Once upon a time, celebrity stylists worked quietly behind the scenes. Their job was to make the stars look good and then step back into the shadows. Today the story is completely different. In Nigeria and across the world, the stylists are no longer just the invisible hands. They are personalities, entrepreneurs and influencers in their own right. Some even trend more than the celebrities they dress.
From red carpet assistants to red carpet stars
Stylists used to be the people you only spotted tugging at a hemline or fixing a collar before their client walked into the spotlight. Now they walk those carpets too. Names like Swanky Jerry, Veekee James, Medlin Boss and Toyin Lawani are mentioned in the same breath as the stars they dress. When a Genevieve Nnaji, Ini Edo, Tonto Dikeh, Timaya or Davido steps out in a head-turning outfit, fashion fans quickly ask, “Who styled this look?” and the stylist often trends as much as the celebrity.
Swanky Jerry, for instance, styled some of the biggest names in Nigerian entertainment, from D’banj to Davido, and picked up awards such as the Fashion Stylist of the Year at the Lagos Fashion Awards. He even became a Netflix personality on Young, Famous & African. That move alone showed how far the role has travelled from backstage to front-row stardom.
What makes a celebrity stylist different
A stylist is not just someone who shops for clothes. The best stylists understand body types, skin tones, personal brands and the exact vibe of an event. As Adebisi Adesewa Tolulope explained in an interview, many people confuse designers with stylists, but styling is not about cutting and sewing. It is about curation, image building and making sure the star communicates power, elegance or boldness before they even speak.
Stylists like Olaoluwa Ebiti draw from heritage, magazines and international travel to create looks that stand out. He styled names like Wizkid, Mr Eazi amongst others and described how international exposure sharpened his creativity. That is the hidden craft behind those viral red-carpet moments.
Social media changed everything
One major reason celebrity stylists became stars in their own right is social media. Ten years ago a look might appear in a magazine weeks later. Now the AMVCA red carpet is live-tweeted, photos are everywhere within minutes and Instagram users quickly tag the stylist responsible. A Veekee James gown or a Medlin Boss fit can dominate online conversations for days.
The stylists know this and have turned themselves into digital brands. Their Instagram pages are portfolios, mood boards and PR platforms. They do not just wait for media houses to give them credit. They credit themselves and build their own following. Some have hundreds of thousands of followers who track their latest creations.
Stylists as entrepreneurs and brand builders
The top stylists in Nigeria no longer see themselves as hired hands. They are entrepreneurs. Jibue Omorhirhi, better known as Jibby West, started out with passion and is now a stylist, wardrobe consultant and costume designer who has showcased her work globally, including at African Fashion Week in London.
Toyin Lawani is another example. She is not only a stylist but the founder of Tiannah’s Empire, which includes multiple fashion businesses, a styling academy and a strong personal brand. She has built a fashion empire that goes beyond clothes. In her case, styling became the gateway to entrepreneurship.
The challenges that come with fame
Of course, not everything about being a celebrity stylist is glamorous. The work is creative but also commercial. Ola Ebiti has admitted that commercial styling often pays more reliably while creative styling, though fulfilling, sometimes barely breaks even. Many stylists also face the challenge of clients who underestimate the cost and effort involved in producing those perfect looks.
There is also the pressure of constant relevance. A stylist can go from trending for a jaw-dropping outfit to being dragged online for a look that missed the mark. In today’s fast-paced social media environment, one bad review can overshadow ten brilliant moments.
What sets the stars of styling apart
So what separates the stylists who have become household names from the rest? Risk-taking and bold aesthetics. Swanky Jerry is known for daring looks, while Toyin Lawani often pushes cultural motifs into couture. Veekee James has become known for dramatic glitter and sculptural gowns that flatter curves and pop under bright lights.
Consistency is another factor. These stylists show up at every major red carpet event, every Nollywood premiere, every awards show. They make sure their clients are dressed to trend. Over time, their names become shorthand for luxury, drama and taste.
Why stylists are now celebrities too
The rise of the celebrity stylist is really about the shift in how we consume fame. A star’s look is no longer just their personal business. It is content, it is branding, it is PR. Stylists are the ones curating that image. The public knows this now, and so the public gives the stylists their own celebrity status.
Today, fans do not only wait to see what actress wore what gown. They also check who styled it and what else that stylist has been up to. In some cases, the stylist’s following on social media can rival or even surpass that of their clients.
Conclusion
As Nollywood grows and Nigerian celebrities continue to compete on global stages, the demand for top stylists will only increase. Expect to see more stylists becoming international figures, running fashion schools, launching brands and even starring in reality shows. The stylist is no longer an accessory. The stylist is now the star.
