The 2017 edition of Africa’s biggest youth event, The Future Awards is upon us.
This year, organisers of the award show are paying homage to young Nigerians who have thrived in their chosen métiers, the prevailing socio-political setbacks, nonetheless.
Unlike most regular red carpet events, The Future Awards Africa draws its guests from pace setters and active participants in the public sphere. This group includes some of the biggest players in Nigeria’s fashion space and other individuals who may not necessarily be inclined to fashion.
The Future Awards Africa 2017 has been themed, Nigeria’s New Tribe and in light of this, The September Standard is partnering with The Future Project to provide guests with an event fashion guide.
The intersection of youth, ‘Nigerianness’, high fashion and individuality can be a bit convoluted, especially when the task at hand is translating all these unique variables into one fashion piece. With these original illustrations, we attempt to help you make conscious styling decisions as you prepare to attend The Future Awards Africa.
For the man who wants to stick with contemporary fashion, this look features a print blazer worn a white shirt, skinny tie and black trousers, but the theme comes to play when he accesorises with a traditional hat from Western Nigeria.
This look is for the daring woman who isn’t afraid to bare all. There’s a lot of shimmery and glittery features but we love how the look incorporates bows, peplum, fringe and ruffle. If nothing else, the avant garde headtie is sure to draw plenty of attention.
There is agbada and there is pace-setting agbada. This look is sure to get everyone talking days and weeks after the event.
Go all out and work drama with this ball dress and its head-turning, plunging neckline. Cinched at the waist with the same fabric as the headtie, this look is well thought-out and we dare say, utterly Nigerian.
This is your black tie event look, only that it comes with a touch of Naija.
This is for the woman who wants to steal the show without necessarily showing any skin. The look features a heavily ruffled bottom and train, flute sleeves, and off-shoulder and side-swept hairdo. The look does not require heavy accessorising as the dress shines through without help.
Can you ever go wrong in lace? We do not think so. We particularly love the feathered, glittery turban that perfects this look.
All illustrations by: @naijafashionista_illustrations