Style Magnate wraps up with Esther Okonta as winner

The final episode of Style Magnate, Showmax’s fashion and design reality show, is now streaming, with all episodes available to binge-watch.  

After weeks of tough challenges designed to test their design prowess and ability to think on their feet, and unexpected twists, Esther Okonta emerged as the first-ever Style Magnate and was awarded a life-changing opportunity to launch her career as a designer for the stars. She also won N10 million in cash, a three-month internship with a top fashion brand, and a stylish one-bedroom apartment.   

Created by Abisola Omolade, the show brought together 20 designers who faced difficult tasks, pushed their limits, and showed off their most creative ideas. Viewers witnessed avant-garde creations and the relentless drama of weekly eliminations that left audiences on the edge of their seats. 

In the final episode, the top five designers - Zuweirat, Sildek, Esther, Itunu, and Philip - had to create a three-look collection for a celebrity client. The pressure was on, and each designer had to prove they had what it took to win.   

On hand to assess the designers’ creations were the show’s Maestro, Mai Atafo, Nigerian designers Ejiro Amos Tafiri and Ugo Monye, Tosin Ogundadegbe of Style Infidel, alongside Yolanda Okereke and Joseph Benjamin, who served as Fashion Principal and Host on the show. Esther’s collection, “Shades of Strength”, which she said was inspired by powerful, confident women, was voted best by the judges.   

Speaking on the inspiration behind Style Magnate, Omolade said: “I wanted to create a platform that elevates the fashion narrative in Africa. With Style Magnate, we’re not just showcasing designs; we’re celebrating stories, talent, and the limitless potential of African creatives.” 

Dr Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels West Africa at MultiChoice, said: “Style Magnate is proof of the creative brilliance of African designers setting a new standard for fashion reality TV in Africa. It’s been inspiring to see the raw talent and bold creativity of these designers, and we’re proud to have brought their journey to our viewers. With the potential they have showcased on the show, they are all winners and have very bright futures in the industry”. 

With Esther Okonta now crowned as the ultimate Style Magnate, the show has set a high bar for future seasons while shining a spotlight on the boundless creativity of African fashion. 

The debut season of Style Magnate has also set a bold precedent for fashion storytelling in Africa and looks forward to what’s next for these remarkable designers.