Flashbulbs have been bursting like percussion across Lagos, capturing entrances that feel staged for a grand production. At the Love and New Notes film premiere, alongside editorial shoots, birthday thanksgivings, and international galas, Nigerian fashion moved with heightened drama and deliberate intention. Aso Oke shimmered beside velvet gowns. Structured tailoring met fluid artistry. Designers translated cultural memory into contemporary form. Altogether, the city’s fashion language unfolded in bold silhouettes, heritage fabrics, and fearless color stories, each look unmistakably Lagos.

Beyond the premiere carpet, Nigerian designers continued to demonstrate craftsmanship rooted in tradition while embracing experimentation. Wrappers met corsetry. Laser-cut couture stood confidently beside embroidered capes. Across events, one theme remained constant: cultural pride expressed through confident construction and vivid styling. In every appearance, Lagos reaffirmed its reputation as a vibrant fashion capital where style moves with purpose, pride, and cinematic flair.

Check out the looks spotted at the Love and New Notes film premiere and other events…

#1. Tiwa Savage

For her birthday thanksgiving, Tiwa Savage wore a ceremonial elegance in a Toju Foyeh purple ensemble that balanced vibrancy with poise. The fitted silhouette featured a sweetheart neckline and long sleeves, while a subtle front slit introduced movement.

However, it was the dramatic floor-length cape, embellished with delicate silver embroidery, that transformed the look into a commanding visual narrative. A coordinating gele headwrap unified the monochromatic palette, while diamond jewelry and a colorful, embellished Lady Dior bag added dynamic contrast. Altogether, the ensemble captured festivity through craftsmanship and fearless color.

#2. Funke Akindele

At the Love and New Notes premiere, Funke Akindele stepped out in a Nicholestylish modernized Aso Oke ensemble that fused heritage with architectural precision. The deep burgundy and gold palette framed a contemporary mini dress, while the tiered structural skirt, cut with pointed panels, introduced rhythm and movement.

Meanwhile, a central V-shaped bodice flowed into vertical gold striping that sharpened the silhouette. Her elaborate gele rose in layered folds, crowned with a dramatic bow that elevated the composition. Chunky gold jewelry, a matching watch, bracelets, and beige platform heels reinforced the celebratory tone. The result was a confident dialogue between tradition and innovation.

#3. Ayra Starr

At the Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala in Los Angeles, Ayra Starr delivered couture spectacle in a Tia Adeola feathered gown. Voluminous white feathers transformed the silhouette into a living sculpture, amplifying the designer’s signature theatricality.

The plunging halter neckline and midriff cutouts extended into an open-back design, ensuring impact from every angle. The volume at the hem added movement, while sparkling diamond jewelry and a voluminous curly updo balanced the dramatic proportions. The look captured fearless glamour through texture and form.

#4. Chioma Ikokwu

Chioma Ikokwu translated Igbo symbolism into high fashion with a Weizdhurm Franklyn ensemble that was regal and intentional. A strapless corset textured with root-like motifs symbolized ancestral connection, while a draped red velvet skirt carried lion head detailing inspired by Isi Agu iconography.

Silver heels, a red beaded choker, a coordinating gele, and a structured purse reinforced the commanding tone. Ultimately, the look demonstrated how cultural storytelling can evolve within modern fashion frameworks.

#5. Nancy Isime

Nancy Isime leaned into graphic storytelling with a vibrant Isaleeko by Derin ensemble that treated pattern as narrative. A blue button-down shirt printed with repeated human silhouettes paired seamlessly with loose-fitting trousers in an orange-yellow gradient featuring similar motifs.

A structured orange handbag and matching heels anchored the bold color story. The ensemble showcased personality-driven styling grounded in creativity and cultural design language.

Shop editor’s edit

#6. Faith Morey

Faith Morey embraced evening drama in a Radchaleur black velvet mermaid gown enriched with gold fringe detailing. A high mock neck framed a daring chest cutout, while long sleeves mirrored the shimmering fringe at the cuffs.

The velvet fabric enhanced depth and light play, sculpting the silhouette with elegance. Gold statement earrings completed a look that was both theatrical and refined.

#7. Ego Nwosu

Ego Nwosu revived retro glamour at the Love and New Notes film premiere in an ’80s-inspired midi dress defined by bold prints and structured shoulders. The white base, scattered with black and red polka dots, leaned into playful theatricality.

Long sleeves and pronounced shoulder pads created a commanding outline, while black gloves, a textured clutch, red statement earrings, and open-toe heels sharpened the vintage reference. The result was confident nostalgia with modern polish.

#8. Mimi Yina

Mimi Yina opted for sharp tailoring in a Medlin Boss Couture white blazer dress that transformed classic suiting into contemporary femininity. Specifically, the double-breasted silhouette and padded shoulders delivered power dressing energy, while the mini hemline introduced balance.

A gold-toned Versace La Medusa mini bag and platform heels with metallic accents elevated the look, while chunky gold jewelry provided bold finishing touches.

Shop editor’s finds

#9. Mercy Eke

Mercy Eke embraced heritage dressing in a richly detailed Amy Aghomi traditional ensemble. A red blouse, adorned with intricate embellishments and puffed off-shoulder sleeves, met a patterned wrapper layered in pink, red, white, and gold.

Additionally, a coordinating gele, pearl drop earrings, and red heels completed the ceremonial elegance. The look celebrated Nigerian tradition through vibrant layering and textural depth.

#10. Layole Oyatogun

Layole Oyatogun stepped out in a cobalt blue Trish O. Couture ensemble defined by sculptural experimentation. A laser-cut peplum bodice framed her waist with intricate floral motifs, while voluminous barrel velvet pants introduced architectural drama.

Minimalist strappy heels with subtle sparkle allowed the bold silhouette and saturated hue to command attention. The look stood as a confident testament to modern Nigerian couture at its most expressive.

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—Read also

Lagos Lately: The Electrifying Looks Spotted On Nigerian Style Stars