that a path could be respectable and still not be mine.

I left with a decision:  I would skip the 9–5 after university and bet on something that felt true to who I was.

When I thought of what could replace that life, only one thing tugged at me. I had no plan, only a tendency: a slight, steady pull toward fashion. 

I liked how fabric could say something without a single word. A seam could teach you about proportion and patience, a stitch about consistency, and a pattern about seeing beauty in repetition. I had never been formally trained, and I knew people in my community typically learned tailoring on the job, under someone else’s hand, and a lifetime of observation punctuated by correction. This method is honest and effective, but I wanted structure, and I wanted to learn fast.


»Ѵǰ: How Ore Akinde Turned Crochet into a Multi-Million Naira Fashion Business


Six Months in Fashion School

In 2023, during my final year at the university, I enrolled in a six-month intensive programme at a fashion school in town. My brother paid the ₦250,000 fee. The school had a structured curriculum carved into proficiency levels. We sat exams to move from one stage to the next. We studied pattern drafting from the ground up, design theory, and the architecture of garments. We practised draping on live models and dress forms. We learned the tactile language of different fabrics: how chiffon behaves like water, how brocade holds a memory of itself, how aso-oke wants to stand upright. We were schooled in industrial machine operation and hand finishing, in the economics of materials, calculating markups, and pricing labour so you do not undercut yourself. Every week felt like a measured step forward.

Classes were three times a week, but the learning seeped into everything else. I measured seams in my sleep; I traced patterns on the back of my lecture notes; I learned to read fabric stores the way other people read newspapers. Some exams humbled me, and some fittings delighted me. There were evenings when my fingers were raw from pins, and the smell of starch sat like a promise on my hands. By the time the course ended in July 2023, I had a portfolio and a strong confidence in what my hands could create.

My final project was a bridal aso-oke corset attire. I wanted it to be both a nod to tradition and a small act of rebellion — structured at the waist, generous at the skirt, with hand-beaded details that refused haste. I fitted and re-fitted the model, smoothed seams until the light hit them the way I wanted. When my coach called it the best in the class, I felt something loosen in my chest. Approval, yes.

We had models wear my bridal dress for a photoshoot, and the school posted the photographs on its Instagram page. The post moved faster than we expected: people shared it, praised the craftsmanship, and asked about the price.

Then someone reached out to the school, requesting the exact attire. I followed my coach’s pricing guide and listed it at ₦300,000. When the buyer made the payment, the alert on my phone felt like the sound of a door opening, quiet, but unmistakably life-altering.

More orders followed quickly — brides, asoebi coordinators, people looking for something rooted in home but stitched with precision.

After I graduated from university in early 2024, I set up a small studio in my rented apartment. I invested my earnings in branding, quality photography, and hiring models for lookbooks. I also shadowed my coach for months, absorbing more than sewing techniques: client expectations, production timelines, supplier negotiations, and the discipline of treating craft as business.

After a while, I chose to specialise. I had tried corporate wear and occasional event pieces, but the weddings doubled my revenue, so I leaned into that. I refined my offers, tightened delivery schedules, and started targeting diaspora clients who wanted authentic African artistry delivered with consistent quality.

The numbers that follow skyrocketed. So far, in 2025, I have completed more than twenty custom bridal attires. My standard price for bespoke pieces is around ₦600,000 ($400 / £300). On average, I now make at least ₦1 million a month.


»Ѵǰ: I Built a Multi-Million Naira Food Business. Now Everyone Thinks It’s Their Money Too


Business Mentorship

Mentorship from one of the city’s leading fashion houses accelerated my growth. It gave me a clear standard to measure myself against and taught me how to position my work in a crowded market. I learned which compromises were costly and how to defend my value when it came to price negotiations.

There are moments, late at night when the machines are off and the apartment is quiet, when I wonder if I did the right thing. The 9–5 path still feels seductive to many: steady, predictable, legible. 

I have plans that do not require abandoning what I have built. I will do my NYSC when I’m ready. I am also considering a master’s degree at some point, possibly abroad. But wherever I go, I will carry my craft with me. There is a hunger for African design in the diaspora across weddings and cultural celebrations; diasporic communities are hungry for authenticity, and I have learned how to meet that hunger with quality and consistency.

If someone asked me if I’d recommend skipping the 9–5 to bet on a craft, I would answer with nuance. It is not a romantic leap; it is painstaking work. It requires learning, mentorship, accounting, and the humility to accept that skill alone is not a business. 

You must learn to translate labour into price, and passion into a product people can trust. You must study your market and be patient enough to build credibility one client at a time.

I left a path that could have been respectable and chose instead to invest in a skill that once felt small. I then watched it grow into a livelihood by deliberate, often tedious effort. I am still building. There are days of doubt and days of triumph, fittings that collapse into frustration and others that end in tears of gratitude. But this path feels like mine, and that, more than anything else, makes it worth it.


Read Next: Nigerians Say My ₦250k Crochet Slippers Are Too Expensive. But I’m Building a Luxury Brand Like Dior 


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40 Wedding Guest Outfits Nigerian Celebs Have Worn (and You Can Too) /pop/celeb-outfit-styles-for-wedding/ Thu, 29 May 2025 11:24:14 +0000 /?p=348530

Table of contents

As much as weddings are about the couple, it can also be about the outfits. And as seen lately, nobody “understands this assignment” quite like Nigerian celebrities. From to custom corsets snatched tighter than the economy, these celeb outfit styles for weddings turn every ceremony into a full-blown fashion showdown disguised as a celebration of love.

If you’ve ever found yourself deep in an Instagram spiral, zooming in on a sleeve or screenshotting a dress to send to your tailor or mentally saving a gele style for future reference, you’re not alone. We’ve all seen one look that made us whisper, “Can my tailor make a dress like this?”

That’s why I’ve gathered 40 of the best celebrity wedding guest outfits and styles you can recreate. Get your new inspo here.

Female Nigerian Celebrity Traditional Wedding Guest Dress Styles

If there’s one thing Nigerian female celebrities do with flair, it’s turning traditional wedding guest outfits into runway moments. Whether it’s the rich textures of aso oke, dazzling lace, or bold brocade brought to life with flawless tailoring, these queens know how to blend culture and couture effortlessly.

10. Shaffy Bello

Shaffy Bello's celeb outfit style for wedding

This is a simple but creative owambe dress made out of lace material, adorned with beads and a flowing skirt. It doesn’t matter the age of whoever wears this style, it brings out the youthfulness in them.

9. Jemima Osunde

Jemima Osunde's celeb outfit style for wedding

This is a sleeveless design over a shiny skirt, matched with a bold gele style that you can try when you want to slay and the sun isn’t out. Though the design looks simple, the aura is elegant.

8. Sharon Ooja-Nwoke

Sharon Ooja's celeb outfit style for wedding

This is aso-oke with an uncomplicated owambe design. This strapless top with an inflated waist and a long skirt is for the woman who chooses comfort over anything.

7. Stephanie Coker

Stephani Coker's celeb outfit style for wedding

If you want a style that shows off your curves, gives you full sleeves and combines a modern twist of iro (wrapper) and buba fashion, this is for you. The corset may be tight, but your body will look snatched.

6. Ini Edo

Ini Edo's celeb outfit style for wedding

Iro (wrapper) and buba come in different styles these days, including this. There’s something distinctive about an Owambe that bridges the old and modern designs. It’s one of the few classy African George fabric Owambe styles that gives structure and commands the room. 

5. Ini Dima-Okojie

Ini-Dima's celeb outfit style for wedding

Regal style and contemporary flair meet in this rich mustard-gold traditional dress. It’s silky and structured, giving drama with every fold and ripple. The outer layer is a voluminous agbada-inspired robe, tailored with precise draping and a slit that teases a fringe mini-dress underneath.  This is for the woman who loves to mix tradition with hot girl energy.

4. Osas Ighodaro

Osas's celeb outfit style for wedding

The bodice is a sculpted corset with a dramatic, leaf-like bust design that gives art gallery and red carpet at the same time. It hugs her waist and hips, then flows into a fitted mermaid-style skirt with a lace train. You can spin this traditional wear into a timeless fashion royalty moment.

3. Chioma Goodhair

Chioma Good Hair's celeb outfit style for wedding

The off-shoulder gown has a deep neckline that serves the face, chest, and elegance. The bodice is expertly embellished with floral appliqués and sequin embroidery, giving it a luxury feel. If you like your gown fitting like a second skin, cinching your waist and flowing smoothly into a sleek, fitted skirt, this is for you. It’s proper rich aunty fashion.

2. Diana Russet

Diana Russet's celeb outfit style for wedding

It has a halter neckline with intricate beading along the bust and collar. It features an almost sculptural hip volume, giving it a corseted, peplum-like silhouette that flares out before cinching in. If you like your fashion with a little bit of drama to it, this is what you’re looking for.

1. Veekee James

Veekee James's celeb outfit style for wedding

This is Veekee James. Of course, her style is dramatic. It’s a corseted look featuring sheer panels embellished with bronze beading and embroidery. The dress’s skirt is form-fitting through the hips and thighs, then puffs out dramatically at the bottom into a sculptural, bow-like shape. If your overall aesthetic is opulent and theatrical, you’ll eat this and leave no crumbs.


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Male Nigerian Celebrity Traditional Wedding Guest Outfit Styles

From regal agbadas with intricate embroidery to sleek senator wears, isi agu tunics, and rich aso oke combinations, these men are familiar with what it means to dress to impress.

10. Do2DTun

Do2Dtun's celeb outfit style for wedding

This look is a modern take on specifically the buba (top), sokoto (trousers) and fila (cap) ensemble. It’s a two-piece outfit: the buba is loose-fitting with a wide kimono-style sleeve. The sokoto is wide-legged and flowing, matching the top. It’s a simple style that gives focus to the outfit and a confident look to the wearer.

9. Timini Egbuson

Timini's celeb outfit trad style for wedding

This is an Alhaji style. A flowing agbada with wide sleeves and intricate embroidery on the chest to add an elegant touch. The look is accessorised by a hausa cap, some jewelry and a large purse to compliment his azaman look.

8. Akah Nnani

Akah's celeb outfit trad style for wedding

If you’re going to go full traditional swagger, you come correct. This style is free-flowing off-white danshiki with subtle stripes, matching trousers underneath and fila on top. Looking for culturally-rich fashion that gives a refined look? Here it is.

7. Davido

Davido's celeb outfit trad style for wedding

This ceremonial and traditional attire, given the headwear style and beads. The style is a crisp white two-piece, which includes a top with wide sleeves and matching wide-legged trousers that stop above the ankles. Davido makes the swag complete with his jewelry. Are you going for something royal and commanding? Try this style.

6. Uti Nwachukwu

Uti's celeb outfit trad style for wedding

This unique design has vertical rows. The overall is Agbada-style, with wide sleeves, a long-sleeved top, and matching trousers. Whether the occasion is celebratory or formal, this dress is suitable. Traditional, bold, and fashionable are the words to describe it.

5. Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

Ebuka's celeb outfit trad style for wedding

This is a two-piece short-sleeved suit with an unequal hemline, longer on one side. The clothing has multiple lion figures, a design which can be tied to the Igbo traditional clothing material. The fashion gets cultural here without losing modern interpretation. As a fashion-aware person looking to make a statement always, this is how to stand out.

4. Enioluwa Adeoluwa

Enioluwa's celeb outfit trad style for wedding

This is a loose-fitting tunic with detailed embroidery on the chest and shoulders. The embroidery features geometric patterns and motifs that are characteristic of traditional designs. The marching trousers are wide and comfortable, fitting the tunic. The look is complemented by a cap and a walking stick. What defines a culturally-rich fashion better than this?

3. Pretty Mike

Pretty Mike's celeb outfit trad style for wedding

The inner garment, which appears to be sheer, makes this multi-layered agbada hotter and more creative. The gold embroidery and patterns on the chest and lower parts of the agbada add a luxurious touch. The look is complete with a matching abitiaja cap. It’s giving man of valour fashion.

2. Chike

Chike's celeb outfit trad style for wedding

Senator style goes extreme. It has an outer hooded short-sleeved top draped over a longer, straight-cut tunic that reaches below the knee. The trousers match the colour and have a relaxed fit. The panama cap is in a class of its own. This is how to stand out.

1. Enioluwa Adeoluwa

Enioluwa's celeb outfit trad style for wedding

This is a modern take on the Agbada style. The outer garment looks like a tunic or a shorter agbada and it’s woven with intricate patterns. Its neckline has a shirt design, demonstrating a sophisticated blend of traditional fashion with contemporary elements. Again, the old and new blend is the style that keeps giving.

Female Nigerian Celebrity White Wedding Guest Dress Styles

From structured jumpsuits to dreamy lace gowns, crisp satin dresses, and dramatic sleeves that steal the spotlight, Nigerian ladies know how to dress without breaking the wedding guest code. This is for the baddies with taste, ready to break the rules and still look like a dream.

10. Nancy Isime

Nancy's white wedding outfit

This is an off-shoulder dress with a flowing back and a front that’s a short skirt, though it looks slit. It features a tight corset and a chest design that hugs the bust area. If the fashion statement you want is “Monalisa is a baddie,” this is pretty much how to write.

9. Funke Akindele

This dress has a tailored blazer with minimalist design, paired with matching wide-legged trousers. Over the blazer is a pleated skirt in similar colour as the rest of the attire. The bowtie-like headgear and clutch bag give a luxe look. Suitable for high-fashion events, formal gatherings or stylish social occasions like a wedding. 

8. Ini Dima-Okojie

The gown has a unique design element at the bust, with swirling, sculptural details. The dress has sheer, long sleeves made of a delicate, translucent fabric that adds an ethereal quality to the look. There’s a subtle cut-out just below the bust that doesn’t compromise the style. The thin, cute chain around the waist adds a touch of sparkle and accentuates the figure.

7. Osas Ighodaro

This high-fashion gown has a dramatic, asymmetrical design featuring a plunging neckline. It drapes over one shoulder and cascades down the back, looking like a large, sculptural ruffle. The long sleeve on one arm is sleek and fitted, while the gown’s train flows. If you’re looking for something artistic with commanding presence, it’s this one.


READ NEXT: èƵ’s Favourite Nigerian Celebrity Weddings of All Time


6. Omowunmi Dada

This dress features a form-fitting one-shoulder design, beautifully showcasing her shoulders and collarbone. It is made of a shimmery, textured fabric that catches the light. The gown has a cut-out detail at the waist while the long, floor-length skirt flows. You can be bougie and relaxed in this style.

5. Tomike Adeoye

The gown has a fitted, one-shoulder bodice with pleated fabric, while the off-the-shoulder design on the other side accentuates the neckline and collarbone. The skirt is a smooth, satin-like fabric flowing down to the floor. It’s subtly gathered at the waist to give a gentle ruching that brings out the figure. Aside from stealing attention at weddings with this, it’s a gorgeous evening dress too.

4. Liquorose

Velvet gowns always look bougie and classy. This gown has an off-shoulder neckline, long sleeves, and a detailed lace bodice that runs down the centre. The skirt hugs the waist all the way down to the floor. Poise and sleepiness? It ticks the boxes.

3. Juliet Ibrahim

This strapless, flowing satin gown has a fitted bodice and subtle drapes at the hip, adding an elegant touch to the overall look. An easy-on-the-eyes style like this is best accessorised with a matching glittery clutch in hand, a bracelet and a simple necklace. It can’t be more perfect!

2. Mercy Aigbe-Adeoti

You don’t have to be the bride before you show up at a wedding in a white dress. Look at this: a flowing gown with a cape at the back and a bodice designed with a puffed sleeve made of satin. It’s such a warm look accented by pearl and gold accessories. This dress is a hit.

1. Lilian Afegbai

This is a stunning, form-fitting off-shoulder gown made of shiny satin. The sleeves are long and decorated with vibrant red roses, adding a touch of romance to the look. While the dress is fantastic, we have this elegant look due to the additional sparkling accessories from the ears to the neck and fingers. This is a style for those aiming for a high-fashion appearance. Simple and sweet.

Male Nigerian Celebrity White Wedding Guest Outfit Styles

Whether it’s a wedding reception in Eko Hotel or a destination wedding in Tanzania, these stylish kings understand that rolling out their suits is a bold statement move.

10. Moses Bliss

This is a stylish tuxedo with patterns and embellishments featuring a mix of shiny stones and matte textures. It’s complemented by a white shirt, black bowtie and black shoes. Black suits will always rock. If you’re going for a design that isn’t boring, this will do.

9. Sheggz Olusemo

This is a black tuxedo with a satin shawl lapel paired with a white shirt, black bowtie, and black high-platform shoes. It’s simple and elegant.

8. Daniel Etim-Effiong

A light-coloured, textured blazer with a matching vest and a crisp, light-coloured shirt underneath. The trouser adds a twist to the look with a shade of cream. It’s a simple style but classy and reliable.

7. Enyinna Nwigwe

This is a simple double-breasted blazer and matching trousers tailored to his physique. It has a classic touch that perfectly complements any fashionable event.

6. Neo Akpofure

This is a sharp, pinstripe suit with a tailored blazer and matching wide-mouth trousers. It features a white shirt underneath and a black tie that complements the suit. A white pocket square is neatly tucked into his blazer’s breast pocket, adding a touch of elegance. The black shoes complete the polished look and are suitable for formal or casual events.

5. Timini Egbuson

Black tuxedos never go wrong. This glittery blazer is paired with a white shirt, a black bowtie, and a decorative brooch on the left lapel. Any man looking for a modern style that’s fancy for a wedding or a wine party, here you go.

4. Femi Dapson

This is a classic black suit with white shirt, matching wide-legged trousers and black tie that gives a formal and sophisticated appearance. The touch of stylish black sunglasses also adds coolness to it. Even when you don’t open your mouth, your fashion is speaking.

3. Stan Nze

This is a straight-up formal blazer with lapels and matching trousers with subtle stripe detail on the side. The shirt and bowtie give it a complementary boss look. This is a host fit as much as a wedding guest dress. It’s a bold style.

2. Akah Nnani

Light colours are a great material for suits if you know how to pull them off. This suit consists of a blazer and marching trousers and a simple white shirt underneath. The rest of the look is enhanced by a necklace, a few buttons undone and a low-bottom shoe with lace.

1. Efa Iwara

A white pinstripe blazer with a black shirt underneath, black wide-leg trousers and black shoes is a stylish wedding look. Pull up like this, and everyone will think you’re a sort of character from a Martin Scorsese movie. Too hard!


ALSO READ: 35 Simple Ankara Short Gown Styles That’ll Make You Stand Out

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What Are Hot Babes Spending Their Salaries On This Month? /her/hot-babes-spending-salaries/ Fri, 28 Feb 2025 17:43:13 +0000 /?p=341090 It’s salary week, and our reward for working hard the entire month has finally hit our bank accounts! It’s easy to go haywire and spend money on white elephants and other non-necessities.

To help you get a better idea of where your salary should go, èƵ talked to some young Nigerian women about the top four things they plan to spend their salaries on once that credit alert dings.

Hertitude 2025 Tickets

The hot babes are buying their Hertitude tickets in advance this year! Don’t say we didn’t tell you, o.

“I missed last year’s Hertitude because I went over my budget that month,” Bomi, 22, says,” this year, I’m buying my ticket way ahead of time because I don’t want any stories.”

A single entry ticket is currently going for ₦17,949, but you can save 15% by buying a Bestie ticket with your best friend for just ₦30,547. Some of the girlies on X are coming together to buy the Geng ticket, which covers 4 people for just ₦57,516. If you want the full experience, though, you can get the VIP access ticket for one, which goes for ₦57,849. You can get your tickets .

Skincare Products

The girlies are also investing in their skincare products this March! There’s nothing better than having healthy, yummy looking skin and the girlies are gushing over some of these Nigerian made skincare products.

“I just got the for ₦15,000, and I’m so excited to try it out!” says Tominsin, 28.

“Sunscreen is an essential in this hot weather. I’ve stocked up to protect my skin”, says, Ada, 26. We’re currently loving this one from for ₦21,500.

Banging Outfits

Of course, the babes are spending their money on collecting a wardrobe full of fits for only the hottest babes. Where will you be buying your clothes for Hertitude from?

“I’ve been keeping my eyes on thrift stores to get the best retro pieces for the look I want to pull off for Hertitude.” says Timilehin, 22.

“I’m buying some of my favourite pieces from RTW Nigerian brands that have been on my wishlist for a while,” says, Bolawa, 25, “ like these for ₦38,000 from Bloom Womenswear”

Staying Fit

The girls are investing a lot into keeping on top of their health this year. The girlies are killing it in the gym and staying active. You can check google to find a gym close to you for ease and the prices on average run from ₦30,000 – ₦50,000 depending on your location.


If you enjoyed reading this, you’ll also enjoy: What It Really Costs to Move Out as a Young Person in Nigeria


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The 7 Best Fashion Brands Owned by Nigerian Musicians, Ranked /pop/fashion-brands-owned-by-nigerian-musicians/ Thu, 20 Feb 2025 17:02:30 +0000 /?p=340404 Fashion and music have always gone hand in hand. Globally, musicians have ventured into the fashion industry, and in Nigeria, with the rise of Afrobeats on the global stage, it’s only a matter of time before fashion becomes the next frontier in celeb merchandising. While OG musicians like Ruggedman, Terry G, and Vector have launched clothing, shoe, and hat lines in the past, their brands struggled to scale and faded out.

Last week, one of the new crop of musicians who have ventured into fashion, Zlatan, from his line, ZTTW. “Nigerian brands wicked gan,” one user posted on X with a screenshot of the hoodie. Another user said, “There’s absolutely no reason a Hoodie should cost ₦800k, absolutely none.” But is there? 

Here we’ve ranked the seven best fashion brands owned by musicians of Nigerian descent.

7. by Tinie Tempah

Price range: ₦141,000 – ₦871,000

If you follow London Fashion Week, you’ve likely seen as a familiar face in the fashion scene. The Nigerian-British musician launched his menswear brand, , in 2017, blending modern streetwear with local influences to create bold, youth-centric designs. 

Collections like 7 Days Till Lagos capture the fast-paced energy of Lagos, with stars like Wizkid and Not3s modelling for his runway shows. The brand has offered a range of stylish pieces, from hoodies and hats to luxury winter jackets.

Though it’s been a while since What We Wear released new collections, its past drops remain a staple for many fashion lovers.

6. by YKB

Price range: ₦80,000 – ₦100,000

Launched in 2025, is the brainchild of rising Afrobeats star, . The brand’s name comes from the Yoruba word “bonfo,” which refers to outgrown clothes, though BONFO’s pieces are intentionally designed to fit. 

The brand embraces baggy and playful silhouettes, featuring cropped tops and knee-length pants that blend contemporary fashion with traditional Nigerian aesthetics.

With its unique approach, BONFO marks YKB’s entry into the growing list of Nigerian musicians making waves in the fashion industry.

5. by Tomi Agape

Price range: ₦294,000 – ₦392,000

Best known for her music, has now stepped into the fashion world as the founder and CEO of ҳܲé, a women’s shoe brand launched in 2024. Rather than waiting for her music career to take off, she took the leap and .

As a lover of and flowers — elements that shaped her childhood — Agape infuses floral aesthetics into her designs. ҳܲé has released collections like Orchid (including a boot version), Anthurium, Grizzly, Black Rose, and Court Heels. While the brand operates , it offers stylish, high-quality footwear for women looking to make a statement.

4. by Zlatan

Price range: ₦160,000 – ₦800,000

If you’ve noticed the bold ZTTW tattoo on ’s stomach, then you’re already familiar with his fashion brand, Zanku to the World (ZTTW). Launched in May 2024, is a fast-fashion streetwear label specializing in hats, hoodies, shirts, sweatshirts, and T-shirts.

The brand stems from the success of Zlatan’s 2018 viral hit “” and reflects his desire to explore his creativity beyond music while expanding his business ventures.

More than just a clothing line, ZTTW is low-key becoming part of the rollout strategy for Nigerian artists, drawing influencers and bloggers to its Lagos store. With premium cotton materials, vibrant embroidery, and bold prints, ZTTW caters to those who love high-end streetwear — though , as a single item can cost nearly a million naira.

3. by Straffitti

Price range: ₦85,000 – ₦5,100,000

Founded by Nigerian artist (Olawale Olukolade), has become one of Nigeria’s leading streetwear brands, known especially for its standout denim designs worn by stars like Wizkid, Davido, and Zlatan.

Beyond denim, the brand offers tracksuits, track shorts, pants, bum shorts, hats, graphic and striped tees, and jerseys. Since its launch, Thirsty Lab has dressed some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars and even showcased its custom Jeanius Sanitarium V2.0.0 piece at the

Whether you’re into bold streetwear or luxury Nigerian fashion, Thirsty Lab likely has a statement piece for you.


ALSO READ: The Fashion It-Girls of Naija to Be Inspired By


2. by Tyler, The Creator

Price range: ₦54,000 – ₦1,445,000

Founded in 2017 by rapper (Tyler Okonma), is a fashion brand deeply rooted in his signature style. Initially known for its vibrant, playful aesthetic — featuring patterned button-ups, colourful socks, and skate-inspired pieces — the brand has since evolved into a mix of streetwear and high fashion. 

Over the years, Golf Wang has expanded into footwear, partnering with brands like Vans, Converse (for ), SUICOKE, and Lacoste ( collection). Since 2019, each of Tyler’s albums has influenced Golf Wang’s creative direction, introducing more sophisticated pieces like ushanka hats, double-breasted blazers, high-waisted trousers, and vintage briefcases. 

Tyler’s vision has even led to collaborations with major fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Supreme, solidifying Golf Wang as a brand that blends fun, nostalgia, and luxury.

1. by Skepta

Price range: ₦54,450 – ₦980,100

, born Joseph Olaitan Adenuga, launched his unisex fashion brand in 2017, bringing his signature blend of streetwear and high fashion to the industry. Early on, he collaborated with Nike to release acclaimed sneakers like the Air Max 97 SK, Air Max BW/97 Hybrid, and Shox TL, during the peak of his “SK Level” era.

By 2020, Mains took a luxury turn, partnering with Bottega Veneta to create upscale collections that merge the aesthetic of UK roadmen (hustlers) with corporate elegance. Skepta even starred in Bottega’s Wardrobe 02 campaign in 2021, further solidifying his influence in the fashion world.

By late 2022, Mains had split with Nike. In 2023, it rebooted with support from Puma, although due to Puma-Israeli ties and Skepta’s political stance.

The Mains brand continues to thrive independently, expanding its catalogue beyond collaborations. From fly tracksuits and denim jackets to custom flannels, slick underwear, knitwear, crochet designs, and structured outerwear silhouettes, Mains embodies a distinct fusion of street style and luxury. It’s a brand that perfectly captures the essence of street luxury.


ALSO READ: Naija Boys With the Hardest Steeze on the Internet

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Major Highlights from Lagos Fashion Week 2024 /pop/major-highlights-from-lagos-fashion-week-2024/ Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:05:08 +0000 /?p=334187 Following the “COMMUNE” theme of Lagos Fashion Week 2024, Nigerian and African fashion world got together in attendance and reverence of the 13th edition of the annual multi-day fashion event last week. From October 23 to October 27, 2024, collections from several designers and fashion houses such as Pettre Taylor, Ugo Monye, AJANÉÉ, Eki, Dust of Earth, Imad Eduso, Oshobor and more served looks left and right.

The Lagos Fashion Week continues to be a space for African fashion designers, models and creatives to showcase their works and creativity. These are the major things you missed at this year’s Lagos Fashion Week’s runway.

Chief Alex walked!

A month after photographer Chief Alex called out GTCO for excluding plus-sized models in their runways, she modelled and walked the runway for Oshobor’s SS25 collection on the fourth day of the Lagos Fashion Week.

The Oshobor collection celebrates the Edo-Benin culture, fashion and heritage.

Images culled from @fatshionistaa on X.

The shoelace clothes

is a Nigerian slow fashion brand founded by Omolabake Temetan. In pursuit of sustainable fashion, its experiments range from socks collections and the reuse of second-hand clothing to shoelaces into wearable pieces that were also exhibited at the Lagos Fashion Week 2024.

Davido closes the Ugo Monye show

Davido remains one of the most consistent celebrity appearances at the Lagos Fashion Week. He was on the runway for Ugo Monye on the day two of the Lagos Fashion Week 2024, looking regal in a large brown traditional wear. This marks his second time on the runway since his 2022 debut for Puma at New York Fashion Week.

Images culled from @Davido on X.

Nollywood actors, BBN stars and “influencers”

Davido isn’t the only popular entertainer that graced the runway of the LFW 2024. Nollywood actor Mike Folarin, Afropop singer Minz walked for Heineken 45’CL and Orange Culture. DJ TGarbs and Big Brother Naija star Dorathy walked in Hertunba’s “THE WOMEN BEFORE US”. Fashion producer and stylist Eniafe Momodu walked in the Fruché SS25 collection. Former BBN housemate Sheggz walked for Emmy Kasbit, and singer Lojay for Elfreda Dali.

Images culled from @lagosfashionweekofficial on IG.

Kids were live too

Ejiro Amos Tafiri didn’t forget about the kids in its “Symphony of Convergence” collection. They were adorned in gorgeous traditional and contemporary designs.

Images culled from @lagosfashionweekofficial on IG.

Lush Hair

The Day 4 of the runway got interesting. Among the several fashion houses that showcased, there was a standout brand — Lush Hair. The hair brand launched and displayed its new glamourous hair products at the LFW 2024. BBN housemate and media personality Natasha ‘Tacha’ Akide closed out the Lush Hair show at the runway.

Images culled from lagosfashionweek.ng and Pinterest.

Hey, We Found These Latest Casual Nigerian Male Fashion Trends Are for All Men

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These Latest Casual Nigerian Male Fashion Trends Are for All Men /pop/fashion/the-latest-casual-nigerian-male-fashion-trends-are-for-all-men/ Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:04:49 +0000 /?p=333905 In the past few years, fashion for Nigerian men has gone from stuffy ill-fitting extra large suits and trads, tight-fitting suits and trads (remember the free the biceps movement?) to where it is now, something in between, hard to place. Even then, Nigerian men are almost completely done with those two categories and are finally ready to explore the other offerings designers have on their website and Instagram pages.

But this is not to say that a good suit or trad won’t still bang and win you all the compliments if it’s done just right. There are tricks to these things, way more than restricting the sleeves of your agbada or kaftan at three quatres or grabbing a well-drycleaned suit.

The trends all the fashion lords are rocking on the ‘gram and off anyways have almost nothing to do with those kinds of looks. See them below:

Tie-dye

One would expect this trend to have gone out of style months later. But the most stylish men seem unable to let it go just yet, and there are many ways they are styling it. Tie-dye prints are now being rocked as bottoms over bright coloured Cuban shirts or even as a two-piece set.

Image source: TeeZee

Tic Tac print

Tic-tac prints have been blowing up on Instagram all year round. Whether it’s trousers, shirts, or jalabia that you can lay your hand on, tic-tac prints are definitely the fashion item that will take your style from zero to a hundred this month. The super stylish men have been rocking them on a casual day to the office and church.

Image source: Benard Samuel

Aso-oke

The aso oke trend has long been a staple in the female quatres. But thanks to many local fashion brands, the traditional weave material has been democratised. These days, there are aso-oke varsity jackets, suits, and slacks. You just need to find the right brand and the right piece for you.

Image source: Emmy Kasbit

Jorts

This OG fashion staple has returned. Nigerian men just seem unable to get over their jorts. But the look this time isn’t as ill-fitting as it once was, and the length is also closer to the knee. 

Image source: AlaniGram

Two-piece shorts

Two-piece shirts have gradually become a staple rotation item for many stylish Nigerian men. For a casual breeze into the office on Wednesday, this is a perfect look. It’s also great for a weekend getaway.

Image source: horlaroflagos

ALSO READ: Naija Boys With the Hardest Steeze on the Internet

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10 Chiffon Gown Styles for Ladies and Where You Can Wear Them to /her/chiffon-gown-styles-2024/ Mon, 23 Sep 2024 11:48:43 +0000 /?p=332482 Are you out there for a gown that’s both stylish and comfortable? Chiffon gowns are where the magic’s at if you want to make a statement with your looks. The lightweight nature of the fabric makes it airy and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making a quick dash to work, a party, or a casual event, these chiffon gown styles will make people stop in their tracks to admire you.

1. Floral chiffon gown style

12 Chiffon Gown Styles for Ladies and Where You Can Rock Them to

Want everyone to know you care about your plant babies when you step out of the house? Go for this floral chiffon gown, which is a nice option for casual outings.

2. Long sleeve layered dress

12 Chiffon Gown Styles for Ladies and Where You Can Rock Them to

Yes, chiffon is a great option for casual outings, but if you’ve got a badass tailor, you can go for this style, which is a nice option for semi-formal gatherings.

3. Simple chiffon dress

12 Chiffon Gown Styles for Ladies and Where You Can Rock Them to

Step out for a casual playdate with friends in this, and everyone will know you’ve got style.


ALSO READ: 25 Beautiful White Lace Styles That Give Main Character Energy


4. One-shoulder belted jumpsuit

This one is for the corporate girlies. Depending on how much skin you want to show, you can get your tailor to tweak the shoulder.

5. Bell sleeve belted gown

This is the one if you’re in your casual luxury x rich aunty era and want your nieces and nephews to bill you during family gatherings.


ALSO READ: 20 Kampala Styles For Ladies Who Want to Make a Statement 


6. Short chiffon wrap dress with tea sleeves

12 Chiffon Gown Styles for Ladies and Where You Can Rock Them to

This style is a multitasking bae. Wear it to a casual hangout with friends and rock it to the office on Fridays.

7. Long sleeve chiffon wrap dress

12 Chiffon Gown Styles for Ladies and Where You Can Rock Them to

Are you really the rich aunty you claim to be if this isn’t one of the chiffon gown styles in your wardrobe? If your answer is no, here’s your chance to fix up.

8. Chiffon wrap blouse

Rock this chiffon blouse as a dress if you’re feeling adventurous and want to compete with .

9. Cross-neck sleeveless gown

12 Chiffon Gown Styles for Ladies and Where You Can Rock Them to

You’ll thank whoever created this chiffon style if you rock it during the hot season.

10. Chiffon kimono

This one is for the Muslim girlies. Consider it if you want to look a little extra for Friday prayers.

Enjoyed this piece about chiffon gown styles? Read this next: 45 Latest Hairstyles for Nigerian Ladies in 2024


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15 Ankara Styles For Nigerian Ladies in 2025 /her/ankara-styles-for-nigerian-ladies-in-2025/ Mon, 02 Sep 2024 12:07:23 +0000 /?p=331851 Gotten an invitation to a friend or relative’s owambe and don’t know what to do with your Ankara fabric? We might know a few Ankara styles that’ll have guests asking for your Nigerian tailor’s phone number.

Ankara corset top

15 Ankara Styles For Nigerian Ladies in 2024

Photo source: Instagram/@stylebyreme

This is the perfect style if you’re sharing the Ankara fabric with three other friends, and each of you ends up with two yards.

Ankara jumpsuit

15 Ankara Styles For Nigerian Ladies in 2024

Photo source: Instagram/@germinous

Good thing about this style? It’s a multitasking bae. You can wear it to an owambe and also show up in it to your office on Fridays.

Ankara corset gown

15 Ankara Styles For Nigerian Ladies in 2024

Photo source: Instagram/@delayghana

The aunties and mummies might stare you down with bombastic side eyes, but the fashion girlies will rate you if you show up in this Ankara corset gown.

Two-piece

Photo source: Instagram/@shopmora.co

This Ankara two-piece style works well for casual outings.

Ankara with ruffles and high slit

15 Ankara Styles For Nigerian Ladies in 2024

Photo source: Instagram/@nancyisimeofficial

Nigerian tailors love the opportunity to play with ruffles; they’ll more than deliver if you choose this style. Just make sure you have enough fabric.

Ankara babydoll gown

This is another simple and stunning Ankara style to choose if you have limited fabric or just love to flaunt your hot legs.

Ankara wrap gowns

15 Ankara Styles For Nigerian Ladies in 2024

This style is another multitasking queen that fits in a corporate or social setting.


ALSO READ: 20 Kampala Styles For Ladies Who Want to Make a Statement 


Six-piece long gown with stoned bow

Photo source: Instagram/@hamdiyahamidd

Go for this ankara style if you’re up for a dramatic look that’ll land you on the pages of fashion blogs.

Puff sleeves x off shoulder mini dress

15 Ankara Styles For Nigerian Ladies in 2024

Photo source: Instagram/@uniqueafricancollection

Love showing skin? This is the one for you.

Ankara kimono set

Photo source: Instagram/@lillyafe

At this point, can we all agree that kimonos are never going out of fashion? Anyway, this look is a win any day, anytime.

Ankara skirt

15 Ankara Styles For Nigerian Ladies in 2024

This one is for the corporate baddies.

Mixed pattern coat dress

Photo source: Instagram/@ituenbasi

If you appear in this piece, you’ll spend half the day convincing people you are not Otedola’s family member.

Ankara zipper skirt

Photo source: Instagram/@isaleekofromderin

We’re not reaching if we say this ankara style screams rich, classy and boujee.

One-button pant set

15 Ankara Styles For Nigerian Ladies in 2024

Photo source: Instagram/@isaleekofromderin

This Ankara pant set is lowkey giving unisex vibes. Just imagine showing up with your boo in this.

Mixed pattern shirt

15 Ankara Styles For Nigerian Ladies in 2024

Photo source: Instagram/@tzarstudios

Style this with a denim pant and a crop top singlet.

Read this next: 60 Ankara Short Gown Styles That Will Make You Stand Out in 2026

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We Asked 8 Nigerian Women What Waist Beads Mean to Them /her/we-asked-8-nigerian-women-what-waist-beads-mean-to-them/ Tue, 27 Aug 2024 08:00:52 +0000 /?p=331657 Thanks to a US-based Nigerian lady who casually that the women in her family wear a specific type of waist beads sourced from a local market in Abeokuta, the “waist beads are for snatching your destinies” conversation is back on social media.

The chaotic discussion on X led me to ask these Nigerian women why they wear waist beads.

Taiye*, Lagos

I wear waist beads simply for beautification. I love how they accentuate my waist and make clinking sounds when I dance or wiggle them. I’ve recently stopped adding to my collection because I already have too many.

Damola*, Ogun

In my culture, waist beads are called “Ileke Idi or bebedi.” I’ve loved wearing them since I was a teenager, although my mum didn’t approve of them when I was in secondary school. I know they’re mostly worn for beautification, but I’ve also had friends who wear fortified beads handed to them by their mums. These beads are a form of protection against evil and negative energy, not meant to harm men.

Risikat*, Osun

I’m not a big fan of waist beads, but my husband loves them. He’s from Isale-Eko in Lagos and always talks about how women rock shiny and attractive waist beads to enhance their appearance. So, let’s just say I started wearing them because of him. My husband has a specific preference; he only loves triple-layer beads in gold or silver.

Ada*, Imo

In my culture, waist beads are mostly worn for beautification. Some special ones are also worn during traditional wedding ceremonies or chieftaincy title installations, but that’s about it. I’m not a big fan of them because they sometimes make my waist uncomfortable.

Beatrice*, Anambra

Waist beads are also called “mgbaji” in my culture, and they’re mostly worn by women for beautification or during special occasions like traditional wedding ceremonies. My granny said that in her days, the beads were part of the necessary items the groom had to present to his bride before marriage. I don’t think it’s still a thing because my husband didn’t give me waist beads, and no one made a fuss about it.

Balikis*, Kwara

Most women in my family wear waist beads; I think we have our granny to thank. That was her “traditional” method of watching our weight growing up. When the beads get tight, it means that we’ve put on extra flesh, and when they go loose, it shows that we’ve lost weight.

Hadiza*, Minna

I don’t like waist beads, but I know some women in my family who wear them. I once asked my mum, and according to her, some of the beads have medicinal purposes apart from beautification. She said the waist beads are a form of traditional contraception that helps women control childbirth. You can hardly see the beads of these women anyway because they are usually fully clothed.

Blessing*, Imo

Women in my family mainly wear waist beads as part of post-childbirth care. The beads are believed to have healing properties that speed up recovery and help restore a woman’s body after childbirth. Some women continue wearing them for beautification long after they’ve recovered.

Read this next: 10 Annoying Things Nigerians Need To Stop Doing To Other People

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