A Tale of Two Ghanaians—Jackie Appiah and Berla Mundi’s Silver Sequin Moment

At the 2024 AMAA Awards in Nigeria, Jackie Appiah dazzled the red carpet in a silver sequin cut-out dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Tailored to emphasize her enviable silhouette, the dress featured a dramatic train that cascaded down to the floor, adding an elegant, yet powerful touch. To complete her look, Jackie accessorized with a shimmering silver clutch, reminiscent of the Allsaints Bettina leather bag, and wore her hair styled in a chic, sleek manner, with strands delicately hanging by her forehead—a look that’s been trending for quite some time now. While her shoes were hidden by the length of the gown, one could only imagine that Jackie, known for her impeccable style, opted for nothing less than high-end footwear. And with her poise and grace, she collected her well-deserved award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, proving that her style is as stellar as her acting talent.

However, as much as Jackie’s ensemble turned heads, her silver sequin number drew comparisons to a similar look worn by Berla Mundi at the 2023 VGMA Awards. Berla also chose a form-fitting silver cut-out gown, which she wore as part of her trio of looks for the night as she hosted the prestigious event. While both gowns shared the same silver sequin allure, Berla’s version featured a more daring neckline that cut through to her cleavage, without any illusion mesh fabric for coverage—a bold statement that Jackie’s dress, on the other hand, softened with a visible mesh overlay. Though Jackie’s mesh was strategically placed to cover her cleavage, it seemed somewhat unnecessary, as her neckline was already daring enough without it, leading one to wonder if the extra layer added a touch of redundancy.

Both women showed they know how to serve looks, but while Jackie’s dress showcased refined elegance, Berla’s version had an edgier, more adventurous vibe. Berla also took her fashion game a step further with a removable hoodie attached to her dress, which could be worn for added drama or taken off to reveal a more streamlined silhouette. Her all-back hair and bold makeup completed the striking look, making it one of the standout moments of the evening.

Adding another layer to this fashion conversation, netizens have begun questioning the appropriateness of one celebrity repeating a custom design worn by another. Berla wore her sequin dress in 2023, while Jackie donned hers later in 2024. It seems that Jackie may have drawn some inspiration from Berla’s look, but aside from the mesh overlay, the overall concept appears quite similar, leaving some to wonder if the dress lacked a distinct twist. Interestingly, the gown was designed by the same designer, Yartelgh, and styled by Bveystyling, who also works with both Jackie and Berla. This raises the question of whether celebrity stylists are unintentionally creating parallel moments, or if they are simply opting for a design that suits the celebrities’ shared tastes.

Notably, the designer behind this silver metallic sequin dress has also crafted a similar gown for Ghanaian songstress Becca, although in a different design, and even Beyoncé has been spotted in a comparable look, though with a unique interpretation. It’s clear that this silver sequin gown has become somewhat of a signature piece, with various iterations finding their way onto high-profile figures, proving that the design has resonated across different styles and occasions.

While both Jackie and Berla pulled off their respective silver sequins with grace and confidence, there is a growing desire among fans to see more African celebrities embracing their cultural heritage on the red carpet. As much as the two women looked stunning, many netizens have expressed a longing to see them in looks that more prominently reflect African culture, style, and history. There is a powerful call for the use of traditional African fabrics and designs to showcase Afrocentrism and celebrate the richness of the continent’s fashion heritage.

Whether within Africa or beyond, many believe that African celebrities should take every opportunity to honor their roots by wearing garments that speak to their cultural identity. The red carpet is the perfect platform for showcasing the beauty of African fashion, from the bold prints of kente to the intricate beadwork and rich textures that tell the story of the continent’s diverse cultures. When an African steps onto the red carpet, the hope is that their attire serves as a reflection of their heritage and their love for African culture, making a statement not only in terms of glamour but also in cultural pride.