Apart from occasional themed movie premieres and certain fashion shows, only a few events in the Nigerian and African arts and entertainment scene give us memorable fashion moments. However, the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) stands tall among them. Every year, this event awards outstanding performances, and remarkable people in the African film industry, leaving us with outfits and fashion choices that spark conversations. Under specific themes, we witness a wondrous spectacle of long-time efforts adorning the AMVCAs red carpet.
However, behind these looks are unsung heroes who have invested their talent, hard work and passion for their clients. For them, the AMVCA is a special night to bring their vision to life through the fashion styles of celebrities. These artists make statements, break norms, and express representations through outfits which give the AMVCA the pomp and pageantry it needs.
The awards ceremony for the 2024 AMVCAs at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, celebrated its 10th edition this year. With that came remarkable fashion choices that left our mouths agape and our eyes fed. In light of this, we spotlight five Nigerian fashion designers who crafted these iconic pieces for their clients for the 2024 AMVCAs and gave us moments to reference for years to come. Join us as we take on this colourful journey.
- Veekee James
Looks from celebrities such as Toke Makinwa, Funke Akindele, and Uche Montana were the cynosure of many eyes at this year’s AMVCA. These outfits came to life through the magical hands of Veekee James, reminding us of the outstanding designer that she is. This doesn’t come as a surprise as her outfit for Osas Ighodaro, at the 8th edition of the award show, won the actress the award for the best-dressed woman of the event.
Veekee James’ creations are not hard to miss, as these memorable looks pay homage to the elegance of femininity through beautifully sculpted designs and graceful silhouettes. Her designs also feature creatively carved structures, impeccable beadwork, and luxury fabrics. All these and more are why she has an exquisite clientele of pioneers and A-list film and entertainment industry celebrities.
- Swanky Jerry
One thing Swanky Jerry never fails at is bringing dashes of needed drama and flair to several red carpets, including this year’s edition of the AMVCA. This year, we witnessed his work in unconventional long purple agbada donned by Nollywood veteran actor Richard Mofe Damijo, giving him the essence of royalty.
Now, the 2024 edition of the AMVCA can say that Swanky Jerry blessed us with the magic in the designs and vibrancy. As a stylist and designer, Swanky’s works are synonymous with luxury and an outside-the-box approach to designing male outfits. Imagine a mix of art, glamour and show-stopping features. That’s Swanky Jerry right there.
- ATAFO
Coined from the founder and creative founder’s name, Mai Atafo, ATAFO has taken clean cuts, exquisite tailoring and bold designs for men to the next level. This label is well known for styling many of Ebuka Obi-Uchendu’s outfits during his hosting duties for Big Brother Naija.
Through ATAFO’s looks, we see great attention to little details and exciting choices that elevate traditional male outfits. A good instance of this is Denola Grey’s Atafo 3-piece burgundy satin tuxedo which won the actor the best-dressed award at the 2022 edition of the AMVCA.
This year’s edition was no different as ATAFO’s creations took over the red carpet with numerous celebrities such as IK Osakioduwa and Akin Faminu. Ebuka Obi-Uchendu especially won hearts in an ATAFO creation featuring a polka-dot black-and-white suit with a striking white raw silk lapel over a black shirt adorned with stones.
- Ann Cranberry
Led by creative director Anu Obasa, Ann Cranberry has continuously made a reputation as a brand with a bold and unconventional approach to fashion. She showed this through Adunni Ade’s dazzling ensemble for the 2024 AMVCAs.
The Nollywood actress travelled back in time to Old Hollywood with this monochromatic, simple yet elegant corset dress, accessorized with elbow-length gloves. This outfit evoked the chicness of vintage Hollywood while incorporating a dash of contemporary edge.
- Tiannah Styling
Dr Carolyna Hollinworth Hutchings was a delight to see on the 2024 AMVCAs red carpet, stealing the hearts of fans and admirers. Despite the puzzling reactions that people usually get from outfits by Tiannah Styling, Hutchings donned a bespoke dress by the label, which solidified her beauty and grace.
Tiannah Styling also takes it home with the fashion designer behind the label, Toyin Lawani, wearing an armless dress created from an imprinted coffee sack known by many as the fabric for local shopping bags. Like many of Toyin’s usual creations, this outfit reflects her out-of-box thinking and unique creativity, sparking conversations on whether the look is befitting of the reputable awards event.
