It-girls defining style, culture, and influence that you should have on your moodboard

A special shout-out to these women setting the tone for modern influence, style, and ambition.

Style icon, fashion icon, it-girl; these are all titles we use to describe the women we look toward for inspiration. Their influence extends beyond how they dress, shaping culture and the industry through their wider impact and contributions. The way they present themselves and how they effortlessly excel in their respective fields while looking good doing it.

These are the women we reference when we’re building Pinterest boards or even creating real-life mood boards. They show us what it looks like to step into any room and own it completely, which is exactly why they’ve become the epitome of “it girls” for so many across the country. Most you already know, some you might be seeing for the first time, but all you definitely need to have on your radar. 

Here are some of the women we think deserve a spot on your mood board.

Read also: Beyond the gallery: How Oyinkansola Dada became Lagos’ essential art and fashion IT girl

Oyinkansola Dada

Oyinkansola Dada is a Nigerian lawyer, curator, editor, and gallerist. If that doesn’t already scream “it-girl,” then what does? She was recognised on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list for Arts and Culture. Previously working as a corporate solicitor in London, she has now transitioned into the creative space.

Beyond her career achievements, she is quite the fashion and style inspiration. She is known for her expressive personal style and her eye for clothing, often seen wearing beautifully curated pieces.

Morinsola Hassan-Odukale 

Morinsola “Momo” Hassan-Odukale is your it girl’s it girl. She is a Lagos and London-based fashion stylist, creative director, and consultant. With a profile like that, it’s clear she has impeccable taste, which she consistently brings into both her personal life and professional work. Momo styled Temi Ajibade for her intercontinental wedding with Mr Eazi, as well as her 30th birthday celebration, among other standout moments.

She has worked with major brands such as Nike, ASOS and Lagos Fashion Week, further cementing her place in the fashion industry.

Dunsin Wright

Dunsin Wright is another it-girl and key figure in driving the global visibility of contemporary West African fashion.

She began her professional career in public relations and communications, serving as Head of PR for the label Lisa Folawiyo Studio. From there, she transitioned organically into styling around 2020. It was in this period that she met Tems and quickly became the singer’s in-house stylist, enhancing the singer’s style over the years.

She brings a refined, intentional approach to her work, consistently delivering styling that feels both distinctive and beautifully executed.

Read also: Nonye Udeogu is curating looks for every girl with “This Thing Called Fashion”

Nonye Udeogu

If there is anyone I would love to take a peek into their closet for a day, it would have to be Nonye Udeogu.  A true style icon, she curates everything concerning fashion and lifestyle.

Udeogu is a Nigerian multifaceted fashion creator and creative director. Her style speaks for itself, spanning a wide range from chic and sophisticated to more boyish, effortless looks. She doesn’t limit herself to one aesthetic, instead moving fluidly across different styles while always knowing how to present herself in the best possible way.

Ashley Okoli

Ashley Okoli is a model, fashion entrepreneur, stylist, and creative lead. You’ve probably come across her on Pinterest at different points without even realising it was her.

She is often at the forefront of Nigeria’s alté movement, known for her rebellious, genderless style. She often blends grunge, Y2K influences, and more experimental elements. One of her signature beauty features is her pencil-thin eyebrows, which further define her distinct look.

Outside of her personal styling, she has appeared in music videos and commercials, and continues to build her own fashion brand while collaborating with other established brands in the industry.

Read also: Tobi Ojora on fashion, wellness and the freedom to start afresh

Temi Ojora

Temi Ojora ,an athlete turned beauty entrepreneur, has become a go-to reference for many people, especially when it comes to braid style inspiration.

She has gone on to build her own hair brand, Knott, which she co-founded with her sister, Tobi Ojora, as a premium and tangle-free French curl brand focused on quality. Alongside this, she continues to balance her career in track and field.

These days, she places more focus on her fashion, lifestyle, and personal branding, with her everyday life serving as a point of inspiration for many who follow her journey.

Inspired by women who do it all — and do it well

These women show that you can achieve everything while still looking good, and that your style can be an extension of your ambition. They are worth having on your vision board and your moodboard too.

Read more: Nigerian women-led businesses you should be spending your money on

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