In a dazzling finale that marked a milestone for African fashion, Esther Okonta emerged victorious as the first-ever winner of ‘Style Magnate’, Showmax’s fashion reality series.
Okonta, the creative force behind the brand ‘ESTAZ’, captivated judges and viewers alike with designs that masterfully merged contemporary aesthetics with African cultural heritage.
The triumph comes with rewards that could reshape the trajectory of Okonta’s career. Mainstone Construction, the show’s headline sponsor, awarded her a one-bedroom triplex loft valued at 80 million naira, complemented by cash and prizes totalling an additional 20 million naira. The construction giant, known for transforming Yaba’s urban landscape with over 250 residential and commercial developments, views this investment as part of its broader commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s creative industries.
“This moment represents more than personal success—it’s a victory for African fashion,” Okonta said following her win. Her brand, ESTAZ, distinguished itself throughout the competition through innovative fabric selections and bold reinterpretations of traditional African designs.
The show itself emerged from the creative vision of Abisola Omolade, an acclaimed producer whose portfolio includes Netflix successes such as “King of Boys,” “Blood Sisters,” and “Orah.” Omolade, recently honoured as Best Production Designer at the 2024 AMVCA Awards, conceived “Style Magnate” as more than just entertainment—envisioning it as a platform to showcase Africa’s untapped fashion potential.
Industry observers note that the partnership between Mainstone Construction and “Style Magnate” signals a growing recognition of the synergistic relationship between Nigeria’s built environment and its creative sectors. “This collaboration demonstrates how different industries can come together to create opportunities for emerging talent,” says a leading fashion industry consultant.
The significance of Okonta’s win extends beyond the impressive prize package. As the inaugural winner of Africa’s first fashion reality show, she becomes a standard-bearer for a new generation of designers seeking to make their mark on the global fashion stage. Her success story highlights the show’s role in bridging the gap between raw talent and professional opportunity in Africa’s fashion industry.
“Style Magnate” has set a new benchmark for reality television in Africa, combining high production values with genuine cultural impact. The show’s format, which challenged contestants to blend innovation with cultural authenticity, has proven that African television can successfully create content that resonates both locally and internationally.
For Okonta, the future looks promising. The combination of industry recognition, substantial prizes, and a new creative space positions her brand, ESTAZ, for significant growth. Fashion industry experts predict that her victory could open doors for both her label and other emerging African designers seeking international recognition.
As “Style Magnate” concludes its historic first season, it leaves behind more than just a winner—it has created a template for how African creative industries can nurture and showcase talent while maintaining cultural authenticity. Through Okonta’s success, the show has demonstrated that African fashion is ready to claim its place on the global stage.
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