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For those who don’t know, last night was the 2022 (AMVCA 8) Gala Night. There was no theme, but we expected the attending celebrities to show up at their glamorous best to celebrate Nollywood’s biggest night and winners. 

Most of the stars got the memo and dressed accordingly, but in no particular order, here are the looks from the red carpet that completely raised the stakes.

RELATED: What Were They Thinking? We Rank the Most Chaotic AMVCA 2022 Looks

Erica Nweledim’s “Imperial Majesty” Lewk

I know I wrote “in no particular order”, but let’s start with the very best, shall we? From the ethereal aqua colour, the inspired take on ruched pleats, to the beautiful mermaid silhouette and extravagant train, this look wasn’t just glamorous, it also resembled the decadence once saved for imperial royalty — the only thing missing being some obscene jewellery. Were those butterflies or birds on the bottom right side of her dress?

Caroline Danjuma’s take on the babydoll dress

There’s something about the colour palette of this look that screams, “soft life”. Do you know what I mean? The resplendent tulle cape was everything, but the bejewelled lace dress and elegant up-do played their parts to make this a definite AMVCA red-carpet serve. 

Tope Tedela’s immaculate couture moment

Choice of colour and quality tailoring are everything, and Tope’s look proves it. These factors turned what should have been a basic tuxedo suit into immaculate couture. And then, the detail on the jacket… Just look at it!

Nancy Isime’s beaded ode to American 1920s glamour

Who knew beads and lace could work so well together? Nancy and her stylist, obvi. The American ‘20s may have inspired the full look, but the bottom of the dress is giving Egyptian loin-cloth vibes. In fact, something about this AMVCA look screams ancient African royalty. Am I the only one who thinks “Osun river goddess” when I look at the white beads draped over her lower arms long enough?

Susan Pwajok’s simple pearled elegance

It may seem simple but look at the details on this dress?! The beaded corset with the elaborate lace trimmings at the top and the sheer lace covering the bottom, all while taking the risk of letting her sleek weave down. This Gen-Z small-screen queen may be signalling the start of her red-carpet reign with this look, and we’re absolutely here for it.

Denola Grey’s tailored tailcoat tuxedo… without the tail

If Denola Grey isn’t on this list, is it even a celebrity best-dressed list? He arrived at the AMVCA to prove once again that he doesn’t enter these lists based on old glory. Denola knows style like the back of his hands, and he makes his own trends. This old-timey silver-leaf-embroidered tuxedo jacket with its dark-red satin co-ords is just another example of this fact. 

Michelle Dede’s demure army-green pleats

Green is such an underrated colour, and you can’t tell me otherwise. There’s something just immaculate and elegant about the greens, especially the darker shades. This regal off-shoulder number gives major “power” and “wealth” vibes, everything we need to see on a talented celebrity. Those sleeves are perfection too. Thank you for blessing us with this look, Michelle.

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Nonye Udeogu’s pink princess ball gown

My God! It’s the accordion pleats of the ball gown bottom for me with this look. The framed corset and open-finger gloves are beautiful as well, while the perky ponytail and clean silver jewellery tie the pretty look together like a nice Fuschia-pink bow.

Nonso Bassey’s “gilded” ensemble

If Nonso had taken this look to this year’s MET Gala, he would’ve been closer — if too literal — than most, to the theme, Gilded Glamour. That being said, this sequined top and bottom could’ve been too much, but somehow, it wasn’t.

Osas Ighodaro’s official “best-dressed” winner

AMVCA crowned her “best-dressed” — and Best Actress in a Drama — so who am I not to put her on my list? This grey diamanté look is simply stunning with the see-through, body-moulding silhouette and layered tail, but what did we expect from the stylish actress?

Enioluwa Adeoluwa’s embroidered royal wedding suit

Enioluwa could’ve easily replaced Meghan’s Prince Harry at their wedding with this suit. The gold embroidery on the jacket was everything, and the gold-side dress pants were the perfect complement. But what about the black gloves, the gold rings, the hair dye and cut, the dark-red socks? Perfection from head to toe, my guy! Let this be a case for more NextGen stars to be invited for these major events (a full article on this may just be coming soon).

Toke Makinwa’s tulle bombshell second lewk

A bombshell any day, Tok Star kills once again with this particular look, her second for the night. Her first and major look was nice, I guess, but this one steps away from her usual style, and she still bodied it! The stoned neck and panelled waistline bring the whole look together without doing too much. And I don’t know what that piece of tulle is behind her neck and shoulders, but I love it!

Tacha Akide’s silver goddess vibes

I don’t know if Tacha is aware, but this was the perfect homage to her riverine roots. She looked like a marine goddess in this, with the deep-ocean hue, metallic “scales” and mermaid silhouette of the dress. The Chinese bun and sticks deviated from the cultural program, but I love an afro-oriental fusion any day. Don’t get me started with those shoulder pads, please.

Uti Nwachukwu’s stainless royal blue

It’s a clean, well-tailored suit that stands out like no other. This might be because the lack of lapels make it different from the rest, without being outlandish, or because royal blue is my favourite colour. Either way, something was working here. But shaa, the men need to step up in this red-carpet game.

Bonang Matheba’s hostess with the “mostest” energy

This South African media personality had up to three looks for the AMVCA, and they all killed. Period. And that’s on saving the best for last.

It’s a wrap. Do you agree with this list? Let us know if we got it to a tee, or who you think should/shouldn’t have made it here.

RELATED: What Were They Thinking? We Rank the Most Chaotic AMVCA 2022 Looks