Fashion

The Evolution of Toke Makinwa’s Style From Girl Next Door to Fashion Icon

Published

9 months ago

24 April 2025

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.

Toke Makinwa

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.

Toke Makinwa

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.

Toke Makinwa

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.

Toke Makinwa

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.

Toke Makinwa

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.

Related Topics:#tokemakinwa #nigeria #fashion #evolution #newlook

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Fashion

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

Published

5 days 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

2 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

2 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.