For any Nollywood insider and many cinephiles, Yolanda Okereke is a household costume designer and fashion engineer. The five-time AMVCA nominee (including three Best Costume Designer nominations) is a visionary in the art who has been instrumental in bringing several iconic characters like Eniola Salami from ‘King of Boys’ (portrayed by Sola Sobowale) to life.
Photo: Gazmadu Studios for Yolanda Okereke
With nearly two decades in the industry, Yolanda Okereke has curated countless wardrobes. Yet, a few characters have left a lasting impression with their fashion statements. From the intricate prints of ‘La Femme Anjola’ to the exquisite period pieces of ‘Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti,’ here are five characters whose wardrobes Okereke would love to steal.
Remi Castle—Castle & Castle
In Netflix’s ‘Castle & Castle,’ Dakore Egbuson-Akande plays Remi Castle, part of a powerful law family whose members often clash in both courtroom and family matters. Remi’s style exudes what today’s Gen Z might call “corporate baddie.” Okereke is especially drawn to the character’s wardrobe in Season 2. Much like Remi, Okereke has a penchant for tailored trousers, structured dresses, and suits that make a statement. If she worked in a law firm, her closet would be a near-mirror of Remi Castle’s.
Kemi Salami—King of Boys
In ‘King of Boys,’ for which Okereke received both AMVCA and AMAA nominations in 2018, Adesua Etomi plays Kemi Salami, the fierce daughter of crime boss Eniola Salami. While Kemi is also a lawyer, her wardrobe stands apart from Remi Castle’s with a blend of styles that Okereke finds endlessly intriguing. Unlike Remi’s consistent, structured look, Kemi’s wardrobe is versatile and experimental—a quality Okereke admires.
Anjola—La Femme Anjola
In this thriller, Rita Dominic embodies Anjola, a femme fatale married to a gangster whose world collides with that of a young broker who falls for her. Anjola’s wardrobe celebrates Africa through vibrant Ankara prints and bold colours. Okereke, who also has a deep appreciation for African-inspired fashion, sees Anjola’s style as the ideal expression of her heritage. When the occasion calls for an African touch, Okereke would readily raid Anjola’s closet.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti—Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
In the acclaimed biopic on the activist Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Kehinde Bankole’s wardrobe transports us to another era. Okereke, a self-confessed lover of period pieces, found Funmilayo’s wardrobe both elegant and niche, with clean-cut jackets and structured dresses reminiscent of Remi Castle’s style—but from a different era. Alongside Western ensembles, the Yoruba iro and buba also captivated her, reflecting a blend of timeless sophistication and Nigerian heritage.
Sophie Briggs—Something About the Briggs
Ariyike Owolagba’s Sophie Briggs in the upcoming family drama ‘Something About the Briggs’ brings a playful, youthful flair. Okereke describes Sophie’s style as “sugar, spice, and everything nice.” If she could rewind to her twenties, Okereke would make the same fashion choices as Sophie, with fun, flirty, and vibrant outfits that capture the spirit of youth.
Yolanda Okereke’s love for these characters’ wardrobes highlights her eye for unique and diverse styles. After all, what is fashion if not an exploration of the unique and the diverse?
Which character’s wardrobe would you like to raid?
