For AMVCA 11, I turned to nostalgia and reunited with some of my wedding memories to create a personal and stylish look.
Attending the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards marked my third time at the prestigious event, but this year felt extra special. My AMVCA 11 outfit wasn’t just another red carpet look that made it into the best dressed lists; it was a sentimental nod to a monumental event in my life: my wedding.
The AMVCA is the most anticipated celebration in Nigeria’s film industry, spotlighting talent, style, and storytelling. For me, it is also the perfect opportunity to blend my love for fashion with my career in filmmaking.
Since I became a professional actor, the AMVCA has evolved from an entertainment spectacle to a key milestone in my career. Last year, “ITURA,” a show I was part of, won the Best Scripted Series, and I was on stage with the rest of the cast and crew receiving the award. It was a surreal experience, one I hope to relive often as I grow in the industry as an actor and producer.
This year, I attended as both the Fashion and Beauty Editor for Marie Claire Nigeria and as part of the creative community being celebrated. And of course, my AMVCA 11 outfit told a story of its own.
Reuniting with my wedding dress designer
I love a good full-circle moment, and my AMVCA 11 outfit gave me exactly that. Almost a year after my wedding, I once again worked with Hikmah—the designer behind my wedding dress and the creative force behind Bridal Accent. Walking into her studio for my fitting, arm-in-arm with my husband, felt surreal. It was 11 months to the day since our wedding, and we couldn’t stop smiling.
After a pleasant wedding experience, Hikmah and I made a note to work together this year for the AMVCA. With my procrastination and Hikmah’s busy schedule, we properly aligned just five days before the event. She virtually presented two stunning options: a hand-beaded burnt-orange mermaid gown and a white, Grecian-inspired sculptural dress. While I knew the orange dress would glow beautifully against my dark skin, the white dress stole my heart. It featured soft pleating, a sculptural neckline, and a sleek silhouette — an elegant, modern, and timeless style.
Hikmah assured me it would not look as bridal with the right styling. Additionally, the dress had no train, so there was no stress about the possibility of anyone stepping on it on the red carpet. I was sold.
At my first fitting, I realised I’d dropped some weight in the two days since the tailoring. As the team adjusted the fit, I caught myself in the mirror, glanced at my husband, and smiled. It felt like wedding season déjà vu, and I loved it.
Read also: The 11th AMVCAs Best Dressed List
Styling the AMVCA 11 Outfit: When plans change
My procrastination manifested heavily when I ordered accessories two days before the AMVCA and believed it would be delivered before the three-day delivery window. My mistake.
I had ordered pink single-pearled statement earrings, a two-toned silver and gold bracelet, to complement a pearl-accented purse I had. None of them arrived in time. Still, personal style is all about flexibility and creativity.
I turned to my accessory stash the night before the event and found the pair of dramatic pearl earrings I wore for my civil wedding. The cream and gold tones of the earrings guided the rest of the look. I paired them with the red-and-pink marble clutch I used for my traditional wedding and rose gold sandals. These were further accentuated with gold bangles and rings. Together, they all brought a vibrant and warm contrast to the minimalist white dress, giving a personal, practical, and visually stunning look. Looking back, I’m a bit glad the accessories I initially planned to wear didn’t arrive because I was able to create a perfect alternative look for my AMVCA 11 outfit.
Hair: A dramatic cultural statement
Inspired by the trending Patewo hairstyle, I knew I wanted an African, high-fashion braided look. I went on Pinterest for inspiration and settled on a ponytail with beautiful braid detail. Initially, I booked a stylist nearby to save time, but plans changed the night before the AMVCA when she had to cancel.
Thankfully, the team at Ara Luxe Hair Studio came through the next day. They welcomed me warmly and worked with incredible speed and precision. Three stylists braided and styled my hair into a dramatic high ponytail with detailed interwoven braids. Despite the brief discomfort (tight ponytails are no joke), the final look blew me away.
I wore a gorgeous crown and looked like a queen. When I got my makeup done, I was convinced I resembled my current actor crush, Wunmi Mosaku. Throughout the day, the compliments flowed.
If you’re considering a similar look, keep in mind: it can feel a bit heavy, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Vampy lips and pearls — the perfect makeup for my AMVCA 11 outfit
Originally, I planned to work with one of the two makeup artists who also did my wedding glam. However, due to last-minute changes in logistics, neither of them was available, but the universe had another plan.
While casually chatting with a friend who’s a make-up artist, I explained my dilemma. She was also attending the event and agreed to step in. The result? Absolute perfection. A movie she worked on, “Freedom Way”, went home with the Best Movie and Best Writing awards at the AMVCA, so congratulations are also in order.
Mild Flower by Oma created an editorial look that paired beautifully with my AMVCA 11 outfit. Using Maybelline products, she built a flawless base, added pearl embellishments around my eyes, and finished the look with a rich, vampy brown lipstick. The Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless setting spray kept my makeup flawless with no touch-up for over 13 hours — from 3 PM to 4 AM.
We did a makeup reveal during the golden hour at my Celio Lagos apartment, and it was breathtaking. The lighting was perfect, the look was complete, and I felt gorgeous.
The magic of collaboration
Creating my AMVCA 11 outfit wasn’t just about personal style, it was also a beautiful moment of collaboration. From teaming up with my wedding dress designer to working with a top hair studio, makeup artist, beauty brand, and photographer, every detail came together perfectly.
I’m especially grateful to Olanrewaju Alli, my friend and photographer, who stepped in within short notice and delivered a stunning selection of images. He captured the essence of my look, allowing me to tell this story just the way I envisioned.
This experience reminded me that when creative professionals come together with mutual respect and clear communication, magic truly happens. Collaboration should never mean taking advantage—it should be about celebrating each person’s brilliance and effort. And this AMVCA 11 moment? It was nothing short of brilliant. Like my industry people say, we made magic!
Oh look, my earrings just arrived. See you all next year.
Outfit details
Dress- Bridal Accent
Makeup- Mild Flower by Oma
Hair- Ara Luxe Studio
Photography- Olanrewaju Alli
Location- Celio Lagos
