Fashion Made to celebrate you: A review of Magodo SS24 collection

Can a single outfit really change the way you feel, especially as a man?

It may seem unlikely, but fashion is more than just putting on clothes. The right outfit can lift your mood, boost your confidence, and even shape how others see you.

This is exactly what the latest Magodo collection by Rilwan Rotinwa Olamide and Ayodeji-Mumeen Ayodeji Agbeniga is all about. With its unique designs, stylish details, and high-quality fabrics, this collection isn’t just meant to make you look good. It is about making you feel bold, confident, and ready to stand out.

Wearing one of these pieces feels like putting on a new version of yourself. Imagine slipping into a tailored Aso Oke jacket and a pair of pants that instantly make you feel taller, stronger, and more self-assured. That’s the impact of these outfits. Each one is created to make a statement, and when you wear it, you’ll find yourself wanting to walk a little taller and smile a bit brighter.

What makes this collection special is found in the little things. Every design is thoughtfully created, from the fabric choice to the cut and shape. Then, there’s the attention to detail, which is a trademark of Rilwan and Ayodeji’s work. If there is anything one can bank on is that they will deliver when it comes to even the tiniest details.

You can see it in the clean seams, the flawless stitching, and the smooth finishes. In an interview with the fashion icons, Rilwan said, “Fashion should feel as good as it looks. It’s not just about making beautiful clothes, but making the person wearing them feel amazing.”

This shows in every piece. Magodo collection makes you feel like you’re wearing something that’s been made to celebrate you. Beyond how it’s made, what makes this collection the talk of the town is the feeling it gives you. It makes you feel like you’re making a statement without saying a word. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to stand out and be noticed as a man.

The shapes, cuts, and tiny details all work together to tell a story: one of confidence, style, strength and masculinity.

Let’s take a step back from talking about the collection for a second and shine a light on the two guys making it all happen, Rilwan and Ayodeji. Here’s a backdrop of their story.

They’re two friends with a shared passion for celebrating African culture through clothing. Their journey started at a university in Nigeria. Back then, they were just students with big dreams, but they saw a gap in the market and thought, “Why not create a fashion brand that makes African men feel proud of their roots?”

In 2017, while still juggling lectures and exams, they officially launched their brand. From Lagos, Nigeria, all the way to the UK, they’ve stayed true to their mission which is to create high-quality pieces that speak to the modern African man. What makes them truly special is how they blend African-inspired designs with modern styles that guys anywhere can rock.

But getting here wasn’t easy. Trying to balance school and business wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. They worked with other fashion brands in Nigeria to gain experience, learn the ropes and figure out how to bring their vision to life. This hands-on experience taught them not just how to create great designs but also how to run a business — skills that are often harder to learn in a classroom.

Now, they’re a force in the Afrocentric fashion space, creating looks that speak to men who want to show off their culture with style. Each piece in their collections from 2020 to the present, is a mix of tradition and modern flair, perfect for men who want to embrace their heritage while still looking sharp and on-trend.

Rilwan and Ayodeji are changing the game. And the best part? They’re building a movement that encourages men to wear their pride on their sleeves — literally.
They made public their latest 2024 collection which was tagged Magodo. Let’s have a look into what they offer.

Design Credit: Rilwan Rotinwa Olamide and Ayodeji-Mumeen Ayodeji Agbeniga
The shirt on this piece is a perfect mix of traditional charm and modern style, making it stand out in any wardrobe.

The patchwork design instantly catches the eye, thanks to its creative blend of solid and striped fabrics. The placement of tan blocks on the shoulders, side panels, and collar creates a nice balance with the vibrant vertical stripes running through the front and sleeves.

It’s a look that feels refined yet casual, ideal for someone who loves to blend sophistication with a bit of edge. Plus, the front zipper and sharp collar give it a relaxed, trendy vibe, making it perfect for both casual hangouts and slightly dressed-up occasions.
What really makes this shirt pop is its bold use of stripes.

The navy, red, and grey lines running vertically add a touch of structure, making the shirt feel sleek and polished. These stripes are a nod to traditional African textiles like Aso Oke which is the inspiration behind the creation. It also gives a deeper cultural story woven into the fabric.

This combination of classic patterns and modern streetwear elements makes the piece feel fresh and unique, perfect also for anyone who likes to wear something that stands out without trying too hard.

The colours are another strong point here. The earthy tan on the collar and side panels tones down the look just enough, letting the brighter stripes take centre stage without being overwhelming. This makes it easy to style—whether you’re going for neutral chinos or pairing it with dark jeans for a night out, the shirt will hold its own.

The way the striped fabric on the cuffs mirrors the pattern throughout the shirt shows that the designers put real thought into making everything cohesive. And the zippered front isn’t just functional, it is also a nod to current streetwear trends, where comfort and style go hand-in-hand.

However, to take this shirt design up a notch, a few tweaks could really elevate its appeal. For instance, incorporating subtle embroidery details along the collar or cuffs could give the piece a more artisanal touch and make it feel even more premium.

Embroidery inspired by traditional African symbols or motifs would deepen the cultural connection, making it a standout conversation piece.

Another recommendation would be to experiment with closures. While the zipper adds a modern, streetwear-inspired feel, introducing alternative options like wooden or metallic buttons could offer a more classic look. This would provide a choice for men who prefer a more traditional aesthetic, without losing the uniqueness of the overall design.

Plus, expanding the colour palette to include deeper tones, like maroon, forest green, or charcoal, would appeal to a broader audience. These richer hues would complement the existing stripe pattern, adding a new level of versatility to the shirt.

This way, it could easily transition from day to night or casual to semi-formal, depending on how it’s styled.Next on the collection is a piece that you don’t see every day.

Design Credit: Rilwan Rotinwa Olamide and Ayodeji-Mumeen Ayodeji Agbeniga
The design has a striking balance between traditional and modern elements, making it an intriguing choice for many.

The structured long sleeves and clean tailoring give it a smart, sophisticated vibe, while the front zipper and patch pockets add a casual touch, making it a perfect cross between a formal shirt and a light jacket. You can see that it’s built for versatility, whether you want to dress it up or down.

The deep navy base colour, mixed with bold red and subtle grey vertical stripes, makes it visually appealing. The way the colours contrast is eye-catching without being too much, which is a tricky balance to achieve.

The stripes are strategically placed around the pockets and the zipper area, adding a sense of order and structure to the design. It’s like there’s a thought process behind every line, giving it a polished, well-crafted look.

However, there’s still room to play around and make this piece even more unique. One recommendation would be to add some texture—perhaps by experimenting with fabric variations. Introducing a mix of matte and glossy finishes in specific areas could add depth and make the design pop even more. It adds a subtle but powerful detail that elevates the entire piece.

Another suggestion would be to play with the collar design. While the standard collar works, trying something different, like a band or a Mandarin collar could give it a new twist. This would make it feel fresh and a little more sophisticated, especially for semi-formal occasions.

Overall, it is a standout piece that pays homage to West African textiles. It’s the kind of piece that suits someone looking to make a statement with their wardrobe, someone who values both functionality and the rich storytelling behind what they wear.

So, can a single outfit really change the way you feel, especially as a man? Based on this collection, the answer is; absolutely.