Every time a Nigerian celebrity steps onto a red carpet and leaves us gasping for air, just know someone worked overtime behind the scenes. Behind that flawless look is a stylist who knows their fabrics, understands body types, reads trends like tea leaves, and isn’t afraid to push boundaries.
These stylists are more than just fashion lovers, they’re image shapers, confidence boosters, and walking Pinterest boards. From daring looks to elegant classics, here are the style geniuses responsible for some of your favourite celebrity slays.
1. Swanky Jerry — The King of Drama
Real name: Jeremiah Ogbodo
Clients: Ini Edo, Timini, Timaya, Toke Makinwa, Mercy Eke, Dbanj
Swanky Jerry isn’t just a stylist, he’s a full-on fashion movement. Known for his bold choices, fearless aesthetic, and dramatic flair, Swanky has become the go-to for celebs who want to shut down the red carpet. Whether it’s sculpted gowns, gilded tuxedos, or regal traditional wear, he delivers high-fashion with a distinctly Nigerian edge. He rose to international recognition after starring in Young, Famous & African on Netflix, and his client list reads like a who’s who of Nigerian celebrity royalty.
2. Medlin Boss — The Queen of Sophistication
Real name: Mimi Yina
Clients: Iyabo Ojo, Funke Akindele, Nancy Isime, Warri Pikin, Annie Idibia, Ini Edo, BBNaija stars
Medlin Boss is the epitome of elevated glam. With a preference for elegant silhouettes, sharp tailoring, and flattering details, her styling is always red carpet–ready without ever doing too much.
She has a consistent record of dressing celebrities in ways that match their personality while enhancing their poise. From the AMVCA to Nollywood premieres, Medlin is a name that constantly pops up in best-dressed lists.
3. Veekee James — The Viral Slay Queen
Full name: Victoria James
Clients: Osas Ighodaro, Mercy Aigbe, Toke Makinwa, Chioma Goodhair, Queen Mercy Atang, Nons Miraj
Veekee James is the woman behind some of the most talked-about red carpet moments in recent memory.
A designer and stylist, she crafts dramatic gowns with precision, blending sheer illusion, glittering fabric, and couture-level structure.
Her work with Osas Ighodaro at multiple AMVCAs broke the internet, with fans and fashion insiders alike praising the fit, confidence, and flawless finishing.
Veekee’s pieces often trend on social media for days, not just for how they look, but for how they move — flowing, sculpted, and impossible to ignore.
4. Tiannah Styling — The Bold and Unapologetic
Real name: Toyin Lawani
Clients: Erica Nlewedim, Denrele Edun, Queen Mercy Atang, Eniola Ajao, Zubby Michael, Iyabo Ojo, Pretty Mike
Tiannah Styling is not for the faint-hearted. Known for her avant-garde pieces and fearless experimentation, Toyin Lawani is a creative powerhouse. Her looks are sometimes controversial, always dramatic, and never boring.
She transforms the red carpet into a runway, often styling herself and clients with themes that go beyond clothing. She tells cultural, political, and social stories through fashion.
From wedding dresses made of newspaper to warrior-themed outfits, Tiannah makes sure the red carpet becomes her stage.
5. Yolanda Okereke — The Silent Power Player
Clients: Adesua Etomi, Beverly Naya, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Tomike Adeoye
Yolanda isn’t loud, but her work speaks volumes. She is the definition of understated power.
With a background in costume design for Nollywood films (Something About the Briggs, The Wedding Party, King of Boys), she brings cinematic elegance to real-world red carpets. Her styling balances simplicity with statement, letting the wearer shine.
She works frequently with stars like Adesua Etomi and Beverly Naya, dressing them in timeless pieces that are always event-appropriate and perfectly tailored.
6. Emmanuel Goodnews — The Creative Powerhouse
Clients: Priscilla Ojo, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Michelle Aigbe, Badboy Timz, Susan Pwajok
Emmanuel Goodnews is one of the freshest forces in Nigerian fashion. Emerging during the pandemic era, his fashion house quickly gained recognition for blending street style with red carpet couture.
He’s behind Priscilla Ojo’s viral Bridgerton-themed birthday look, and his creative eye earned him features in Vogue, GQ, and Glamsquad Magazine.
His styling often explores storytelling through clothing — historical themes, high drama, or Afro-futurism — with clients who don’t mind a little edge.
7. Dahmola — The Culture-Driven Stylist
Clients: Sharon Ooja, Toke Makinwa, Bonang Matheba, Beauty Tukura, Hilda Baci
Dahmola is a rising name in fashion who often co-creates magic with Emmanuel Goodnews. Known for structured, clean lines and an ability to mix luxury with cultural depth, Dahmola styled Sharon Ooja for her internet-breaking wedding series and dressed Toke Makinwa for multiple BBNaija red carpet moments.
His looks strike a perfect balance between soft glam and authoritative elegance.
8. Tolu Bally (2207byTbally) — The Couture Innovator
Clients: Erica Nlewedim, Nengi, Maria Chike, Liquorose
Tolu Bally brings couture to the red carpet with her brand, 2207byTbally. Her aesthetic screams opulence, cinched waists, dramatic sleeves, flowing capes, and plenty of shine.
She works mainly with reality stars and influencers, transforming them into red carpet sirens with every stitch.
Her outfits don’t just dress the body, they announce presence.
9. P. Aries — The Gen-Z Trendsetter
Clients: Prudent Gabriel, Peterson Okopi, Chinonso Arubayi, Uzor Arukwe, Destiny Etiko
P. Aries is one of the fastest-rising menswear stylists in the Nigerian fashion scene. Known for his ability to elevate simplicity into statement, he blends traditional elements with sharp tailoring to create unforgettable red carpet and ceremonial looks. He has a flair for coordinating culturally rich outfits for couples and bringing poise to every detail, from accessories to finishings.
He styled gospel singer Peterson Okopi for his 2024 wedding to Prudent Gabriel, including their elegant pre-wedding looks, and his portfolio also includes stars like Destiny Etiko, Uzor Arukwe, and Chinonso Arubayi.
With his keen eye for structure and flair, P. Aries is proving that men’s styling can be just as headline-worthy as women’s fashion, when done right.
10. Dunsin Wright — The Met Gala Moment-Maker
Clients: Tems
Dunsin Wright is the quiet force behind some of Tems’ most iconic looks, including the head-turning Robert Wun ensemble worn to the 2023 Met Gala. That moment made history, not just for Tems, but for Nigerian fashion. Dunsin’s vision goes beyond glamour; it’s rooted in cultural storytelling, identity, and poise.
She’s not the loudest stylist, but her work speaks volumes. It’s elegant, intentional, and globally relevant. As Tems rises as an international star, Dunsin ensures she’s always dressed to match the level.
Conclusion
Red carpet fashion in Nigeria is no longer an afterthought. It’s a battleground of creativity, personality, and cultural influence. And behind every moment that leaves us stunned, there’s a stylist who imagined it first.
These stylists don’t just put clothes together; they create art, frame legacies, and shape how the world sees Nigerian stars. They’re not just behind the scenes, they’re behind the transformation.
So next time your timeline erupts with “Who styled her?!”, now you know exactly where the magic comes from.
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