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By Chinazam Ikechi-Uko
“It is a hot girl summer so you know she got it lit.”
– Megan Thee Stallion.
In December of 2019, Megan Thee Stallion performed a series of her viral hits at the FlyTime fest held annually at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. Megan hoped for a receptive audience but what she got was mind blowing, with antsy fans climbing the stage to perform with her which she openly received. Her summer hit, Hot Girl Summer was the real scene stealer and every summer, we trade our gloomy coats and cardigans for more breathable outfits. This may confuse readers in some parts of Africa because “summer” isn’t a season in their region and for others, summer falls during Christmas. However, that’s not the summer I speak of, this summer is a state of mind. When I say hot girl summer, I’m not talking about degrees. Think of summer as a season for concerts, festivals, parties, art exhibitions and conventions. Summer is not just a time of warmth and relaxation; it’s also an opportunity to express your style, confidence, and individuality. What better way to enhance your Hot Girl Summer than by discovering some brands that offer a wide range of fashionable and functional products to make this season your most memorable one yet? I’ve curated a list for every hot girl based on their personalities and bank balances because really and truly, we all have an inner hot girl.
So you are the fun loving, not afraid to show a little skin type of hot girl. The hot girl with 90s sensual styles like slip dresses, coordinating sets, and light weight fabrics such as chiffon, mesh and silk. If this is the archetype of the hot girl that you relate with the most, then Seta The Label has got your back. Since 2018, the cutting-edge Nigerian brand has continued to create chic and alluring pieces that flatter the feminine physique.
When Nicki Minaj said, “Let’s go to the beach, beach, let’s go get a wave”, you felt that on an extraterrestrial level. You’re that hot girl whose summer schedule includes bikinis, coconut juice, water resistant jewellery and bright colours. The sun may be hot but that’s what makes the water bearable, if you could choose a job, it would be beach. Looking for the right swimwear for your water fun or simply just to look as hot as the weather? That’s where Ell and Russ swim steps in. The handmade Nigerian swimwear label designs swimsuits and swim accessories such as cover-ups, shirts and a few other non-swimwear styles.
So you are the signature hot girl; the hot girl whose outfits have a running theme, a specific colour, a handband or in this case a patterned cut-out on all your summer fits. You called and now Jbottoms is speaking, Jbottoms produces eye-catching body-accentuating Nigerian collections with their signature staple, the clover. Jbottoms was founded by Lotanna Jaluchi Don, the aim was to make undeniably sexy attires that fit every body type. The brand prides itself in its craft skill along with the recongisable signature of the brand. The average Jbottoms garment has a clover shaped cut-out strategically placed on both sides of the hips.
I will be the first to say it, you’re obsessed with nostalgia. Y2K Nollywood era? Now that’s your vibe. Round necks, small T-shirts, skirts the size of a belt and hair curls. Yes, Meji Meji has your catalogue, their Tees and headpieces are sure to make your shopping cart. Meji Meji was founded by Tolu Oye in 2020, the brand redefines Nigerian culture, celebrating black heritage, and inspiring boldness. It caters to the culturally diverse, and aesthetically inclined new-generation customers, showcasing the allure of nostalgia inspired by Nollywood and the Juju Music Era.
This is for the easygoing street wear-loving hot girls who are conscious shoppers. The hot girl who is possessed with the soul of a rockstar. She is so chill, she’d wear shorts to the Oscars, surf with shorts on, she’s art. Those that get her, get her and the rest? What rest? She’s loved by all. She likes an alte cult brand, the more unknown it is, the more she wants it. They love having to shop and donate at the same time, they are frugal and having to select an NGO to support is an anxiety chase. But a brand that doubles as an organisation, now that deserves a victory lap. FREE THE YOUTH is an empowering collective founded by Jonathan Coffie, Kelly Foli, Winfred Mensah, and Richard Kweku Ormano. With a focus on connecting Ghanaian and African youth to global art scenes, they promote street-style fashion and culture inspired by Ghana.
So you are all about neutral colours and though it is the summer, bright outfits and patterns are not your thing. Well Second Skin will definitely be for you. Second Skin Label, created by Onyeka Ambrose, is a Nigerian womenswear brand that celebrates body diversity with flawlessly designed pieces. With a focus on promoting inclusivity, the brand offers a range of shades to compliment every skin tone.
Welcome to the home for the cute hot girl. If she were a TikTok aesthetic, she’d be fairy core. She’s all about that fiery yet earthy style. She loves to romanticize her life and 5th Bone is the missing puzzle of her fantasy. 5th Bone excels in creating handmade Corsets along with a selection of other adorable pieces. From charming dresses to stylish and elegant skirts. It was established by Tomisin Ajayi in 2022.
But let’s not forgive the history loving hot girl. For her, I present, Lulla Studio, an Afro-fashion powerhouse rooted in African Art, Culture, and History. Lulla Studio creates bold, functional handcrafted pieces, merging traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. With a catalogue boasting of an array of pieces such as face caps, corsets, playsuits, trousers, dresses, shorts, crop tops and many more. The sustainable Nigerian brand aims to awaken conscious consumers and foster growth within the local creative community.
Amuj is for the girl’s girl. She is charismatic and fun, she’s the life of the party. She’s hotter than summer and the best part is that she knows. Amuj is a Lagos-based fashion brand, which was founded in 2021. The ethos of the brand is deeply rooted in empowering women and fostering self-confidence. The brand recognizes that true beauty radiates from within and aims to create garments that inspire a sense of empowerment, allowing every woman to embrace her unique individuality. With each stitch and fabric choice, Amuj strives to create an experience where women can embrace their femininity and express their style with a touch of allure.
The brand for indie hot girls, she loves mixing silhouettes. She’d wear a skirt on a trouser, she’s a rule breaker, and social norms are scared of her. Founded by the visionary Edmound Eldridge, the brand skillfully blends conventional streetwear aesthetics with distinct Kenyan references, resulting in a unique and authentic expression of style. By tapping into the rich tapestry of Kenya’s heritage, PE$OS aims to create a paradigm shift that celebrates and honours the nation’s creative talents while empowering the youth to embrace their own cultural identity. PE$OS emerged from a passionate longing to redefine Kenya’s youth culture, shifting its focus from aspiring to Western ideals to embracing inspiration from local creatives and cultural pioneers.
You represent the rich in rich, the sun may be hot but so are you… and so is your bank account. You don’t want any luxury brand, you want one that focuses on craftsmanship as much as it does on designing eclectic pieces. RICH MNISI is a South African contemporary brand founded by Rich Mnisi in 2015. With a focus on culture, heritage, and innovative design, each collection tells a compelling story through minimalist structures and superior craftsmanship, connecting the past, present, and future.
Tubo does things with cashmere, lycra and crepe that shouldn’t be possible. However, that is not where the diversity in its collections stop. Tubo also produces silk and summer ready prints providing several options for buyers. This is exactly what this hot girl wants, she wants multiple options. She wants to dress light today and defy the weather tomorrow. Tubo was formed by Sandrah Tubobereni in 2014, driven by originality and expertise, TUBO has a become global brand recognized for its ability to cater to a variety of women. Tubo is bound to help you unlock your inner hot girl.
The artsy hot girl exudes a unique and captivating energy that blends creativity with confidence. She effortlessly combines her passion for the arts with an irresistible allure, leaving a trail of inspiration in her wake, with an eye for aesthetics and an innate sense of style. Crochet has traditionally been associated with specific garments, and Elexiay is on a mission to redefine its perception beyond “grandma’s clothing.” By leveraging the knowledge passed down through generations, the brand skillfully handcrafts garments without relying on machines, aiming to minimise harm to the environment. All of Elexiay’s crochet pieces are made with meticulous care and are recyclable, emphasising their commitment to sustainability. Founded by Elyon Adede in 2018, Elexiay celebrates Nigeria’s rich history, heritage, and artisanal skills, with a particular focus on crochet and knits.
