Let’s be honest: some styles never really go out of fashion—they just wait for the right queens to bring them back with flair. And that’s exactly what Nancy Isime and Yemi Alade just did. They pulled up in matching oleku fits that screamed, “your aunty could never,” and we are here for every layered bead and gele twist of it.
If you grew up in a Nigerian household in the late ’90s or early 2000s, you know this look intimately. Your mum and her friends? Certified style icons. Lace iro and buba? Always crisp. Beaded necklaces stacked like trophies? Essential. Geles that could take flight? Yes, ma’am. Throw in some oversized shades and you’ve got a complete aesthetic—one that defined an era before corset dresses became the reigning aso-ebi monarchs.
But Yemi and Nancy Isime didn’t just recreate it—they modernised it. They took the soul of the look and gave it Gen Z energy: shorter wrappers, fun sunglasses, peach-toned geles, and enough confidence to power a generator. Yemi in pink lace. Nancy Isime in green. Both in strappy pink heels. Both glowing. Both looking like Nollywood royalty on a girls’ trip.
And as if the outfits weren’t enough, the duo filmed a dance video to Yemi’s latest jam “Padi Mi” (which literally means “my friend”). Matching fits + coordinated dance moves = ultimate bestie behaviour. We love friends who don’t just dress alike, but dance alike too. It’s giving sisterhood with style.
Also, a moment of silence for the accessories—stacked pearls, strappy heels, Yemi Alade’s dark sunnies, and Nancy Isime’s bold emerald necklace? Chef’s kiss. Everything about this look is a celebration. Of tradition. Of friendship. Of women having fun and feeling fly.
And that’s really the tea: the oleku isn’t just for owambes or family functions anymore. Nancy and Yemi just proved it’s a whole vibe for girls’ night, music videos, or just dressing up to match your bestie and take over Instagram.
Now excuse us while we go dig up our mum’s vintage lace and start planning our own “Padi Mi” moment.
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