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Is your fashion sense unmatched or do you lack even a drop of style? Take this very simple quiz and we’ll let you know. But before you do, promise you won’t vex when we tell you the truth and it’s not what you wanted to hear.
Do you love edgy, daring, super cool hairstyles? Do you want to get more creative with your hair? You’ve come to the right place. We predict these will be the top hair picks of 2024, so you’re welcome.
Bai
This not-so-popular haircut is inspired by the late Baingor Joiner, a young Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist. Bai is a form of self-expression that represents coolness, creativity, freedom and afrofuturism. Who wouldn’t want to embody these values in the new year?
Bai (left); VRSD (middle and right)
Blade
If you haven’t seen this OG Marvel franchise, featuring Wesley Snipes, then you aren’t as hip as you think. And if your barber isn’t skilled, what you’ll get is a violation instead of a stylish and confident don’t-fuck-with-me look.
Image source: CG Hero
de Lima
This radical haircut was football legend and ex-Brazilian striker, Ronaldo de Lima’s tactic to shift attention from his injury during the 2002 World Cup, and it worked. After he sported the cut, he (and his team) won the semi-final against Turkey and the final against Germany. This was the cut he had on as he lifted the 2002 World Cup and won the Golden Boot.
Image source: Sportsmanor
Prettyboy
Nigerian artist, Prettyboy D-O, is popular for his creative hairstyle. He dyes his hair in multi colours and patterns — sometimes, it’s wildfire, flowers or heart symbols. D-O is a walking canvas, and his style is for the vibrant risk-takers.
Instagram: @prettyboydo
AG Retro
Adekunle Gold had this haircut on for a promotional shoot in 2018. It’s a 90’s retro style, an Afro-fade with a part down the middle. If you rock vintage fashion, this is the perfect cut to cap it up.
Image source: The NET
Micro puff-puff
Most recently seen on the late Mohbad, this eye-catching style requires your hair to be just long enough to twist into neat, tiny knots. This can be your prelude to full braids.
Image source: Nigezie Xtreme
Gorimapa
A skinned, shiny head will forever be popular among the people of earth. If you like breeze hitting your skull directly, getting random scalp rubs, or paying barbers simply disgust you, go for this cheap, simple and classic cut.
Do you want to level up your fashion game, change your style or add to your wardrobe? These Nigerian ladies have the distinctive fashion tastes that might inspire yours.
Temi Otedola
Temi loves contrasting pieces and matching unique items. Her fashion style is chic, captivating but easy on the eyes. Although she focuses on her acting work these days, her JTO FASHION blog still inspires many with her personal style and fashion exploration.
Image source: @temiotedola
Fisayo Longe
Fisayo Longe owns Kai Collective, a go-to fashion brand that launched in 2016. You may have seen one of her remarkable colour-mesh designs popularly known as Gaia Dress. Fisayo’s style is pretty experimental, marrying vibrant colours together to make a dress or top. Either way, she kills it.
Image source: @fisayolonge
Hafymo
Fashion, beauty and lifestyle content? Leave it to Hafsah Mohammed AKA Hafymo. She has a penchant for wide-legged pants, bright colour combos and complex designs, a tradition that carries on in her fashion and clothing brand, Chenemi.
Image source: @hafymo
Anne Nonye Udeogu
Anne Nonye is an unconventional fashion babe and content creator who operates ThisThingCalledFashionn, an online platform she founded to showcase her personal style in 2020. To look like a hottie straight out of a Beyoncé shoot or an expensive corporate babe, or to turn ankara into a style high-end brands will envy, Nonye is your go-to. If you’re looking for more than fashion inspiration, her online store whatnaylikes, has enough looks and pieces to shop.
Image source: @ThisThingCalledFashionn
Style Senami
Apart from being one of the hottest young fashion stylists and consultants in Lagos, Style Senami, born Senami Mague, knows all the creative ways to style your skirts and corsets. You can learn one or two cool fashion things on her Fashion Bae Show. Peep her @whatshestyled page to see more of her work and people she’s styled.
Image source: @stylesenami
Veekee James
If you’re looking for gorgeous styles your strict mum or church’s mummy G.O. won’t stop fanning over, Veekee James has all the fashion ideas for you. Do you need bespoke wear? She got you — just that she doesn’t make clothes below ₦1m.
Image source: @veekee_james
OnyiiBekeh
Onyii Azode effortlessly pulls all styles. You’ll like her if you’re a fan of colours and clothes that take the Nigerian sun into consideration. Outstanding casual and street fashion? Check. Unique corporate styling? Check. Holiday, carnival or sexy style ideas, she does it all. She was studying in Medicine before fashion got her attention in 2018. Now, she calls herself a “medical doctor with a fly closet”.
Image source: @onyiibekeh
Diana Eneje
Diana Eneje is a fashion model and influencer whose style can be described as “hot city girl vibes”. From effortlessly slaying crochet designs, to rocking short dresses with beautiful bag selections, to turning athletic wear into street fashion, Diana is HER. Her YouTube channel covers her fashion and lifestyle, so go there for all the fashion inspiration you need.
Image source: @diana_eneje
Ashley Okoli
Ashley is a stylist, designer and creative director popular for her daring “Y2k Nollywood babe” look. Her hairdo, eyebrows, makeup and clothing choices always distinguish her from the crowd. Overall, her approach to fashion expresses boldness and freedom.
Image source: @ashh.ok
Bamy
Bamy is a fashionista in the intersection of music, social media management and content strategy and production (WeTalkSound, Tea With Tay). Her style mixes clean masculine fashion with femme designs. And her sunglasses combinations are top notch.
Iretizee
Iretizee, born Ireti Zaccheaus, is a fashion designer and founder of Street Souk, an African streetwear brand. Her style is sexy androgynous. Both men and women can be beneficiaries of her charming fashion steeze.
Image source: @iretizee99
Ogechi
Ogechi is a content creator who’s built a huge following off her fashion and lifestyle content. With her cool make-up game, Oge‘s style leaves bold, classy and soft-life effects on you. This may be what you need.
If you were outside your house (or maybe even inside) during Detty December 2022, you must’ve seen the knotless French curls sitting on someone’s head and parading around town.
French curls were at every house and beach party, club and traffic from Victoria Island to VGC. But if you thought it was just hair for December rocks, think again because we’re two months into 2023, and the girlies have refused to let the style go.
Curious, I caught up with some French curl baddies, and they gave us the lowdown on why this hairstyle is their new fave.
But before we get into it, shoutout to the OG French curl icon, Brandy AKA Miss Moesha Mitchell.
“I feel like a baddie with French curls”
— Vanessa
I got my French curls done in January when I was visiting Nigeria. I didn’t want basic knotless braids, so I looked for options on Pinterest before I found these curls that added an extra oomph. I used one pack of extensions, and everything, including the braiding, cost ₦15k in Abuja. Thanks to PHCN wahala, it took them six whole hours to finish braiding it.
I’m actually having the best time with my French curls because they’re incredibly versatile. I’m doing up-dos and clip styles. I feel like such a baddie (which I am) with them.
“I saw it on Ayra Star, so I knew I had to get them”
— Oro
The first time I saw French curl braids was on social media in 2021, but it wasn’t until Ayra Starr started doing that different versions started flooding my Instagram TL. She made the hair famous, no cap. When I wanted to get mine done, I heard some people paid ₦4k per bundle for the attachment. I have a big head and full hair, so omo, that was a no for me. I eventually found these Darling extensions for about ₦7k total and got my braids done for ₦5k in Warri.
The French curls were cute at first, but over time, they got tangled, and it was a hassle trying to keep them apart. I doubt it’ll still be popular by December 2023. Remember when everyone was drawing hearts with their braids? We move on fast.
“I typically wear braids for three weeks, but my French curls lasted for a whole month”
— Ngozi
I’ve done the layered version of the French curls twice — once in December and the other in January. I like messy hair and volume; this hairstyle gave me both at the same time. I also didn’t have to style my hair all the time, and as a lazy person, I appreciated that.
It took an average of eight hours to get it done because it was just one person braiding my hair. It was cheap at around ₦10 – 12k for the braiding and extensions because I made it in Apapa. I typically wear braids for three weeks, but I had it on for a month and got another one in a different colour as soon as I took it out. I’ve shaved my hair now, but I’d still do it again if I grow my hair out, even if it’s no longer popping. I stick to things a lot.
“Getting French curls took 10 hours and cost me ₦45k”
— Toju
I’ve only done the French curls once, and what won me over with the hairstyle was the bounce because I usually don’t like braids. I chose a shade of blonde that complimented my dark skin. For the braiding, I went to a salon in Lagos where it cost about ₦45k and took almost 6 hours to get it done.
I feel French curls will still be a hot trend next year because it’s really pretty.
“I can style them in so many different ways”
— Kulupsy
My friend was the first person I saw French curls on, and I thought it looked gorgeous, so I decided to get them too. Choosing the colour was the interesting part because there were many options. I had to find one that would match my skin and still pop, so I went with a mix of blonde, brown and black. Making the hair took about three hours and cost ₦35k at some salon my friend recommended.
I love how French curls look on me and how I can style them in a double bun or a mid-part. The style might go out of fashion before the next Detty December, but I have a feeling the attachment won’t go anywhere. It’s so soft.
“Regular box braids don’t look good on me, so I’m ready to try French curls”
— Gift
I haven’t gotten the French curls yet, but it’s the next hairstyle I’m trying. I saw it on this fine babe on Twitter, and I know shoulder-length curls suit my face. Regular box braids don’t work for me, so why not? I got the bundle for ₦3k, and the braiding will cost me ₦12 – 15k, depending on how tiny the braids are. That’s Lekki price sha. I could find a trenches salon that’ll do it for less, but I’m tender-headed and working from home, so I need some order in whichever salon I go to.
“French curls are comfortable and stylish enough for me to take on my trips”
— Simi
I’ve gotten French curls twice now — the first time was in 2021 and again in 2022. I saw it on Instagram and liked how light it looked on the girl who was wearing it. Then I did it the second time because I was travelling and wanted something comfortable and stylish to travel with.
Brown is my go-to colour for braids because it works with my skin tone. I’m not adventurous, but I want to change that, so I might go blonde or try grey the next time I make French curls.
If there’s one video that’ll remain iconic for years to come, it’s this interview video of the girl in the market who says, “Me on my own, I’m ashawo. Everybody on their own, ashawo,” when asked about women being slut-shamed. And honestly, where is the lie? With the way we’re wearing less and going out more, it’ll seem like we’ve fully entered an ashawo era of fashion, and I’m totally here for it.
Image credit: Nylon Magazine
Nigeria’s relationship with Ashawo fashion back in the day
Just like the world around us, fashion is constantly changing and evolving. Whether we like it or not, the clothes we wear are a tool to reflect or at least capture part of the conversation going on in a particular era. In the 1960s and 1970s, Nigerians tried to find an identity in a country that was finally independent of colonisers.
But by the 1990s, we had finally settled on a trend that embodied the saying “go big or go home”. The geles were as wide as DStv dishes, and the baggy pants were baggying like no tomorrow.
In all these eras, Nigerians have always factored in “morals”, choosing to be covered up no matter what. Wearing a backless dress or showing your belly button was scandalous in the 1990s. I mean, anyone who grew up watching old Nollywood movies will tell you miniskirts were the trademark look of a wild girl whose over-sexualisation would eventually make her barren or single to stupor.
With the 2000s came even skimpier outfits thanks to the MTV generation consuming Britney Spears and Janet Jackson. However, Nigeria’s adoption of this fashion trend (now fondly referred to as Y2K fashion) was restricted to the video vixens on screen or the bad girls in films like Abuja Connection, Sharon Stone or Girls Cot.
A scene from Girls Cot (2006)
No matter how much fashion evolved or changed in the Western world, for Nigerians, it still remained a tool used to police women’s bodies — labelling them as either good or bad girls.
Alté scene brings back y2k fashion
The first time I noticed Nigerians reclaiming the word “ashawo” and getting into our slut rhythm was in 2018, as alté culture became mainstream. Heavily influenced by the sluttiest era of all time, the late 1990s to early 2000s, alté acts came with a different sound and look. The boys had their hair dyed in crazy colours like pink and purple, while the girls rocked see-through tops and low-rise jeans.
As usual, the first reaction was resistance: the alté boys were called gay, and the girls? Well, the worst insult Nigerians feel they can give a woman is ashawo/slut. Did the happening babe care? No. Over time, more mainstream acts tapped into this market and what once felt like a niche group on SoundCloud and a closed-up part of Instagram filtered down to regular folks.
Image credit: Alté Culture Fest
I remember turning up to a concert in Lagos in 2019 and feeling like I’d been sucked into a 2000s music video. That same year, Hot Girl Summer became a thing thanks to Megan Thee Stallion, and Old Nollywood pages started popping up randomly on Instagram, romanticising the early 2000s and turning the bad girls from that era into fashion icons. These looks quickly moved from concerts and the gram, to parking lots and regular hangouts.
In 2022, what our parents frowned on has gotten a facelift and rebranded as Y2k-inspired looks. From Ayra Starr to Odunsi The Engine, the cut-outs are everywhere, and crop-tops have become baggy shirts at this point.
Did I forget to mention that the men are also in on the ashawo fit trend? Dying your hair pink or painting your nails are no longer signs that you might be queer. Now it just means you’re either a creative, someone on Twitter with interesting opinions, or a tech-bro.
Taking men out of the equation, by reclaiming these ashawo clothes, women are finally controlling the narrative. If we unpack operation “cover yourself up”, it’s easy to see that it has nothing to do with women.
Instead, it’s always been a tool to keep women in check and excuse men of sexual misconduct. That’s why the question, “What were you wearing?” pops up when sexual harassment or abuse cases come into the light. But if there’s one thing we know, it’s that covering up hasn’t stopped these cases from happening daily.
Alté fashion icon, Ashley Okoli
These ashawo clothes are a way for women to say that their worth isn’t tied to their bodies.
With the way fashion has continued to evolve since 2018, it looks like our dress sense isn’t going to get less sluttier anytime soon. These clothes aren’t about sex or simple thirst traps; they’re about confidence and ownership. If you can’t pull it off, fine. But don’t hate on the people who can, because that’s just tacky.
If you don’t have these 13 staples in your closet, you’re not the modern corporate queen you think you are. Follow these tips, curated especially for our tropical weather, to perfect the minimalist smart-casual look.
Low-heeled mules/sandals
Say bye-bye to those plain stuffy court shoes with the ridiculous heels that hurt our ankles after a long day. These low-heeled, no-stress mules or sandals are in. And they come in as many styles and colours as you want.
You probably remember these from secondary school. Only the cool girls whose parents actually put out wardrobe allowance for them owned these. Now, as a working-class gal, you can finally buy them for yourself. They are still as cool, classy, and most importantly, comfortable as ever.
Neutral-coloured oversized dress shirt
They are your regular office buttoned-down shirts but with a twist. Dress shirts are better tailored, made from finer fabric like silk, linen, or pure cotton, and have intricate details that set them apart from the regular. Get them slightly oversized and in natural tones — white, brown, faded blues and greens — and just like that, you’ve turned your plain old work outfit into a stylish number.
White cami top
A basic item that serves as a clean slate on which to build all your effortlessly elegant looks, this unbothered queen is a must-have. Wear it and then throw on that oversized dress shirt with a couple of buttons undone, or a simple sweater, blazer, light jacket… can you see what I’m saying?
Tailored cigarette pants
Cigarette pants are the sweet in-between where skinny pants and regular straight pants meet. In their expertly-tailored, just above the ankle-length form, they scream smart-casual like nothing else does.
Once relegated to the teachers’ and headmistresses’ closets, the midi skirts have staged a protest. They’ve come back rebranded, and nothing says boujee like these new versions of the “Mary Amaka” skirts. You get extra marks if yours are asymmetrical or come with a nice side-slit.
Black sheath dress
This work-closet staple is an underrated versatile queen. It is simple and quiet, while it does the Lord’s work, sliming a working girl’s figure, emphasising her femininity and giving off “cultured” vibes. The sleeveless version can be paired with sleeved dress shirts to create a whole new outfit each time. Switch up your work shoes with a pair of going-out sandals, and you have a perfect dinner-date look. I said “versatile”, didn’t I?
Print shift dress
A shift dress in ankara, adire, kente, batik, or any other print fabric is the perfect item to add some colour (and spice) to this neutral-toned list. It is guaranteed to inject a fun vibe into your work life, even if you can only wear it on Fridays (tell HR we said office dress codes need to die a quick but painful death).
Neutral-coloured summer pantsuit
Pantsuits are generally hard to wear in this our climate, but sometimes, the occasion calls for a power suit and all your “boss lady” attitude. Summer pantsuits were invented particularly for hot weather, and you need to get some. They come in a lighter fabric and with less lining than the regular pantsuit. Some have shorter sleeves too.
No one knows who invented the golden hoops, but I’m sure it has African roots because they suit our ears and skin so well. They are a good standalone, but they go well with chunky single or double-layered chain-link necklaces too.
Tarnish-proof gold and stone jewellery set
The gold and clear stone necklace and earrings set is the perfect finishing touch to the polished minimalist work look we want to achieve. Just make sure you buy the set that won’t fade after some weeks.
50+ SPF sunscreen moisturiser
If you’re not applying sunscreen to your face every time you step out of your house, you’re wrong. Global warming is upon us, and not to get into the complicated science of it, the sun’s rays are not very safe for our skin. It doesn’t matter if you’re black or white, dark-skinned or light, sunscreen is a must. And for the bountiful gift of sunlight we enjoy in Africa, you’ll need one that’s 50 SPF or higher. The best sunscreens keep our faces smooth and dewy. Don’t you want that?
Moisturising lip balm
We can’t talk style staples without throwing in basic skincare. Whether you’re a makeup person or not, you should always have a good organic lip balm in your closet and everyday bag. Let’s keep our lips supple and hydrated, shall we?
Everyone is talking about Netflix’s Blood Sisters. The star studded limited series follows two friends, Sarah (Ini Dima Okojie) and Kemi (Nancy Isime), as they try to escape the police and a ridiculously hot/silent Ramsey Noah after beheading Sarah’s abusive fiancé minutes to their wedding. Yes, it’s chaotic as hell, but I loved every minute. One thing about the show that’s blowing people’s minds (asides from the gripping plot) is the fashion. Every single character served lewks worthy enough to grace the MET Gala red carpet Let’s talk about some of our favourite looks from the show.
9. Abasiyama’s seduction outfit
Starting this right with my girl, Abasiyama (Toke Makinwa). This is how you turn up to your ex’s wedding with the intention to spread bad vibes and wreck homes.. I still can’t get over her “Chai, let me kiss you for the last time as a single man,” line. Abby baby, please seek help.
8. Kemi’s girl boss looking for a gun look
I call this outfit: Suited to kill. This babe was on a gun hunt while trying to hide a murder, but still had time to dress in couture. The fabric from the sleeves alone is enough to make another dress. This outfit is giving She-E-O/Girlboss/Beheading queen vibes. You better werk, sis!
7. Sarah’s engagement dress
While we can all agree that Kola (Deyemi Okanlawon) was a terrible man who lowkey deserved the ending he got, we also have to admit that the dress he wanted Sarah to wear for their engagement party was way better than her first choice? I mean, unlike that “show me your back” number she first had on, this dress is giving wealth and opulence. Anyways, RIP Kola, your fashion sense may be top notch but the evil you’ve done is enough. Have fun styling Karashika in hell.
6. Yinka’s wings of celebration outfit
This is exactly the type of power suit I also want to wear while receiving updates on the man I’ve paid someone to kill. Look at the wing thing on the shoulder. Sis, where are you flying to? While we’re on Yinka’s (Kehinde Bankole) case, can we get into her acting in this scene? She was probably doing sungbalaja in her head while pretending to be saddened by Kola’s death. A true Uduak (Kate Henshaw) in the making. No wonder they were giving each other hot hot. Uduak could see herself in Yinka and lowkey respected her for being that bitch.
She came, she slayed and she beheaded. This jumpsuit is EVERYTHING! This look alone is enough to convince the judge that Kemi (Nancy Isime) doesn’t deserve to be in jail wearing those ugly prison uniforms.
4. Frozen part three
Madam Uduak is giving ice queen with that cape and big ass diamond earrings. Elsa was found dead. By the way, is it me or was this staircase a supporting character on this show?
3. #Kate4Disney
Someone get Disney on the phone. We need to get Kate Henshaw a role that’ll let her explore her Disney villain fantasy.
2. The “I don’t want to be here” Iro and Buba
How else will everyone know you’re beefing your soon-to-be daughter-in-law if you don’t show up and try to outshine her? Madam Uduak was on a mission here, and she clearly succeeded. Our favourite perpetually irritated villain ate and left no crumbs. Those shoulders alone na die.
1. She is an icon and she is the moment.
THIS IS IT. No words. How is this woman dressed like this in her living room on a regular afternoon. What will she now wear when there’s something really important going on? The colour of this dress, her nails, the earrings, the couch…This is a moment.
We’ve previously written an article about fashion trends that have come full circle. Although that article highlighted the influence Y2K fashion has on what we wear now in terms of clothing, we didn’t quite talk about accessorising.
Accessorising is a big part of fashion, it’s the thing that takes your look from a nine out of ten to a perfect ten. The cool kids and fashion people have tapped into fashion trends from the past to give us some of their most interesting looks.
1. Resin rings
Everything that’s going to be listed in this article is a must-have, but most especially raisin rings. You can trust a raisin ring to elevate your look and bring out the youth in you.
2. Chain belts
Chain belts are interesting. I really don’t know how they work, but all that matters is how stunning they make outfits look. The girls that get it, get it and the girls that don’t, don’t.
3. Multi-layered necklaces
Multi-layered necklaces have been around longer than a lot of us young people and they never really left. In 2022, if you don’t own a pair, it means you know nothing about fashion and style.
The fact that these are being called ugly glasses doesn’t mean they’re actually ugly. These glasses are usually designed to be cool, not fine. They are going to help you look really cool, even though they don’t do much to protect your eyes.
6. Bucket hats
Gen Zers are single-handedly keeping the bucket hat industry in business. Bucket hats are functional and although they aren’t particularly cute, they work.
7. Mini bags
What more can women store their patience in if not a mini shoulder bag? Mini bags have been serving us for years for multiple reasons like holding our millions, as well as the little tolerance we have for annoying people.
Being fashionable in Nigeria is hard work — the girls that get it, get it. If you’re not battling with the heat, you’re struggling to understand why designers increase their prices every time they decide to give their clothes Nigerian names.
But what can we do? To help us serve lewks and stunt on Lai Mohammed’s internet, we decided to browse through some of the women-led brands killing it in the fashion game right now.
It’s drip or die this 2022 and we’ve chosen fashionable violence.
1. Elfreda Dali
If you’re looking for volume, structure and experimental design, then Elfreda Dali is your girl. Launched in 2018 by Elfreda Fakoya, the label has quickly become a favourite of the Nigerian alté crowd. From photoshoots with Teezee and Tay Iwar to live stage performances with Tems, this label is creating pieces that empower a new generation of stylish rebels and we’re totally here for it!
2. Kadiju
Kadiju is all about the dramaaaaa. From puffy ruffles and layers to high shoulders that would give 1990s NTA TV hosts a run for their money, this label is for the girl who isn’t afraid to stand out. There could be 100 people in the room and 99 don’t believe in you but best believe that when you’re in a Kadiju outfit, all eyes will be on you. Are you ready for all that attention?
3. Twenty Six
Strong colours and maximum comfort are the qualities that keep the girls coming back to Twenty Six. With all the heat in the country at the moment, it just makes sense for us to be drawn to a label that understands the need for variety when it comes to sizes and most importantly, the weather. We want to look good, but we also want to breathe. Shoutout to Twenty Six for making sure fashion girlies can cross these two things off their checklist.
Pepper Row is all about sustainability — something we need to start prioritsing in this Nigeria. Taking a page from the past with hand-dyed and hand-woven pieces, the label caters to easy-breezy fashion girlies who want to look cute, but also protect the ozone layer. In a fast-paced industry where clothes are either being made or disposed of every minute, Pepper Row’s commitment to recycling in fashion is a rare and commendable feat.
6. Melodia
Last year, the people on Jack Dorsey’s app discovered the Melodia dress and since then, we’ve known no peace. Every “it” girl wants to tweet their fire jpegs and attach the name “Melodia” and we can’t even blame them. From the short dresses that give good girl with a sprinkle of bad bitch to the more structural pieces the label has been serving recently, it’s been fun to watch the Melodia brand grow, and we can’t wait to see what they do next.
6. Whipped and Co
Gorgeous, gorgeous girls can be found dancing and having fun in their Whipped and Co outfits. Made for the confident, carefree and in the moment girlies, this label can give you sexy brunch babe and rich single aunty in one look. Here’s our purse, Whipped and Co, finish us! Please, drain our accounts.
The fashion industry in Lagos has decided to keep us in a chokehold with the same styles that are mostly not practical for the weather and lifestyle of Lagosians. Lagos designers seem to replicate the same styles for everyone. There is a lot more to fashion than what’s currently going on in the Lagos fashion scene.
Here’s a list of things Lagos designers and stylists should consider stopping.
I can't lie I'm tired of sequins/lace and mesh styles.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with mesh clothes, but, for the love of God, make sure the fabric matches the skin tone of the wearer.
2. BBL fashion.
Not everyone has a big bum and hips, and that’s ok. Clothes should complement the wearer without having to falsify hips and bum.
3. Shine-shine clothes.
Lagos designers are the original Bling Lagosians. The theme of the occasion doesn’t matter to them. All that matters is hooking you up with enough bling to blind everyone.
4. Transformer clothes.
A transformer dress is when one dress transforms into other articles of clothing, like a jumpsuit, a skirt, car, etc. This is great if you’re lip-synching for your life on RuPaul’s Drag Race, but if you’re going for a regular event, one outfit is enough.
5. Wearing coats.
This one is on the designer, the stylist, and the wearer. Why is anyone wearing a coat in Lagos’ hot ass weather? Are you preparing for hellfire?
6. Leather gloves.
Unless it’s a themed event; no one should be wearing leather gloves. People who wear leather gloves in Lagos are never far away from coat wearers. Overall best in heat survival.
7. Clothes with too many designs.
Fabric optimization is always being taken to a new dimension in Lagos. One dress can have ruffles, feathers, leather, belts, rumples. Who are the designers trying to confuse? Themselves or their haters? No one will ever know. The only people that can be blamed are the people who willingly wear those outfits.
8. Corsets.
Corsets are cool, but you know what’s cooler? Being able to breathe. No one really likes having their boobs packed up to their chin.
9. Bum shorts under mesh dresses.
It’s a little upsetting that we have to point this out.
Nigerian dads are really fashionable groups of people and their style and sense of fashion are mostly neglected. However, fashion items are not the only things that can be found in a Nigerian dad’s wardrobe. Here’s a list of things you’ll definitely find in a Nigerian dad’s wardrobe.
1. Kangol caps.
Nigerian dads and their brothers are single-handedly keeping the Kangol cap industry in business. There is nothing a Nigerian dad can’t wear with a Kangol cap. It is their identity and their heritage and that’s ok.
2. Khaki shorts.
Is he even a Nigerian dad if he does not have this pair of shorts? This is the Nigerian dad’s closest relationship with the colonizers.
3. This pair of sandals or something similar.
The Kangol cap, the shorts and this pair of sandals and the Nigerian dad’s look are almost complete. It’s not our business to tell them these sandals are ugly. They love them and that’s all that matters.
4. Branded tee-shirt from religious or political events.
If you go through your dad wardrobe, you’ll find at least 5 of these kinds of tee shirts. The dad’s who consider themselves cool dads only wear them to the gym or to work out on days they remember.
5. Birth certificates of his other children you don’t know about.
This isn’t always the case, but it’s not impossible either. You’d either find the birth certificate in his wardrobe, in his bank safe or in his will. Check his wardrobe very well, you don’t know what you’ll find.
6. Belts.
You’ll actually find multipurpose belts in a Nigerian dad’s wardrobe. Some belts are used to hold up their waists, some are used to break their children’s backs and spirits. And some other belts do both.
7. The Fedora hat.
You might not be able to relate to this if your dad is above a certain age. Sorry, no offence. This hat is another favourite for Nigerian men after the Kangol cap. This hat signifies a certain level of coolness – or maybe that’s what they say to themselves when they wear it.
8. Half shoes.
Nigerian dads have carried this trend and style on their backs since it was invented. This is also an “I want to be considered a cool dad” look. Are the shoes even comfortable?
Style is acquired over time from repeatedly learning and watching stylish people.
For men, not having at least one of these shoes in your wardrobe means a complete review of your fashion style. Here are some footwears to greatly improve any man’s style.
1) Brogues:
This beauty has multipurpose functions. You can either wear it for formal occasions or switch it up and go casual. It totally depends on your mood.
2) Oxfords:
Just negodu this beauty.
3) Chukka Boot:
There is just something about this boot and folded jeans that works.
4) Monk Strap:
Pants + Monk Straps = magic.
5) Loafers:
This works for casual, formal, traditional outfits. The range of this shoe is unmatched. A truly multipurpose king.
6) Chelsea Boots:
This is the shoe for bringing sexy back.
7) Sandals:
Pair it with your well starched native and them go surely hear am.
One thing you can’t deny about lagosians is their sense of style! And thankfully the fashion world has noticed this too!
This year marks the 5th year of the Lagos Fashion and Design Week (LFDW) and Nigerian celebrities and fashion enthusiasts have all come together to support the work of out talented Nigerian designers.
But here at Zikoko, we also want to showcase the fashionistas hitting the streets of Lagos (well, the Federal Palace Hotel, but you get what we mean).
Check out some incredibly stylish lagosians expressing their individuality:
1. Ono Bello in a gorgeous pair of Kinabuti collection trousers.