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.

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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.

The premiere of “3 Cold Dishes” gathered some of Nollywood’s finest, and the red carpet was filled with distinct looks. With a blend of modern takes on traditional styles to bold gowns, these five women stood out for their distinctive style.

Damilola Adegbite

Damilola Adegbite: Instagram

Damilola kept it simple in a black mini gown detailed with gold beads. The structured off-shoulder neckline, designed with glimmering beads. Her hair was styled in curls, and she chose red lipstick to complete the look.

Priscilla Ojo

Priscilla Ojo: Instagram

Priscilla Ojo appeared in a black satin gown accented with colorful beads. The black headpiece brought a bit of drama, while her jewelry kept her accessories balanced.

Liquorose

Liquorose: Instagram

Liquorose was the perfect mix of modern and traditional, wearing a black velvet top with gold embellishments. She paired it with a golden sequinned wrapper skirt. Her gold gele and coral beads completed the outfit. This was deliberately styled and it reflected strong cultural influence.

Shine Rosman

Shine Rosman: Instagram

Shine Rosman opted for a white mermaid gown layered with tiered ruffles. She completed the look with a large feathered headpiece and coral beads. The sleeves added structure to the shape.

Lilian Afegbai

Lilian Afegbai: Instagram

Lilian Afegbai chose a fitted chocolate-brown gown with a trailing hem. The beaded details on her waist and hips, gave texture to the outfit. Her coral jewelry added contrast against the brown fabric.

For a movie that’s been directed by Asurf Oluseyi and co-executive produced by Burna Boy and Osas Ighodaro, it tells a powerful story of three women from Nigeria, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire who, after surviving human trafficking, reunite years later to exact justice.

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