At the 2025 Met Gala, Damson Idris made a memorable entrance that combined fashion, storytelling, and personal heritage. And trust us—he didn’t just walk the red carpet, he owned it.
A Grand Entrance
Damson kicked things off in dramatic style. He arrived in a custom white racing suit sparkling with nearly 20,000 Swarovski crystals. In his hand? A red, white, and black racing helmet that shimmered under the lights. This bold look was inspired by his upcoming film F1, where he stars alongside Brad Pitt. The suit wasn’t just fashion—it was a tribute to his movie role and set the tone for an epic style reveal.
The Big Reveal
Then came the wow moment. Right there on the carpet, Damson took off the racing suit and revealed a show-stopping deep red tuxedo underneath. Designed by Tommy Hilfiger, the tux was sharp and sophisticated, complete with satin details and a unique red-and-gold tartan print. This wasn’t just any fabric—it was sourced from the official Scottish Register of Tartans, adding a layer of cultural richness to the look. The entire ensemble was a fresh take on classic American tailoring with a nod to modern dandyism, perfectly fitting the Met Gala’s 2025 theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Personal Touches
What made Damson’s look even more special were the personal details. He debuted pieces from his new luxury jewelry line, DIDRIS—named after himself. His accessories weren’t just for glam—they carried meaning. He wore a stunning brooch with an 11-carat emerald and a gold tourmaline pendant. Both pieces were a tribute to his late mother and his Nigerian roots. In fact, the brand itself was inspired by his mom’s hustle—selling gold across Europe to support their family. That backstory gave the jewelry so much more depth.
Damson Idris didn’t just bring fashion to the Met Gala—he brought his story. From the sparkling race suit to the rich, heritage-infused tux, every element of his look was intentional. It was bold, it was elegant, and most of all, it was personal. With this appearance, Damson proved that fashion is how you tell the world who you are.
At the 2025 Met Gala, Teyana Taylor showed up and showed out—making one of the most unforgettable entrances of the night. The theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” paid homage to the elegance, strength, and individuality of Black fashion, with a special nod to the rich legacy of Black dandyism. But while many guests embraced the theme, Teyana embodied it.
Teyana wore a custom burgundy and black pinstripe suit co-designed with the legendary Ruth E. Carter, the Oscar-winning costume designer behind Black Panther. It wasn’t just an outfit; it was a whole moment. From the second she stepped onto the red carpet, she commanded attention. Her look fused high drama with classic tailoring and unapologetic Black glamour.
The ensemble featured a red velvet waistcoat decked with silver chains, a long frock coat, and a dramatic padded cape that was nothing short of regal. The cape had pleated satin on the inside and was embroidered with the words “Harlem rose”—a deeply personal tribute to her roots and her 2018 track “Rose in Harlem.”
Teyana didn’t stop there. She accessorized like a queen with red leather gloves, a tilted red fedora with a bold feather, and a matching cane—each piece amplifying the power of her statement. Her jewelry, provided by David Yurman, included a choker and chain combo that looked like it belonged to royalty. It framed her face like armor, giving off both elegance and edge.
And can we talk about that hat again? The feather, the angle, the drama—it was giving “old-school Harlem renaissance with a futuristic twist.” The look was tailored, layered, and styled to perfection. Even her platform heels added to the strength of her stance, helping her tower like the fashion icon she is.
One of the most powerful things about her outfit? The decision to wear a suit instead of a traditional gown. In doing so, she leaned into the night’s dress code—“Tailored for You”—and sent a clear message about gender-fluid fashion, personal identity, and self-expression. She told her story, on her terms.
In her own words, Teyana described her outfit as “Taylor-ed to you,” a clever play on her last name that perfectly captured the essence of what the night—and her look—was all about.
Teyana Taylor didn’t just wear an outfit; she wore a narrative. She reminded the world that fashion can be fierce, fun, and deeply meaningful all at once. It was a dazzling mix of power, drama, storytelling, and old-school glamour—with a modern twist.
In a sea of unforgettable looks, Teyana’s stood tall. She didn’t just walk the carpet—she owned it. And in doing so, she led the conversation on what it means to show up, stand out, and stay true.
Rihanna made a grand return to the Met Gala in 2025, turning heads and making headlines with a stunning ensemble that perfectly blended fashion, cultural commentary, and personal storytelling. In true Rihanna fashion, she didn’t just attend the event—she owned it.
A Striking Ensemble
Arriving fashionably late to an already electric red carpet, Rihanna delivered one of the night’s most unforgettable looks. Designed by Marc Jacobs, the custom creation paid homage to the evening’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”—a celebration of Black dandyism, suiting traditions, and sartorial excellence rooted in Black history.
Her look was a masterclass in gender-fluid tailoring and sculptural drama. The foundation of the ensemble was a sharp black barathea wool Spencer jacket, cropped just above the midsection, and worn over a wool bustier bodysuit that cradled and highlighted her growing baby bump with refined elegance. The bodice led into a pinstriped skirt that flared into a mermaid silhouette, featuring an exaggerated bustle at the back—cleverly designed to resemble an upturned suit jacket, nodding to both deconstructionism and couture craftsmanship.
The pinstripes—typically a hallmark of menswear—were masterfully manipulated, running vertically to elongate her form and diagonally to sculpt her curves, adding visual rhythm and refined tension to the look.
The Accessories
To complete the ensemble, Rihanna wore a crisp white pique shirt collar and a deep burgundy satin cravat with polka dots, evoking a vintage gentleman’s charm while reimagining it for the modern woman. Her shoes—classic spectator pumps—added a subtle nod to dandy footwear traditions.
Topping it all off was a dramatic wide-brimmed hat created in collaboration with legendary milliner Stephen Jones. The oversized hat introduced mystery and old-world glamour to the look, while simultaneously commanding attention and balancing the sculptural drama of the bustle.
Her beauty look was minimal yet intentional—soft glam makeup, flawless skin, and a nude lip allowed the outfit to speak volumes. Her hair was styled to be completely hidden beneath the hat, heightening the silhouette’s sleek precision.
A Personal Statement
Beyond the high-fashion spectacle, Rihanna used the moment to reveal her third pregnancy with partner A$AP Rocky. With hands lovingly placed over her belly and a serene, knowing smile, she transformed the red carpet into a deeply personal tableau.
It was a powerful fusion of fashion and vulnerability—celebrating motherhood while refusing to diminish style. Rather than conceal her pregnancy, Rihanna spotlighted it, showing that maternity can be fashionable, fierce, and fabulous.
Black Dandyism
Rihanna’s look was more than a fashion statement—it was an homage to Black dandyism, a movement where Black individuals throughout history have used refined dress to express identity, challenge systemic stereotypes, and reclaim space.
By blending traditional menswear motifs—tailored pinstripes, cravats, cropped jackets—with feminine silhouettes and avant-garde details, Rihanna both honored and reinvented this cultural legacy. Her ensemble was a visual dialogue: between eras, between genders, between tradition and rebellion.
Rihanna’s appearance at the 2025 Met Gala was about intention. The blending of fashion, identity, motherhood, and cultural pride into one cohesive narrative. Her look struck the delicate balance between artistic expression and personal revelation. Rihanna remains the trendsetter. With this appearance, she reaffirmed her position not just as a style icon but as a cultural force who continues to redefine the red carpet on her own terms.
In the latest 12th issue of Numéro Netherlands, the legendary Tyra Banks graces the cover with a fire that’s as bold as ever. Supermodel, television trailblazer, and visionary entrepreneur, Tyra continues to redefine not only what beauty means but how far it can take you. In this exclusive feature, she opens up about her most meaningful milestones, the challenges behind her advocacy, and the driving force behind her global ice cream brand, SMiZE & DREAM.
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Reflecting on her history-making career, Tyra pinpoints her cover appearances on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and the Victoria’s Secret catalogue as the moments that “cracked something open.” These iconic firsts weren’t just personal wins—they were revolutionary. “Little girls who didn’t see themselves in those spaces suddenly started to,” she shared. And though these achievements are etched in history, Tyra says she’s not dwelling in the past: “I’m the curator of that museum. I’m still adding to the exhibit.”
When America’s Next Top Model aired, it changed the way the world viewed modeling. “ANTM was a disruptor,” Tyra declares. The show pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and democratized beauty. But Tyra is clear-eyed about its impact: while it opened doors, the world must keep evolving. For her, ANTM wasn’t just about modeling—it was about storytelling, transformation, and redefining beauty standards long before diversity became mainstream.
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Tyra opens up about the resistance she faced while pushing for representation, sharing a heated confrontation with a network executive who initially rejected casting a Latina model on ANTM. “I made my case, passionately,” she recalls. “He didn’t approve the girl I was pushing for, but he said, ‘Go find someone else.’” Tyra took that opportunity and ran with it, determined to shift the standard of beauty on-screen—even when the fight wasn’t hers alone.
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Now, at 51 and re-entering modeling, she feels the difference: “I don’t need permission. I don’t need to convince the room.”
What began as a modeling tip—“smile with your eyes”—has become a philosophy and a brand ethos. SMiZE & DREAM isn’t just a dessert line; it’s a mission. Tyra infuses meaning into every pint of ice cream, hiding a “SMiZE SURPRiZE” truffle at the bottom to represent life’s sweet rewards after perseverance. “It’s a metaphor,” she says. “You show up, you work hard, you fall, you rise, and then one day—success, sweetness.”
Even the brand name carries purpose: the SMiZE is fun and fierce; the DREAM is about hope and possibility.
Tyra’s drive to succeed stems from a deep, relentless curiosity. While modeling, she asked questions behind the scenes—about lighting, contracts, and marketing—laying the foundation for her future as a mogul. “We don’t have to live in a single lane,” she insists. “We can be model and mogul. Teacher and student. Dessert lover and disruptor.”
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Her mantra to students at Stanford, “Different is better than better,” became a guiding principle for SMiZE & DREAM and for her evolution beyond the runway.
For Tyra, success used to mean applause, covers, and validation. Now, it’s about impact and legacy. “Success is building something that helps people feel seen, inspired, or even just joyful.”
She also talks candidly about fear—particularly the fear she faced walking away from modeling at the height of her career. “I was scared, but I was more excited than afraid,” she admits. Saying no to offers that didn’t align with her soul was risky, but ultimately freeing. “That was a power move.”
In today’s fast-paced culture, Tyra doesn’t chase trends—she chases truth. Her secret? Listening. She surrounds herself with mentors, young visionaries, and voices that challenge her to pivot when necessary. “You don’t stay ahead by sprinting,” she says. “You stay ahead by pausing, getting still, and then moving with intention.”
Nigerian style influencer, Akin Faminu, recently took to social media to share a striking tribute to the Sapeurs of Congo as part of this year’s MET Gala 2025 theme, “Black Dandyism: An African Perspective.”
In his post, Akin spotlighted La Sape, which stands for Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes—translated as the Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People. This unique subculture began in the Congolese cities of Kinshasa and Brazzaville, and those who follow this style are called Sapeurs.
La Sape is more than just fashion—it’s a powerful movement. It started as a form of protest against colonialism and dictatorship. By dressing in sharp, elegant clothes inspired by European styles, the Sapeurs turned fashion into a statement of identity, dignity, and resistance. Their bright, bold outfits, along with confident personalities, make them unforgettable figures in the world of Black Dandyism.
Akin’s post celebrates these icons of African style and calls for their rightful place on global red carpets like the MET Gala. His outfit for the shoot, styled by @dejiandkola with shoes from @ddavidshoes, perfectly captured the colorful, expressive nature of the Sapeur spirit.
The powerful visuals were brought to life by photographers @thekashope and @88studio.co, along with the model @sammyfrancis. Together, they created a look that honoured the past, celebrated African fashion, and reminded the world that elegance is also resistance.
In recent years, Ghana’s food scene has witnessed a digital transformation, with food content creators and critics taking center stage. From Instagram reels showcasing street food to YouTube reviews dissecting restaurant experiences, social media has given food enthusiasts a platform to share their opinions. However, this rise has sparked an ongoing debate—are these content creators genuinely enriching the Ghanaian food culture, or are they diluting it with uninformed critiques and surface-level commentary?
The accessibility of smartphones and social media has democratized food storytelling. Today, anyone with a camera and an internet connection can become a food blogger, restaurant critic, or “foodie.” This shift has amplified the visibility of Ghanaian cuisine on a global stage, showcasing both traditional dishes and modern interpretations. However, with this increased attention comes a challenge: many content creators lack the necessary depth of knowledge about food, culinary techniques, and the cultural significance behind the dishes they review.
𝑲𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒚 𝑵𝒌𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒌𝒘𝒂𝒏 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒚, rich in vegetables and paired with perfectly seared tilapia.
A growing concern among chefs, food historians, and culinary professionals is that some food influencers approach Ghanaian cuisine with a limited perspective. Instead of offering well-researched insights, many rely solely on personal preference, often dismissing or misrepresenting dishes without understanding their origins.
For example, a content creator may critique a dish for being too spicy without recognizing that spice levels vary across Ghana’s diverse ethnic groups. Another might compare a Ghanaian dish to a Western counterpart, subtly reinforcing the idea that local flavors must conform to international tastes to be seen as “refined.” This type of criticism, while perhaps unintentional, can distort perceptions of Ghanaian food both locally and internationally.
The pressure to attract views and engagement often pushes content creators toward sensationalism rather than substance. Reviews that exaggerate negatives, overhype certain dishes, or chase trends without real understanding can mislead audiences and unfairly influence dining decisions. In some cases, restaurants suffer from poor reviews not because of legitimate issues with their food, but due to a creator’s lack of palate development or unrealistic expectations.
To ensure that the rise of food content creation contributes positively to Ghana’s culinary landscape, there is a need for more education and responsible storytelling.
Investing in Knowledge: Aspiring food critics should dedicate time to learning about Ghanaian food history, indigenous ingredients, and cooking techniques. Engaging with chefs, food historians, and market vendors can provide valuable context.
Responsible Reviewing: Content creators should move beyond personal biases and focus on providing fair, balanced critiques. If a dish is not to their taste, they should clarify whether it is a matter of preference rather than a flaw in preparation.
Collaboration with Industry Experts: Chefs and food professionals can engage with influencers, offer tasting sessions, and create spaces for deeper conversations around food.
Highlighting Ghanaian Food Culture: Instead of merely reacting to food trends, creators should take the time to research and share the rich stories behind Ghanaian dishes.
The rise of food content creators in Ghana presents both opportunities and challenges. While social media has the power to celebrate and elevate Ghanaian cuisine, uninformed criticism and sensationalism can also erode its authenticity. By fostering a culture of responsible food storytelling, Ghana’s food industry can ensure that this digital wave contributes meaningfully to the growth and appreciation of its diverse culinary heritage.
Do you think food content creators should be held to a higher standard of culinary knowledge? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Let’s talk structure. Because when it comes to Niovo, that’s never an afterthought—it’s the foundation. And with TEMPLATE 2.0, things get even more personal, more powerful, and more poetic. It’s a deeper study of the woman’s form—how it moves, how it holds space, and how it deserves to be seen.
Everything about TEMPLATE 2.0 is intentional. Every curve in the fabric, every angle in the tailoring, every texture you run your fingers across—it’s all designed with one thing in mind: you. This drop doesn’t hide the body, it highlights it. It doesn’t reshape you to fit in—it sculpts around you, so you stand out.
The silhouettes are bold, yet soft. There’s a beautiful tension between sharp lines and fluid motion—like confidence with a whisper. And the palette? Think rich jewel tones that command the room, balanced by clean, elegant monochromes that speak volumes in silence.
This collection is for every woman who walks in her truth, who leads with presence, who dresses with purpose. It celebrates curves and edges alike. It says, “Here I am”—not with a shout, but with a quiet, unshakable grace.
TEMPLATE 2.0 is about form, flow, and the fearless choice to be seen—fully, fiercely, and without apology.
So if you’ve been waiting for a collection that meets you where you are—and lifts you even higher—this is it.
See Collection Below
FOLASADE (Maroon)ESSAENIFOME (Olive And Rust)IRRISAMIRAHZINO (Gold)IRRI (White)IRRI (Baby Pink)
There’s a kind of magic in moments that feel just right—the ones that don’t need to shout to be beautiful. That’s what Alonuko Bridal captures in their latest collection, Solace. It’s soft. It’s graceful. It’s everything a bride hopes for when she closes her eyes and imagines the dress.
Solace isn’t about extravagance. It’s about ease. About comfort. About that deep, quiet joy that says, “This is it. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for.” Each gown in this collection feels like a gentle exhale—a release of all the nerves, the planning, the years of dreaming—and the start of something truly special.
With delicate lace that kisses the skin and fabrics that move like water, the dresses are effortlessly elegant. There’s a subtle shimmer here, a whisper of texture there—just enough to reflect the light and catch the breath of anyone lucky enough to witness the bride walk by. Nothing is overdone, but everything is perfect.
This collection was made for the bride who finds beauty in simplicity and strength in softness. She’s not trying to be someone else on her wedding day—she’s simply stepping into her own story, fully and freely.
Because Solace is about feeling. It’s the calm after the “yes.” It’s the certainty before the “I do.” It’s knowing, without a doubt, that love brought you here—and it’s everything you hoped it would be.
The Solace Collection by Alonuko Bridal. Made for the bride who finds home in love. And beauty in every quiet detail.
Let’s be real — the beauty standards for Black women have always been complicated. From the pressure to have curves in all the right places, to now being told skinny is in again, it feels like we’re constantly shifting to fit someone else’s narrative. Lately, a new trend has taken center stage: using diabetes medication like Ozempic to lose weight quickly. But what’s really going on here? And what does it mean for us — for Black beauty, Black health, and Black bodies?
Let’s break it all down. No judgment. Just real talk.
What is Ozempic, and Why is Everyone Talking About It?
Ozempic (generic name: semaglutide) was originally made for people with Type 2 diabetes. It helps regulate blood sugar levels. One of its side effects? Weight loss. That’s how it landed in the spotlight — especially on social media, where celebrities and influencers (many quietly, some not-so-quietly) started using it as a “get skinny quick” tool.
People saw the pounds drop and wanted in. But here’s the catch — it was never meant to be a weight loss miracle for people who don’t have diabetes. And yet, it’s being marketed that way now — off-label, hush-hush, yet totally trendy.
Why Are Black Women Being Pulled Into This Trend?
Black women have always had a complicated relationship with body image. We’ve been celebrated for our curves, but also critiqued for them. We’re told to “love your body,” but also to “lose a little weight.” And with the rise of social media filters, Photoshop, and unrealistic beauty standards, there’s more pressure than ever to look “snatched” — flat stomach, small waist, thick hips.
Now, enter Ozempic — promising fast results with no surgery and minimal effort. For Black women juggling careers, family, and social expectations, it sounds tempting. But is it safe? Is it sustainable? And at what cost?
Let’s Talk Health: Not Just Weight
Here’s where we need to slow down and really think. Ozempic is a prescription drug. It’s not a detox tea. It’s not a waist trainer. It changes the way your body handles insulin and appetite. Some people using it without medical supervision have experienced nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and even more serious side effects like pancreatitis.
Also — let’s not forget the deeper layer: Black women are already underrepresented and underdiagnosed in healthcare. Playing with medication like Ozempic without proper medical guidance can put our health at risk in ways that aren’t talked about enough.
Beauty Shouldn’t Hurt — Physically or Mentally
Using Ozempic as a beauty shortcut sends a harmful message: that our natural bodies are never enough. That we have to shrink ourselves to be desirable. That we should take medical risks for the sake of fitting into a dress or getting likes on Instagram.
Black beauty is diverse. It’s bold, radiant, and powerful — whether you’re curvy, slim, tall, short, or anywhere in between. It shouldn’t be reduced to a size or a number on the scale.
So What Should We Do Instead?
Let’s start with honest conversations — like this one. Let’s talk about why we feel the need to change our bodies and where that pressure is coming from. If someone is struggling with weight or body image, that’s valid — but the solution shouldn’t be shortcuts that could compromise long-term health.
If you’re considering something like Ozempic, talk to a doctor — a real one, not TikTok or that one influencer who swears by it. Understand the risks, the commitment, and whether it’s actually right for you.
Black beauty doesn’t need fixing. It doesn’t need quick fixes, secret injections, or magic pills. What it needs is more love, more understanding, and more empowerment.
So next time you hear about Ozempic or any “get skinny quick” trend, pause. Ask yourself: Am I doing this because I want to feel good — or because I’m being told I’m not good enough?
Your body, your rules. Just make sure those rules come from you.
When it comes to celebrity weddings, you already know the stars don’t come to play—and #JP2025 was no exception. Priscilla Ojo and Juma Jux’s white wedding brought out some of the most stylish guests we’ve seen this year. From fashion-forward statement pieces to elegant classic fits, the guest list looked like a runway straight out of a dream.
The energy was beautiful, the love was in the air, and the guests? They understood the assignment. Whether you were team bold glam or soft elegance, there was something on that guest carpet for every kind of fashion lover to admire.
