A Breakdown of Fashion Outfits From The Citation Movie
While we have a number of Nollywood productions that obviously did not give proper reverence to the fashion being used, we have some filmmakers who understood the relevance of style and utilized it appropriately in their work.
The 2020 movie, “Citation” which was directed by Kunle Afolayan, is a Nollywood film that succeeded in the fashion and style department. Set in olden-day Obafemi Awolowo University, this movie used fashion to effectively capture the essence of youth and individuality, while taking a strong stand against sexual harassment on university campuses.
In this Citation movie, Temi Otedola plays the leading role of Moremi Oluwa, a gifted 21-year-old post-graduate student with big dreams of working in the United Nations. Moremi, as the movie progresses, falls (yet another) victim to the manipulative tactics of Lucien N’Dyare, a lecturer that comes around on a transfer program. What started out as a lecturer-student friendship, quickly escalated into a ploy to ruin Moremi’s education. This happened as a result of Moremi turning down Lucien’s very forceful sexual advances.
The film’s costume design was handled by Yolanda Okereke, supervised by Diipo Ayo-Adeusi, and aided by wardrobe assistants, Joke Abdulsalam, Olayinka Ayinde, Joshua Famadewa; wardrobe mistress, Kusamotu Damilola; and stylist assistant, Abdulsalam Adejoke.
A strong plot requires an even stronger execution and this film achieved both. Though there are different aspects to this Nigerian film, the focus for this post is the use of fashion, how it aided the story development, and in the end, we would provide some inspiration for your next outfit.
Each role was clearly defined
This was not a case of wondering who is who because the outfits already did that. The lecturers were lecturers and the students were seen as students as seen by the outfit choices. The students wore more youthful outfits of simple shirts with jeans or shorts, with minimal makeup and jewelry while the lecturers and professors wore more suits, blazers, and jewelry.
If these characters were made to stand on a single line, it would be more than easy to point out who was what because of the clever use of wardrobe.
It is important to note that these style choices were not over-exaggerated as seen with some other Nollywood movies where female students walk around with full makeup, tight clothing, and ridiculously short skirts such as seen in Season 3 of MTV's Shuga and others. In those same film productions, lecturers were displayed as tasteless persons who wore loose baggy and horrendous clothing.
Observe how Professor Ibukun Awosika, the chair-woman of the panel, had a certain sophistication to her outfits.
Even when Gloria, a "slay-queen", was on screen, she was dressed becomingly of a university student because she was on campus and not on the street.
The use of African prints and promotion of the African culture
There were probably more African prints in this single movie than in the entire AMVCA's. The stylists and those in charge of the wardrobe made sure to infuse as much African into the movie without it being too overbearing or over-exaggerated.
Apart from the use of local languages in the movie, the outfits clearly communicated that it is an African movie. Talk about killing two birds with one stone.
Dressing for authenticity
Attention to detail goes a long way to convince the viewer of authenticity. Koyejo, a medical student and karate trainee wore his lab coat and karate uniform, 'Gi' in a few scenes to authenticate his character. There are Nollywood movies that indicate a doctor with nothing but a stethoscope slung leisurely around his/her neck. Perhaps, the karate feature would have been portrayed by nothing more than a few kicks in the air and maniacal shouts of 'Hyah!'
During sports practice, the students are seen wearing their sports clothes and not regular clothes.
Even during the trip to Dakar and the small hangout at the beach, the students were appropriately dressed in light and airy clothing to fit the scene.
When it was time for Moremi to face the panel, she dressed accordingly in semi-formal outfits, as any student in a real university would.
Outfits Inspired by the Citation Movie
The Citation movie can easily boast of great "everyday" outfits that can be worn to run errands and even attend classes.
1. A simple tank top, blazer, and a pair of fitted jeans would be perfect for your less informal occasions. While Moremi wore hers with flats, you can jazz up yours with heels or mules.
2. A simple vintage shirt can never go wrong, and we can see that in Kwesi's outfits. His choice of school clothing ranged from vintage shirts to regular shirts, and then to vintage shirts again. Throw in a bomber jacket or two and you have this entire wardrobe.
3. Less casual options would include Gloria's black blouse with exaggerated sleeves tucked into an Ankara shirt. This would be great for attending informal meetings or just making a statement at the supermarket.
4. A kaftan-style top with baggy pants is probably your best outfit for the beach, especially if you do not want to expose your body.
5. A chiffon blouse tucked loosely into high-waist pants is a classic and would never go out of style. It is quite multi-purpose and can serve you for a variety of functions including Fridays at your place of work.
6. Lastly is this very casual top and denim shorts perfect for touring and walking on the beach. It is best paired with slippers or sneakers because it is not a very fancy or formal outfit.
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