The 11th AMVCAs best dressed list is filled with guests who served masterclass in statement style. From jaw-dropping looks to the most intentional style moments, it wasn’t just what they wore but how they wore it. This list is ull of personality and a clear love for fashion.
The 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) red carpet was everything we hoped it would be. Glamorous, unpredictable, and full of fashion moments worth pausing for, it’s a visual summary of where African fashion stands.
From dramatic silhouettes to sharp suits and a few risk-takers, the fashion moments weren’t just about looking good but owning the moment.
There were no half-measures—just full looks, full effort, and plenty of personality. Some came to make statements, while others simply aimed to look good. Both were equally worth the attention, and the 11th AMVCAs best dressed list has it all.
Here are the standout stars who shone the brightest at the AMVCA red carpet. Effortlessly, unapologetically, and in impeccable style.
Mercy Eke brings sculptural ice to the carpet
Styled by the meticulous Maklinlscout and designed by Amy Aghomi, Mercy’s 2024 AMVCA red carpet look was a cosmic couture fantasy that blended structure, sparkle, and sheer star power. Inspired by water and diamonds, this wasn’t just a gown—it was a galaxy frozen in motion.
The dress, hand-encrusted with faceted crystals, caught the light like frozen stardust, sculpting her frame into a vision of intergalactic royalty. A delicate yet commanding celestial halo floated above her head, while crystal branches curved off her shoulders like enchanted ice vines.
With a sleek finger wave straight from the archives of old Hollywood and lips glazed in high-shine berry, Mercy didn’t just arrive. She eclipsed everything in her path and starts off the 11th AMVCAs best dressed list strongly.
Nana Akua Addo channels futuristic flair
Nana Akua Addo has been on my best-dressed list for two consecutive years — and this year was no exception. She arrived in a custom creation by India’s Metalbender Studio that felt less like a dress and more like a futuristic vision. The base of the dress gleamed with white paillettes, the torso of the dress erupted into kinetic wings extensions that shimmered and moved with every movement. Articulated rods and micro-hinges animated thousands of pearl-scent sequin, forming a halo around her shoulders. Below the design narrowed into a straight-style base, gleaming with hand-sewn white paillettes that caught the light. High-tech materials met sculptural form, each element engineered to catch the eye and bend the light.
True to form, Nana styled the entire look herself. She kept her hair slicked back and her makeup pared back, with a subtle metallic highlight at the temples and a nude gloss that let the gown’s drama take centre stage. There was no distraction, no excess, just pure, visionary and stunning design.
Toni Tones stuns in subtle blush tones
Toni Tones looked like a soft exclamation, understated yet utterly unforgettable. She wore two unforgettable looks but this blush-toned Julyet Peters dress had to make it into our 11th AMVCAs best dressed list. Its wearable art and we couldn’t look away.
The strapless bodice, threaded with curved illusion piping, hugged her silhouette. An exaggerated hip added structure before the dress flared into a pleated mermaid skirt and soft train that whispered elegance with every step. The subtle peplum flair added just the right amount of drama without overwhelming the look.
Styled by Style De Javu, her centre-parted sleek hair and multi-strand choker complemented her refined makeup, ensuring the gown remained the undisputed star. The actress demonstrated perfectly why the most understated designs sometimes make the strongest statements.
Doyinsola David blends nature and couture
Next on our 11th AMVCAs best dressed list is reality TV star and host, Doyinsola David. She took couture to a new level, seamlessly merging nature with couture. Wearing a stunning creation by Mamadi Couture, she brought nature to the red carpet in the most couture way possible. The forest-green beaded bodice of her gown melted into fabric hand- wisted to look like roots created that cascaded to the floor, making it look like she was one with the earth.
Turning Mother Nature into fashion takes vision, and Doyinsola nailed it. The dramatic beading and sculptural roots felt like wearable art, while her sleek hairstyle and bronzed skin added an organic, elevated feel. A botanical choker and floral earrings completed the outfit, perfectly blending nature and couture.
Hawa Magaji brings layers of tulle and grace
Hawa Magaji floated onto the red carpet, her cobalt blue tulle gown by Omalified looking like a scene from a dream. Her off-shoulder dress bloomed with sculptural floral bursts at the neckline and cascaded into rosette waves that elegantly swept the floor. Styled by Bennysstyling, it wasn’t just romantic; it was celestial, like something straight out of my most whimsical fantasies.
What really captivated me was the perfect balance of volume and restraint. Her vintage finger-wave hairstyle by Adefunkeee and crystal-drop earrings by Annablissglams framed her face in the most subtle, yet stunning way. It was ethereal maximalism at its finest—bold but with just enough quiet elegance to make you feel like you were watching true grace.
Uzoamaka Power rules in regal red
Best female actor nominee, Uzoamaka Power, exuded royalty in a breathtaking wine-red lace ball gown by Ohlanna bu Zikora. With its delicate 3D butterfly motif fluttering across the voluminous skirt, the dress embodied a quiet power and effortless elegance. Already starting strong with her cultural day outfit, we expected her to feature in our 11th AMVCAs best dressed list, and she didn’t disappoint.
The floating strap neckline was a standout feature, designed to frame the collarbone with sculptural elegance, adding a touch of ethereal weightlessness to the gown’s powerful structure. The rich texture of the lace was meticulously layered, with detailed patterns blending seamlessly into the soft, sculpted silhouette. Gold accessories, from the bold statement earrings, chunky cuffs, and cocktail rings, perfectly complemented the gown’s opulence. Her braided up-do, adorned with red floral accents, crowned the look with royal strength and delicate femininity.
Osas Ighodaro dazzles in eco-chic couture
No doubt one of our top choices on the 11th AMVCAs best dressed list, Osas Ighodaro’s outfit was nothing short of iconic. This custom Veekee James garment, crafted from green towels, embodies couture with its unique combination of earth tones and sculptural artistry. The gown, embellished with copper, silver, and mossy greens, embraced nature in the most elevated way possible. Her copper headpiece, symbolising strength and beauty, made her look like a goddess come to life. It’s not just about the gown, it’s about how Osas owned it with every step. She effortlessly embodies the power and grace this piece represents, and no one else could have worn this gown better. She’s deserving of best dressed, hands down.
Wumi Tuase-Fosudo makes an elegant, effortless statement in white
Our Fashion and Beauty Editor, Wumi Tuase-Fosudo has the uncanny ability to own a moment. Her white structural dress designed by Bridal Accent at the 2025 AMVCAs was a fashion revelation.
With its sculptural folds, the strapless design draped her frame, the fabric catching the light with each step, creating a soft yet structured silhouette that exuded understated elegance. What really caught my attention was her effortless approach to accessorising. The red clutch was a stroke of genius to me, a bold, unexpected pop of colour in a sea of ivory, adding that perfect dash of drama.
Braided into an up-do resembling a crown of coils and roses, her hair beautifully pulled the look together. Accessorised with pearl-draped floral earrings, and a red marble clutch. Makeup anchored the look, with smokey effect sculpted with dark brown and silver shimmer on the outer corners. Tiny pearls were added to both the inner and outer corners of her eyes, paired with a deep brown lipstick. The look combined high fashion with a touch of timeless femininity.
She seamlessly blended modern minimalism with traditional sophistication, effortlessly proving that less is more when done right. I couldn’t help but admire how she styled herself. Effortless yet intentional. Powerful yet graceful.
Mike Afolarin delivers high fashion with an edgy twist
There’s something about good tailoring that just makes my fashion heart sing especially when it comes with a twist. Styled by Yomo Daj, this double-breasted pinstripe suit by T.I Nathan served structure and subtle drama. With a slight flare at the trousers that added a touch of elegance. I loved the deep-cut black shirt peeking through just enough skin to elevate the look. The layered silver chains, sculptural brooch, and that netted glove? Pure fashion flirtation. And those chunky boots? A wink to the street, reminding us that elegance doesn’t have to be delicate.
Juma Jux commands attention in velvet and feathers
There was a quiet authority to Juma’s appearance at the 2025 AMVCAs. Wearing a Deji & Kola deep burgundy velvet blazer with intricate gold motifs, he looked regal and stylish. The blazer was styled with matching tailored trousers, black leather shoes, and a velvet feathered cap adorned with a gold brooch. Each element is perfectly placed, nothing overdone.
This wasn’t about theatrics. It was about presence, the kind that lingers long after the cameras have moved on.
Once again, the red carpet at the 2025 AMVCAs reminded us why it’s the most anticipated night in African fashion. From one breathtaking look to the next, it’s clear that our stars know how to shine, not just on screen, but in style too. These unforgettable fashion moments have set the bar higher for red carpet style.
