The 12th edition of the AMVCA has officially begun, and after weeks of anticipations celebrities arrived in memorable fashion. Sharp menswear and elegant gowns remained a major part of the evening, while some attendees delivered fresher, more modern and unexpected choices. After the fashion seen at the 2026 AMVCA Cultural Night expectations were already high for the main event.

Photo: Instagram
Osas Ighodaro in Veekee James

Osas Ighodaro, whose film 3 Cold Dishes earned six nominations, wore Veekee James. Her gown featured crimson bands wrapped around her body in spiral design. Sheer section between  the bands created a naked dress illusion. The headpiece stood out most, with it’s towering structure framing her head and adding a stronger visual element to the entire outfit.

Photo: Instagram
Idia Aisien in Ambaosa

Idia Aisien wore a fitted gown by Ambaosa, detailed with wristwatch faces, referencing her signature timeless style. The dress featured an oversized black tulle train, creating dramatic volume. A bob hairstyle and minimal makeup completed the look

Photo: Instagram
Deyemi Okanlawon in Deji & Kola

Deyemi Okanlawon wore a black long coat by Deji & Kola with red embellishment across the chest and shoulders. Red gloves and matching shoes. He even added a sumari sword  as part of his accesories.

Other celebrities including Mercy Eke, Liquorose, Uche Montana, Chioma Ikokwu, Uche Jumbo, Nana Akua Addo Kie Kie, Ik Ogbonna, Elozonam, Mimi Yina, amongst others.

Photo: Instagram
Mercy Eke in Amy Aghomi

Photo: Instagram
Chioma Ikokwu in Amy Aghomi

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Doyinsola David in Mitchelle Amadi

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Kie Kie in Clasiqdiane

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Ik Ogbonna in Jason Porshe

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Nana Akua Addo in Srushti Patil

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Liquorose in Prudential

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Toni Tone in Deja Vuu

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Touin Abraham in Prudential

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Mimi Yina in Medlin

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Dabota Lawson in Erica Moore

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Elozonam in Jeff Urban

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Laura Ikeji in Pesigha Elizabeth

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Uche Montana in Tubo

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Simi Drey in Ovem

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in Yemi Shoyemi

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VJ Adams in Fresh by Dotun

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Uche Jumbo in Jacob Victor

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Sophia Cjisom in KGZ Opulence Couture

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ChinWonder in P. Aries

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in Weiz Durham Franklyn

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Uti Nwachukwu in Alan Cruzer

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Shine Rosman in Weiz Durham Franklyn

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Ihuoma Ejiofor in Lady Beellionaire

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Omowunmi Dada in Frequency Couture

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Nini in Sevon Dejana

On May 7, 2026, Toke Makinwa posted some photos on her Instagram with the caption “Outside but Untouchable.” Recently, she expressed to us that Hertunba has a permanent spot in her wardrobe. The media personality and entrepreneur have reached for the Lagos-based label more than once in a short period of time, and that kind of repeated loyalty means Toke does not wear things by accident. Every look is carefully picked out.

Photo Credit: The Sandton Paparazzi

She wore a dona coal top which had thick blue halter-style straps, a deep V-neckline with a triangle-shaped cutout just above the waist and an oversized red lip motif centered on a wide, peplum-like base. She paired the top with a high-waisted midi skirt in matching black fabric.

Photo Credit: The Sandton Paparazzi

Her jewellery were simply stud earrings, silver bracelets and a wrist watch. She wore her hair in loose waves with a clean middle part and her makeup consisted of warm earthy tones and a nude-pink lip that complemented her skin. Makinwa completed her outfit with gold-coloured strappy heeled sandals.

Photo Credit: The Sandton Paparazzi

This is not the first Hertunba look she has worn recently. Her last outing in the brand was a bold striped co-ord, a matching top and skirt in contrasting colours that leaned into pattern and print. This one is different, the all-black midi with its graphic bodice and flowing skirt is a step up.

The 2026 AMVCA Cultural Night took place on May 8 at the Balmoral Convention Centre, with the theme been “Honouring Craft, Celebrating Culture.” This went beyond the usual red-carpet show. It was African royalty on full display. The night was a sharp mix of Aso-Oke, to intricate beadwork and structural designs. The celebrities didn’t go the normal route with simple silhouettes, they leaned towards deep regal colours like forest green, burnt orange and crimson red. Craft wasn’t on the sidelines.

Photo: Instagram/Mercyeke

Mercy Eke dressed in the Edo tribe in a custom outfit designed by Amy Aghomi. She wore a floor-length mermaid gown in bright red, which featured finely tailored 3D textured beadwork that mimicked traditional coral bead patterns, and a flared skirt and an asymmetrical shoulder design. For accessories, a multi-layered Ivie necklace, bracelets and matching rings. Her Okuku was styled by Casablanca Glam. Glambyomoye did her makeup. Mercy’s entire look was put together by fashion stylist Styled by Maklin Scout.

Photo: Instagram/Kikyfestus

Kiky Festus wore a mermaid gown made from black fabric with vertical red stripes running down the center. It had detailed beadwork on the bodice and sheer lace detailing on the shoulders and arms. Her look was accessorized with a custom-made black handfan with red accents by Synach Palace. For jewellery, she wore a layered red coral bead necklace and a matching bracelet, and her hair was styled with a gele tied in the traditional black and red Idoma colors. Kiky’s makeup was created by Annab.

Photo: Instagram/Stannze

Stan Nze, who co-hosted the event wore a crisp white tailored top layered with a neck piece. The outfit had an embroidered palm tree, a central symbol of growth and heritage in Igbo culture, and was styled with exquisite red coral beadwork. For bottom, he paired the top with a long black velvet skirt, creating a big regal shape. For accessories, he wore a matching black and red beaded cap and traditional red coral bead necklaces and matching bracelets.

Below are more of the Best Dressed Stars

Photo: Instagram/Kolapo

Photo: Instagram/Simidrey

Photo: Instagram/Sunshinerosman

Photo: Instagram/Uchejumbo

Photo: Instagram/Elozonam

Photo: Instagram/Osasighodaro

Photo: Instagram/Sultanaauduson

Photo: Instagram/Bisola

Photo: Instagram/Akinfaminu

Photo: Instagram/Dedeashiogwu

Photo: Instagram/Hawamagaji

Photo: Instagram/Liquorose

Photo: Instagram/Chimezieimo

Photo: Instagram/Jasonjae

Photo: Instagram/Scarletgomes

Photo: Instagram/Utinwachukwu

Photo: Instagram/Neoapkofure

Photo: Instagram/Nellymbonu

Photo: Instagram/Samuelosuji