Article Title: African Couture Takes Center Stage in Lagos- Version 1- Ellia Romeiro-Lourenco

African excellence and opulence dominated the red carpet at the 12th annual AMVCA awards in Lagos, Nigeria. The event took place at the luxury hotel, Eko Hotels & Suites in Lagos. With rising stars and creatives roaming the event, many donned outfits that deserve more recognition. Not one garment on the red carpet mirrored another; each look was clearly curated by entire teams bringing extravagant visions to life.

Winner Bucci Franklin at the AMVCA Awards

In western media, one of the main criticisms of celebrity male fashion is that they're often simply wearing a black tuxedo with basic accessories. At the AMVCA, this was the furthest from the truth. Menswear that was showcased on the red carpet had unique and intricate detailing, you needed to feast your eyes multiple times to see everything. Nigerian Actor Uzor Arukwe, styled by Kingsley Okoye Rex, donned a suit of deep navy, with velvet textures on the lapel and cuffs swirling embroidery cascading down the sleeves. Enhancing the outfit with gold cufflinks, a navy velvet bow tie, and a white pocket square.

Many actors took to the carpet with rich ensembles bursting with flavour, true to the traditional Yoruba culture. Reality TV star Tobi Bakre wore a garment called an Agbada, which is a four-piece wide-sleeved robe that is typically worn by men in West Africa. Weighing approximately 8kg, this garment by Deji & Kola featured their signature monogram canvas denim, while including designs elements from the Hausa-Fulani riga tradition; which centers on the Babbar Riga (meaning “Big Gown”) this major wide-flowing robe is the pinnacle of royal symbolism, dignity and prestige in Northern Nigeria and across the Sahel. This outfit was a phenomenal way to blend heritage and fashion into one. 

And if we think the men outdid our familiar Hollywood attire, wait until you see the artistry the women showed up in. Many of the female actresses and influencers had multiple looks throughout the night, with each one being more grandiose than the last. Designers discarded the notion of using generic fabrics and created living works of art. 

With fine craftsmanship being at the forefront of each garment, designer Abasswoman constructed three gowns for Ghanaian fashion star Nana Akua Addo. One being  a replica of the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. A work of absolute art. Who else can say they’ve worn a centuries old, world-renowned landmark? The gown is decorated from head to toe in sculpted window peaks and stained glass; the garment blooms with life. Further illustrating the intricacy of this gown, Abasswoman claimed that the process for this cathedral dress began back in November 2025 and was only fully completed two days before the award show. Addo’s second dress “The Living Stone” also by Mohammed Abbas Ossu, encapsulates the illusion of crumpled earth and dried rock. This mermaid-cut floor-length gown was constructed from large, irregular fragments of textured material that was layered across the entire gown. Her final showstopping gown by Indian designer Srushti Patil, depicts a series of spirals, cascading from the shoulder-piece down to the hemline. With inspiration deriving from the scales of a fish, each panel edged in azure, maroon, and black crystal trimming is concisely stacked to give the full fantasy. The level of dedication and perfection that is put in the artistry and commitment to elaborate design witnessed in Nana Akua Addo At The AMVCA’s   the African fashion world puts them on the map 10x over.

Another designer that deserves their flowers for their intense dedication to their skill is Veekee James. She had the opportunity to work with actress and past winner of Best Dressed at the AMVCA Awards Osas Ighodaro. The Nollywood star was dressed in a flowing silver corseted gown that was embellished with hundreds of crystals and stones. The three dimensional aspects of the dress are something that is eye-catching and fresh in terms of what we have seen on past red carpets. James took a sustainable and elegant approach to the brief. By layering and cutting said sponges, James was able to turn the typical household item into appliques that sparkled all along the cascading skirt of the gown. A heavily decorated silver corset, and form-fitting sheer elements to this Osas Ighodaro at the AMVCA Awards gown further enhance the many delicate crystals and beaded detailing that adorn this dramatic gown. Silver-grey tulle covers every inch of the magnificent skirt, leading out into a never-ending train that follows. 

By bringing attention to traditional garments at such an important event that has potential to be seen worldwide, it allows for the fashion industry to expand its diversity by highlighting designers and creatives from all walks of life, as well as all parts of the globe and not just the western world. With these talented designers and stylists taking over the African fashion scene, it allows for there to be more exposure to the rising talent in Lagos. It is also putting a huge emphasis on the parts of the world that are sometimes overlooked in terms of their creativity and innovation.