Tiwa Savage is best known as Nigeria’s “Queen of Afrobeats,” but for fashion watchers she’s long been a bona fide style star. Critics note that Savage “is undeniably a style icon”, consistently delivering edgy, confident ensembles that set her apart from her peers. She mixes sporty streetwear with daring couture silhouettes; think cutouts, asymmetry and sculptural shapes and sees it all as part of her art. As Tiwa herself insists, these boundary-pushing looks are “an extension of her art” rather than mere gimmicks. The result is a signature aesthetic that’s unapologetically fierce yet effortlessly elegant, one writer observes that she “flavors every moment with a distinct elegance” on any red carpet.
In recent years Savage has refined her style into what Essence calls her “most beautiful era,” leaning into what works and collaborating with top designers. She has embraced homegrown talent (and even become a muse for them), wearing custom Nigerian designs on the world stage. For example, at a recent high-profile appearance she wore a head-to-toe she wore a head-to-toe green velvet gown by Lanre Da Silva (GAA) that “featured the sartorial fusion of Nigerian traditional style with that of British Victorian design (GAA) that “featured the sartorial fusion of Nigerian traditional style with that of British Victorian design”. This piece; a blazing train of emerald velve, showcased how Tiwa can blend rich African motifs with global couture heritage. In short, she has become the kind of trendsetter who spotlights Nigerian luxury brands and elevates them to royalty, all while remaining unapologetically herself.
One standout example of Savage’s fashion-forward daring came in early 2023 with a sculptural two-piece by designer Maximilian Raynor. In this avant-garde ensemble she paired a bold red asymmetric crop-top with a dramatic fishtail mermaid skirt; a look that “sparked several reactions” online and was widely praised. In that moment Tiwa proved she can turn any venue, even a grand staircase into her personal runway. Other recent showstoppers include a custom Kilentar co-ord in handwoven Aso-Oke fabric: a two-piece set that seamlessly blends Nigerian heritage cloth with high-fashion tailoring. She’s also graced global events in opulent pieces like the aforementioned green velvet Lanre Da Silva gown, boldly fusing Victorian and African elements. Each of these ensembles from the playful meets-pretty mermaid skirt to the regal fusion gowns, reinforces how Tiwa’s wardrobe is always setting trends rather than following them.
Tiwa Savage’s trailblazing style hasn’t gone unnoticed by the wider fashion world. In fact, her influence has extended beyond music charts into global beauty and fashion franchises. She became the first African ambassador for M·A·C Cosmetics in 2023, a role the brand attributed to her being “a global icon”. That nod from a world-renowned label underlines how Savage is already seen as an international style ambassador. Between her fearless street looks and glamorous gown moments, Tiwa has proven that dressing boldly is as much a part of her artistry as her songs. As she says of her personal style: she felt backlash early on, “but now it doesn’t stop me… it’s an extension of me”.
In every outfit, from edgy cutouts and statement accessories to luxe African prints and regal silhouettes, Tiwa Savage embodies a modern style icon on the rise. With each fashion-forward look she affirms that the industry should sit up and take notice. Simply put, the fashion world can no longer afford to sleep on Tiwa Savage. Her trailblazing vision and unapologetic swagger prove she’s not just a music queen, but a true trendsetting style star in her own right.
See some looks of Savage below
