THISDAY STYLE MAGAZINE 4TH JANUARY 2026 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

...NOTSunday, IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN NOT IN STYLE January 4, 2026 Vol.YOU’RE 22, No. 11191 TR

UT H

& RE A S O

SUNDAY, JANUARY 4 2026

ONALAJA

ODIO MIMONET

BANKE KUKU

THE LOOK OF

2026

EMMY KASBIT

HERTUNBA

LANRE DA SILVA

LISA FOLAWIYO

EYO FESTIVAL RETURNS IN STYLE

spend seamlessly, at home or abroad Your Access Bank Black Card automatically bills local transactions in Naira and international purchases in US Dollars - ensuring smooth, uninterrupted payments wherever you go.

Sunday, January 4, 2026 Vol. 22, No. 11191

CONTENT

COVER NOTE

EDITOR’S LETTER

By Funke Babs-Kufeji

Build a Fashion Base That Reflects Your Real Life

ashion enters 2026 with a shift that feels less like a trend cycle and more like a cultural correction. After years defined by hyper-visible aesthetics — trends created for the algorithm, outfits designed to perform rather than to be lived in — there is a quiet recalibration happening. People want clothes that make sense again. Pieces that work beyond a single post or a fleeting moment of virality. Style is returning to the realm of the thoughtful. The Look of 2026 is shaped by this collective exhale. It embraces clarity over chaos, intention over impulse, and refinement over noise. The year doesn’t reject creativity; it simply channels it differently. Expression becomes subtle, grounded, and deeply personal.

Your New Year Style Playbook

EYO Festival 2025 Returns In Grand Style, Honours Lagos Icons

The Ajayi And Onadele Families Host Elegant Traditional Wedding Ceremony in Lagos

At the Installation Ceremony of Alabo Samuel Biokpo Diminas Jack

Financial Reset in 2026: Small Changes That Actually Help

S yle EXECUTIVE EDITOR KONYE NWABOGOR 08111847087

DEPUTY EXECUTIVE EDITOR OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI 08111847086

Start the New Year Without the Pressure of Unrealistic Resolutions

CONTRIBUTORS AYO LAWAL ALIYAH OLOWOLAYEMO

How Men Will Dress in 2026

DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196

Most wardrobe problems come from buying for an imaginary lifestyle. Style works best when your clothes reflect how you actually live. Focus on well-fitted basics, relaxed tailoring, easy dresses, matching sets, and shoes you can walk in comfortably. Add one or two statement pieces that feel like you, not trends you are trying to keep up with.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Lifestyle & Fashion

YOUR NEW YEAR STYLE PLAYBOOK

@thisdaystyle |

The Year of Ease

ne thing I promised myself this year is simple: I’m not entering January with pressure. No dramatic resolutions. No long lists pretending I’m suddenly a different person. Just ease — absolute ease — and intention. Because if we’re honest with ourselves, 2025 was a lot. It stretched people in ways they didn’t talk about. Many were just surviving quietly. So please, before you pressure yourself into becoming a “new you” by the second week of the year, breathe. You don’t need to overhaul your entire life to prove you’re ready for 2026. What you need — what most of us need — is gentler living. Softer expectations. More honesty with ourselves. This year, let’s choose ease on purpose. Ease in how we think. Ease in how we show up. Ease in how we dress. Ease in how we relate with others. Ease in how we rest, how we work, how we hope. Ease doesn’t mean doing less — it means doing what makes sense for you. It means showing up in ways that don’t drain you. It means leaving space to breathe, to feel, to reset. It means giving yourself permission to move at your own pace — not the internet’s. And while we’re choosing ease, let’s remember kindness too. People are carrying things you may never see. Last year humbled a lot of people silently. So if there’s anything worth committing to this year, let it be this: be kind. Life is hard enough; nobody needs extra pressure from you. Kindness is not weakness. It’s awareness. It’s choosing softness in a country that forces you to be hard. It’s understanding that, as Nigerians, we truly are all we’ve got, and to be honest, the way things are right now, we need each other more than ever. Support people. Look out for them. Share information. Encourage someone. Give grace where you can. Everybody is just trying to find their footing, even the people who look like they’re gliding through life. And because ease also reflects in how we show up, let’s talk fashion — just briefly. Our cover story, “The Look of 2026,” captures the mood perfectly. This isn’t the year of stress dressing. It’s not about chasing trends you can’t keep up with. It’s about clothes that feel good, pieces that simplify your life, style that carries the same quiet confidence we’re all aiming for. Softer lines. Smarter choices. Looks that work with your life, not against it. As we step into this new year together, I hope you don’t feel rushed. I hope you choose intention over pressure, kindness over hardness, community over isolation, and ease — in whatever form it shows up for you. Here’s to a year that doesn’t suffocate you. A year that lets you breathe.A year that moves with you, not against you.A year that gently expands you. Welcome to 2026.

Love ,

@thisdaystyleon | www.thisdaystyle.ng

Fit Is Non-Negotiable A simple outfit that fits properly will always look more polished than something expensive that does not. Pay attention to where clothes sit on your shoulders, waist, and hem. Small tailoring adjustments can transform pieces you already own and immediately elevate your look. Fit is one of the most effective ways to look puttogether without buying anything new.

The new year often comes with the urge to reset how we show up. Not to reinvent ourselves overnight, but to make everyday life feel a little more intentional. Style is rarely about chasing trends or dramatically changing your look. It is about building small, reliable choices that support how you actually live. When fashion, beauty, and routine work together, getting ready becomes simpler, faster, and far less stressful. This playbook is not about inspiration or aspiration. It is about systems—the kind that work on ordinary days, not just special ones.

Create Personal Style Systems

Looking consistently put-together has more to do with organisation than inspiration. Identify two or three outfit formulas that always work for you. It could be tailored trousers with a fitted top, an easy dress with bold earrings, or jeans paired with a sharp blazer. Stick to a narrow colour range so most things in your wardrobe work together naturally. Repeat outfits without guilt. Consistency, not novelty, is what creates personal style.

Keep Beauty Simple and Functional

OSAS IGHODARO

go a long way. Choose products that last in heat, wear well through long days, and are easy to apply. When your routine is realistic, you are more likely to stick to it.

Master Getting Ready Without Stress

One of the most underrated style skills is speed. Knowing your goto outfits, makeup looks, IFY OKOYE and hairstyles saves time and mental energy. Keep a short list of combinations you trust — looks you have worn before and liked. When getting ready is efficient, you start the day calmer and more settled. That ease shows before you even step out.

Edit More Than You Buy

A crowded wardrobe makes dressing harder. Instead of constantly shopping, focus on editing. Remove items that no longer fit, feel dated, or make getting dressed more confusing. Fewer options create clearer choices. Style often improves when you subtract.

Dress With Awareness

Style is also about understanding context. Consider where you are going, who you will be around, and the tone of the setting. This is not about shrinking yourself, but about aligning your look with the moment. When your outfit fits the room, you move through it more comfortably and with less KIKI OSIBANJO self-consciousness.

Let Familiarity Do the Work

Instead of chasing confidence, aim for Your beauty routine familiarity. Know which should support your day, outfits you feel good in, not complicate it. Focus which shoes you can on what works reliably walk in, and which beauty rather than what looks routines last. Familiarity impressive online. A removes uncertainty. Style consistent skincare routine, does not need to transform a dependable base, wellyou. It needs to support groomed brows, and one you — quietly, consistently, or two signature touches and without effort. LOLA OGUNNAIKE

Sunday, January 4, 2026 Vol. 22, No. 11191

EYO FESTIVAL 2025 RETURNS IN GRAND STYLE, HONOURS LAGOS ICONS

fter an eight-year hiatus, the legendary Eyo Festival—also known as the Adamu Orisha Play—made a dazzling return to the streets of Lagos, celebrating the theme “Preserving Heritage, Celebrating Identity.” The 2025 edition paid powerful tribute to four iconic figures whose legacies continue to shape the city’s cultural and political landscape: Brigadier General Mobolaji Johnson, Lagos State’s first Military Governor; Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the visionary civilian Governor; Sir Michael Otedola, renowned industrialist and former Governor; and Alhaji Abibatu Mogaji, revered Iyaloja and mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. EYO MASQUERADES In a stunning display of pageantry, tradition, and pride, Lagos came alive with music, masked dancers, chants, and waves of white-clad masqueraders. The five leading Eyo groups—Adimu, Okolaba, Oniko, Ologede, and Agere—took centre stage in a majestic procession through the city, thrilling spectators with their regal choreography. Speaking at the event, the Governor of Lagos State, H E Babajide Sanwo Olu described the festival as a vibrant symbol of Lagos’ cultural heritage and a key driver of cultural tourism. With its colourful homage to the past and its eye on the future, Eyo 2025 was not just a celebration—it was a powerful cultural moment.

EYO MASQUERADES

BABAJIDE SANWO OLU , OLUSEGUN OSOBA AND PRESIDENT TINUBU

OBA RILWAN AKIOLU AND SEYI TINUBU

OLUMUYIWA SOSANYA

L-R; MURITALA SERIKI, GANIYU SOLOMON, HABEEB FASHINRO, SANWO-OLU AND FEMI PEDRO

ABIMBOLA SALU HUNDEYIN

GBENGA OMOTOSO

PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU

H E OBAFEMI HAMZAT

L-R; OLAYINKA OLADUNJOYE, ADEREMI ADEBOWALE AND UMAR MARSHALL

SEGUN ONIRU

FAROOQ OREAGBA

IBIJOKE SANWO - OLU

LARA OYEKAN- OLUMEGBON

BABATUNDE FASHOLA

ERELU ABIOLA DOSUNMU

FOLA ADEOLA

TAYO AYINDE

TOKE BENSON AWOYINKA AND OLAJUMOKE OKOYA THOMAS

Sunday, January 4, 2026 Vol. 22, No. 11191

THE AJAYI AND ONADELE FAMILIES HOST ELEGANT TRADITIONAL WEDDING CEREMONY IN LAGOS

igh society gathered in style on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, as the families of the late Dr Tosin Ajayi and Mrs Helen Prest Ajayi, alongside Mr. Bola Onadele. Koko and Mrs Fadekemi Onadele hosted the traditional wedding ceremony of their children, Oluwatomisin Ajayi and J’Oluwase Onadele. The ceremony took place at Harbour Point, Wilmot Point Road, Victoria Island, and was a celebration of love, culture, and family heritage. Guests arrived dressed in elegant shades of blue, the official colour of the day, adding to the refined and festive atmosphere of the event. The venue was filled with prominent figures from business, society, and social circles, reflecting the families’ standing and the significance of the union. Traditional rites were performed with grace and reverence, blending cultural symbolism with contemporary elegance. The well-attended event stood out as one of the season’s most notable society weddings, leaving attendees with lasting memories of a beautifully executed traditional celebration.

KONYE NWABOGOR AND LATASHA NGWUBE

ASUE IGHODALO AND OLOWOLAFE

THE COUPLE, OLUWASE AND OLUWATOMISIN ONADELE

THE GROOM PAIRENTS MR. AND MRS. BOLA ONADELE (KOKO)

DONALD AND ONARI DUKE

OTUNBA OLADELE AND KEMI BANKOLE-BALOGUN

AYODELE SUBAIR MOTHER OF THE BRIDE, HELEN PREST AJAYI

MR. AND MRS OROTOPE PAUL

MR. AND MRS. SONY IRABOR

MR.AND MRS. LOLU AKINWUNMI

JOKE BAKARE AND BUNMI BABALOLA

TAYO AYENI

OLU OKEOWO

BIMBO ASHIRU

MR. AND MRS. ATEDO PETERSIDE

ELLA PREST

SOKI GRANHAM-DOUGLAS

ABENE JOI NWANUEL

AMINAT MOHAMMED, AISHA MOHAMMED AND ZAINAB MOHAMMED

KOLA ABIOLA

KATBLEEN AND GILBERT TEMISAN GRANT

DAVID PREST AND TIFFANY-ANNABELLE DAVIES

MR AND MRS USMAN MOHAMMED

NIMI AKINKUGBE AND IBIAL ANI

ELISHAMA IDEH AND MAUREEN ONIGBANJO

AZEEZ AND ADEJOKE OGEDENGBE

CASH ONADELE AND TOYIN ADEBOLA -ONADELE

EYIMOFE ATAKE AND LANRE OGUNLESI

JAMES IBORI AND DAPO ABIODUN

L-R; IFE RICKTTS, FUNMI PHILLIPS AND FUNSHO O

L-R; MONIQUE TIENABESO, CAROL COOKEY AND WINIHIN JEMIDE

L-R; EGO BOYO, BIOLA OTUFALEI AND EKUA AKINSANYA

L-R; YINKA OREDOLA, BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA AND JOKE BAKARE

Sunday, January 4, 2026 Vol. 22, No. 11191

AT THE INSTALLATION CEREMONY OF ALABO SAMUEL BIOKPO DIMINAS JACK

Sunday, January 4, 2026 Vol. 22, No. 11191

KING DISRAEL GBOGBO BOB-MANUEL

AMBIYE M. GEORGEWILL

DUMO LULU-BRIGGS

IBITIMI BOB-MANUEL

TAMMY WENIKE DANAGOGO JACK

S. GABRIEL-WHYTE

DATEME MEMBRE

MINA BOB-MANUEL

AKIN FAKOREDE

OLUFEMI OLAREWAJU

MR AND MRS OKEY WALI

bonnema came alive with colour, culture, and tradition on Saturday, 20 December 2025, as the Nyemoni Kingdom hosted a chieftaincy presentation and installation ceremony at the Iju Jack Memorial Hall. Held under the authority of the Amanyanabo-inCouncil of the Nyemoni Kingdom, the event drew traditional rulers, chiefs, community elders, and invited guests from across Abonnema and beyond. The ceremony was presided over by His Majesty, King (Dr) Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel II, alongside the paramount ruler of the Iju/Jack Group of War Canoe Chieftaincy Houses, Dr Tammy Wenike Danagogo Jack, Esq. The highlight of the occasion was the formal presentation and installation of Chief-elect Samuel Biokpo Diminas, who was conferred with the title Alabo Samuel Biokpo Diminas Jack, marking his official entry into the revered circle of traditional leadership within the Iju/ Jack lineage. Rich in symbolism and ancestral rites, the ceremony reflected the deep cultural heritage of the Nyemoni Kingdom, founded in 1882. From traditional protocols to communal celebrations, the event underscored the kingdom’s enduring commitment to preserving its customs while strengthening leadership structures for future generations.

HENRY BALOGUN AND ANITA DELE-DICKSON

ALABO SAMUEL BIOKPO DIMINAS JACK AND ALABOTA NGOWARI

DAGOGO DIMINAS,SOIBIFAA BRIGGS, MADU IHEKORONYE AND OPUINE MADU IHEKORONYE

STANLEY LAWSON;KELVIN EKELE UMEJURU; KENNETH LEKARA NUKA; ABIYE ABILY AND TAMUNOEMI LAWSON JACK

MR AND MRS EDEN WAKAMA

SIMIBI WABOTE AND GUEST

DAVID ROSS, IJEOMA NWAKUCHE AND IBIENE OGOLO

CHIEF BRIGHT IGBINEDION; CHIEF TIMI ALAIBE AND ABIYE MEMBERE

PHILIPP BRAIDE; TONY LAWSON JACK AND IBANIBO BRAIDE

OLATILEWA, ANGELA AND TITILAYO

STEPHANIE DIMINAS, SHAUN DIMINAS AND ZOU TEKENA DIMINAS

ANITA DELE- DICKSON; FAFA; IBIENE OGOLO AND IBIYE MEMBERR

IBIYE UKOKO AND FAFA

MR AND MRS VICTOR AMABEBE

EDIDIONG AKAN; ADRIEN OKONY AND MOPELOLA OGUNLEYE

DASO EVANS; DAVID ROSS, DR IBIENE OGOLO AND NIGEL DANTON

SIMBI WABOTE; BRIGHT IGBINEDION; SAMUEL DIMINAS JACK,WIFE, ALABOTA NGOWARI ; TIMI ALAIBE AND ABIYE MEMBERE

Sunday, January 4, 2026 Vol. 22, No. 11191

FINANCIAL RESET IN 2026: SMALL CHANGES THAT ACTUALLY HELP Every January comes with the same quiet pressure: this is the year I finally get my finances together. Save more. Spend less. Be disciplined. But real life has a way of humbling even the best intentions. Prices rise without warning, emergencies show up uninvited, and income often has limits that motivation alone can’t fix. A financial reset that actually works in 2026 is not loud or extreme. It is subtle, practical, and rooted in how you already live. Think less “overnight transformation” and more “small shifts that don’t exhaust you.” The goal is not perfection. It is control, calm, and consistency.

Build a Buffer Before Big Goals

Before chasing investments or luxury plans, focus on creating a small financial buffer. Even one month’s expenses saved can drastically reduce anxiety. This buffer protects you from relying on credit for emergencies and gives you breathing room when income fluctuates. Once that cushion exists, financial decisions feel calmer. You are no longer reacting out of fear. You are choosing from a place of stability.

Separate Daily Spending From Long-Term Money

One practical change that helps many people is separating accounts by function. One account for daily spending. One for bills. One for savings. This creates visual boundaries. When spending money looks different from saving money, you become more intentional without effort. Seeing savings untouched while daily spending is controlled reinforces discipline naturally. It removes the temptation to “borrow” from yourself.

Increase Awareness, Not Pressure

By Funke Babs-Kufeji

Save Consistently, Not Dramatically

The biggest mistake people make with saving is turning it into a punishment. Huge targets, strict rules, and pressure to save aggressively often lead to burnout and guilt. What actually works is saving little but often. Instead of waiting for a large lump sum, decide on an amount that feels almost too easy. It could be a fixed weekly transfer, rounding up spare change, or setting aside money immediately income comes in. Automating this removes emotion from the process and ensures saving happens even on busy months. Another practical trick is separating savings into purposebased pockets. One account for emergencies, one for short-term plans, and one for long-term goals. When savings have names, you are less tempted to dip into them casually. Over time, these small amounts build confidence, not stress.

Budget With Reality in Mind

Budgets fail when they ignore how people actually spend. A

budget that pretends you do not eat out, attend birthdays, or spend money on yourself is not discipline—it is denial. A realistic approach starts with observation. Track your spending for two to three weeks without judgement. Look at where money truly goes, not where you think it should go. Patterns will appear. Transport costs, subscriptions, food habits, impulse purchases. Awareness alone often reduces waste. When creating a budget, prioritise flexibility. Allocate money for essentials, savings, and guiltfree spending. Yes, enjoyment deserves a line item. When spending money on pleasure is planned, it stops feeling reckless and stops derailing your finances. A budget should guide decisions, not police them.

Spend With Intention, Not Fear

Financial discipline does not mean living in constant restriction. It means spending with clarity. Before buying something unplanned, pause and ask one simple question: Will I still be glad I bought this in two weeks? This short pause saves more money than complicated rules.

Financial growth is not about doing everything at once. It is about noticing small wins and building on them. Celebrate Another habit that works is progress, even when it feels delaying non-essential purchases modest. Saving consistently for by 24 to 48 hours. Most impulse three months is a win. Sticking buys lose their appeal with time. If to a realistic budget is a win. you still want it after the wait, it is Cancelling unused subscriptions probably a considered choice. is a win. Subscriptions are another silent A financial reset that lasts is drain. Review them quarterly. If quiet. It fits into your life instead you have not used a service in of fighting it. In 2026, the the past month, cancel it. You smartest money moves will not can always resubscribe later. be dramatic—they will be steady, This alone often frees up money intentional, and kind to your without affecting lifestyle. reality.

By Funke Babs-Kufeji

Choose Rest Without Guilt

Rest is often treated as a reward, something you earn after proving your productivity. But rest is not laziness; it’s a basic need. Choosing rest means letting go of the idea that exhaustion is a badge of honour. It might look like better sleep, fewer social obligations, or taking breaks without over-explaining yourself. When rest becomes intentional, everything else benefits—your focus, your mood, and the way you show up for work, family, and yourself.

Set Flexible Goals

Life rarely follows a neat plan. There will be unexpected expenses, power cuts, work stress, and days when motivation simply isn’t there. Rigid goals don’t survive real life—flexible ones do. Instead of rules that must be followed perfectly, create room for adjustment. Progress doesn’t have to be linear to be valid. Flexibility removes the guilt around missed days and makes consistency feel achievable, even when things don’t go as planned.

START THE NEW YEAR WITHOUT THE PRESSURE OF UNREALISTIC RESOLUTIONS Every January, everyone is expected to be disciplined, focused, and suddenly transformed. But in reality—especially in a country where daily life already demands flexibility, patience, and resilience—that kind of pressure can feel unnecessary and exhausting. January is often treated like a reset button, but real life doesn’t pause just because the calendar flips. Bills still come. Work still demands attention. Energy still rises and falls. Instead of piling up resolutions that sound impressive but are hard to sustain, a quieter, more honest approach may serve us better this year. One rooted in realism, not performance. One that supports how we actually live. Here are a few resolutions worth carrying into 2026—without the pressure.

Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

Perfection sounds appealing but chasing it is exhausting. Progress, on the other hand, is quieter and far more sustainable. Growth usually happens in small steps, not dramatic overhauls. Missing a day or getting something wrong doesn’t erase your effort. When progress becomes the goal, you allow yourself to be human. Over time, those small, imperfect efforts add up to meaningful change.

Spend With Intention

The new year often comes with extreme financial promises that don’t last beyond February. Instead of restrictive budgeting, intentional spending is about awareness. Knowing where your money goes gives you control and reduces stress. It may mean fewer impulse purchases or clearer priorities, but it doesn’t mean deprivation. It’s about making choices that protect your peace of mind and support long-term stability.

Protect Your Time and Energy

Not every call, invitation, or request deserves a yes. Protecting your time means recognising your limits and respecting them. It might mean declining plans, leaving events earlier, or setting clearer work boundaries. At first, it can feel uncomfortable. Eventually, it brings balance. When your energy isn’t constantly drained, you’re able to show up fully in the spaces that truly matter.

Stop Comparing Your Journey

Comparison adds pressure without offering anything useful in return. Someone else’s progress doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. Everyone is working with different timelines, resources, and realities. Social media shows highlights, not the full picture. When you stop measuring your life against others, growth becomes personal rather than performative—and satisfaction comes from alignment, not competition.

Build Habits You Can Actually Live With

If a resolution feels like punishment, it won’t last. Sustainable habits fit into your real life, not an ideal version of it. Start small. Choose routines that support you instead of draining you. When something feels manageable—and even enjoyable—it’s easier to maintain. Over time, it becomes part of how you live, not just something you attempted in January.

N.B. - The new year doesn’t require a reinvention.

Sometimes, it just asks for honesty, patience, and choices you can stand by long after the excitement fades.

Sunday, January 4, 2026 Vol. 22, No. 11191

Access Bank PLC. RC-125384 (Licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria) 12

Sunday, January 4, 2026 Vol. 22, No. 11191

BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR

THE LOOK OF 2026

COVER

Sunday, January 4, 2026 Vol. 22, No. 11191

Fashion enters 2026 with a shift that feels less like a trend cycle and more like a cultural correction. After years defined by hyper-visible aesthetics — trends created for the algorithm, outfits designed to perform rather than to be lived in — there is a quiet recalibration happening. People want clothes that make sense again. Pieces that work beyond a single post or a fleeting moment of virality. Style is returning to the realm of the thoughtful. The Look of 2026 is shaped by this collective exhale. It embraces clarity over chaos, intention over impulse, and refinement over noise. The year doesn’t reject creativity; it simply channels it differently. Expression becomes subtle, grounded, and deeply personal. Fabrics feel lighter but more meaningful. Silhouettes are longer, calmer, more fluid. Colours soften into emotional tones. Accessories shift from decoration to sculpture. It is a season defined not by spectacle, but by intelligence. This is fashion growing up — without losing its imagination. As digital maximalism fades and people reconnect with the joy of dressing for themselves, a new aesthetic language emerges. It is built on wearability but never plain, on elegance but never rigidity, on sensuality but never excess. In 2026, style is not about being seen first — it is about being understood. This cover feature unpacks the real shifts shaping this new year: the silhouettes that matter, the colours that resonate, the textures redefining modern luxury, and the subtle but decisive changes influencing how people dress. These are not trends for the sake of trendiness. They are signposts of a new fashion mood — intentional, intelligent, and quietly powerful. Here, in full, is The Look of 2026.

ZARA ODU

LAURA IKEJI

SOFT STRUCTURE: TAILORING, BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Tailoring becomes gentler and more intuitive, trading stiffness for ease. Blazers relax through the shoulders, trousers widen with intention, and wrap-style tops create shape without rigidity. The look is structured but not strict — clean, confident, and built around movement. Soft structure allows tailoring to feel lived-in, not formal, making it an everyday essential rather than an occasion-only choice.

MIMI ONALAJA

NICOLE ASINUGO

THE SHIRT REIMAGINED

Shirts step into the spotlight with crisp, sheer, oversized, cropped, or asymmetric interpretations. They pair effortlessly with satin skirts, wide-leg trousers, or layered dresses, turning a classic staple into a modern statement. Versatile, strategic, and always polished.Their power lies in styling — the same shirt can read relaxed, elevated, or directional depending on how it’s worn. ODIO MIMONET

BANKE KUKU

EMMY KASBIT

HERTUNBA

LANRE DA SILVA

LISA FOLAWIYO

ONALAJA

Sunday, January 4, 2026 Vol. 22, No. 11191

COVER

Sunday, January 4, 2026 Vol. 22, No. 11191

OMOTOLA JALADE EKEINDE DERIN ODUGBESAN THOMAS

OLATORERA MAJEKODUNMI- ONIRU

THE POWER OF WHITE

SKIRTS TAKE CENTRE STAGE

Skirts lead the conversation with sculptural drapes, bias movement, and soft fishtail shapes. Styled with tanks, crisp shirts, or relaxed knits, they offer both versatility and a refined femininity. Elegant without effort. Their strength is in movement — skirts in 2026 glide, sway, and reshape the silhouette in a way trousers can’t.

NICOLE CHIKWE

ONO BELLO

OZINNA ANUMUDU

CO-ORDS EVOLVE: AIRY, MODULAR, AND EFFORTLESS

Matching sets shift into light, interchangeable essentials. Tunics with trousers, wrap tops with midis, or shirts with boxer shorts create ease without sacrificing polish. Each piece stands alone or works together, making styling simple and elevated. Co-ords this year feel like a capsule wardrobe — easy to pack, easy to wear, and endlessly adaptable.

OYIN OLUFEKO

VANESSA AZAR

White dominates in layered tones — ivory, cream, chalk — expressed in textures like linen, organza, cotton, and lace. The effect is crisp and intentional, using light and contrast to create a fresh, modern uniform. Worn head-to-toe, white feels both serene and strong, capturing the quiet luxury mood of the year.

DEBBIE BEEKO

IFY OJI

RENI FOLAWIYO

SEE-THROUGH IS THE NEW COVER-UP

Sheer layers become smart outerwear: organza jackets, mesh tunics, and translucent trenches add dimension without heat. Layered over basics or under structure, they bring an editorial finish that’s light and versatile. The transparency adds intrigue without exposure, proving that sheer pieces can be modest and chic at once.

Sunday, January 4, 2026 Vol. 22, No. 11191

COVER

Sunday, January 4, 2026 Vol. 22, No. 11191

BOLA BALOGUN DABOTA LAWSON

SHOES THAT WORK AND WOW

CRAFT, ELEVATED

Artisanal textures rise to luxury status. Crochet with satin, raffia with tailoring, beaded trims on clean dresses — all adding warmth and contrast to minimalist shapes. Craft feels refined rather than rustic. The focus is on craftsmanship used thoughtfully, giving outfits depth without overwhelming them.

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

FRILANCY HOYLE

Footwear balances shape and comfort: almond-toe loafers, mesh mules, satin slides, and sculptural flats. Silhouettes are clean and wearable, designed for real movement while still making an understated statement. They prove that practicality can be beautiful, creating shoes you actually want to reach for daily.

EBELE OKEZIE AKWIWU

TOLU DEMUREN

UCHE AJENE

SCULPTURAL JEWELLERY TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT

Jewellery turns architectural, with molten metals, asymmetric earrings, and oversized cuffs taking centre stage. One strong piece is enough to finish an outfit, adding edge and sophistication without overwhelming. These pieces frame the face and sharpen the outfit, acting like wearable art rather than accessories.

MERCY EKE AND MIMI YINA

NANCY ISIME

MOOD DRESSING IS THE NEW DRESS CODE

Dressing becomes aligned with emotion instead of occasion. Some days call for clarity through tailoring, others for ease through draping or the softness of a skirt. It’s polished self-expression — dressing for personal rhythm over external rules.The shift makes wardrobes more intuitive, encouraging people to build outfits that match how they feel, not where they’re going.

Sunday, January 4, 2026 Vol. 22, No. 11191

ODIO MIMONET AT 30: AMBIENCE ON THE RUNWAY

dio Mimonet recently marked 30 years in fashion in Lagos with a beautifully executed runway presentation that reminded the room why the brand has endured. Held at the Rooftop of Providus Bank in Victoria Island, the anniversary show drew an intimate mix of editors, industry leaders, collectors and long-time friends of the house— exactly the kind of audience that understands quiet consistency over spectacle. Titled Ambience, the collection was less about looking back and more about refining what Odio Oseni has always done best. There was no theatrical staging or exaggerated storytelling. Instead, the focus stayed firmly on the clothes. Sculptural silhouettes, softened lines and careful proportions anchored the show, with pieces that felt familiar to the Odio Mimonet woman but clearly refreshed for now. The Lagos influence came through subtly. Not in literal references, but in texture, movement and tone. Colours sat comfortably in that inbetween space the city knows well—neither loud nor muted, just right. Fabrics moved easily on the body, and embellishments were applied with restraint, a reminder that craftsmanship has always been the brand’s strongest calling card. Long-time followers would recognise revived motifs and techniques, but nothing felt recycled or overly nostalgic. Footwear stood out quietly. Produced in-house, the shoes were light and fluid, finished with soft ruffled detailing that added movement without distraction. They worked seamlessly with the clothes rather than competing for attention—an increasingly rare thing on Nigerian runways. Beauty leaned polished and understated, with a subtle 1960s influence: defined eyes, soft lashes and clean skin that allowed the garments to remain the focus. What made the presentation resonate was its confidence. Ambience did not try to announce itself as a “moment”. It simply showed good clothes, made well, by a designer who understands her customer. Odio Mimonet has never chased trends aggressively, and this collection reaffirmed that position. The silhouettes were wearable, the craftsmanship precise, and the overall mood calm and assured. After the show, Oseni reflected briefly on the milestone, noting how much the industry has changed since she began. Having witnessed Nigerian fashion evolve from a small, tight-knit community into a global conversation, the 30year mark felt less like a finish line and more like a marker of continuity. That sense of continuity also shows in her commitment to developing younger talent through Mimonet Threads, the brand’s 12week fashion skills programme focused on training and mentorship. Thirty years on, Odio Mimonet remains grounded in craft, clarity and control, offering a reminder that in an industry often obsessed with reinvention, staying true to a well-defined identity can be the strongest statement of all.

Sunday, January 4, 2026 Vol. 22, No. 11191

HOW MEN WILL DRESS IN 2026

NOBLE IGWE

Tailoring Remains Central, But More Flexible

Tailoring remains the foundation of men’s style in 2026, but it softens in how it’s worn. Jackets sit easier on the body, trousers retain shape without clinging, and suits are increasingly broken up and styled as separates. The look is still sharp, just less formal. In Nigeria, this flexibility feels natural. Lightweight suits are worn without ties, tailored trousers are paired with simple tees, and blazers are styled with loafers or clean sneakers. Even traditional tailoring reflects this ease — sharper cuts, breathable fabrics, and silhouettes that move with the body. The emphasis is on comfort without sacrificing polish.

EFE TOMMY ADABAMU

Texture Does the Heavy Lifting

As logos continue to lose their appeal, texture becomes one of the clearest indicators of taste. In 2026, quality is communicated through fabric rather than branding. Linen blends and brushed cottons add depth to otherwise simple outfits. A plain shirt feels elevated because of its weave. A neutral look stands out because of how materials interact. This approach allows men to dress simply without looking flat or boring.

Street Style Becomes More Considered

Street style in 2026 matures. The loud, overly trend-driven looks of previous years give way to outfits that feel intentional and wearable. Oversized silhouettes remain, but they’re cleaner. Graphic tees are edited. Denim is better cut. Everything feels more deliberate. In Nigerian cities, street style continues to borrow from global influences — workwear, athleisure, vintage — but it’s refined. Cargo trousers are tailored, sneakers are sleeker, and layering feels thoughtful rather than chaotic. The result is relaxed but confident, expressive without trying too hard.

Men’s fashion in 2026 is not undergoing a dramatic personality change. It is undergoing a tightening. Globally, the shift is less about rebellion and more about refinement — a recalibration of taste rather than a rejection of it. The extremes of recent years are quietly falling away, replaced by clothes that feel measured, wearable, and grounded in real life. For men who already value clean lines, good tailoring, and understated confidence, 2026 won’t feel like a leap. It will feel like a continuation, sharpened by better fabrics, smarter proportions, and a more intentional approach to dressing. This direction holds true globally — and in Nigeria, it shows up in ways that feel culturally familiar yet distinctly modern.

KESIDE ANOSIKE

Footwear Grounds Everything

In 2026, footwear plays a grounding role. Shoes are chosen to anchor an outfit, not dominate it. Minimal sneakers remain relevant, but in softer shapes and neutral tones. Loafers, derbies, sandals, and low-profile boots are worn more casually and more often. Comfort matters, but so does finish. Shoes are expected to last, travel well, and transition across settings. For Nigerian men, this includes refined leather sandals and slides that work with both native and Western looks.

TIMINI EGBUSON

A Calmer, More Intentional Colour Palette

The colour story for 2026 is restrained. Neutrals lead the way, supported by earth tones, muted blues, soft greens, and warm browns. These shades are seasonless and easy to integrate into existing wardrobes. Rather than dressing head-to-toe in statement colours, men introduce colour through individual pieces — a jacket, a native top, a pair of shoes.

AKIN FAMINU

Accessories as Finishing Touches

Accessories in 2026 are edited and intentional. Belts, watches, bags, caps, beads, and jewellery are chosen for craftsmanship rather than visibility. Logos are minimal or absent. Nothing feels excessive. A well-made bag, a subtle chain, coral beads worn sparingly, or a classic watch completes the look without drawing attention away from it. Accessories are no longer statements; they are quiet reinforcements of personal style.

TEMISAN EMMANUEL

Sustainability Becomes Practical

Sustainability in 2026 is no longer performative. It’s simply part of how men shop and dress. Fewer purchases, better-quality, longerlasting garments become the norm. Clothes that age well feel more valuable than fast, disposable fashion. Sustainability becomes less about language and more about longevity.

ADEBAYO OKE LAWAL

Personal Style Over Prescribed Trends

In 2026, men will not dress to fit neatly into trend categories. Trends exist as references, not rules. A man might lean classic, native, street, or somewhere in between, but the principles remain consistent: fit, proportion, quality, and intention. This flexibility allows Nigerian men to engage with global fashion conversations while dressing in ways that feel personal, practical, and culturally grounded.

Sunday, January 4, 2026 Vol. 22, No. 11191