AFRIFF 2025 opened with a red carpet that set the tone. The evening showcased some of the most daring styles of the festival. Celebrities turned up in a range of sculptural metallics, modern prints, and agbada adding energy to the night. Here are a few of the evening’s defining looks from AFRIFF Global Awards 2025.

Uche Jombo

Uche Jombo: Instagram

Uche Jombo wore a one-shoulder corset crafted from silver tiles. She paired it with a black skirt that flowed to the floor. Her bold gloves and short hairstyle complemented the outfit.

Joana

Joana: Instagram

Joana’s had gold sequins which featured a diamond grid pattern. The highlight was the large bronze cape resting on one shoulder. It’s impossible to miss.

Osas Ighodaro

Osas Ighodaro: Instagram

Osas Ighodaro stepped out in a maxi dress that had a keyhole at the neckline. The dress was embellished with multicolored geometric pattern. She completed the look with simple accessories and her neatly pulled-back hair.

Omowunmi Dada

Omowunmi Dada: Instagram

Omowunmi chose a silver metallic dress. The bodice featured sculptural circular shapes, while the skirt showed strips of metal. Her red headpiece added contrast to the look.

Sabrina

Sabrina: Instagram

Sabrina opted for a high-neck gown adorned with asymmetric ruffles at the front and it flowed, into a voluminous hem that had ruffles at the edge. She complemented it with a glittery purse, blue heels, and an African inspired-hairstyle.

William Uchemba

William Uchemba: Instagram

William looked sharp in rich red velvet Agbada paired with a matching cap. It was adorned with intricate details, which created strong contrast.

Jessica Oyewole

Jessica Oyewole: Instagram

Jessica Oyewole stepped out in a black dress with deep V-neck and translucent sleeves, designed with a shimmering abstract motif. Her partner wore a black agbada with delicate embroidery.

Prince Nelson

Prince Nelson: Instagram

Prince Nelson looked classic in a black double-breasted suit that had white lapels. He completed the look with dark sunglasses and black leather shoes.

These daring looks affirmed that fashion played a central at the festival.

Read also: Idia Aisien in LFJ Dress inspired by Classic Hollywood

Idia Aisen gave us a taste of classic Hollywood style and we are here for it. She recently wore a yellow feathered mini dress from LFJ that looked elegant. The dress had a fitted shape at the top before leading into layers of feathers, which created movement and texture.

Idia Aisien: Instagram

The colour choice alone makes a statement. Yellow is not the colour you wear when you want to blend in, and Idia clearly was not trying to. The dress contrasted perfectly against the red and gray tones of the background. The feathers carried the visual drama, making it resemble the theatrical quality of the 1960s cabaret performers.

Idia Aisien: Instagram

The standout element was, her black gloves, the tights, the simple heels create balance. Her accessories didn’t try to fight for attention, they complemented the dress. The look was perfected by how she paired it with a yellow headband on her blonde hairstyle. That alone complemented the look, giving the retro feel.

Idia Aisien: Instagram

The same goes for her gold sequined clutch. It blends with the yellow without overwhelming the look. She kept her jewelry minimal with just earrings, which was the right fit considering how detailed the outfit already was.

A dress like this demands confidence. Idia delivered the concept with clear intention. She knows just how to work daring pieces, making each one seem made for her.

Read also: Celebrities who attended Lagos Fashion Week 2025

At the “3 Cold Dishes” Lagos premiere, Osas Ighodaro arrived in a custom gold gown by Weiz Dhurm Franklyn, one of Nigeria’s most inventive contemporary designers. The fitted piece was crafted from metallic fabric that reflected the lights delicately, showing its clean structure.

Osas Ighodaro: Instagram

It had a broad neckline, a defined waist, and a ruched skirt that shaped her body neatly. She completed the look with minimal gold heels, a side-swept hairstyle detailed cornrows, and soft, warm-toned makeup by Adella Artistry that kept her features in focus.

The premiere drew notable figures from across Nollywood, marking the official debut of “3 Cold Dishes”, directed by Asurf Oluseyi and written by Tomi Adesina. The film brings together talent from Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin, with Burna Boy serving as executive producer. Osas not only plays the lead role of Esosa but also serves as co-producer, highlighting her growing influence behind the camera.

Osas Ighodaro: Instagram

The story follows three women Esosa, Fatouma, and Giselle who were victims of trafficking and reunite years later to confront those who wronged them. The Lagos premiere reflected that same spirit of strength and purpose, with Osas’s grace and presence capturing the importance of her dual role in front of and behind the scenes.