10 Most Iconic Fashion Moments From Nigerian Movies

When Jade Osiberu’s ‘Gangs of Lagos’ was released on April 7, 2023, many people could not get over Nino’s iconic fashion moments in the series. Sharon Ooja and Toke Makinwa’s luxury pieces in ‘Glamour Girls’ didn’t just make our hearts pop, they also gave us fashion inspiration. From traditional attires that showcased the beauty of Nigerian culture in epic films to contemporary attires that showcased the modernisation of our society, Nollywood wardrobes in recent times are no doubt a beautiful sight to behold.

Nollywood films have given us moments that have defined the movie dialogue and scenes beyond spoken words. Imagine The Wedding Party scene where Adesua Etomi walked down the stairs with Mai Atafo at her side, what would that scene be without the regality that was portrayed with that dress? Imagine Oba’s first entry in King of Boys: The Return of the King without the extravagance of her dress, how would that scene have played out?

There are moments like this in many films, where the costumes do the talking.. Here are 10 of the Best Style Moments from Nigerian Movies.

Tayo Faniran In Gangs Of Lagos

When Tayo Faniran appeared on our screens as Nino in Gangs of Lagos, we immediately noticed how stylish he was. In the first scene, he wore wide-legged brown leather pants paired with a colourful shirt and never missed since that scene. His style and swag in that scene alone can single-handedly be the best fashion moment in a Nollywood film in 2023.

Kate Henshaw In Blood Sisters

In Blood Sister, Kate Henshaw played a different role than usual, and she killed it. From her mannerism to her dressing, Yolanda Okereke did justice to styling her in dresses that showed the power she held in society and her family.

Elvina Ibru In Bling Lagosians

Bling Lagosians was centred around luxury and the 1% of the 1% Lagosians, so they sure knew that they had to represent with the costumes and that they did with how luxurious Mopelola Holloway looked in Bling Lagosians.

The Jewelleries, the outfit, the makeup, the charisma, everything was to match and screamed luxury.

Lateef Adedimeji In Ayinla

Ayinla, the film was an elaborate celebration of culture, music, and the life of the music icon Ayinla Omowura. This larger-than-life character was played by Lateef Adedemeji, who did an awesome job at portraying his character. Another person that deserves accolades and more is the costume designer Ade Bakare.

The show of culture, the colours, the makeup, the hairstyles, the traditional attires, everything was gotten to the letter and were done in ways that showed the regality of traditional attires. Every moment with Ayinla was a fashion statement.

Sola Sobowale in King of Boys

When you talk about some of Nollywood’s most iconic characters, it has almost become an abomination not to include Oba, the lead role Sola Sobowale played in King of Boys: The Return of the King. Aside from her Oscar-worthy performance, her style was one unrivalled thing.

Toyin Lawani Adebayo knew what she had to do to make Sola Sobowale look the part with her designs, and she did this and more because we all couldn’t take our eyes off the styles Oba rocked as she fought to reclaim her throne in the Kemi Adetiba film.

Nse Ikpe-Etim in King of Boys

Nse Ikpe-Etim was the contemporary woman in King Of Boys, she spoke like one, was poised like one, and dressed like one. The iconic dresses and the way she carried herself in the movie are some of the unforgettable moments in the film.

Bimbo Ademoye In Anikulapo

The use of Aso-oke in the Kunle Afolayan film ‘Anikulapo’ is one of the most beautiful things about the film, and Bimbo Ademoye stood out for the calibre of Aso-oke she wore. Aside from the designs and styling, her hairstyles were always at par with how majestic her outfits were, at least until she decided to elope with Saro.

Sharon Ooja in Glamour Girls

When you think of Glamour Girls, you think of new money, and that was how Sharon Ooja’s character in Glamour Girls was portrayed. From the badass outfits from Lady Beelionaire’s luxury collection to the sexy outfits from Ann Usman, every look was a hit back to back. Emmanuella truly showed us that she has arrived in the film.

Osas Ighodaro In Smart Money Woman

Zuri is a working-class spendthrift, and Osas Ighodaro’s workwear in Arese Ugwu’s Smart Money Woman showcased every part of how much Zuri loved her wardrobe. The luxury bags, the laid wigs, the office dresses, everything was one to watch out for.

Even when she started budgeting and spending less, the wardrobe game never declined, and we appreciate the costume designers for that.

Adesua Etomi In The Wedding Party

Adesua Etomi’s Wedding Party dress started a whole movement. At the time, everyone was fawning over how beautiful she looked in it. The way she styled her natural hair was also something that trended when the film came out.