Fashion - Women Times

‎AMVCA 2026: How the Women on the Red Carpet Made Fashion the Story of the Night ‎ ‎

by Women Times on May 12, 2026

By Prosper Mene

The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA 2026), held on May 9 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, will be remembered as much for its cinematic excellence as for its unforgettable red carpet spectacle. This year, the women stole the show, transforming the arrivals into a vibrant exhibition of African couture, innovation, and cultural pride under the theme “Honouring Craft, Celebrating Culture.”

From sculptural masterpieces and dramatic textures to bold reinterpretations of tradition, the female celebrities delivered high-fashion moments that outshone expectations and sparked global conversations. The red carpet became a runway for African designers, with intricate handwork, sustainable statements, and theatrical drama taking centre stage.

Standout Looks That Defined the Night

Osas Ighodaro set an early tone with not one but two ambitious creations by Veekee James. She first stunned in a sculptural red column gown featuring a towering structured collar with horizontal crystal-edged bands. Her second look — a show-stopping silver ball gown — featured a heavily crystal-embellished bodice and a voluminous skirt constructed from approximately 400 metal sponges, blending glamour with unconventional materials.

Ghanaian fashion star Nana Akua Addo treated the carpet like her personal gallery, debuting multiple looks. Highlights included a Gothic cathedral-inspired gown by Mohammed Abbas Ossu and a dramatic mermaid silhouette built from layered, earth-like textured fragments. She completed her appearances with a spiral fish-scale gown accessorised with a matching fish-shaped beaded bag. One of her most talked-about moments? A silver architectural dress that reportedly incorporated dramatic elements, including conversations around a bread-loaf creation by another star.

Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, who took home two acting awards that night, glowed in a floor-length emerald green metallic gown with a liquid-metal finish. The plunging V-neckline was adorned with dense 3D floral appliqués in navy, teal, and violet, accented by beaded fringe and delicate butterflies.

Other memorable appearances included Uche Jombo in an elegant white beaded gown, Uche Montana in a vibrant red feathered creation, and various stars showcasing 3D botanical florals, heavy embellishments, and cultural fusions. Reality stars and actresses like Queen Mercy Atang also pushed boundaries with avant-garde statements, including edible or unconventional material experiments

More than ever, the 2026 red carpet highlighted indigenous talent. Over 85% of female attendees opted for garments by African designers, featuring hand-beading that took hundreds of hours, sustainable innovations, and bold volume. The night proved that African fashion can rival — and at times surpass — international stages in creativity and execution.

Social media buzzed with praise, with many declaring the AMVCA 2026 red carpet superior to global events like the Met Gala in terms of cultural resonance and sheer spectacle. Fans and critics alike celebrated the women for elevating the conversation around fashion as an essential part of storytelling and heritage.

The AMVCA 2026 red carpet wasn’t just about glamour — it was a powerful statement of confidence, creativity, and the unstoppable force of African women in entertainment and style. Long after the winners were announced, the fashion moments continue to dominate headlines and inspire the next generation of designers and stars.

Lifestyle Fashion

Osas Ighodaro Stuns AMVCA 2026 in Veekee James’ Kitchen-to-Couture Metal Sponge Gown

by Women Times on May 11, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Nigerian designer Veekee James and actress Osas Ighodaro once again stole the spotlight at the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), delivering two bold, conversation-starting looks that blended high fashion with remarkable creativity and sustainability.

Osas Ighodaro, who opened the red carpet, first turned heads in a striking crimson sculptural gown by Veekee James. The architectural piece featured horizontal satin bands on a nude illusion mesh base, with select bands encrusted in shimmering red crystals. A dramatic, free-standing spiral collar extended from the shoulder, wrapping around the back and arching over the head like a halo, creating a futuristic, almost wearable-sculpture effect. The sheer elements and structured silhouette gave the gown a powerful, editorial presence at the Eko Convention Centre.

For her second look, the duo pushed boundaries even further. Veekee James revealed that the silver ballgown was meticulously constructed using over 400 repurposed metal (iron) sponges — an everyday kitchen item transformed into couture. The designer celebrated the unconventional material choice with a playful note: “Clean your steel pots while we casually make magic.”

The looks highlight Veekee James’ signature innovation, turning humble or unexpected materials into high-impact designs while championing craftsmanship. Osas Ighodaro, a longtime muse for the designer, perfectly embodied the avant-garde vision with poise and confidence.

Social media has been buzzing with praise for the creativity, with many calling the metal sponge gown one of the most memorable and talked-about creations of AMVCA 2026. The collaboration underscores the growing global interest in Nigerian fashion’s bold experimentation on the red carpet.

Veekee James and Osas Ighodaro continue to set trends, proving that African designers are redefining luxury through ingenuity, storytelling, and sustainability. Fans and fashion enthusiasts eagerly await what this dynamic duo will create next.

Fashion

African Royalty Took Over the Met Gala 2026 Red Carpet – Tyla, Skepta & Co. Served Pure Magic

by Women Times on May 7, 2026

By Prosper Mene

The 2026 Met Gala was nothing short of a global fashion spectacle, but our African stars? They didn’t just attend — they owned the night and turned the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art into a runway of cultural excellence! From South Africa to Nigeria and beyond, these icons brought creativity, pride, and serious slay energy to the “Fashion Is Art” theme.

Leading the pack was our very own water queen, Tyla. The South African sensation returned to the Met Gala red carpet and delivered high-glam drama in a breathtaking Valentino creation. Think aquatic opulence meets real-life mermaid vibes — crystal detailing, fluid teal tones, and feathery accents that moved like poetry. She was glowing, serving face, and reminding everyone why she’s one of the biggest exports from the Motherland right now. Tyla didn’t just walk the carpet; she made it her stage

Not to be outdone, UK-Nigerian rap legend Skepta brought conceptual fire in a custom Thom Browne suit that had everyone talking. The man literally turned his personal tattoos into art — embroidery featuring his iconic ink like Tower Bridge, the Union Jack, eagles, ships, dice, and even lyrics from his tracks. Sharp tailoring with deep meaning? That’s how you do high fashion with grime roots. Skepta showed that African-British excellence can be both minimalist and powerfully narrative.

The squad was strong too:

Wisdom Kaye continued to push boundaries in menswear with his signature creative edge.

Damson Idris kept it sleek and bold in a standout custom look.

Ayo Edebiri floated through in ethereal white chiffon from Chanel.

Adut Akech stunned in floral-embellished lace that celebrated her South Sudanese roots.

Social media has been on fire with reactions. Nigerians, South Africans, and the entire African diaspora are screaming “Africa to the World!” as these stars blended heritage, personal stories, and avant-garde fashion effortlessly. One fan summed it up perfectly: “They didn’t come to play — they came to remind everyone what excellence looks like.”

From intricate details to unapologetic presence, our faves proved once again that African talent isn’t just participating in global conversations — they’re redefining them. The Met Gala 2026 will be remembered as the year African stars didn’t just deliver… they elevated the entire event.

Fashion

Anok Yai Embodies Sacred Hope as the Black Madonna at 2026 Met Gala

by Women Times on May 6, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Sudanese-American supermodel Anok Yai delivered one of the most talked-about moments of the 2026 Met Gala, transforming into a living embodiment of the Black Madonna on the red carpet. The event, themed “Fashion Is Art,” celebrated artistic representations of the dressed body, and Yai rose to the occasion with a powerful, statue-like appearance that blended high couture, religious iconography, and timely social commentary.

Yai wore a custom Balenciaga creation designed in collaboration with creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli. The look featured a Renaissance-inspired gown with a sculptural silhouette, paired with transformative makeup and prosthetics that evoked the sorrowful, weeping statues of the Mater Dolorosa (Our Lady of Sorrows) and traditional Black Madonna imagery. Her face was styled with glass-like tears, gold shimmer accents, and a prosthetic wig, creating an ethereal, almost immobile presence reminiscent of sacred devotional art.

In a pre-event interview with Vogue, Yai explained her vision: When she learned of the theme, her immediate thought was, “I have to be a statue.” She created a mood board and reached out to Piccioli to bring the concept to life. “We wanted to send a message,” she said. “In the climate that we’re living in right now, we need hope. I feel like being the Black Madonna in a Trump world is going to send that message.

The Black Madonna, a symbol of strength, resilience, maternal sorrow, and faith across various cultures and religious traditions, resonated deeply with the evening’s exploration of fashion as art. Yai’s interpretation turned the red carpet into a gallery space, where stillness, surface, and quiet grief became a form of powerful expression.

Fans and critics alike praised the look for its conceptual depth and execution. Many highlighted how Yai did not simply wear the garment but fully inhabited the character, reinforcing her reputation as one of fashion’s most thoughtful and boundary-pushing figures. Behind-the-scenes footage from Vanity Fair showed the intensive preparation, including facial treatments, lymphatic drainage, and the meticulous application of the prosthetic elements.

Yai’s Met Gala appearance continues her trajectory of using major platforms for meaningful statements. As one of the industry’s most sought-after models, her choice to channel hope and sacred femininity amid contemporary challenges has sparked widespread conversation across social media and fashion circles.

The 2026 Met Gala, held on May 4 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, once again proved to be the ultimate stage where fashion, art, and culture intersect — and Anok Yai’s Black Madonna stood tall among its most memorable masterpieces.

Fashion

Met Gala 2026: Beyoncé, Janelle Monáe and More Deliver Art-Inspired Fashion Moments

by Women Times on May 5, 2026

By Prosper Mene

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s iconic steps transformed into a living gallery Monday night as the 2026 Met Gala celebrated the theme “Costume Art,” with stars interpreting the “Fashion Is Art” dress code through bold, conceptual, and deeply personal creations.

Co-chairs Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour led a night where fashion blurred the lines between wearable garment and masterpiece, raising funds for the Costume Institute’s new exhibition exploring clothing as art.

Beyoncé made a triumphant return to the Met Gala after a decade, arriving alongside husband Jay-Z and daughter Blue Ivy Carter. The global icon stunned in a custom Olivier Rousteing sculptural skeleton dress — a crystal-encrusted “naked” gown featuring a sparkling skeletal structure across the front, paired with a dramatic cream and dust-blue feathered train and a diamond crown. The look crowned her as “Queen Bey” while nodding to themes of anatomy, strength, and regality.

Janelle Monáe delivered one of the evening’s most talked-about moments in a custom Christian Siriano ensemble that fused nature and technology. The sculptural piece featured lush greenery overtaken by tangled cords and moss, accented by moving animatronic butterflies. Monáe described the look as a call to remember humanity: “Nature is talking to us.” The futuristic, interactive design quickly went viral for its innovative blend of performance art and environmental commentary.

Other stars brought their own artistic interpretations. Bad Bunny continued to push boundaries with a daring, conceptual look, while additional guests drew from historical paintings, performance art, and futuristic visions, turning the red carpet into a runway of living sculptures.

The night also featured surprise appearances and powerful statements from music legends including Madonna, Stevie Nicks, and others, adding layers of cultural and generational resonance to the “Costume Art” celebration.

As co-chairs, Beyoncé and Venus Williams — both making history in their roles — used the platform to champion creativity, equity, and the power of fashion as a storytelling medium. Social media erupted with praise for the night’s most inventive looks, cementing 2026 as one of the most memorable Met Galas in recent years.

Fashion Lifestyle

All Eyes on Venus Williams as She Steps Out in Swarovski Couture at Met Gala 2026

by Women Times on May 5, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Tennis legend and 2026 Met Gala co-chair Venus Williams commanded attention on the red carpet Monday night, arriving in a dazzling custom Swarovski creation that perfectly embodied the evening’s “Costume Art” theme and “Fashion Is Art” dress code.

The 45-year-old champion, one of the event’s co-chairs alongside Anna Wintour, Beyoncé, and Nicole Kidman, wore a curve-hugging black crystal mesh gown by Swarovski that sparkled under the lights. The standout piece was an elaborate, diamond-encrusted neckplate/breastplate with draped chains, creating a sculptural, artistic effect that merged high jewelry with wearable art.

Williams revealed the deeply personal inspiration behind the look: it pays homage to her 2022 portrait Venus Williams, Double Portrait by Robert Pruitt, commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery. The design also nods to her tennis legacy, with elements evoking the silver Venus Rosewater Dish she has won at Wimbledon. Additional touches reference her family heritage and journey in the sport.

Styled by Ron Breece, the ensemble transformed Williams into a living work of art, aligning seamlessly with the Met’s Costume Institute exhibition exploring fashion’s relationship to art and the human body.

Williams attended the gala with her husband, actor and producer Andrea Preti, whom she married in late 2025. The couple shared tender moments on the carpet, including Preti helping adjust her gown.

As both a co-host and fashion ambassador, Williams used the platform to highlight women’s sports science and equity initiatives. “Fashion is going to be on fleek,” she teased earlier in the evening.

Swarovski’s creative director Giovanna Engelbert crafted the one-of-a-kind couture piece, reinforcing the brand’s long-standing friendship with the tennis icon.

Social media quickly lit up with praise for Williams’ look, with many calling it one of the night’s most memorable and meaningful interpretations of the theme. The tennis star once again proved that her influence extends far beyond the court, blending athletic excellence, artistic vision, and red-carpet glamour.

The 2026 Met Gala continues to celebrate the intersection of fashion and art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Fashion

Ifeoma Umenyiora Unveils Piillz Poizn’s SS26 “Afro-Modern Edit” Collection

by Women Times on April 27, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Visionary Nigerian designer Ifeoma Umenyiora, founder and creative director of Piillz Poizn, has unveiled the brand’s highly anticipated Spring/Summer 2026 collection, titled “Afro-Modern Edit.”

The collection, which made its debut over the weekend, represents a bold and conceptual exploration of the intersection between African heritage and contemporary fashion. It elevates indigenous African textiles through precise modern tailoring, creating pieces that feel both culturally rooted and globally resonant.

A Dialogue Between Tradition and Modernity

“Afro-Modern Edit” moves beyond simple cultural fusion. Instead, it redefines coexistence, where ancestral identity and present-day expression are worn simultaneously. The designs embody a thoughtful duality: soft yet structured, ornate yet minimal, traditional yet innovative. Clean architectural silhouettes meet rich, culturally grounded fabrics, resulting in a wardrobe that is deeply personal yet universally appealing.

Umenyiora explained the collection’s philosophy in her own words:

“Afro-Modern Edit is about honouring where we come from while confidently stepping into where we are. It’s a reflection of identity in motion, intentional, layered, and unapologetically rooted.”

Piillz Poizn, launched in 2018 by Umenyiora (affectionately known as Fifi), has built a reputation for bold femininity, sleek silhouettes, and empowering designs that blend luxury aesthetics with fearless modernity. The brand is known for storytelling through clothing, and the SS26 collection marks another step in its evolution, reinforcing its commitment to quality, originality, and celebrating the modern African woman who dresses to be seen, felt, and remembered.

This release follows previous standout presentations, including the brand’s appearances at Africa Fashion Week London and other international platforms, where Piillz Poizn has consistently showcased its ability to merge cultural narratives with high-fashion execution.

The “Afro-Modern Edit” is now available, inviting fashion enthusiasts to embrace a new way of dressing that honors the past without being bound by it.

Fashion

Stella Damasus Shows Us How to Wear Velvet for a Sophisticated Night Out ‎

by Women Times on April 22, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Veteran actress and fashion enthusiast Stella Damasus continues to set the bar high in the style department, delivering a sophisticated masterclass on how to style velvet for a glamorous night out or upscale event.

In her latest look, shared on Instagram, the Nollywood star stepped out in a striking strapless midnight-blue velvet corset that hugged her silhouette beautifully. The piece featured a structured, pointed waistline for a defined shape and subtle beading along the neckline, adding just the right touch of sparkle without overpowering the rich, plush texture of the velvet. The deep blue hue gave the classic fabric a fresh, contemporary feel while maintaining its luxurious appeal.

She paired the corset with a dramatic floor-length skirt in a bold gold and bronze circular metallic print. The flowing fabric created a beautiful contrast — the soft matte depth of the velvet against the shimmering, reflective tones of the skirt — resulting in a perfectly balanced ensemble that felt both opulent and modern.

To complete the outfit and prepare for cooler evening temperatures, Damasus draped a coordinating midnight-blue velvet wrap gracefully over her arm. This added an extra layer of refinement and versatility to the look.

Accessories were chosen with precision to enhance the metallic theme: a structured gold half-moon clutch that caught the light elegantly, paired with oversized drop earrings for added drama. Her makeup remained polished and understated, featuring a smoky eye that accentuated her gaze, while her hair was styled in soft, side-parted waves for a timeless, effortless finish.This ensemble beautifully demonstrates how velvet — a fabric often reserved for bold holiday reds or classic blacks — can be reimagined in midnight blue for a more versatile and sophisticated vibe.

By balancing the plush texture with strong structural elements, metallic accents, and a contrasting print, Stella has created a wearable yet elevated look ideal for red-carpet appearances, upscale dinners, glamorous parties, or any special night occasion.

Fashion lovers have been quick to praise the combination for its refined poise and how it makes a luxurious fabric feel fresh and accessible. Many are already drawing inspiration from the outfit to incorporate velvet pieces into their own wardrobes this season.

Stella Damasus once again proves that true style icons know how to breathe new life into timeless materials while keeping things effortlessly chic. Whether you’re planning your next evening event or simply seeking elevated style tips, this look is pure inspiration.