Who said high fashion was all about the gowns? At the BN20 Grand Red Carpet Experience, the men made a very convincing case for taking a few more risks with menswear. With High Fashion Icon as the dress code, classic suits were given new proportions, colour took centre stage, accessories became part of the outfit rather than an afterthought, and traditional tailoring got a few unexpected updates.
From statement suiting to dramatic outerwear, vintage-inspired styling and playful details, the BN20 red carpet was basically a moodboard for anyone looking to make their next black-tie moment a little more interesting.
Here are some of the menswear lessons we’re taking with us.
Make tailoring less predictable
The traditional suit got several new interpretations at BN20. Think wider trousers, longer jackets, exaggerated collars and unexpected layering.
Uti Nwachukwu‘s teal double-breasted suit, for instance, made a strong case for stepping away from the usual black and navy. The monochromatic approach kept the look polished while the proportions gave it a more fashion-forward feel.
The takeaway? You don’t necessarily need an unusual garment. Sometimes, simply changing the cut and proportions of a familiar one is enough.
Colour is your friend
Black is always going to work, but BN20 reminded us that menswear has a whole colour wheel waiting to be explored.
From Uti’s head-to-toe teal to Kola Omotosho‘s royal blue ensemble and Yemi Cregx‘s blush-toned jacquard jacket, colour was doing some serious work on the carpet.
And you don’t have to go full monochrome. Start with a coloured jacket, an unexpected pair of trousers or even a statement shirt and build from there.
Give your suit a little drama
Denrele Edun was never going to arrive quietly. His yellow floral-embroidered suit, lime-green ruffled collar and feathered mask headpiece showed exactly what happens when you stop treating menswear as something that has to be restrained.
For a more wearable interpretation, the lesson doesn’t have to be “wear a feathered mask.” It can simply be to choose one dramatic element and let it lead the look. A sculptural collar, oversized lapel, embellished jacket or statement coat can completely change a familiar suit.
Accessories can change everything
A great menswear look doesn’t stop at the suit.
At BN20, accessories were very much part of the fashion conversation. Sunglasses, hats, canes, jewellery, brooches and statement headpieces helped turn otherwise familiar silhouettes into complete looks.
Shawn Faqua‘s vintage-inspired pinstripes, fedora, sunglasses and cane, for example, leaned fully into its old-school character.
The lesson is simple: don’t leave your accessories until the last minute. They can be the difference between a nice suit and a memorable look.
Try a little vintage
Speaking of Shawn Faqua, vintage references were another standout menswear direction on the carpet.
The wide-leg trousers, pinstripes, fedora and cane brought a distinctly old-school quality to the look, proving that dressing with a reference point can make an outfit feel more intentional.
You don’t have to recreate a particular decade from head to toe. Take one element you love, whether that’s a wider trouser, a vintage lapel or a classic hat, and work it into a modern outfit.
Jewellery belongs in menswear too
Pearls made an appearance on the carpet, proving once again that jewellery doesn’t have to be reserved for womenswear.
Elozonam paired his grey double-breasted jacket and white trousers with a pearl necklace, while other guests used jewellery and small accessories to add personality to their tailoring.
A pearl necklace, signet ring, brooch, chain or statement watch can instantly make a relatively simple outfit feel more considered.
Don’t underestimate texture
High fashion isn’t always about making the biggest statement in the room. Texture can do just as much.
Velvet, jacquard, embroidery and textured fabrics appeared across the BN20 menswear looks, adding depth even when the silhouettes remained relatively classic.
Folagade Banks‘ black velvet tuxedo jacket with pearl-trimmed lapels was a particularly good example. The overall look stayed refined, but the texture and detailing gave it something extra.
The shirt is optional
Several of the men at BN20 played with the traditional relationship between a suit and shirt, whether through open necklines, layering or simply leaving the shirt out altogether.
Elozonam’s double-breasted jacket worn without a traditional shirt underneath gave the classic suit a much more contemporary feel.
For your next event, consider swapping the expected dress shirt for a fine-knit top, a vest, a bare chest or an interesting neckline, depending on the dress code.
Let the silhouette do the talking
OC Ukeje‘s directional black look was a reminder that high fashion doesn’t always require colour, sparkle or embellishment. The elongated proportions and layered silhouette created the drama.
That’s a useful lesson for anyone who prefers understated dressing. You can keep your colour palette simple and still make a statement by experimenting with
Basically, men can have fun with fashion too
If the BN20 Grand Red Carpet Experience taught us anything, it’s that menswear doesn’t have to stay inside the same old box.
You can wear the suit, but change the proportions. You can wear black, but play with texture. You can keep the outfit simple, but add one unforgettable accessory. Or you can simply go all out and embrace the drama.
Because when the dress code says High Fashion Icon, playing it safe is really only one option. And the men at BN20 gave us plenty of reasons to try something else.
Photo Credit: @insignia