FOUNDINFASHION

The 2025 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards was the 11th edition. And I attended for the first time. I would have passed it up again this time. Until, I remembered that I now write this blog. And I need to build an audience for it. So, where else would I rather be then? Right at the epicenter of the African movie industry extravaganza. Essentially, the Oscars of Nollywood.

Hence, the scramble for a ticket to cover the glam moments. I tried to secure a press pass for full access, hoping to catch every angle of the red carpet and have some conversations. But that’s not how this works newbie.

Anyway, at the last-minute one VIP ticket landed in my lap. This meant I had to actually dress up. This evening where people come out looking like they just stepped out of a glossy editorial? Phew! Yes, I had that familiar style anxiety. Being an advocate of slow fashion and sustainability, I didn’t want to be the guy in the photos that has people asking, “Why did he bother?” But, in the wise words of Mr. Tim Gunn, I managed to “make it work”.

First impressions… in my opinion, it was an electric and celebratory atmosphere. The anticipation of what was to come felt palpable. Nonetheless, I thought the organization felt chaotic. For a live telecast, things didn’t quite flow in a curated and rehearsed way. Majorly, teleprompter mishaps and awkward stage movements. I still don’t get the idea of a ‘parrot’ caricature on the stage. It was uncontrolled. At one point, it made an awkward squealing sound. This happened when an award recipient talked about losing a crew member last year. Huh?!  Then the host spoke about this being ‘Oscar standard’… now, that was a stretch, to say the least.

But let’s focus on the real issue – the fashion.

I had a pretty decent vantage point. I was a few seats behind some movie heavyweights like Femi Adebayo and Tobi Bakare. I got a good look at many outfits. And here’s where my frustration lies: a lot of the menswear leaned more toward costume than couture. More performative than propriety.

First off, cool points to the gentlemen who matched the three elements I predicted would feature on the night. Artisanal, Leather and Monochrome looks. Have a look on Instagram.

I get the whole gender-bending, experimental vibe. I truly do. But when did menswear become all about bedazzled blazers and wildly embellished suits? It was as if subtlety had been banished and locked up.

There were jackets with more beads than a Mardi Gras float. Some with lapels stuffed with more appliqués than a craft store shelf. At some point, I thought to myself – are we witnessing the birth of the ‘haute couturization’ of men’s red carpet style?

Another trend I can’t quite wrap my head around is the bare-chest-under-jacket one. I understand some guys want to lean into their inner rockstar. But this is a major awards show, not a beach party. The look always ends up like unfinished dressing than a style statement.

Don’t get me started on the guys who paired sneakers (running shoes!) with their suits. That level of confusion I can’t understand.

I’m all for pushing the envelope, but sometimes let the envelope be sealed and returned to sender. What happened to the art of a simple suit? A beautifully cut tuxedo celebrates the skill of the tailor and the dignity of the wearer. Why must every jacket now be a bedazzled statement piece, seemingly crafted to outshine other peacocks?

Finally, the wastefulness is worth considering. These pieces, overdesigned to the point of parody, will likely never be worn again. Destined to collect dust somewhere. Sigh.

Dear designers, classic cuts endure. They stay timeless, wearable, and most importantly, respectful of the craft. Let’s consider the legacy we want to leave. It’s okay to go bold, but don’t forget that true style has always been about more than just shock value.