At Entertainment Week Africa, Dabota Lawson stepped into a central role as the moderator of a session dedicated to the realities and opportunities within the beauty sector. Representing Beauty in the Motherland , she guided a conversation that examined how professionals in the field build partnerships, share resources, and work through the fast-changing sector of beauty in Africa. Her direction kept the discussion practical, rooted in real experiences rather than big statements.

Dabota Lawson: Instagram

This was only her second time moderating, and she spoke honestly about the learning curve. She explained that the role pushed her to think differently about pace, structure, and how to draw out useful points from each speaker. It gave her a clearer understanding of the demands that come with leading a panel and how much coordination and awareness the task requires.

Dabota Lawson: Instagram

For the event, Dabota wore a navy pinstripe suit from Emmy Kasbit Nigeria, styled by Folakemi Olasebekin. The shirt and trousers carried matching narrow stripes, giving the outfit a clean, well-arranged finish. The buttoned shirt and matching tie added the right level of great tone for a professional setting. The trousers had a straight cut that kept the look even, while her light-toned heels added height. Draped across her shoulder was a white jacket, adding a clear contrast to the deeper tones of the outfit.

Her makeup handled by her own brand, DABOTA, kept her camera-ready throughout the session, complementing the clarity of her styling without overpower.

Dabota Lawson: Instagram

At GTCO Fashion Week in Lagos, Imane Ayissi presented a collection that confirmed his position as one of the few designers able to merge African textile traditions with the precision of Paris couture. His showing focused on structure and craftsmanship rather than spectacle or sentimentality.

Guzangs – Instagram

Ayissi, who built his career in Paris while maintaining deep ties to Cameroon, brought materials rich in identity: hand-woven Kenté from Ghana, Faso Danfani from Burkina Faso, and bark cloth adapted for structure and durability. Instead of using them as decoration, he transformed them into tailored jackets, sculpted gowns, and sharply constructed skirts. The results were deliberate and disciplined, pushing traditional fabrics into new technical territory.

Guzangs – Instagram

The tones moved between earthy neutrals and bold reds and fuchsias, drawn from natural dyes. Raffia appeared in layers, not as an accent but as reinforcement, used to strengthen seams and give garments form. It showed that innovation can emerge directly from heritage, not from outside interpretation.

Guzangs – Instagram

Ayissi’s past as a model and dancer remains visible in how his clothes are designed to allow posture and flexibility. A structured white gown referenced the kaba but avoided costume exaggeration. A double-layer Kenté blazer combined authority with ease, proving that refinement does not rely on European fabric traditions alone.

Guzangs – Instagram

His presence at GTCO Fashion Week carried significance beyond the runway. Few African designers are part of the official Paris Haute Couture calendar, and Ayissi’s inclusion there has made him a reference point for designers navigating between indigenous craft and global recognition. His Lagos show strengthened that conversation, demonstrating that African couture now stands at the center of fashion’s global narrative.

Rather than trading in language about “bridging cultures” or “celebrating heritage,” Ayissi showed clarity of method and respect for process. His work in Lagos was not about symbolism; it was about standard. He demonstrated that precision and cultural grounding can coexist without compromise.

There’s something magnetic about the way Tolu Bally carries herself; even in a single photo, she manages to blend confidence with calm in a way that feels completely her own. Her latest Instagram post, captioned “Life’s happening — beautifully,” didn’t just show off an outfit; it captured a feeling. The celebrated designer and entrepreneur once again reminded her followers why her sense of style feels both intentional and natural.

Tolu Bally – Instagram

Wearing a striking two-tone design by @akemmaofficial, Bally appeared calm, assured, and undeniably stylish. Her cropped top, half black and half white with a circular keyhole detail, struck the right balance between daring and refined. She paired it with tailored, high-waisted black trousers that lengthened her frame and carried a crisp, structured rhythm. Together, the pieces shaped a clean outline that was sharp without being harsh.

Her accessories tied everything together with taste. Oversized aviator shades brought a touch of retro cool, while a deep wine clutch lent warmth to the monochrome pairing. Gold-detailed heels shimmered softly under the light, finishing the look with quiet confidence.

Tolu Bally – Instagram

The photos had a relaxed charm. Gentle lighting, muted tones, and just enough character made the outfit stand out. It didn’t feel forced or over-curated; instead, it came across like a natural pause in the middle of a busy day. Whether she was on her way out or simply taking a breather, Bally looked content, composed, and comfortably herself.

Tolu Bally – Instagram

What makes this look work is its ease. There’s confidence in the mix of bold and minimal; nothing clashing, nothing exaggerated. The sharp lines of her top flow neatly into the trousers, creating a visual harmony that speaks to her strong sense of self. Tolu Bally understands her style, and she wears it with calm assurance.

Her fashion choices have always reflected more than trend or taste. They mirror a mindset: that real style isn’t about perfection or pretense, but presence. In these images, she lets that truth unfold naturally, without strain or effort. Life is happening, as her caption says, and Bally is living it beautifully, one look at a time.