With Lisa Folawiyo as our cover star, it’s more than fashion—it’s a masterclass in style. Two exquisite looks, rich detailing, and the LF signature.
For our power issue, every detail was intentional—from the cover star to the outfits that represent that power. The vision was clear: bold, statement pieces with intricate textures, striking a balance between fashion and power. Every time Lisa Folawiyo stepped out of the styling room, it was with the confidence of the industry-shaper who embodies that balance.
It’s one thing to design show-stopping pieces, it’s another thing to embody them with grace and presence. For her Marie Claire Nigeria cover shoot, Lisa Folawiyo did both effortlessly. Shot by Kunmi Owopetu of CRADL Studios, styled by our fashion editor, Wumi Tuase-Fosudo, and with flawless glam by Uchechukwu Solanke, Lisa’s presence was a style masterclass. Every detail told a story of the unapologetic, authentic Lisa Folawiyo style, from intricate hand embellishments to sleek tailoring.
Look 1: The power of craft embodied in Lisa Folawiyo’s embellished tri-colour dress
Lisa Folawiyo Embellished Tri-Colour Dress
$1,450.00
This wasn’t just a dress, it was art in motion. For Lisa’s first cover look, power radiated from every bead and stitch of this tri-colour masterpiece. Hand-embellished with sequins and glass beads for over 300 hours, this dress takes craftsmanship to a new level. It commands attention at every angle. With its sleeveless high-neck bodice adorned in beaded motifs—hands, faces, and eyes—this dress effortlessly blends cultural symbolism with a modern flair.
The vision shifts as your eye travels downward to meet a wave of green and black sequins that blend seamlessly into a swirl of orange, red, and black at the hem. The bold stripes curving at the end add a fiery movement and drama to the dress. It’s a maximalist’s dream come true, delivering intentionally, amplifying her voice, presence and culture.
Although it’s a stunning cover look, this dress transcends a studio. Imagine it sweeping into a fashion gala, catching lights at an art fundraiser, or turning heads at a film premiere. The tri-colour dress belongs anywhere that demands presence. It is not just an outfit. It is the moment. It is Lisa Folawiyo at her most fearless, and fashion at its most powerful.
Look 2: The power suit reimagined with the LF classic suit
Lisa Folawiyo Classic Suit (Jacket & Pants)
$1,145.00
If the first look was the showstopper, the second took silent control. In a tailored Lisa Folawiyo silk suit, our cover star traded the bold embellishments for bold sophistication. Sometimes, true power doesn’t make noise; it glides in and owns the room quietly, and so did Lisa here.
Crafted entirely from silk, the suit features Lisa’s signature flair for prints, delivered in abstract chartreuse (yellow-green) and black. Beneath the structured jacket is a soft blue silk shirt and fuchsia pink tie, adding contrast and personality. It’s an intentional play on colour that amplifies the outfit’s elegant authority.
With sharp lapels, clean lines, and exquisite tailoring, this ensemble gives lessons in quiet luxury without mistaking elegance for simplicity. Every element of this look, from the subtle sheen that catches the light to the unexpected hot pointed-toe heels, was thoughtfully curated to reflect Lisa in complete control of her power. It’s polished, effortless and powerful.
This is power dressing in Lisa’s style. It’s an outfit that moves effortlessly from the front row at Fashion Week to a high-stakes business luncheon. The LF classic suit is where style meets strategy. From boardroom presentations to global summits and exclusive events with industry leaders, this suit doesn’t just fit the occasion, it defines it.
Accessories that sealed the look
When the outfit speaks volume, the accessories should respond in kind—refined and purposeful. For Lisa’s Marie Claire Nigeria cover, we curated each detail to reflect the confidence of a woman who knows that true personal style is in the intention.
Look 1: Power whisperers
Lisa stepped into the look—literally—with burgundy Versace Aevitas platform heels, a towering pair of architectural shoes that held their own next to her dress. Although we only got a peek, the bold yet structured pair echoed the power and precision of the embellished masterpiece.
To complement her elegant dress, we chose gold jewellery from Curio Class—subtly luxurious and imbued with intention. The Rami bracelet and ring, worn alongside her Cartier Love bracelet, added a gentle, elevating shimmer without overwhelming the look.
No Lisa Folawiyo’s look is complete without a personal stamp. This ensemble arrived as custom green and black LF beaded earrings—deliberate, refined, and effortlessly commanding. Though not visible in the images, it makes for an elegant pairing in videos.
Shop the accessories
Curio Class Rami Bracelet
₦35,000
Curio Class Rami Ring
₦24,000
Versace Aevitas Platform Heels
$1,843
Look 2: Power in poise
Tailored silk may have laid the foundation, but the accessories sealed the look in signature Lisa style. She initially considered a pair of light pink shoes, but after deliberation, the striking bubblegum pink Balenciaga Raven mules won. The colour softened the sharp lines of the suit, delivering the statement: power doesn’t play by the rules.
For jewellery, the sculptural Nara ring from Curio Class with its gleaming gold and silver silhouette adorned Lisa’s finger. We kept it simple with her silver earrings, and together, the accessories not only completed the look but also made a bold declaration of power dressing.
Shop the Accessories
Balenciaga Fuchsia Pink Raven Ankle-Strap Mules
€4,000
Curio Class Nara Ring
₦27,000
Two looks. One undeniable force. Lisa Folawiyo didn’t just wear her designs, she gave a masterclass in powerful and purposeful dressing. From bold colours, razor-sharp tailoring, and a deep understanding of her creativity, Lisa brought identity and intention, elevating this cover into a powerful visual statement.
Read our cover story here.
Credits
Ag. Managing Editor: Denise Eseimokumoh
Content Editor: Tobi Afolabi
Features Editor: Inemesit Udodiong
Fashion & Beauty Editor: Wumi Tuase-Fosudo
Creative Director: Denise Eseimokumoh
Cover Design: Michael Olusoga
Photographer: Kunmi Owopetu
Videographer: Daniel Okah
2nd Shooter: Oluwarotimi Ajoyo for Guardian TV
Sound: Ajasi Senu for Guardian TV
Production Manager: Moyosore Alabi
Production Assistants: Temidayo Olamide, Bankole Oresile, and Kayode Emmanuel
Makeup Artist: Uchechukwu Solanke
Styling: Wumi Tuase-Fosudo
Outfits: Lisa Folawiyo
Jewellery: Curio Class and Lisa Folawiyo
Location: CRADL Studios
