BellaNaija Style: “Glam with a Touch of Culture” Outfit Inspirations for The Future Awards Africa 2017

As people across the continent get set to celebrate the exceptional young talents who have led the charge in diverse spheres of endeavour at The Future Awards Africa 2017, we’re getting excited about the red carpet!

The dress code for tomorrow night is “Glam with a Touch of Culture,” a touch of our Nigerian culture, with so many states, tribes and ethnicities, the style inspirations abound. We’re also excited to see what the award hosts, Mimi Onalaja and Adekunle Gold are going to wear.

For their announcement photo, both hosts surely personified the dress code. TV Presenter Mimi Onalaja wore an elegant black silk dress, with lace sleeve and decolletage details. To complete her look she added a touch of Coral beaded jewellery, popular in Edo State, for culture.

Singer, songwriter and artist, Adekunle Gold spiced up a classic black tie look with major regal culture vibes. He wore a printed tuxedo with an embellished Yoruba traditional men’s hat, our favourite part.

Popular Nigerian fashion designers, Mai Atafo and Lanre Da Silva Ajayi have given us a few hints on what to look forward to at the TFAAfrica 2017 show tomorrow, supported by sketches from Naija Fashionista Illustrations.

Lanre Da Silva Ajayi

One of our favourite womenswear designers, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi suggests the Bini coral beads, the Calabar combs in the hair or an embellished headwrap.

Whoop whoop! It’s that season again for #TheFutureAwardsAfrica and we can’t wait for Saturday 9th December. I know you’ve been buzzing about the IVs but let me tell you about the #StyleCode; #GlamWithTouchOfCulture WATCH #NigeriasNewTribe #AfricasNewTribe What will your touch of culture be? #TFAA17

A post shared by LDA World (@lanredasilvaajayi) on Dec 1, 2017 at 8:19am PST

Mai Atafo

Though this excellent menswear designer isn’t one to work with the Ankara fabric, he suggests adding a touch of print with your tie and pocket square for a touch of culture.

 

Sketches by  Naija Fashionista Illustrations

Here’s some more styling inspiration for you. For the ladies, add some fancy coral beads to a couture dress, a turban or the traditional gele to your evening gown or for the guys, an agbada will work perfectly, maybe even try Ugo Monye‘s rendition of the classic over a suit?

Credits:
Adekunle Gold’s Styling: @papaomisore
Adekunle’s Tuxedo: @kinghakbal
Mimi Onalaja’s Styling: @TheStyle.Concierge
Mimi’s Outfit: Tarik Ediz by @MyLady
Mimi’s Makeup: @Flawlessfacesbyjane
Photography: @aep_photography

For more on African Fashion & Style visit www.bellanaijastyle.com