Fashion

Imane Ayissi Brings Couture Discipline and African Craft to GTCO Fashion Week

Published

3 months ago

12 November 2025

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.

Up Next

Dabota Lawson Moderates Panel at Entertainment Week Africa in Pinstripe Outfit

Don't Miss

Life’s Happening — and Tolu Bally Is Living It Beautifully

Fashion

The Weiz Dhurm Franklyn Dress Worn by Mimi Yina Is a Work of Art

Published

2 weeks ago

24 January 2026

Laju Odogwu

Medlin boss - Instagram

Mimi Yina was seen recently in a dress by Nigerian designer Weiz Dhurm Franklyn, and it was unique one. The hot pink colour was the highlight of the gown, but the details of the outfit are what makes the dress noticeable.

Medlin boss – Instagram

The dress has a dramatic high-low silhouette, with a short, fitted sequined skirt visible at the front and a long flowing train that falls to the floor. The gown appears to be made from a pleated fabric, giving it a voluminous texture. It has a halter-neckline and is designed with large flora-shaped bows, one at the waist and the other one near the knee.

She paired the outfit with simple silver strappy heels and minimal jewelry. Everything worked well with the strong outfit. Her hair and makeup were kept neat and natural.

Medlin boss – Instagram

The outfit design is distinctive. Weiz Dhurm Franklyn took a different approach with this piece, especially in how the details of the dress were handled. On mimi the dress suited her, like it was meant solely for her. With the bright colour adding more character to the overall look.

With bold colours and heavy details becoming more common, this dress still stands out because of how well it was put together. Nothing feels random, from the pleats to the bow placement.

Fashion

Rema Shows How to Wear Black and Reveals His Mother Prefers Decent Outfit

Published

3 weeks ago

19 January 2026

Ogbu John

Rema - Instagram

Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, has built a reputation not just for his music but also for his personal style. In a recent interview, the Nigerian Afrobeats star shared his approach to fashion, especially his preference for black, and revealed how his mother influences the way he dresses.

Rema often starts with the basics, choosing black pieces as the foundation of his outfits. He explained that black allows him to build looks that reflect his personality without unnecessary distraction. This approach appears consistently in his streetwear, stage looks, and public appearances. He pays attention to details such as accessories and fit, combining comfort with a sense of personal expression.

Rema – Instagram

Family also plays a role in his choices. Rema said his mother values him dressing in ways she considers responsible and presentable. He described this as guidance rather than limitation, a reminder of his upbringing and the values that shaped him.

In discussing style, Rema noted that clothing is a form of self-expression. He also touched on relationships, explaining that while financial stability matters, style and presentation are more important when considering a partner. This perspective mirrors his approach to fashion: thoughtful, intentional, and grounded in personal standards rather than trends or external pressures.

Rema – Instagram

Rema’s comments provide insight into how he balances public image and personal values. For him, fashion is more than appearance; it is a way to express identity, stay connected to his roots, and respect the expectations of those closest to him. By prioritizing simplicity, consistency, and responsibility, he demonstrates that style can be meaningful without being showy.

Fashion

Nigerians Who Won Big at the AFRIMA Awards

Published

3 weeks ago

13 January 2026

Laju Odogwu

Photo Credit - Google

The 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) took place on January 11, 2026, at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos. Nigerian artists were among the night’s top winners, taking home ten awards across various categories.

Rema for hits like “Calm Down”, was the top winner. He received Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in RnB & Soul.

Photo Credit – Google

Shallipopi earned Song of the Year for “Laho”. He also shared Best African Collaboration with Burna Boy for the remix of the same track.

Photo Credit – Google

Burna Boy the artiste behind albums like “Love, Damini”, won Album of the Year for No “Sign of Weakness”. He also shared Best African Collaboration with Shallipopi.