By Josephine Awosode,
At the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) held on May 11, 2024, all eyes were on Layi Wasabi – not just for his infectious comedic presence, but for his impeccable outfit.
The Nigerian skitmaker and influencer arrived at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos in a rich brown agbada, meticulously tailored and adorned with creative embroidery, courtesy of TDA Couture.
In a sea of conventional menswear, this piece was a refreshing testament to the intersection of tradition, innovation and technical mastery.
Dare Aliu, the designer behind TDA Couture, is no stranger to the art of garment construction, illustration, and fabric manipulation. With this piece, he showcased not only his technical acumen, but also his deep understanding of form, fit and proportion.
This was not just an agbada; it was an exercise in controlled grandeur. The Points of Measure (POMs) were expertly considered, ensuring the agbada’s drape was both regal and contemporary. The shoulder width was precise, eliminating the risk of excess bulk, while the sleeves were tailored to allow natural movement without distorting the flow of the garment.
The body of the agbada was voluminous, as tradition dictates, but the controlled proportions ensured that Wasabi was wearing the agbada – not the other way around. Beneath the agbada, the inner tunic and trousers were sharply tailored, ensuring a form that provided a visual contrast to the flowing top layer. The trousers sat perfectly at the ankle, offering just enough break to complement the proportions of the tunic without disrupting the vertical balance of the look. For a red carpet appearance, fit is important.
TDA Couture opted for a balanced approach in the embroidery of the agbada, allowing the detailing to complement rather than compete with the overall structure.
The embroidery featured a fusion of geometric and organic patterns. The finishing details – such as the concealed closures on the tunic, the discreet pocket placements, and the refined edge finishing – all signified a designer who understands the importance of both beauty and functionality.
On the AMVCA red carpet, where fashion is often an experimental battleground, Layi Wasabi’s agbada stood out not through excess but through mastery of restraint. For Dare Aliu, this is more than just another red carpet look – it is a testament to his evolution as a designer.