Denim is one of those fabrics that has managed to outlive trends, cross borders and maintain a permanent place in wardrobes across generations. It works equally well as an everyday staple or a statement piece, whether it is a perfectly faded pair of vintage jeans or a crisp, structured jacket. Its versatility leaves plenty of room to experiment, making it one of the easiest fabrics to adapt to your personal style.
That versatility was on full display in the recent cast reveal for Akay Mason’s upcoming feature, Five Figurines. In the accompanying photoshoot, cast members including Ini Edo, Bimbo Akintola, Odunlade Adekola, Uche Montana, Mike Ezuruonye, Chuks Joseph, Chimezie Imo, Clinton Joshua, Gbubemi Ejeyi and Fola Babatunde embraced denim-heavy looks that combined different washes, silhouettes and textures. The result was a cohesive fashion concept that still allowed each cast member’s individual style to come through.
Taking a few cues from the shoot, here are some ways to bring the Five Figurines denim aesthetic into your own wardrobe.
Trousers
The trousers are undoubtedly some of the strongest pieces in the shoot, and denim gives you plenty of room to make a statement. You can experiment with deep, moody blues alongside lighter washes, or introduce white denim for contrast, as some of the cast members did.
Bimbo Akintola took the patchwork route, combining different shades of blue for an eclectic finish. Chuks Joseph opted for a bolder silhouette with three-quarter shorts featuring intricate zigzag detailing, adding an unexpected element to the look. Ini Edo brought texture into her outfit with subtle fringe details and light rips across the front of her jeans, giving the denim a more lived-in feel.
If embellishment is not your thing, Mike Ezuruonye’s look offers a simpler alternative. His clean, classic approach shows that denim can make an impact without relying on elaborate detailing.
Tops
The cast also moved beyond the conventional denim shirt, using their tops to introduce different shapes and textures. For a more understated approach, a plain T-shirt, as seen on Ini Edo and Fola Babatunde, can provide a simple base for a denim-heavy outfit.
For those looking to make more of a statement, Uche Montana’s structured halter-style bodice and Gbubemi Ejeyi’s off-shoulder corset top demonstrate how denim can be transformed into more sculpted silhouettes. Cropped and fitted styles can work particularly well when paired with wide-leg jeans, shorts or skirts, while the men can keep things simple with a plain tee underneath a denim jacket.
Skirts
For those who prefer skirts, the shoot offers a couple of different directions. Gbubemi Ejeyi’s mini skirt gives the denim look a youthful edge, while Fola Babatunde’s flared silhouette offers a softer and more relaxed interpretation.
The key is in the details. The wash, length, cut and finishing can completely change the mood of a denim skirt, so choose a silhouette that works with the rest of your outfit rather than simply matching the fabric.
Jackets
A denim jacket remains one of the easiest ways to pull an outfit together, and the Five Figurines cast offered several ways to approach the staple. You can stick with a traditional full-sleeve jacket for a classic look or opt for something more unconventional, such as the sleeveless style Chimezie Imo wore.
For a coordinated outfit, pair your jacket with denim trousers or a skirt in a similar wash. Alternatively, mixing different shades of denim can create contrast while keeping the outfit within the same colour family.
Shoes and Accessories
The right shoes can determine whether your denim look feels polished, casual or somewhere in between. Heels or sleek footwear can give the outfit a more refined finish, while sneakers, boots or other relaxed styles can keep things understated.
Accessories are equally important because they can add personality without competing with the denim. A structured handbag, statement jewellery, sunglasses or a belt can provide the finishing touch, depending on the look you are going for.
At the end of the day, denim remains one of the easiest fabrics to experiment with, and the Five Figurines cast shows just how many directions you can take it. Whether your style leans chic, edgy or laid-back, there is room to make denim work for you. So the next time you are standing in front of your wardrobe wondering what to wear, reach for denim and make the look your own.
