Once upon a time, Toke Makinwa was just that sweet girl with a charming smile and a girly wardrobe to match. Fast-forward to a few years,  she is now one of Nigeria’s biggest fashion powerhouses and is always serving looks, always on point, and forever giving us something to talk about. The Toke we knew has evolved, and her style has grown with her, transforming into a full-blown fashion icon who’s earned her place at the top.

Let’s take a walk down her memory lane and see how Toke moved from a simple girl and became the queen of slay.

Early Days: Simple, Sweet & Safe

When Toke Makinwa first stepped into the entertainment industry as a radio personality and budding TV host, her fashion style was cute, conservative, and very safe. Think corporate dresses,  blazers, and the classic pumps that were all invoked in early 2010s Naija. Her style was clean and feminine, a mix between church-girl and red carpet-ready.

She wasn’t out to shock anyone, she was just your regular pretty girl with quality taste. But even then, you could tell Toke had an eye for elegance. She knew her angles, understood the power of a flattering look, and could rock a fitted dress so well.

The Glow-Up Era: Hairs and Bold Moves

Toke’s glow up era began somewhere between her personal reinvention and the launch of her YouTube channel Toke Moments, that time bore a new fashion start.

Bold-colored wigs, flawless makeup, snatched waists, and fierce red carpet looks—Toke began taking risks, and it paid off. She abandoned the “safe zone” and started experimenting with designer pieces, edgy styles, and daring colors. Her love for high fashion became obvious, and she merged streetwear with glam effortlessly.

This was also the season of body hugging dresses, jumpsuits that fitted every curve perfectly, and a steady flirtation with luxury brands like Gucci, Balmain, and Versace. Toke no longer played small, she was serving main character energy.

The International Girl Era

Then came what I like to call the “International Girl” chapter. When  Toke started attending fashion weeks in Paris, rubbing shoulders with A-listers, and appearing in Vogue’s street style recaps.

Her style evolved into global, sleek, and editorial. We started seeing her in custom outfits, like oversized blazers paired with bralettes, and feathered gowns, straight from international designers. At this point she was not just dressing to impress anymore, she was dressing to influence.

And influence she did.

Stylists and fashion bloggers started citing her as an inspiration. Nigerian designers saw their pieces gain attention after a “Toke moment.” The girl who once wore safe gowns was now confidently pulling off structured dresses, styled suits, and runway-ready pieces. She had officially become a fashion girl.

Brand Toke: Style Meets Strategy

As she evolved, Toke Makinwa didn’t just become a style icon, but also a brand. She launched her own fashion collection “Toke making Luxury”,  an exquisite leather bag. She also launched her beauty line “Toke Makinwa Beauty”  a brand majoring in beauty, cosmetics, and personal care. An expression of her fashion personality.

She understood what it meant to show up and show out. And she kept her audience guessing, always switching things up. One day she’s in soft, romantic pastels and florals. The next day, she’s channeling her inner baddie in a head-to-toe leather look.

The unpredictability, mixed with her consistency, is what kept her relevant and respected in the ever-competitive world of Nigerian fashion.

Why Toke Style Is Loved

Toke Makinwa’s style journey wasn’t just about clothes. It’s about growth, confidence, and a woman coming into her own. From her failed marriage to business wins, Toke has used fashion to reflect her evolution—and Nigerians have watched every step of the way.

She’s taught us that you can be soft and sexy, classy and bold, playful and powerful. You can move to any desired level you want in life and your style should evolve with you.

Final Word

Toke Makinwa didn’t just stumble into fashion greatness—she walked into it head high, looks and all. From a simple girly to a full-blown style queen, her evolution has been a joy to watch.

If there’s one thing to learn from Toke, it’s this: never be afraid to switch it up, serve looks, and own your game. Because fashion is not just what you wear, it’s how you show up in the world. And Toke? She shows up fierce.

There’s something big, bold, and clunky making its way back onto the fashion radar—and no, it’s not shoulder pads or 90s platform sandals (although those are having their moment too). It’s big bangle bracelets, and they’re not whispering for attention. They’re shouting and it is very loud.

From runways to street style and TikTok fashion loops, chunky bangles are banging their way into the spotlight. But the question on everyone’s lips is: swipe or pass? Let’s break it down.

Big Bangles

The Comeback Nobody Saw Coming

A few years ago, slim, dainty jewelry dominated fashion feeds. The vibe was all about minimalism, clean lines, simple stacks, barely-there pieces that whispered elegance. But as with all things fashion, the trend has swung back very hard.

Big bangle bracelets, once reserved for your mom’s old photo albums or retro-themed parties, have made a fierce return. The trend started simmering in 2023 but has reached boiling point in 2025. Thanks to nostalgic fashion, the Y2K revival, and bold self-expression is taking the center stage, bangle stacking is back and it’s bigger than ever.

Ini- Dinma and Nancy Isime

What Makes Them So Popular?

The charm of oversized bangles lies in their unapologetic statement. They aren’t trying to blend in, they stand out. A stack of thick resin or metallic bangles can turn a basic outfit into a high-fashion look. They add dimension, movement, and color in a way few accessories can.

Fashion influencers and stylists love them because they’re versatile. Whether you’re rocking a plain white tee, a breezy kaftan, or a structured power suit, there’s a way to incorporate a big bangle stack and instantly elevate the look.

Celebrities like Ini- Dinma Okojie, Toke Makinwa, and even Nancy Isime have been spotted rocking thick bangles on the red carpet, during casual street outings, and in editorial shoots. With that kind of endorsement, it’s no wonder everyone is reaching for them again.

Keep outfit minimal

How to Style Big Bangle Bracelets (Without Looking Like a Costume)

If you’re wondering how to pull off this trend without looking like you’re headed to a 70s disco, here’s the trick: balance is everything.

• Keep the outfit simple: Let the bangles do the talking. A plain outfit or a clean form gives your chunky accessories room to shine.
• Mix materials: Don’t be afraid to combine resin, wood, metal, or even fabric-wrapped bangles. Mixing textures adds depth.
• Mind the noise: Literally. Too many bangles clinking together can be distracting. Choose three to five well-spaced ones for style without the soundtrack.
• Layer with intention: Stack on one wrist and leave the other bare, or go asymmetrical with different sizes on each wrist.

Are you joining the trend or not?

Swipe or Pass: What the Internet Is Saying

Scroll through Instagram or TikTok , and you’ll see fashion lovers divided. Some say, “Swipe! The bigger, the better!” Others? Not so much.

Those who are team Swipe love how bold and creative the trend feels. It’s empowering, nostalgic, and playful. Plus, it’s a great way to bring color and fun to neutral or minimalistic wardrobes.

On the Pass side, some argue that the bulkiness is impractical. Typing with five bangles? A challenge. Trying to fit your wrist through a slim coat sleeve? A struggle. There’s also the concern of them overpowering an outfit.

But as always in fashion, trends are about personal taste. Love it? Rock it. Don’t? Leave it behind. There’s no style police here. So do whatever suits you.

Big Bangles

Are Big Bangles Worth the Investment?

If you’re considering trying out this trend, the good news is: it doesn’t have to break the bank. Many fast-fashion brands and vintage stores offer bold bangles in fun colors and styles. Alternatively, if you’re into slow fashion, you can invest in handcrafted pieces that double as wearable art.

Styling tip? Look for bangles that align with your existing wardrobe’s color palette, so they complement multiple looks. And remember, trends come and go, but personal style is forever. If it makes you feel confident and expressive, it’s already worth it.

Final Verdict

So, big bangle bracelets: swipe or pass? If you’re into expressive fashion, love layering, and want to stand out in a crowd, go ahead and swipe right. It’s playful, nostalgic, and undeniably bold. But if you’re a lover of minimalist, fuss-free fashion, it’s totally okay to pass.

Whether you’re stacking them high or just admiring from a distance, there’s no denying that big bangles are having a major moment.

Ready to give your wrists a statement-making glow-up? Dive into the trend and find out if big bangles are your next style obsession.

also read Nail Trends to Try in April 2025

The Nigerian movie landscape is one of the best in the world with many iconic movies. Nollywood is known to churn out cultural, educational, and entertaining movies that have stood the test of time. Let’s  look back at some of Nollywood’s past movies that are worth watching again.

Saworoide

Saworoide is a movie that talks about a king who loses his position due to greed and the aftermath of his decisions . The enigmatic Tunde Kelani was the director, and he brought his A-game to this movie. While Tunde has produced more than 14 movies, Saworoide is one of his notable works. Other Kelani works include Oleku (1977) and Tí Olúwa Lọ Nílé (1994). Saworoide, however, remains a timeless movie, as it showcases genuine Yoruba culture and the repercussions of greed.

Rattle Snake

Amaka Igwe is one of Nigeria’s top movie directors, and Rattle Snake: The Ahanna Story is an excellent testament to that. Produced in 1995, this movie boasts legendary Nollywood stars like Francis Duru, Nkem Owh and Anne Njemanze. This movie is about the story of Ahana Okolo, a man who turned to crime because of a family tragedy. However, as he continued to rise in the crime world, he was betrayed and encountered several legal hurdles. Lovers of movies that talk about social issues and crimes will find this movie interesting, and it showcases how complex life can be.

Read Also : Omoni Oboli’s Love in Every Word review

Living in Bondage

Another must-watch Nollywood movie to rewatch is Living in Bondage. Directed by Chris Obi, this is one movie that showcases how deep the Igbo culture is. The top Nollywood stars you will find in this movie are Kanayo Ó. Kanayo, Kenneth Okonkwo and Nnenna Nwabueze. These legendary actors and actresses brought their talents to make this movie one of the best Nigerian movies of that time. Living in Bondage is the story of an ambitious young man who became cultish as he searched for wealth, power, and influence.The movie had a sequel in 2019 called Living in Bondage: Breaking Free By Ramsey Noah.

Osuofia In London

If you’re a lover of comedy, Osoufia in London is a movie to see. Kingsley Ogoro was the director and it was produced in 2003. It shows the adventures of Osuofia (Nkem Owoh), a village hunter who travelled to the United Kingdom. This is because he wanted to inherit the fortunes of his brother who passed away abroad. Osuofia in London is a perfect blend of drama and humour and shows a glimpse of the differences between cultures around the world.

Naija

October 1st

This list won’t be complete without Kunle Afolayan’s 2014 movie, October 1st. This thriller takes the audience back to Nigeria before 1960. October 1st was set in a town in the western part of the country. It follows the life of Danladi Waziri, a police officer in a local village who was asked to solve a case involving female murders. What made the case difficult, though, was that it must be solved before Nigeria’s Independence Day. October 1st is a thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to note the effects of colonialism and how complex independence was.

Final Thoughts

Nollywood remains one of the best film industries around. While there are numerous blockbuster movies to watch today, there are some amazing oldies; the above-mentioned movies are worthy to be rewatched.