Architects of Style: Costume Designers Shaping Contemporary Nollywood

By Jerry Chiemeke

Costume design has become central to Nollywood’s evolving cinematic language. Beyond wardrobe, today’s leading designers construct psychological depth, socio-political context, and cultural memory through fabric, silhouette, and detail. The following practitioners represent distinction, authorship, and sustained contribution to the industry’s visual identity.

Yolanda Okereke — A Defining Force in Modern Nollywood Costume Design
Costume Designer

Yolanda Okereke stands at the forefront of contemporary Nollywood costume design, with a body of work spanning commercial successes, critically engaged dramas, and culturally resonant television.
Selected Works:
Aso Ebi Diaries (2025), Radio Voice (2025), Everybody Loves Jenifa (2024), House of Ga’a (2024), All’s Fair in Love (2024), The Set Up 2 ), Quam’s Money (2020), Shuga, King of Boys (2018)
Honours:

AMAA Nominee, Best Costume Design (2019) — King of Boys
AMAA Nominee (2013)
AMVCA Nominee, Best Costume Designer (2020)

Millicent Jack — Architect of Epic and Historical Screen Worlds
Costume Designer | Creative Director, Kilali Kreative Company

Millicent Jack’s award-winning career is defined by epic scale, historical precision, and cultural authenticity.
Selected Works:
Amina (2021), 4:4:44 (2022), The Changer (2015), Eagle’s Bride (2005)
Honours:

AMVCA Winner, Best Costume Designer (2022) — Amina
AMAA Nominee, Best Costume Design (2023) — 4:4:44
AMAA Winner, Best Costume Designer (2006) — Eagle’s Bride

Bunmi Fashina — Internationally Recognised Visual Craftsmanship
Costume Designer

Bunmi Fashina is internationally recognised for visually arresting, culturally layered screen work.
Selected Works:
Gingerrr (2025), Queen Lateefah (2024), Ran Mi Lowo (2023), Mami Wata (2023), Shanty Town (2023), Light in the Dark (2020), Gold Statue (2019), Three Thieves (2019)
Honours:

AMAA Nominee, Best Costume Design (2023) — Mami Wata
AMAA Nominee (2019) — Light in the Dark
AMVCA Nominee (2024) — Mami Wata

Lola Awe — Award-Winning Contemporary Screen Realism
Costume Designer

Lola Awe has emerged as a notable contemporary costume designer, recognised for her contribution to visually immersive productions and character-focused styling across recent film releases.
Her work on Jagun Jagun earned her the AMVCA Award for Best Costume Designer (2024), marking a significant milestone in her career.
Selected Works:
Miss PJ (2024), Just a Word (2024), The Thorns (2024), The Notebook (2024), Jagun Jagun (2023), réBIRTH (2022), Murder at the Bar (2022), The Stranger I Know
Honours:

AMVCA Winner, Best Costume Designer (2024) — Jagun Jagun

Toyin Lawani — Couture Spectacle and Character Construction
Costume Designer | Creative Director, Tiannah’s Empire

Toyin Lawani merges couture authority with cinematic storytelling, crafting visually assertive characters and heightened screen environments.
Selected Works:
Shanty Town, Obara’M, King of Boys: The Return of the King, Order of Things

Opeyemi Adenokun — Contemporary Volume and Visual Coherence
Costume Designer | Creative Director, House of Anny

Opeyemi Adenokun is recognised for consistent output and character-specific detailing across film and streaming productions.
Her work on Phoenix Fury earned an AMVCA nomination for Best Costume Designer (2025).
Selected Works:
Sin (2025), Phoenix Fury (2024), Wives on Strike: The Uprising (2024), Freedom Way (2024), The Black Book (2023), Far From Home.
Honours: AMVCA nominee, Best Costume Design (2025).

Funmilayo Adekanye — A Voice in Historically Rooted Storytelling
Costume Designer

Funmilayo Adekanye’s work reflects a steady contribution to culturally grounded and historically resonant productions.
Selected Works:
Ireke: Rise of the Maroons (2025), Raji and the Beast (2025), Eagle Wings (2021), The Milkmaid (2020)
Honours: