BellaStylistas, BellaNaija is 20 and we’re throwing a gala!
Two decades ago, in a little corner of the internet, Uche Pedro created a happy place called BellaNaija. A few years later, BellaNaija Style was born, giving fashion lovers a home for all things style, beauty and culture. Along the way, the BellaStylista community grew with us, united by a shared love for fashion, Nigerian designers, beauty, red carpet glamour and those unforgettable looks that make you stop scrolling.
Over the years, we’ve covered fashion on the continent, African designers playing in the global space, wedding guest glamour, red carpet moments, fashion weeks, designer drops, movie premieres and everything in between. BellaNaija Style has spent years documenting the people, designers and style moments shaping fashion on the continent.
Now, we’re celebrating 20 years of BellaNaija, and naturally, we’re doing it in style.
The Theme: High Fashion Icon
Think of this as your invitation to go all out. High Fashion Icon is about making a fashion statement. We want interesting silhouettes, unexpected details, striking styling and looks that feel distinctly you, not about simply wearing something expensive or dressing traditionally.
This is your moment to channel your inner fashion icon and arrive looking like you understood the assignment before anyone even explained it.
For the Women
Bring the drama. Think sculptural silhouettes, exaggerated proportions, unexpected layering, dramatic trains, sharp tailoring, statement gowns or an entirely unexpected interpretation of eveningwear.
The goal is to create a look that feels editorial, fashion-forward and impossible to ignore. If you have ever saved a runway look and thought, “I could never wear that,” this might just be the occasion to prove yourself wrong.
For the Men
Gentlemen, this is your cue to move beyond the expected suit. Experiment with tailoring, proportion, texture, colour and unexpected styling. A sharply cut Nigerian designer suit, an exaggerated silhouette, a dramatic coat, a fashion-forward interpretation of traditional menswear or an entirely unexpected combination can all make the statement. Think less standard black-tie and more fashion moment.
Colour, Shape & Texture
Every great fashion moment starts with the details. When putting your look together, consider the three things that can instantly take an outfit from beautiful to unforgettable: colour, shape and texture.
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Play with unexpected colour combinations. Look for interesting silhouettes and proportions. Mix textures that create dimension and movement. Sequins, feathers, sculptural fabrics, embellishment, leather, lace, metallics and unexpected fabric combinations are all fair game.
You don’t necessarily need to wear everything at once. Sometimes, one unforgettable detail is enough.
Put Nigerian Designers on the Map
If there was ever an occasion to wear Nigerian fashion, this is it. BellaNaija has always been passionate about showcasing the best of Africa to the world, and our 20th anniversary is another opportunity to celebrate the incredible designers creating from the continent.
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Consider them all, from established names to emerging talents. Spotlight a Nigerian designer and let their craftsmanship take centre stage. Whether it is a dramatic custom piece, a ready-to-wear look or a Nigerian designer accessory, make the look your own.
What better way to celebrate two decades of BellaNaija than by celebrating the fashion industry we have spent years documenting?
The Beauty Look
Your outfit is only half the story. Take the high fashion brief all the way through your hair, makeup and beauty look. Think glossy skin, dramatic eyes, sculptural hair, statement lips, unexpected colour or a beauty look that complements your outfit without competing with it.
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This is absolutely the time to try something you have been saving to your Pinterest board.
Make a Statement with Accessories
Accessories are where you can really push the look. Oversized earrings, sculptural bags, statement necklaces, dramatic sunglasses, bold cuffs, layered jewellery or an unexpected headpiece. Don’t be afraid to choose pieces that demand attention or play with proportions. The right accessory can take a simple look into high-fashion territory, so consider every detail part of the outfit and let your accessories complete the story.
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The Shoes
Never underestimate the power of the shoe. A statement heel, sculptural pump, dramatic boot, embellished sandal or fashion-forward loafer can completely transform an outfit. Your shoes should feel like part of the story, not an afterthought.
Go All Out
The who’s who of fashion, entertainment, beauty and culture will be in the room, so consider this your permission to have fun with fashion.
We want to see the looks you normally reserve for the moodboards. The dramatic pieces. The Nigerian designers you have been waiting for an excuse to wear. The shoes you bought for the right occasion. The beauty look you have been too scared to try.
BellaNaija is 20. The theme is High Fashion Icon. And BellaStylistas, we expect you to show up accordingly.
Knowledge check
Answer 4 questions and see how you did.