What does style look like for African creatives living away from home? For Mariam Bakre, it’s about holding on to a fashion philosophy inspired by her Lagos roots.
What happens when personal style becomes an art form? Just ask Mariam Bakre, better known as Mory Coco. This actress, YouTuber, and filmmaker has perfected a timeless look that’s uniquely hers, no matter where she is in the world. Let’s dive into the fashion philosophy behind her captivating style.
Mory, fondly known for her lifestyle vlogs and comical content, moved to Canada from Nigeria in late 2024. Based in Toronto, the actress and digital creator continues to connect with her followers, sharing snippets of her style, motherhood, and everyday life abroad. Her content has evolved; it now blends her Lagos-rooted fashion sense with a new global perspective.
In this “Style across borders” interview with Marie Claire, Mariam Bakre reflects on her personal style. Since her relocation, she’s found new ways to remain chic while staying grounded in the timeless, comfort-first fashion philosophy shaped by her life back home.
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Timeless pieces are evergreen
According to Mory, travelling hasn’t changed her style. She still wears timeless pieces that are statement-worthy but age well. “I was looking at my pictures from 10 years ago, and a lot of outfits there are pieces that I’ll wear now, so I’m very drawn to timeless pieces, and it remains the same,” she shared.
Lagos remains a hub for fashion
For Mory, Lagos remains the hub of trendsetting fashion. Relocation means reduced access to bringing her fashion imaginations to life. It’s one of the things she misses about home. To her, home is where she can express her creativity by getting a tailor to bring her ideas to life. Now, even if she tries, the exorbitant shipping fee for anything is discouraging. “In Lagos, I could pick an outfit, draw and sketch out how I want to look, and my tailor will bring it to life. Now, I have to pay a ridiculous amount of money to ship anything, and this is what I miss about dressing up in Lagos,” she reminisces.
As much as she loves the fashion in Lagos, Mory says she has experienced more fashion culture shocks in Lagos than in Canada. “I’ve definitely seen some outfits in Lagos that stop me in my tracks, and I’ve had more of those encounters in Lagos than anywhere else.”
Read also: Come closer, fashion girls! Here’s how to accessorise like a Lagos babe on vacation
Comfort is the most important fashion rule
Mory’s fashion rule is simple — prioritise comfort. If she’s not comfortable in an outfit, she won’t purchase it or wear it. “The outfit has to feel protective, and if I don’t feel comfortable in it, I’ll swap it or skip the event entirely,” she .
Mariam Bakre is all about prioritising comfortable pieces that remain timeless, no matter the location. It’s her fashion philosophy. For her, style across borders is donning yourself in quality pieces that exude quite luxury without compromising your aesthetic and comfort. It’s less about trends and more of a “Me first” approach for the stylish mum of two.
