BEST
KEHINDE BANKOLE
The actress was certainly the belle of the ball in this opulent gown. Capturing the drama of the era's court looks with print and fabrics that can be seen in the colour blocking done with Yoruba garb, this outfit is a reminder that sticking to a theme won't ruin your brand. It elevates it.
Court gowns during the Regency era were gigantic gowns that made women look like cakes on legs, so a bit of pomp and humour should be expected. Much like in the Bridgerton series, Bankole takes liberties with the fun side of the trend seen in bold sleeves, plumage and lace. She's all wrapped up in bows that create a distinct silhouette that doesn't take away from the theme. Not only does it capture the standard set in her previous glam looks, but it also displays her versatility on a red carpet.
It seems Nigeria has a new fashion icon on the rise.
EMMANUEL TAYMESAN
Rather than get stuck in the past, the actor went for a look that removes the more ridiculous elements of Regency upper-class men. What we get is a futuristic approach that celebrates sleek tailoring, seen in the off-the-shoulder jacket, and flair from his walking stick to an eye-catching ascot.
DIDINTLE KHUNOU
The thing about Regency-era fashion is that it was something of a joke to those who appreciated receding trends, specially after women started wearing undergarments that were popular with men. Though it was associated with women who had little social standing, drawers were eventually a staple in Queen Charlotte's wardrobe and would peep through their floor-length skirts. In what should be a trainwreck of an outfit, Khunou's House of Ayi outfit becomes more than a Regent boudoir reimagining but a cornucopia of the many trends that defined the era.
From cover-ups to hoop skirts, the look is a fun foray into a long-gone period, though it could have been a winner had they gone for a romantic shade of pink rather than blush tones.
PRISCY OJO
Like many trends, those that defined Regency clothing kept changing and morphing throughout the time it was in vogue. Capturing the tail end of its dramatic evolution was actress Ojo. Looking to a bridal designer (clever move), Ojo's gown goes further with the widening neckline of the time and goes a step further with the extra-long green train that matches the minty tones of her gown.
WORST
THULA SINDI
Sure, accuracy is great but what's the point if tailoring is lacking. Sindi's look resembles the early draft of an underdressed steampunk anime villain. With many male attendees opting for natural hairstyles or hats, was it too much to assume he would embrace African-inspired wigs instead? Specially if he is attending a party for a series that reignited natural hair trends.
OSAS IGHODARO
Welcome to the Moulin Rouge. Not only is she off theme, Ighodaro's outfit feels gauche with the unnecessary floral embellishments that don't do a single thing for the waistline she clearly wanted to prioritise over accuracy. The hemline of Regency era busts could have helped bring in this design element if she really wanted it included.
THANDO THABETHE
Half the outfit is committed to the theme. The other half has the curse many local designs have: unnecessary beading, distracting sculptural elements and corsetry. Much like this outfit by Thabethe, they create eyesores that hold back designers and stars from creating better conversations about local fashion talents.
SNIKIWE MHLONGO
This outfit is incredibly ambitious but falls flat when it comes to execution. Perhaps a designer disappointed Mhlongo and didn't deliver the dress on time and had to rush the finished product? Designers can often disappoint, and maybe this was her last resort at the 11th hour. Perhaps something more modular or an illusion pant/dress would have helped make this something to be in awe off rather than detest.
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