In the vibrant world of Nigerian fashion, a powerful stylist duo has emerged: Emmanuel Goodnews and Dahmola Oluwabukola. Their collaborative force transcends conventional styling, bringing a fresh, bold aesthetic into the trending fashion movement and positioning Nigerian creativity on a global stage.
In Morocco, away from the bustle of Lagos, a birthday dinner, hosted by Emmanuel, was where the story began. At this dinner, Dahmola was introduced by mutual friends. What started as a lively conversation over wine evolved into a strong creative alliance built on mutual respect and values. Together, they embody a refreshing new model in Nigerian fashion.
Opposite Sides of the Mirror
Both stylists started their careers during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Emmanuel, who initially looked at fashion casually, found his passion during the pandemic and jumped into collaborative styling. Over the years, his analytical training in political science helped him view styling with a structured yet creative mindset, further enabling him to picture his pursuit in fashion.
With experience in costume design at Arise Fashion Week since 2012, Dahmola already had insights into the industry which enabled him to illustrate his creativity and contemporary ideas for a wider perspective of fashion.
As the industry of fashion expands and allows a diverse culture of fashion, the collaborative work of art fused by Emmanuel and Dahmola built the foundation of their identity as emerging innovators in the industry.
Crafting the Unforgettable
Each stylist has unique signature moments that caught international attention:
- Bridgerton-inspired stylist Emmanuel designed a breathtaking outfit for influencer Priscilla Ojo in 2023, which was his first major breakthrough.
- Dahmola’s work includes styling Sharon Ooja’s stunning 2024 wedding and creating looks for Prime Video’s “Christmas in Lagos”, starring Ayra Starr. His standout achievement is styling Bonang Matheba for Miss South Africa 2024, which included five looks from Nigerian designers.
These accomplishments expanded their reputations beyond Nigeria, affirming their daring aesthetic.
Styled by Identity
Emmanuel Goodnews is recognized for his dramatic approach and storytelling through clothing, whereas Dahmola Oluwabukola is known for bringing a cinematic flair and cultural depth to each outfit. Both explore themes like Afrofuturism while adding a hint of historical elegance. Fashion is considered more than just fabric; it is a visual language of power. Inspired by costume design and pop culture, Dahmola also incorporates a vibrant blend of masculine and fluid styles, transforming garments into moving portraits. Together, they complement each other, with Emmanuel bringing strategy while Dahmola delivers flawless execution.
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Both stylists highlight emerging Nigerian designers that align with their vision. The stylists’ positioning with designers like Emmy Kasbit and Deji & Kola amplified indigenous talent, elevating Nigerian fashion to global platforms. An interesting fact is that Dahmola favours the Lagos Space Program, which is known for fluidity. He celebrates a career that became a “safe ticket” and source of personal fulfilment.
Significantly, gratitude is also an act of kindness and appreciation demonstrated by the duo. Their bond is built on character and shared vision and not social media optics.
Fashioned for the Future
This year has been a remarkable showcase for the duo’s styling. Emmanuel plans to launch exhibitions that spotlight emerging African designers, while Dhamola is focused on refining his blend of celebrity and costume styling, using his rising platform to nurture young stylists through mentorships. They are not merely stylists; they are shaping a new path for Nigerian fashion.
As the movement of Nigerian fashion seeks voices of substance, Emmanuel Goodnews and Dahmola Oluwabukola continue to define the bold and diverse fusion of culture and elegance. Their journey is already inspiring—and with their eyes on mentorship and cultural advocacy, it is only just beginning.
