I have never been one to tune into music award shows, the Oscars, and the like. There were a few occasions where I watched a few South African award ceremonies and the occasional international show, but they were never really my thing! However, I would always look out for the evening gowns and dresses worn by musicians and public figures. I can recall the times where I would wait for the end of the news broadcast when the anchors would cover the latest entertainment news, especially after an award show, just to see the gowns worn. I always liked the different designs the designers managed to pull off, and the elegance of the attendees when adorning the gowns. Something about the night sky and the glamour of evening dresses appealed so much to me. Fast forward to today, and I am still scrolling the internet after award shows to pick out my favourite gowns. On the 20th of May 2023, the African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) was held in Nigeria, and I was able to get my seasonal dose of designer’s excellence. These were some of my favourite looks!
Nigerian actress, director, and content creator Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi wore a gown by the Erica Moore couture brand. This was one of my favourite gowns because of the fine detail that makes up this gown. A flesh coloured under garment was used as the base for the lace and bead work, particularly the additions of pearls tailored to it. The gown exudes a soft but beautiful look.
The next gown I was gushing over was worn by Nigerian actor Nse Ikpe-Etim designed by Toju Foyeh. Firstly, the gown is in one of my favourite colours and the purple is that strong, dark, colour tone. Secondly, the gown is an open shoulder with fine details on how the yards of material drape to the floor.
The gown is elaborate and in the same breath elegant and was worn well by the actor.
The next gown is more a show of an artistic masterpiece designed by Cary Santiago and worn by Ghanaian media personality and actress Nana Akua Addo. I am not even going to try and comprehend how this was achieved, but the gown is a demonstration of designer talent. Not only that, but the gown also complements Nana Akua and requires no additional accessories or an elaborate hairstyle.
And the final dress, which I believe was one of the showstoppers, was worn by Ini Edo from Lakimmy Couture. The design of the dress was classy and the way Ini wore the gown conveyed both power and elegance.
The amazing thing about the gowns worn at the AMVCA's is that many of them were designed by African couture brands. Gone are the days when couture and elegance were only associated with European brands. Not only was this an evening demonstrating designer's excellence, but the women who wore these gowns did them justice. Here is to the real fairy tale looks we should have been served when we were younger!
akoss.
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