Genevieve Nnaji Reminded Everyone Who’s Actually Been Doing Soft Luxury Since Before It Had a Name
Some women wear wrap dresses. Genevieve Nnaji inhabits them. The elusive screen queen made a rare (and welcome) public appearance at Rita Dominic’s birthday soirée in London—and looked like she’d been plucked from an Issa Rae-directed Nollywood-meets-Bond-Girl crossover in the best possible way. Genevieve arrived in a dark brown maxi wrap dress that quite literally whispered “old money elegance” in every movement. Paired with golden strap heels and the kind of glowing skin that makes you consider deleting your skincare stash and starting over, she didn’t just show up—she set the tone. But the real moment came in the now-viral image of Rita—birthday girl, glam in her own right—perched on Genevieve’s lap. Two Nollywood icons. One frame. No caption needed. Just vibes, velvet energy, and the internet screaming “THIS is what friendship goals actually looks like.” Topping it all off? A glorious halo of afro curls, confirming what we’ve always known: Genevieve Nnaji does not age, she ascends. The whole look channeled regal restraint. No try-hard glitz, no hyper-trendy silhouettes. Just a draped wrap dress and the kind of poise you either have or you don’t. And can we talk about that dress again? The wrap style is one of fashion’s few true shape-shifters—it flatters, it flows, and it’s quietly flirty without ever yelling about it. When Genevieve wears it, though? It transcends trends entirely. It becomes a reminder—that style doesn’t shout. It just walks in, takes its seat, and suddenly everyone else is overdressed and underwhelming.
Niovo’s Rose-Sleeved Dress Is the Bloom Moment You Need
Florals for summer? Groundbreaking. But Niovo’s latest satin drop doesn’t just flirt with the idea—it takes it all the way to full bloom. The standout feature? Rose petals delicately hanging from the sleeves, giving this dress a sculptural, almost storybook softness. Add in the high-gloss satin finish and a bold, citrus-bright colourway, and you’ve got a look that doesn’t whisper summer—it sings it. Enter Njideka and Simisanya, who understood the assignment and ran with it. Styled to perfection, both fashionistas served their own version of bloomcore, adding floral earrings that mirrored the petal sleeves and handbags that matched the energy without competing for attention. One went with strappy block heels, the other leaned into classic pointed pumps—and honestly, both worked like a charm. What’s striking here isn’t just the dress itself (although, let’s be real, it is stunning). It’s the way they styled it: confident, expressive, and layered with subtle nods to seasonal femininity without tipping into cliché. Niovo’s rose-sleeved satin dress isn’t just a pretty moment. It’s the summer dress for anyone ready to own their soft power—petals and all.
Doja Cat Says “L’album est complet”—What We Know So Far
Doja Cat has entered the chat. Again. And this time, it’s French. On July 21, the Say So singer/rapper/internet gremlin dropped the line “L’album est complet” on Twitter (or whatever we’re calling it now). Translation: The album is complete. Emoji of choice? A croissant. Because of course. Naturally, the tweet sent stan Twitter straight into detective mode. Is the French caption a nod to the album’s title? (Vie, which means “life,” because yes, even chaos agents love a soft rebrand.) Is the croissant an Easter egg? A visual metaphor? A gluten-forward cry for help? TBD. What we do know: the vibes are shifting. Hard. Let’s set the scene. It’s the 2025 Oscars. Doja struts in with split-dye blonde and black hair, looking like Grace Jones’ cyberpunk daughter. The tweet goes up. She wipes nearly all past posts from her feed. She changes her location to “my ass.” Her header? Something sultry enough to get banned in three countries. In other words: we’re not in Hot Pink anymore, Toto. And while we’re on the subject: Doja hated her earlier pop era. She called Planet Her and Hot Pink “cash grabs,” told fans they were “duped,” and swore off the pop princess pipeline with a one-way ticket to Somewhere Real. “Now I can go disappear somewhere and touch grass,” she once wrote. “While y’all weep for mediocre pop.” (Iconic.) Her 2023 album Scarlet offered a glimpse of that pivot—artsy, dark, under-promoted, and possibly just a vibe check for what’s to come. But Vie? This one feels different. If Scarlet was her “don’t text me” soft launch, Vie is the “I turned off read receipts and got a stylist who knows the archives” rebrand. Every new photo, every hairstyle, every tweet screams: conceptual era loading. The Grace Jones comparisons? Not a reach. The flat top, the jagged silhouettes, the disdainful side-eyes? All giving OG fashion girl. Honestly, we wouldn’t be shocked if Doja pulled up to her next performance on a horse in full Mugler. No release date. No tracklist. No track titles. Just the cryptic, couture chaos we’ve come to expect. And fans? Already plotting fictional rollouts like it’s their 9–5. Whatever Vie ends up being—experimental jazz-rap? Parisian disco-metal?—we’re here for the drama, the visuals, the trolling, and the probably-great-but-also-deliberately-unmarketable music. Stay tuned for more updates on her new era.
SKIMS Is Now Dressing Volleyball Stars—Because Why Should Basketball Girls Have All the Fun?
SKIMS partners with League One Volleyball (LOVB) as the official provider of underwear, loungewear and sleepwear—blending sport, style, and star power in a bold new collab.
You’ve Got To See How The Stars Served Green & Gold For Seyi Vodi At 50
If you’re going to turn 50 as a Nigerian fashion mogul, best believe the vibes will be immaculate. Seyi Vodi, aka the tailoring kingpin of Vodi Group, just celebrated his big 5-0, and the turnout looked less like a birthday party and more like a fashion-forward version of The Great Gatsby: Lagos Edition. The theme? Luxury. The mood? Stylish opulence meets grown-folk elegance. The guest list? Basically Nollywood meets the business elite meets your fave influencers on their best behavior. Let’s start with Funke Akindele because, well, she understood the assignment. Homegirl showed up in a sculpted gown so dramatic it could’ve hosted its own afterparty—drenched in deep green and glints of gold, with butterfly-esque wings that said, “Yes, I’m the main character… again.” Meanwhile, Ini Edo kept it sleek and sultry in a body-skimming gown with soft green accents, proving once again that minimalism and maximum impact can be friends. And then there’s Kate Henshaw (who just so happens to share the same birthday with the celebrant), floating in with her signature ageless energy and a look that whispered, I’ve been doing this longer than your faves, and I have the cheekbones to prove it. The men didn’t slack either. Uzee Usman gave us classic agbada charm with gold embroidery and a striped green-and-white asooke cap that said, “I have taste and a stylist.” Obi Cubana arrived like a man who understands tradition is the real flex, rocking crisp white agbada and that iconic Igbo red cap that practically deserves its own brand deal. But beyond the clothes (which, let’s be honest, we were all watching), the night was full of warm conversations, quiet toasts, whispered side-chats, and maybe one or two group photos that broke at least three Instagram explore pages. A golden celebration for the man who built an empire on suits, stitching, and signature style. Here’s to Seyi Vodi—still tailored, still timeless, and still turning every guest list into a fashion moment.
Sydney Sweeney Got Jacked, Bruised, and Bloody for Her New Role
Sydney Sweeney has traded lip gloss and lace for blood, bruises, and boxing gloves—and no, this is not an Euphoria plot twist. The actress is starring in Christy, a biopic about the legendary boxer Christy Martin, and it’s easily her most intense, most physically unrecognisable role yet. The “coquette-core” era? Consider it retired. The first images just dropped, and let’s be clear—this isn’t your average “serious role” glow-down. Sydney transformed. Like, “are we sure that’s the same person who seduced Glen Powell while sipping tequila on a boat?” levels of transformed. One fan even said it was giving Charlize Theron in Monster—and honestly, not wrong. In Christy, she plays the trailblazing female boxer who broke into a violently male-dominated sport, got famous fighting on a Tyson undercard (iconic), and survived actual attempted murder by her husband-slash-trainer. It’s not a biopic. It’s a full-body exorcism of Sydney’s rom-com comfort zone. And it already smells like awards bait. Directed by David Michôd, co-written with Mirrah Foulkes, and with Christy Martin herself involved (because authenticity matters when you’ve literally survived everything), the film doesn’t shy away from the mess—addiction, trauma, identity crisis, and violence both in and out of the ring. And Sydney? She’s not playing around. She trained for months. Built muscle. Lost her size 23 waist. Gained thighs that probably fear no man. In her own words to W Magazine: “I didn’t fit in any of my clothes… My boobs got bigger. And my butt got huge. I was like, Oh my god. But it was amazing: I was so strong, like crazy strong.” Forget the glam squads and custom corsets. This time, Sydney’s power is protein shakes and pain. The film premieres at TIFF in September 2025 (yes, start prepping your Oscars predictions), and while the global release date is still TBD, the hype has already laced its gloves and stepped into the ring. If Christy lands the way it’s shaping up to, this could be the role that officially takes Sydney from hot-girl-next-door to “she’s got range” territory. Because behind all the sweat and broken ribs? A story about survival, legacy, and reclaiming power—mess and all.
Kylie Jenner Is the New Face of Miu Miu—And Honestly, It Was Only a Matter of Time
Kylie Jenner stars in Miu Miu’s Fall/Winter 2025 campaign, officially stepping into the luxury fashion spotlight. Here’s why this collab is making serious industry waves.
Andy Sachs Is Back—And ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ Might Just Save Fashion (and Your Inner 2000s Girl)
Somewhere, a cerulean sweater just got its wings. Anne Hathaway has officially stepped back into the stilettos of Andy Sachs, and yes—The Devil Wears Prada 2 is happening. No longer just the fever dream of nostalgic millennials clinging to the last thread of magazine culture, the sequel is very real, very star-studded, and already giving major face (and timeline disruption). Anne dropped the first photo of her return as Andy—captioned “Andy Sachs 2025”—looking like she’s been through therapy, three promotions, and a podcast rebrand. And just like that, the internet imploded. Because if there’s one thing we love, it’s a high-fashion redemption arc with Meryl Streep somewhere in the mix, breathing fire in designer gloves. In case your brain’s still stuck in 2006, a quick recap: Andy was the baby journalist who survived the trenches of Runway magazine (read: she made it through one year under Miranda Priestly without dying or setting the office on fire). She quit in a symbolic Parisian mic drop and allegedly went off to chase “serious” journalism—aka, trade her Chanel boots for a conscience. But now? She’s back. And according to very cheeky sources (and that very teasing still), things have evolved. Miranda’s still clawing for relevance in a publishing world being swallowed whole by influencers, algorithms, and AI-generated trend reports. Meanwhile, Emily (yes, Emily Blunt’s gloriously withering “I’m just one stomach flu away from my goal weight” Emily) is now running the show at a massive fashion conglomerate that, conveniently, controls Runway’s ad revenue. So… power shift? Frienemies? Office catfights with C-suite gloss? We’re in. David Frankel returns to direct. Aline Brosh McKenna is writing again. Basically, the OG power team’s reassembled and ready to give us dialogue we’ll quote for another 20 years—because no, we still don’t know what those lumpy blue sweaters are called. The new cast is also stacked like an It Bag in Q4: Kenneth Branagh (playing Miranda’s husband, which—okay), Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, Pauline Chalamet, and B.J. Novak join the chaos, while theatre darlings Helen J. Shen and Conrad Ricamora add drama we didn’t know we needed. Caleb Hearon will probably make us cry-laugh. Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman are back, because we love some Runway-era loyalty. The film drops May 1, 2026, which gives you just enough time to panic-buy a vintage Prada coat and pretend you’re not going to sob the minute Miranda says something devastating in a whisper. So here’s to Andy Sachs—older, wiser, and probably back on oat milk. May her return be everything we hope for and slightly more unhinged than it needs to be.
Oluwabunmi Bolawa’s Journey as an Entrepreneur: The Challenges and Successes in Building a Fashion Brand
The fashion world has undergone a remarkable transformation in the 21st century, and Africa has played an increasingly central role in shaping that evolution. A continent once overlooked in global fashion circuits is now home to some of the most daring, innovative, and culturally resonant designers of our time. These trailblazers are not only redefining aesthetics but also rewriting the business models of fashion through sustainability, heritage preservation, and authentic storytelling. Among this new generation of bold creators stands Oluwabunmi Bolawa, the visionary entrepreneur and Creative Director behind Nella Stitches, a brand that has steadily risen to become synonymous with elegance, innovation, and purpose. Her entrepreneurial journey is one marked by resilience, originality, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of fashion. The Vision Behind Nella Stitches Founded with a mission to bridge sustainability and cultural storytelling, Nella Stitches was born out of Oluwabunmi’s desire to challenge the norms of fashion both in Nigeria and globally. At the heart of her vision lies a deep-rooted appreciation for African heritage, particularly the rich traditions of the South West region of Nigeria. Her collections feature bold patterns, daring silhouettes, and unique fabric pairings that reflect the dynamic duality of African modernity and ancestral pride. Unlike many fashion entrepreneurs who launch their brands within the comfort of established industry hubs, Oluwabunmi began her journey outside the mainstream, away from the glamour of Lagos Island where fashion titans like Lanre Da Silva Ajayi and Abba Folawiyo dominate. Instead, she started with little more than passion and grit, challenging the idea that creativity must reside within elite circles. Overcoming Structural and Cultural Barriers Breaking into Nigeria’s competitive fashion industry was not easy. The structural challenges were immense, limited access to capital, sourcing sustainable materials locally, and navigating a fragmented supply chain. Additionally, Lagos’s fashion elite often gatekeep opportunities, making it particularly difficult for designers without influential connections to get noticed. Despite these odds, Oluwabunmi refused to be sidelined. She embraced her outsider status as a strength, crafting designs inspired by underrepresented voices and regional aesthetics. She infused South West narratives into her collections, giving voice to communities often left out of the luxury fashion conversation. One of her most powerful decisions was to champion sustainable fashion. With the fashion industry accounting for 8–10% of global carbon emissions (according to the United Nations), Oluwabunmi made a conscious choice to use recycled and repurposed materials. Her approach was not only ethical but also creative, proving that sustainability can elevate design rather than restrict it. Rising Above the Noise As the brand gained visibility, Nella Stitches began appearing in national and international runway shows. Her unique blend of high-fashion techniques and cultural relevance struck a chord with diverse audiences from local fashion enthusiasts to global buyers. Yet, with rising acclaim came new challenges. One persistent issue has been design theft. Like many African designers, Oluwabunmi faced the disheartening reality of having her original designs copied and mass-produced without credit. It’s a battle that many creatives in the Global South continue to fight, where legal protections for intellectual property are weak or poorly enforced. Still, her response was not retreat but reinvention. Oluwabunmi doubled down on her authenticity, further investing in storytelling, transparency, and direct engagement with her audience. Her loyal client base comprised of celebrities, dignitaries, and discerning customers grew not just because of the beauty of her garments but because of the brand’s integrity and purpose. Expansion Beyond Borders In a bold strategic move, Nella Stitches expanded operations and relocated its headquarters to South Africa, positioning the brand at the intersection of African continental influence and global export potential. From this new base, the label now serves clients across Africa, Europe, and North America. The South African fashion scene, known for its progressive industry policies and appreciation for indigenous artistry, has provided fertile ground for Oluwabunmi’s continued growth. Nella Stitches collaborates with local artisans, trains young designers, and participates in global sustainability forums redefining what it means to be a modern African fashion house. Entrepreneurial Success with a Human Touch What sets Oluwabunmi apart is not just her design talent, but her entrepreneurial mindset. She has built a thriving business without compromising her values. Her leadership is hands-on and community-driven. Whether mentoring upcoming designers or advocating for circular fashion systems, Oluwabunmi continues to inspire a new generation of ethical fashion leaders. Her story is proof that entrepreneurship is not only about profit but about purpose. She took adversity, limited resources, industry bias, and environmental crisis and turned them into creative fuel. Nella Stitches is more than a brand; it is a movement that calls for intentional, conscious fashion built on identity, sustainability, and resilience. Looking Ahead The African fashion industry is teeming with potential, but it remains a space with structural inequalities and untapped opportunities. Designers like Oluwabunmi Bolawa are the vanguard of this new wave merging business acumen with cultural intelligence. As her influence continues to grow, Oluwabunmi remains committed to transforming lives through fashion. Her story is not just one of individual success but a powerful reflection of what is possible when vision meets perseverance. We can only expect to see more groundbreaking collections, industry-defining collaborations, and social impact from this exceptional designer in the years to come
Sandra Odige, CEO of La Mode Receives Honorary Doctorate in Media and Communications At Chichester United kingdom!
Sandra Odige, esteemed media entrepreneur, visionary fashion leader, and CEO of La Mode Group UK, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Media and Communications by Myles Leadership University. The prestigious ceremony was held at the historic Chichester Cathedral in West Sussex, United Kingdom on July 19th. This remarkable honor recognizes Odige’s outstanding contributions to media, fashion, communication, and cultural advocacy over the past decade. As the Publisher and Founder of La Mode Magazine and a trailblazer for women in media, Sandra has reshaped the fashion media landscape with bold storytelling, purpose-driven campaigns, and a global platform that champions inclusion, empowerment, and African excellence. From launching La Mode Magazine in 2011 while still in banking, to building La Mode Group UK into an international brand, Sandra Odige has consistently combined creativity, leadership, and vision. Her work in media and communications has not only influenced industry trends but has also empowered underrepresented voices through initiatives like the Green October Event and Disability Inclusion Campaigns. “This recognition is deeply humbling,” said Dr. Sandra Odige during the ceremony. “It reaffirms my lifelong mission to use media as a tool for transformation. I’m grateful for the journey, the challenges, and the global community that continues to support and amplify our message.” The honorary doctorate from Myles Leadership University places Sandra Odige among a select group of leaders recognized for shaping the future of media and communication across borders. About Sandra Odige Sandra Odige is an award-winning media entrepreneur, fashion advocate, and global speaker. She is the Founder and Publisher of La Mode Magazine and the CEO of La Mode Group UK. Her work spans across Africa, the UK, and internationally, empowering thousands through fashion, storytelling, and philanthropy. About Myles Leadership University Myles Leadership University is an independent institution committed to recognizing excellence and leadership in global education, innovation, and service. The university honors individuals who have made significant societal contributions through honorary doctorate recognitions.