AMVCA 2023: Best and Worst Looks

We’re back again with another fashion review, this time, of our very own Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, the AMVCAs. After our MET Gala review, a lot of readers got very hot and bothered about the ratings, so here’s a disclaimer, for extra measure. These are *our* thoughts and opinions, and they are not gospel, you’re allowed to feel differently. We like what we like and we don’t like what we do not like. So, if you feel yourself catching feelings, ask yourself, why? 

Overall, there were many great looks. Nigerian women do not play and are dressed to the nines for even the most trivial event, talk less the AMVCAs. There were some… questionable outfit choices, many looks were pedestrian and some were awful in a bid to be different. 

Here’s our list of the most memorable looks of the night in our books; our favourite, least favourite looks and honourable mentions.

Our Favourites (in no particular order)

Sharon Ooja

Sharon looked ethereal and angelic in her all white look. Her dress is almost reminiscent of Tems’ show stopping Grammy’s look but with a spin that’s uniquely her. No notes. 

Tacha

Tacha looked stunning and she was fully aware, as she should be. Whether the dress is $20k stunning is for you to decide. In our opinion, though that price is steep, to say the least, the slay is undeniable. 

Osas Ighodaro

Osas can wear a paper bag and still look amazing, yet, she took several steps further and blessed us with her beauty in her lovely dress that fit like second skin and complimented her flawlessly. The beading? The colour? The train? We’re in love.

Ini Edo

Ini Edo is nobody’s mate and she did well to show us yet again. Her dress is undoubtedly one of the most unique and beautiful looks of the event. Concept, fabric and execution? 10/10.

Kiekie

Kiekie looked beautiful and her dress was definitely one of the more memorable ones of the night, in a good way. Something about it just appeals to the senses. A lovely colour combination, a gorgeous dress and accessories to compliment, elevate and tie it all together. 

Venita Akpofure

Venita’s make up was enough to put her on this list. The dark lip and platinum blonde hair took her outfit to another level. She was a pleasure to look at. 

Honourable Mentions

Priscy

Priscy is quickly solidifying her position as a fashion girl. She does not miss and this look is no exception. We can’t help but wonder if Kim Kardashian’s MET gala dress was the inspiration. Overall, very well done.

Nse Ikpe-Etim

Nse looked regal in her plum dress. Her hair and the red tones in her makeup complimented her gorgeous dress and she reminded us (not like we forgot) that she truly is mother. 

Toke Makinwa

Toke looks like a princess and we’re living for the skirt of her dress. The pleats are a lovely addition; a ball gown done right.

Nini Singh

Nini looks nothing short of breathtaking. Her dress and compliments her well and accentuates her already radiant beauty. A fine girl truly, and a very fine dress to match.

Least Favourite Looks (in no particular order)

Mercy Eke

What is going on? A lot. The sleeves, the neck piece, the edges on the forehead and the headgear are battling for our attention and as one twitter user succinctly put it, the gloves make us think of bath gloves. A rare miss for Mercy. 

Iyabo Ojo

Tiannah, you will pay for your crimes (against fashion). Iyabo Ojo looks great in everything and that’s what rescued this dress situation. It’s fowl really. Some might disagree and see the vision, we don’t. We can only hope no chickens were harmed in the making of this dress. 

Tiannah

Tiannah took “you are what you wear” to another level. Tape measures, scissors in hair; screams fashion designer, so points for that. Tiannah is a bundle of novel, interesting ideas. However, looking at them, sometimes, we can’t help but wonder exactly what was going through her mind when she thought of and then made them.

Tolani Baj

Tolani Baj is the queen of blue house, “go girl give us nothing” exemplified. Maybe it was a rented dress? Anyway, her outfit could and should have been better.

Ifu Ennada

We don’t mean to pile on, but no, look at this. She looks like she’s wearing tyres stacked with a garbage bag wrapped over them. What was the inspiration? Was it in protest of street mobs and tyre lynchings? Was there a symbolism to it, or was Tiannah just fucking with us, per usual? I think it’s the latter. This is, simply put, an unbelievable look in that we can not believe it was made and then worn to the event.

Nana Akua Addo

The dress looks 3D printed and the glasses left us confused. We respect the out-of-the-box attempt though; alien sungbastar. 

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Unfortunately, the men of the AMVCAs did not give what needed to be given. There were some trials (and errors) to deviate from the regular suits and trad attires, so E for effort across the board, but maybe next time idea can meet execution better? Let’s try guys, you can do it. 

A lot of the looks were similar. Same silhouettes, same fabrics and styles; owambe-core almost. The problem is that Nigerian women have set the standard so high with their looks for weddings and other such celebrations that it’ll take a lot to beat that even when the occasion calls for it. We look forward to seeing more innovative designs (done right) next year.