At the BellaNaija [20th anniversary Grand Red Carpet Experience](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BellaNaija) held in October 2026, four male designers—Shawn Faqua, Larry Hector, Yemi Cregx and Sydney Ihonu—each delivered a unique take on the “High Fashion Icon” brief, showcasing styles that spanned vintage tailoring, Victorian elegance, modern colour‑play and traditional Eastern Nigerian royalty.
Key details of the event include:
- The celebration marked two decades of BellaNaija’s influence on African fashion and media.
- The men’s looks were displayed alongside a wide array of women’s gowns, corseted suits and dramatic headpieces.
- Organisers noted that “the carpet became a place for guests to have fun with shape, tailoring, texture and personal style.”
- Each participant incorporated distinct fabrics, silhouettes and accessories to interpret the brief.
**What did Shawn Faqua wear?**
Shawn Faqua opted for a vintage‑inspired three‑piece suit in crisp pinstripes. The jacket featured wide crossover lapels and structured button placement, while the trousers were cut broad to echo classic menswear proportions. He completed the ensemble with a matching tie, dark sunglasses, a charcoal fedora and a walking cane, extending the retro motif beyond the suit itself.
**How did Larry Hector interpret the brief?**
Larry Hector presented a Victorian‑style black tailcoat with broad peak lapels and traditional button detailing. Paired with a white collar, black bow tie and gloves, the look was topped by a tall black top hat. A striking crimson feather boa draped across his shoulder added a splash of colour and texture to the otherwise monochrome outfit.
**What was Yemi Cregx’s approach?**
Yemi Cregx chose a softer palette, mixing blush, black and metallic tones. He wore an iridescent blush jacquard blazer over a high‑collared black shirt, complemented by a structured neck wrap and pleated waist vest. Charcoal wide‑leg flared trousers, rectangular sunglasses and a black leather handbag balanced the soft colour against darker tailoring and contrasted fitted details with broader proportions.
**How did Sydney Ihonu incorporate cultural heritage?**
Sydney Ihonu brought Eastern Nigerian royal regalia to the carpet. His outfit began with a deep burgundy undertunic beneath a golden‑beige woven cape featuring broad angular shoulders and burgundy trim. He added a burgundy velvet cap crowned with twin white feathers, red coral beads around his neck, matching wrist cuffs and a hand‑woven fur fan, grounding the look firmly in Nigerian tradition.
The diverse interpretations demonstrated how Nigerian menswear can engage with a high‑fashion brief while reflecting personal style, historical references and cultural identity. From Faqua’s pinstriped suit to Hector’s top‑hat ensemble, Cregx’s wide‑leg proportions and Ihonu’s royal‑inspired attire, the BellaNaija at 20 red carpet offered a vibrant showcase of contemporary Nigerian men’s fashion.