For our Power Issue cover, we dressed Mosunmola ‘Mo’ Abudu in three looks that depict the quintessential power woman through clothes that carry femininity, glamour and flow. In styling Mo, my thoughts crystallised in capturing her as a fearless dream-maker who speaks in the affirmative of her hopes and the future. Yet shimmies in girlish excitement to the art and drape of couture. Although the suit is often the garment equivalent to power representation, Mo Abudu’s power and pertinacity in what is frequently deemed a man’s world would not be captured merely by wearing a suit. Instead, I wanted to present her power and essence in clothes that show her idyllic feminine traits, which pattern her fashionable, bold and glamorous inclinations.
First Look
Mo was adorned in a vintage couture piece by Tiffany Amber, featuring a hefty coat drenched in palettes, sequins, rhinestones, and glass beads, paired with a long, black taffeta dress featuring a thigh-high slit and a mini-train. It was about balance because I believe power is grounded in balance, and black is often the perfect ground to elevate an ensemble with bustling details.
“Nope! Not wearing that. I cannot have my breasts pouring out! I’m going to be 60! No. No. No.”
Mo Abudu initially loved the look until she firmly said “nope!” to a dress with a high slit and what looked like too much cleavage showing. Watching Mo interact with the outfits and styling choices was hilarious and fun, reminding me of dressing my mom for her events. Her candid reactions and playful resistance to ideas doomed for immediate rejection made this cover shoot unforgettable. Yet, with some persuasion and a boost of confidence, Mo finally agreed to try the dress. To her amazement, a heavily embellished panel ensured everything stayed in place, perfectly complementing the detailed coat.
.
Ornate details adorned the jacket, making a black inner dress with a train the perfect match to offset such a stunning piece. A sleek, low bun kept her hair neat and untangled from the coat’s intricate designs. Her makeup showcased a dramatic black wing and white liner accentuating her eyes, one of Mo’s most captivating features. With the outfit balanced, we amped up the accessories, opting for the ‘Okin’ set from Diamonds Eternal. This set boasts a sapphire stone with diamonds radiating out like a peacock’s tail.
Second Look
Mo radiated softness and fluidity in her second look, wearing an evergreen floral dress from Banke Kuku’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection, Eden. The dress featured a flounce draped at the hem and embroidered cape sleeves, showcasing a blend of elegance and motion.
Mo enthusiastically embraced Marie Claire Nigeria’s creative direction, from the recommended poses and body movements to choosing the shoot locations. As a natural leader and producer, she knew her iconic Lagos landmark, Ebonylife Place, inside out and keenly discussed potential locations for each look. “Wouldn’t the wall leading into the White Orchid Hotel be a great spot for shooting this dress?” she suggested excitedly as we explored possible locations. Her willingness to dive into each idea with joy and excitement showcased her as both an influential leader and the ideal muse.
“This dress will photograph so well, and Ebonylife has so many gorgeous spots for pictures.”
We styled her hair in a classic Hollywood bombshell side part and added bold gold statement earrings with a ruby stone to frame her face beautifully. Her makeup was clean and elegant, highlighting Mo’s features most naturally.
Third Look
“I have a Lisa Folawiyo blazer that could work. Let’s look at it, and if you like it, why not?”
For Mo’s third look, we wanted vibrance and playfulness. She wore a Lisa Folawiyo jacket from the Coll 1 2024 collection paired with black pantyhose, Gucci platform sandals, and, in true Mo Abudu fashion, a diamond set laced with emerald stones.
Makeup & Accessories
Makeup maestro Banke Meshida-Lawal, founder of BM PRO and longtime makeup artist to Mo, achieved perfection in the moodboard direction per look. From the dramatic wing with the Tiffany Amber to the bold red lip of the Lisa Folawiyo, Meshida-Lawal’s artistry was flawless with each look.
Mo’s teased, wavy hair for the cover exuded the untamed allure of a rockstar, styled by the head stylist and CEO of Poshclass Hair, Onyinye Onyeibe. The cover image captures the authoritative air of a woman who launched a thousand dreams to fruition, juxtaposed with an eye-catching print reflecting Mo’s vitality and optimism. Mo was captured at the Jinja restaurant at her establishment, Ebonylife Place, by the renowned portrait photographer Aham Ibeleme as the staff at the restaurant hung by the fringes of the frame as an audience to the unfolding magic of this cover shoot.
Mo Abudu is genuinely a fashion girl who loves all the glamour of clothes, hair, and makeup. She is driven by the privilege to achieve her dreams while doing the same for others, emerging on stages as a powerful reminder to every woman that “if you can think it, you can do it.” Salient words on marble from the powerhouse herself.
Cover outfit breakdown
First look
- Vintage Tiffany Amber Coat and Dress from Tiffany Amber
- Jimmy Choo sandals in blue velvet owned by Mo Abudu
- Diamonds Eternal ‘Okin’ set from
Second look
- Banke Kuku S/S 2024 dress from Banke Kuku
- Christian Louboutin silver slippers owned by Mo
- Gold and Ruby statement earrings owned by stylist
Third look
- Lisa Folawiyo jacket from Coll 1 2024 collection owned by Mo
- Gucci sandals owned by Mo Abudu
- Diamond and emerald set owned by Mo
Styled by Efua Claire Jobi-Taiwo (fashion & beauty editor, Marie Claire Nigeria)
