Lilian Afegbai clearly woke up and chose drama — the good kind.
The Nollywood actress currently slaying in her role as Idia, in the Nollywood Netflix series, “To Kill A Monkey,” rewinded the hand of the clock to give us that Marilyn Monroe era of Hollywood vibes.
The Nigerian actress and style icon unveiled a meticulously styled look in a recent Instagram post, one that fashion media described as “a striking style statement in layers of tulle, beads and faux fur”. Her sleek platinum-blonde bob and classic red lip punctuate the theme.
The core of Afegbai’s outfit is a dramatic dress built on a strapless black bodice. Layered over this base is an opulent overlay of oversized gold beads with long cascading fringe in gold and green. The colorful fringe is exuberant and playful, evoking the decadence of 1920s jazz-age style. The bodice then flows into a full, deep-blue tulle skirt that billows gracefully toward the floor. She balances the volume with sleek black leggings, and on her feet are pointed white heels detailed with delicate ankle chains.
Afegbai’s hair, makeup, and jewelry complete the retro vibe. She wears a sharp, chin-length platinum-blonde bob that references the coiffures of classic movie starlets, paired with a bold crimson lipstick for an extra touch of drama. Thick gold chains loop around her neck and wrists, creating visual echoes of the golden beadwork on her dress.
Each accessory is carefully chosen to enhance the vintage feel without overwhelming the look. Together, these elements elevate the ensemble into a polished homage to Old Hollywood sophistication.
Finally, she adds a final flourish with outerwear. In select shots, Afegbai drapes a sumptuous black faux-fur jacket over her shoulders, lending the outfit a decadent finish. This plush layer “transforms the look from [a] performance piece to something you might actually wear to a gallery opening”, as one style writer observed, reinforcing the ensemble’s versatility. From the dramatic tulle skirt to the retro hairstyle and luxe accessories, every detail of Lilian Afegbai’s vintage-inspired ensemble is thoughtfully styled. The result is an undeniably sophisticated fashion moment that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
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