By Rita Okoye

Can you think of two popular male fashion icons who are currently disrupting the industry? Of course you can, but it wasn’t always like this. Years ago, men’s fashion was not exactly making waves. In short, it wasn’t seen as a positive trait for men to pay attention to their outfits and it was often frowned upon. Fashion was generally viewed and acknowledged as a domain for women to explore style and creativity, while men stuck to safe choices.

In ancient days, clothing for men was functional, and standing out was seen as feminine and undesirable for men who wanted to maintain a “masculine” image. It was a time when men were made to blend in and gaining attention through bold clothing was totally unheard of.

But how the times have changed. Fast forward to the 21st century and men’s fashion is no longer just side talks or in the background – it is at the forefront, with men proudly stepping up and competing with women for the spotlight.

Today we see men confidently walk the red carpet, making poses for the cameras to showcase their bold colours, unconventional cuts and avant-garde accessories. Take the Met Gala for instance, an event where women once dominated, has now become a platform where men command attention and turn heads just as much as their female counterparts.

The 2021 Met Gala Event is a notable example. With its theme being “In America: A lexicon of fashion”, men graced the occasion in stunning and daring creative outfits that caused whispers from all corners of the room. Popular American singer, songwriter and rapper, Lil Nas X took the night by storm with his three regal outfit masterpiece custom made by Versace – starting with a cape, followed by an armour-like suit and then a crystal bodysuit. This look wasn’t just a fashion statement, it was a complete art piece, pushing the boundaries of what men’s fashion could be.

Another impeccable design was that of Dan Levy, who rocked his custom-made Loewe ensemble. His look combined activism with art, defining fashion as powerful and boundary-pushing. Moments on grand events like the Met Gala aren’t just about clothes, but about expression, identity, and celebrating diversity and creativity.

These fashion icons and many more are leading a wave of men who embrace fashion as a form of self-expression that is no longer caged by an outdated notion of masculinity. From different types of fashion styles, men today make bold choices that are out of the norm.

Pharrell Williams is another icon who consistently breaks the boundaries around traditional men’s fashion. It’s either he’s rocking pearls or mixing prints, and this showcases a new era of men who aren’t afraid to extend the limits of what’s possible. Talk about David Beckham, known for his timeless style that combines classic elegance with modern trends proving that men’s fashion can be sophisticated and unique.

And it is not just in the Western world, Africa too is contributing to this global conversation about men’s fashion. Designers across the continent are creating clothing that is rooted in African heritage but appeals to the modern man while fitting seamlessly into the limelight of the universal fashion landscape. African men are now breaking free from the shackles of conservative fashion styles, and are now embracing bold colours, patterns and silhouettes that reflect both their identity and celebrate their roots.

One such designer is the popular Adebayo Oke-Lawal. A Lagos-based fashion designer and founder of the Nigerian brand, Orange Culture. With his brand, Oke-Lawal challenges traditional notions of gendered fashion by designing fluid and expressive clothing that counters the rigid idea of masculinity. And this is also where Rilwan and Ayodeji tap in.

Rilwan Rotinwa and Abdul Mumeen Ayodeji Agbeniga are the dynamic duo behind one of Nigeria’s most exciting Afrocentric fashion brands. With a mutual desire to reshape how African men approach style, they started their journey into fashion even while in school.
Their story began during their university days in Nigeria when fashion wasn’t yet on their radar as a serious career path. It was more like just two friends with a shared passion for their culture and an interest in how clothing could tell a story.

Rilwan and Ayodeji dared to dream of something bigger, something that would blend their rich African culture with modernity. They wanted to create clothes for men who are not afraid to identify with their roots but also want to embrace Western trends.
And in 2017, despite trying to balance their academic commitments, they officially created their brand. Though it wasn’t easy juggling school work with the demands of starting a business, but their determination fuelled their vision which kept them going.
Operating from Lagos, they extended their influence beyond the borders of Nigeria to the UK, attracting attention from international fashion lovers. What set them apart wasn’t just their unique designs, but their unwavering commitment to producing high-quality, culturally relevant fashion for men who take pride in their African identity.
Regardless of the hurdles they faced with running the brand, Rilwan and Ayodeji remained committed to their dreams. They gained invaluable experience by interning with reputable fashion brands across Nigeria equipping them with the ropes of the industry. This hands-on experience didn’t just sharpen their design skills but also gave them the business acumen necessary to find their way and stand out in the competitive field of the fashion industry.

Today, their brand stands as a testament to their hard work, smart work, creativity and dedication. They’ve pushed the boundaries of what Afro-centric fashion can be, staying true to their roots while also creating garments that celebrate the past and look into the future. With their latest drop – the Bodija Collection 2021, Rilwan and Ayodeji are putting African men’s fashion on the map, allowing it to gain the recognition it deserves. Let’s review the genius and creativity embodied in the perfect Ankara jackets from the drop.

The design of this piece is more than just appealing, it shows a thoughtful balance between formality and tradition. The jacket has a structured fitted silhouette that speaks to the classic tailoring associated with men’s formal wear. With the sharp appearance of this jacket, wearing it to a black-tie event would rival any tuxedo in the room.
But what makes it stand out? The bold and unapologetic choice of fabric. With the vibrant red serving as the foundation colour and a mix of abstract shapes of yellow and black dancing across the surface, the design feels alive, and full of movement, adding texture and dimension.
It is not just a jacket; it is an artwork that speaks to the complexities of African culture. The circular patterns and prints scattered all over add a sense of rhythm to the design as if the wearer is moving to a beat that only he can hear.
The inspiration for this piece comes from traditional African wax print fabrics known to be a symbol of cultural significance and history. These prints have been worn for generations and reflect personal identity, status, or a connection to heritage.

The inspiration for this jacket comes from the rich tradition of the Ankara fabric that is commonly worn in West Africa. Known for its cultural importance, it is often used in ceremonies or celebrations.
This double-breasted Ankara jacket is a striking example of how men’s fashion can combine culture with creativity. The jacket’s design is formal, with the double-breasted style giving it a clean and structured look. It also features multiple buttons, which adds a touch of traditional suiting. What really sets it apart is the bold and geometric patterns covering the entire jacket – it is definitely not your average formal wear.
When it comes to colours, this jacket is full of life. With bright hues of yellow, green, blue and pink dot patterns against the background, this piece exudes high energy. These lively and powerful colours bring a sense of joy and vibrancy. There is also a modern influence in this design; akin to the works of Roy Lichtenstein, who uses dots and bright colours to create bold and fun visuals.
The pattern is all about structure. The shapes like triangles and diamonds are arranged in a balanced and organised manner, while the small dots that fill the spaces, give the jacket texture and depth creating a sense of order that draws the eye and makes the jacket not just something to wear but something to admire as well.
Rilwan and Ayodeji showcased their creativity and impeccable thought process by taking this rich tradition and elevating it, combining the print with western style tailoring to create something entirely new. It is a conversation between the past and the present, with these jackets standing as a bridge between the two, and that is what makes their designs so impactful.
Their designs are a movement that says African men can be bold, fashionable and unashamed of being who they are. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the days when men’s fashion was only whispered about are gone. Whether it’s on the Red Carpet, at the Met Gala, or on the streets of Lagos, men are making their mark, and African designers like Rilwan and Ayodeji are leading the charge and shaping a new narrative.