From Savage’s emerald evening dress to Pretty Yende Stéphane Rolland’s Haute couture gown, these fashionistas ruled with their fashion choices at the King’s coronation.
By Hope Ibiale
The coronation of the king or queen of Britain is a momentous occasion steeped in tradition and pageantry, and that of King Charles III and Queen Camilla was no different. From the regal attire to the grand procession, every detail is carefully planned to showcase the power and prestige of the ruling monarch. At the centre of it all are the guests who attend, many of whom are chosen for their pedigree and influence.
In recent times, some African personalities have been gaining global recognition. With designers experimenting and giving them elevating looks, African stars have continuously shown their incredible sense of fashion. And what better occasion to showcase this than at the coronation of a king? Through their clothing choices, these Africans showcased their unique style and played an essential role in the grandeur and pageantry of the coronation ceremony. In this article, we will look at some of the Africans who were among the fashionable guests at the coronation of King Charles III. From Savage’s emerald evening dress to Pretty Yende Stéphane Rolland’s Haute couture gown, these fashionistas ruled with their fashion choices at the King’s coronation. Here are some of the best looks.
Tiwa Savage
Nigerian singer and songwriter, Tiwa Savage performed at King Charles III’s coronation concert yesterday in a dazzling emerald green off-the-shoulder evening dress. The shiny piece featured a fitted corseted bodice, a ruffled accent at the centre, and a flowy skirt. The Queen of Afrobeats, as music lovers call her, accessorised the Lanre Da Silva-designed dress with statement green gemstone earrings, layered choker necklaces, a pink diamond cross-chain, and a few midi rings. Savage’s hair was styled wet and cascaded down her back.
Professor Dame Elizabeth Aniowu
Another Nigerian who was elegantly dressed was Professor Dame Elizabeth Aniowu. The British-Nigerian nurse and healthcare administrator, who carried the orb at the King’s coronation, was spotted wearing a lovely turquoise Nigerian outfit of a blue lace shirt and skirt and a white gele.
(Read also: From Tems to Trevor Noah: Africans Stars Slay in Style at the 2023 Met Gala)
Eva Omaghomi
Eva Omaghomi, Director of Community Engagement to King Charles III and Queen Camilla for the coronation ceremony, stunned in a Durba Serwa-designed peach outfit. Omaghomi made a bold statement with the textured triangular pleated skirt and jacket, which perfectly paired with Gbenga Artsmith’s coral set.
Pretty Yende
For her performance at the coronation ceremony, South-African-born Soprano singer, Pretty Yende, wore an eye-catching yellow Stéphane Rolland Haute couture gown, which brightened up the otherwise grey and grizzly weather. Yende paired the outfit with a diamond necklace and earrings from Graff. The singer’s ensemble added colour to her riveting performance in Westminster Abbey.
Princess Lalla Meryem
African royalty was not excluded from the party as they turned heads with their outfits. One includes Princess Lalla Meryem of Morocco, the daughter of the late King Hassan II. She arrived wearing a traditional lilac-coloured dress with a white cape wrapped around her shoulders. She accessorised her look with glitzy pear-shaped earrings. At the coronation reception, she wore a traditional Moroccan embroidered takchita dress.
Queen Masenate Seeiso
Another African royal who made a bold fashion statement is the Queen of Lesotho, Queen Masenate Seeiso. Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of Lesotho wore a sleeved blue dress, which she rocked with a white feathered headpiece and matching white clutch. She arrived alongside her husband, King Letsie III of Lesotho, who opted for a black suit with a coordinating blue tie.
(Read also: Why You Dress the Way You Do: Is There a Link between Fashion and Identities)
Ncuti Gatwa
Popular Rwandan-Scottish actor, Ncuti Gatwa, shined at the coronation concert with his performance onstage and on the red carpet. The Sex Education and Doctor Who star showed off his stand-out style as he wore a mustard yellow suit, a jacket with an olive green pocket, and a long overcoat. He wore a baggy pair of trousers to match the rest of his attire, while he wore a white shirt with black stripes. Gatwa completed the outfit with a pair of brown shoes.
Motsi Mabuse
South-African dancer, Motshegetsi “Motsi” Mabuse, also appeared on the red carpet at the coronation concert. The professional dancer looked incredible in a sequin blazer that boasted large shoulder pads and cropped sleeves. Mabuse added matching straight-leg trousers to the number, and elevated her frame in towering heels. Motsi accessorised with an eye-catching silver necklace and coordinated small hoop earrings as she posed on the star-studded red carpet. Mabuse styled her long dark tresses in neat braids, and applied a flawless makeup palette, including a bold red lipstick.
Edward Enninful
Aside from being the editor-in-chief of one of the world’s most famous fashion and lifestyle magazines, British Vogue, Ghanaian-British editor, Edward Enninful, is also a fashionista. At the coronation ceremony, he brought his A-game in a bespoke morning suit by Savile Row tailor Huntsman, and a navy tie.
Hope Ibiale is a writer and a book lover. She is currently a student of Communication and Language Arts at the University of Ibadan.