Lights, camera, fashion! The silver screen has long been a showcase for style and glamour, and Nigerian movies are no exception. Nigerian movies have long been a platform for showcasing women’s strength, resilience, and style, featuring characters whose style is as integral to their story as their dialogue and actions. From the glamorous gowns to the bold prints, the fashion choices of female characters on screen are not just about aesthetics; they reflect their personalities, values, and experiences.
Whether it’s a powerful businesswoman, a fiercely independent single mother, or a trailblazing entrepreneur, Nigerian movies understand the place of fashion in telling women’s stories. In this article, I’ll spotlight the Nollywood series with the most memorable wardrobes that merge perfectly with their female characters.
“Flawsome” (2022)
“Flawsome” revolves around the lives of four women: Ifeyinwa, Ramat, Ivie, and Dolapo. The series highlights their personal and professional lives, bound by their flaws, and yet the unbreakable ties they share as friends. Each character’s wardrobe is carefully curated for the series to reflect their personalities, from the free-spirited and artistic to the more reserved and professional, bringing their unique style and flair to the show. It’s no wonder “Flawsome” was named the Most Fashionable TV Show of 2023 in Bella Naija Style’s The Definitive Best Dressed List!
Ifenyinwa, the CEO of a tech company, played by Bisola Aiyeola, is a fashion force. Her style perfectly blends chic and trendy, often wearing bold prints, bright colours, and statement pieces that reflect her confident and sassy personality. Her wardrobe choices are a testament to her fearless approach to life and her unapologetic attitude towards self-expression. Dolapo, the PR expert, played by Enado Odigie, is a fashion statement maker. Dolapi understands that first impressions matter and does just that with her wardrobe. Although she is more likely to stick with monochromatic looks and sleek back hairstyles, she never misses even when lounging at home.
What’s a Ramat without a statement headpiece? A Non-Ram-Hat, get it? Ugh, never mind! Played by Ini Dima-Okojie, Ramat is what I call “Conservative Chic.” The ruffle queen makes every outfit a statement. Then, we have the baby of the group, Ivie, played by Sharon Ooja. She is the fun and life of the group. An up-and-coming fashion designer, she is always perfectly styled in fun, trendy pieces that exude freshness and versatility.
Through their fashion choices, the characters in “Flawsome” embody their characters thoroughly, and I bet you can tell the characters just by looking through their pictures.
“Smart Money Women” (2021)
The series “Smart Money Women” revolves around the lives of a circle of women with diverse financial status. Aside from their personalities, the series shows how financial decisions can also affect a woman’s style. Zuri (played by Osas Ighodaro) is an elegant, sophisticated, and polished corporate babe. She loves the fine things in life, so you will find Zuri in luxurious fabrics and statement accessories. Toni Tones plays Lara, an Oil & Gas executive who is extremely stylish, super chic, and very sexy but very classy as well. Her style is bold, and fashion-forward. She often experiments with bright colours, patterns, and statement pieces, showcasing her creative personality.
Tami, played by Ini Dima-Okojie, is the Lagos baby girl and trust fund baby. Her style is edgy, modern, and avant-garde. She often wears daring outfits, bold hairstyles, and striking makeup looks that reflect her fun, artistic, and confident personality.
Ladun, played by Ebenezer Eno, has a relaxed, effortless, and bohemian-chic style that suits her “rich housewife” status. She favours comfortable, flowy clothing and natural beauty looks that suit her free-spirited and down-to-earth personality. She can never be seen without her statement diamond rock that lets you know she’s married to old money. Last but certainly not least is Adesua, a top but overworked lawyer, who doubles as the group’s mom. Played by Lala Akindoju, Adesuwa’s style is official and “serious.” Spending a lot of time at work means Adesuwa wears a lot of pants and suits, which shows her dedication to her career.
“Wura” 2023
Showmax’s series “Wura” follows the secret life of Wura Amoo-Adeleke (played by Scarlet Gomez), a perfect wife, loving mother, and the ruthless iron lady and Chief Executive of a Goldmine. Her style is a captivating fusion of elegance, and sophistication, with a modern Nigerian flair, showcasing her confident and creative personality. Her signature looks often feature classic silhouettes, vibrant colours, and statement accessories, which add a touch of sophistication to her outfits. Wura also proudly incorporates traditional Nigerian elements, such as Ankara prints, Adire, and Aso Oke, into her wardrobe, highlighting her cultural heritage.
With a keen eye for contemporary trends, she seamlessly blends modern twists, like statement sleeves, distressed denim, and sleek heels, with her traditional inspirations. Her style is unapologetically feminine, and empowering. Through her fashion choices, Wura exudes self-assurance, poise, and a deep connection to her roots, making her style a compelling aspect of her character development throughout the series.
Stills from the Showmax series, “Wura”
“King of Boys: The Return of the King” (2021)
The series “King of Boys: The Return of the King” showcases an exceptional integration of fashion and storytelling, with costumes that reflect the characters’ personalities and enhance the narrative.
Crafted by talented designers like Toyin Lawani and Ikechukwu Urum, the wardrobe choices are meticulously tailored to embody the story’s cultural essence and political themes. Each outfit serves a purpose, from Alhaja Eniola Salami’s opulent abayas that signify her power to the striking red ensemble worn by Governor Randle’s wife, which communicates danger and ambition.
The attention to detail in fabric choices, colour palettes, and styles creates a visual feast that captivates audiences, making fashion a key player in the series’ dramatic impact.
“Blood Sisters” (2022)
Besides its riveting plot, “Blood Sisters” also made waves for its stunning wardrobe. The series features a diverse range of outfits that reflect the characters’ emotional states and social standings. Costume designers Yolanda Okereke and Bibi Lawrence curated looks that range from glamorous evening gowns to edgy streetwear, each carefully selected to resonate with the storyline’s tension and drama.
The fashion in “Blood Sisters” not only highlighted individual character arcs but also serves as a commentary on friendship and betrayal, with vibrant colours and bold designs accentuating pivotal moments in the narrative.
These styles not only reflect the characters’ individuality but also play a significant role in storytelling, often conveying their emotions, aspirations, and growth throughout the series.
