Nigerian celebrities look stunning at Ocean’s 8 Lagos premiere

Lagos, Nigeria CNN  — 

It was a night of drama and elegance as Nollywood celebrities, fashionistas and influencers gathered in Lagos, Nigeria for the premiere of Ocean’s 8 movie on Sunday.

The stars turned out in force at the Filmhouse IMAX Cinema to celebrate one of the most anticipated Hollywood movies of the year with a Met Gala themed event – a nod to the film’s heist plot where an all-female crew attempt to steal precious jewels at New York City’s yearly Met Gala.

Guests were free to dress in their own interpretation of any of the past Met Gala themes such as “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,” “China: Through the Looking Glass,” and many others from the past two decades the fundraising event has been running.

The stylish, and, at times, outlandish outfits at the Lagos premiere had fans taking to social media to debate which celebrity won in the style stakes.

The colorful and dazzling array of outfits on the red carpet were created entirely by African designers such as South African Gert Johan Coetzee, who designed Zimbabwean TV personality Vimbai Muthinhiri’s dress.

Others included thespian costumier Africcana who created a dramatic peacock feather cape for theater star Osas Ighodaro Ajibade.

Osas Ighodaro Ajibade

Celebrity stylist and designer Jane Michael Ekanem was behind the ethereal outfit worn by fashion entrepreneur Nowe Isibor, who topped her dress off with an elaborate headpiece by Urez Kulture.

Nowe Isibor

The premiere was organized in collaboration with Film One, a Nigerian film studio and Warner Brothers, who promised a cash reward for the fashion designer who created the most stunning red carpet look. A winner is yet to be announced.

The organizers said hosting the Ocean’s 8 Premiere in Lagos was not just about coming to see a movie, but also “a celebration of women who excel in their fields.”