Chioma Ikokwu arrived at Lanre Da Silva Ajayi’s 20th anniversary fashion show in Lagos wearing one of the standout looks from the newly released SS26 “Anniversary Collection.” The event marked two decades of the designer’s work and brought together long-time supporters of the brand and industry observers.

Chioma Ikokwu – Instagram

The dress she wore came straight from the runway and remained the main element of her appearance. The bodice used transparent panels reinforced with black contour lines, allowing the internal construction to be visible while still holding shape. Instead of relying on embellishment, the design focused on firm structure and precise shaping. The skirt shifted from the fitted bodice into layered black-and-white tulle arranged in uneven tiers that created volume without overwhelming the overall form.

Chioma Ikokwu – Instagram

This look reflects the direction of the SS26 collection, where Lanre Da Silva Ajayi leans more toward sculpted forms and technical control than the intricate detailing associated with some of her earlier work. The approach marks a clear shift in how the brand handles contrast, texture, and dimensionality.

Chioma kept her styling minimal. Black gloves, simple heels, and defined makeup ensured the dress remained the central focus. Photos taken across the venue show the piece maintaining its form consistently, reinforcing the designer’s intention for the dress to perform well both on and off the runway.

Chioma Ikokwu – Instagram

The brand highlighted Chioma’s appearance in its #LDA20 posts, and coverage of the anniversary event noted her look as one of the pieces that best represented the collection’s emphasis on structure, clarity, and controlled design. Many guests attended the milestone show, but Chioma’s choice stood out because it allowed the craftsmanship of the piece to remain fully visible without distraction.

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.

There’s something magnetic about the way Tolu Bally carries herself; even in a single photo, she manages to blend confidence with calm in a way that feels completely her own. Her latest Instagram post, captioned “Life’s happening — beautifully,” didn’t just show off an outfit; it captured a feeling. The celebrated designer and entrepreneur once again reminded her followers why her sense of style feels both intentional and natural.

Tolu Bally – Instagram

Wearing a striking two-tone design by @akemmaofficial, Bally appeared calm, assured, and undeniably stylish. Her cropped top, half black and half white with a circular keyhole detail, struck the right balance between daring and refined. She paired it with tailored, high-waisted black trousers that lengthened her frame and carried a crisp, structured rhythm. Together, the pieces shaped a clean outline that was sharp without being harsh.

Her accessories tied everything together with taste. Oversized aviator shades brought a touch of retro cool, while a deep wine clutch lent warmth to the monochrome pairing. Gold-detailed heels shimmered softly under the light, finishing the look with quiet confidence.

Tolu Bally – Instagram

The photos had a relaxed charm. Gentle lighting, muted tones, and just enough character made the outfit stand out. It didn’t feel forced or over-curated; instead, it came across like a natural pause in the middle of a busy day. Whether she was on her way out or simply taking a breather, Bally looked content, composed, and comfortably herself.

Tolu Bally – Instagram

What makes this look work is its ease. There’s confidence in the mix of bold and minimal; nothing clashing, nothing exaggerated. The sharp lines of her top flow neatly into the trousers, creating a visual harmony that speaks to her strong sense of self. Tolu Bally understands her style, and she wears it with calm assurance.

Her fashion choices have always reflected more than trend or taste. They mirror a mindset: that real style isn’t about perfection or pretense, but presence. In these images, she lets that truth unfold naturally, without strain or effort. Life is happening, as her caption says, and Bally is living it beautifully, one look at a time.