Lately, the stakes have been increasing on the Lagos style scene. The lines are no longer drawn on the borders of convenient expressions, but constantly leaning toward impact and a generous show of personality. The season has snuffed out the coy and further decorated the bold, with Nigerian celebrities and style stars thriving on the wings of global fashion–no matter where they find themselves.
The color and texture choices have been an eclectic ordeal, with individual personalities merging with the latest fads. Whether it was posing as beguiling cover stars, attending a wedding, or bagging endorsement deals, the recent Lagos fashion story has been far from boring. The exciting cuts and rich fabrics set the tone for full-level steeze–a word almost rendered weary by well-meaning Nigerian style stars.
Check out cool Naija fashion renderings from the past weeks…
#1. Temi Otedola
Temi Otedola became the first ever Nigerian to represent the L’Oréal Paris brand as a digital ambassador. While beauty was the focus of her unveiling, the aesthetics wouldn’t have been complete without befitting style.
She kept it simple and classic, in accordance with her personality, in a form-fitting black dress styled with chunky gold bracelets and earrings. Otedola’s offering is a major lesson that black and gold is a chic combo that never goes out of style.
#2. Sharon Ooja
Thanks to Marie Antoinette’s BBC series and Bridgerton, regal fashion has successfully snuck into our closets. Sharon Ooja wore an Ann Cranberry army green dress reminiscent of period dramas–the kind you waltz in at a ball with the ton. The dress flaunted woven details on the corset hem and neckline while swaying into a pleated maxi skirt. The color, silhouette, and understated jewelry from Boz Diamonds made for a regal finish.
#3. Shaffy Bello
Resort wear, but make it rich aunty vibes. Renowned actress Shaffy Bello never passes up an opportunity to announce her presence through a good slay. She styled a black tube with brown baggy pants and a loose-fitting printed kimono. In true Naija fashion, her oversized animal skin bag was the star of the show. It elevated the look with an expensive aura, as the hat cemented things with a touch of edge. Another highlight of this getup is the color brown. This season, different shades of brown are being represented on the mainstream level. Consider marrying coffee and chocolate brown for a rich earthy finish.
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#4. Veekee James
Talented Nigerian designer, Veekee James has been on a roll, holding up every front and sharing it with her audience on social media. She’s been racking up views with her cooking videos, couple-goal content, and creative fashion coordination.
The latter goes beyond a fluke, as she showed out again in a midi Ankara dress by Luxe Xtra. The number featured a slanted neckline with exaggerated sleeves and a flare cape cascading from the waistline. She styled the fit with gold accessories, and wore her hair in a unique updo, evoking stellar Mama Africa vibes with a contemporary twist. An African queen through and through.
#5. Asa
Singer Asa posed as the cover star for GQ South Africa in an LSP Studio fit. She wore a crochet high-neck dress with a furry black coat, and her locs were worn as a flip-up cut. The perforated gown and outerwear were a nod to the mob wife aesthetic but with an understated charm.
In a world filled with vivacious colors and daring Naija fashion, rocking neutral tones has become a bold and independent style move. It often depicts confidence and sophistication with its versatility spread across every season.
#6. Ini Dima-Okojie
Head-to-toe shimmer is wild and renowned for an adventurous night out. While it fits into the party girl aesthetic, it can be considered as a cool daytime option, with a retro slant. Actress Ini Dima-Okojie showed how it’s done in a sequin x metallic combo worn with ease and grace. Featuring a metallic turtleneck top tucked into a mini sequin skirt, she punched up the coordination with silver block heels sandals, and a crystal-studded Alexander McQueen purse. Monochromatic metallics are a cohesive trend that’s all the rave this summer.
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#7. Mimi Onalaja
This season, like every other summer, bright colors take pre-eminence. In addition, abstract prints and floral motifs sit in the front row unopposed. Although, in Nigeria, the rain pours, style influencer Mimi Onalaja embraced the climate in lightweight, bright, and beautiful expressions.
She wore a sheer, abstract print long-sleeved top over bright red high-waisted tweed pants to indulge in luxury dining at a fine restaurant. The perfect outfit for a relaxed solo hangout. Even if for spring/summer, the runways and celebrities have favored more subdued tones, dopamine dressing has carved a loyal cult for itself. This is the season to deviate from the regular and explore interesting Naija fashion renderings. It’s an outlet to experiment with exuberant hues and bubbly wardrobe choices.
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