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  • Table of contents

    Adire Kampala Gown Styles

    Bubu Kampala Gown Styles

    Kaftan Kampala Gown Styles

    Latest Nigerian Kampala Styles for Ladies

    If you grew up in a Nigerian household, there’s a good chance you’ve seen it. That bold, colourful fabric with swirls, dots, and rich dye patterns. That’s Kampala. Not the city in Uganda, but the material your mum probably wore to her friend’s wedding in 2003 and again to church last week, because quality no dey fade.

    Kampala isn’t just fabric; it’s a whole vibe. Hand-dyed with care, patience, and a little bit of chaos, this fabric has been a staple in Nigerian fashion for decades. It’s loud, unapologetic, and full of culture, kind of like us. 

    Whether you’re looking for everyday wear or statement outfits, Nigerian Kampala styles for ladies come through with elegance, colour, and plenty of attitude.

    Here are 20 Kampala styles for ladies who want to make a statement.

    Adire Kampala Gown Styles

    There’s something timeless about these Adire-inspired looks. Whether you’re going to a family gathering, a casual event, or even a low-key wedding, these Nigerian Kampala styles for ladies give you that grounded elegance without doing too much.

    Button-Down Kampala Midi Dress

    This is quietly elegant.  The midi length keeps it simple, while the button-down detail and flared cut add just enough movement. The earthy tones do a lot of the heavy lifting. It feels grounded and familiar, like something your favourite aunty might wear to a naming but still feel cute in. I also love that it has pockets.

    Best for: Round and oval face shapes

    Pairs well with: Gold drop earrings, neutral heels, and a pulled-back hairstyle to let the print shine.

    Style tip: Elevate the look with a bold lip colour or statement eye, but never both. Let the dress be your canvas.

    Button Up Nigerian Kampala Styles for Ladies

    Bronzed Majesty Kampala Gown

    This Nigerian Kampala style for ladies has a ruched detail that draws the fabric in just right, while the slit adds a small, confident nod. The colours are warm and deep, almost like a late afternoon sun. It feels dressy without trying too hard.

    Best for: Round and heart-shaped faces

    Pairs well with: Pointed-toe embellished pumps, black or bronze mini handbags, and dainty chain jewellery

    Style tip: Let your hair flow sleek or straight to balance the volume. Keep makeup glowy with a touch of bronze to mirror the fabric’s radiance.

    Orange Nigerian Kampala Styles for Ladies

    Emerald Ruffle Royalty Kampala Bubu

    Bold, breezy, and unapologetically grand, this Kampala bubu gown steals the spotlight with its voluminous ruffled edges and striking green pattern. It’s the perfect mix of drama and tradition with a queenly touch.

    Best for: Square and oval-shaped faces

    Pairs well with: Metallic flats or heels, drop earrings, and a small satin clutch

    Style tip: Let the ruffles shine. Pull hair back into a sleek bun or wrap it in a matching scarf, and keep makeup glowy with emerald-toned accents.

    Dark Green Nigerian Kampala Styles for Ladies

    Royal Orchid Kampala Peplum Set

    This Kampala outfit features a structured peplum and rich purple embroidery,  perfect for standing out at any formal event. The tie-dye blend of violet and olive green adds a dynamic, graceful finish.

    Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces

    Pairs well with: Gold jewellery, purple or nude heels, and a satin clutch.

    Style tip: Pair with a neatly wrapped gele to enhance the neckline. A soft matte face beat with gold accents will pull the look together beautifully.

    Green Nigerian Kampala Styles for Ladies

    Radiant Burst Pink Bubu

    This bubu reminds me of brightness without noise. The soft pink sunburst tie-dye and relaxed silhouette make it one of those Kampala styles you throw on and instantly look put together. It feels joyful without needing too much.

    Best for: Heart, round, and oval face shapes

    Pairs well with: Simple drop earrings, glowing skin, makeup, and a smile.

    Style tip: Let your hair down or go with a slicked-back bun to balance the headwrap.

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    You’ll Also Enjoy: 22 of the Best Bubu Gown Styles with Ankara You’ll Love in 2025

    Bubu Kampala Gown Styles

    The bubu silhouette has always been about ease. For many Nigerian women, it’s the go-to for comfort, movement, and grace. These Kampala bubu gowns take something traditional and give it small, thoughtful updates that make them work for today’s pace of life.

    Kampala Straight-Cut Gown

    There’s something quiet but bold about this straight-cut gown. The V-neckline has just enough detail to catch the light, while the orange-and-black print holds history in every swirl. It’s one of those Nigerian Kampala styles for ladies that does a lot with very little.

    Best for: Round and oval-shaped faces

    Pairs well with: Simple silver or pearl jewellery, structured mini bags, and open-toe sandals or low mules

    Style tip: Let the neckline shine. Avoid heavy necklaces and opt for statement earrings instead. Finish the look with a matching gele or turban for a regal finish.

    Bold Rhythm Kampala Gown


    Vibrant, confident, and rich, this Kampala gown is a showstopper. The lively abstract print commands attention, while the sequin-detailed neckline adds a touch of glam, perfect for stylish occasions.

    Best for: Heart and square-shaped faces

    Pairs well with: Black or bold-colored handbags, chunky jewellery, and low block heels

    Style tip: Let your accessories echo one of the print colours for a cohesive look. A sleek ponytail or pulled-back curls will let the neckline shine. 

    Peacock Burst Kampala Bubu

    This dress feels like something your older sister would wear on a day she really wants to feel herself. The embroidery around the neckline draws the eye, and the colour mix—red, teal, pink—just works. It’s relaxed but still refined.

    Best for: Square and heart-shaped faces

    Pairs well with: Drop earrings, soft glam makeup, and a bold wristwatch

    Style tip: Tie the sleeves into bows or leave them loose depending on your vibe. Keep your hairstyle sleek to let the neckline shine.

    Swirl Elegance Kampala Gown

    The spirals on this bubu gown are the kind you’d see on proper Adire from Osogbo. There’s a softness in the print, but the puffed sleeves and structure make it one of those Nigerian Kampala styles for ladies that balances tradition and a bit of fashion-forward energy.

    Best for: Round and oval face shapes

    Pairs well with: Gold statement earrings, beaded clutch, strappy sandals or classic heels

    Style tip: Keep makeup warm and glowy to enhance the richness of the fabric. A bold lip or defined eyes will elevate the whole look without overpowering it.

    Bold Earth Kampala Gown

    This gown feels like a confident exhale. The colours, orange, blue and green, blend beautifully. It’s a rooted, comfortable piece with just enough style detail to keep you feeling fine.

    Best for: Square and round face shapes

    Pairs well with: Gold hoops or studs, minimalist bangles, and neutral-tone sandals or mules

    Style tip: A sleek side-parted hairstyle or braided bun adds polish. Keep makeup warm with hints of bronze or terracotta to echo the tones of the dress.

    Sunburst Embroidery Kampala Bubu

    This radiant bubu makes a bold statement with its golden yellow embroidery and hypnotic brown tie-dye pattern. This is the definition of rich-aunty energy. The oversized fit is deliberate, the embroidery is bright without being loud, and the fabric carries you softly. This is one of those Nigerian Kampala styles you wear when you want to feel good and look like you didn’t even try.

    Best for: Round and oval face shapes

    Pairs well with: Oversized sunglasses, statement earrings, and gold-toned sandals

    Style tip: Elevate with a structured gele and dramatic lashes. Let the embroidery do the talking. Keep your accessories simple but striking.

    Read Next: 25 Beautiful White Lace Styles That Give Main Character Energy

    Kaftan Kampala Gown Styles

    Kaftans have always had this relaxed, effortless feel. But when made with Kampala fabric, they carry both ease and meaning. These are the kinds of Nigerian Kampala styles for ladies that you reach for when you want to be comfortable but still feel deeply connected to your roots.

    Kampala Kaftan Gown

    This kaftan feels like peace. It’s structured just enough to give shape but still roomy in the way you want a kaftan to be. The colours are soft but grounded, and the whole look gives “I came ready, but I’m not trying too hard.”

    Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces

    Pairs well with: Gold jewellery, structured handbags (like deep red or mustard), and low block heels or embellished flats

    Style tip: Keep the hair soft and styled off the face to highlight the neckline. Add a subtle highlighter to the collarbones for a glowing finish, and choose a bold lip to tie the whole look together.

    Structured Elegance Kampala Gown

    This gown blends rich colour swirls with a structured silhouette, creating a bold yet graceful look. The dramatic side drapes and subtle slit offer both tradition and a modern edge, making it perfect for high-style celebrations.

    Best for: Oval and diamond-shaped faces 

    Pairs well with: Gold heels, structured clutch, and statement bangles

    Style tip: Let the fabric do the talking. Keep accessories minimal but luxe. A sleek hairstyle helps showcase the neckline and sleeves.

    Ocean Swirl Kampala Kaftan

    Cool, relaxed, and effortlessly stylish, this blue and white Kampala kaftan brings a wave of calm sophistication. Its tie-dye swirl pattern offers a breezy take on traditional glam, perfect for casual elegance.

    Best for: Heart and oval-shaped faces

    Pairs well with: Tan or neutral-toned handbags, gold hoops, and low sandals

    Style tip: Keep the look fresh with soft curls or a wrapped scarf. Pair with minimal makeup and nude lips to let the print pop.

    Golden Vine Kampala Gown

    This gown has that “smile without trying” energy. The colours are warm, the silhouette clean, and the fabric soft in a way that flatters most bodies. It’s a gorgeous piece that doesn’t need too much to work.

    Best for: Long and square face shapes

    Pairs well with: Brown or nude block heels, Ankara or beaded earrings, and a neutral handbag

    Style tip: Let your makeup reflect the warmth of the gown, think bronzed cheeks and glossy lips. A puff ponytail or sleek bun will finish the look beautifully.

    Nigerian Kampala Styles for Ladies

    Latest Nigerian Kampala Styles for Ladies

    Not every style fits neatly into kaftan, bubu, or peplum categories. Some Kampala looks just stand on their own—modern, fluid, sometimes even experimental. These final few options show how far Nigerian Kampala styles for ladies have come, while still holding onto that familiar feeling.

    Sunset Bloom Kampala Kaftan

    This one looks like it feels like ease. The soft ombré tones move from warm to warmer, and the ruched waist means you can adjust it to fit how you’re feeling that day. Perfect for a slow day that still calls for some beauty.

    Best for: Round and oval face shapes

    Pairs well with: Nude or pastel mules, woven or satin clutch, and soft gold hoops

    Style tip: Let the colours shine. Go for dewy makeup and a plaited headband or sleek centre-part hair for a dreamy finish.

    Nigerian Kampala Styles for Ladies

    Crimson Palms Kampala Midi Dress

    There’s something very “Sunday lunch at a good restaurant” about this dress. The wrap bodice gives shape, while the midi length keeps things simple and sweet. A great example of how Nigerian Kampala styles for ladies can lean into softness.

    Best for: Oval and long face shapes

    Pairs well with: Burgundy or neutral-toned heels, structured handbags, and gold stud earrings

    Style tip: Go for sleek hair or soft waves to complement the neckline. Add a pop of highlighter on the collarbones for that subtle glow.

    Nigerian Kampala Styles for Ladies

    Sunburst Kampala Two-Piece Set

    Playful and full of personality, this two-piece Kampala set brings a burst of sunshine to your wardrobe. The relaxed fit, bold patterns, and earthy tones make it a go-to for casual slay and easy elegance. It’s not trying to do too much, and that’s its strength. 

    It’s one of those Nigerian Kampala styles for ladies that feels like home but still looks Instagram-worthy. The top is long enough to wear on its own as a short dress—perfect for casual brunches or lounging at home when you want to feel dressed but comfortable.

    Best for: round and heart-shaped faces

    Pairs well with: Bold-colored handbag, flats or slides, and oversized sunnies

    Style tip: Keep your hair sleek or in a short bob for that clean finish. Layer with chunky bangles or a beaded necklace to elevate the look.

    Nigerian Kampala Styles for Ladies

    Sunflare Goddess Kampala Gown

    This gown is pure drama in the best way. With fiery red-orange tones and hypnotic tie-dye detailing, it flows like royalty and radiates confidence. Still, there’s a traditional heart under it all. That’s what makes it one of the standout Nigerian Kampala styles for ladies this year.

    Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces

    Pairs well with: Dangling gold earrings, wooden bangles, and sleek, low sandals

    Style tip: Let your hair down or wear it in soft waves to echo the fluidity of the gown. Keep accessories earthy or metallic to match the warmth of the print.

    Nigerian Kampala Styles for Ladies

    Puff Sleeve Wrap Kampala Gown

    This dress didn’t come to play, it came to slay. With its loud puff sleeves and bold Kampala print, this wrap gown is giving “rich aunty that just landed” energy. It’s the kind of look that makes people ask, “Who’s that?” even before you say a word.

    Best for: Oval and round-shaped faces

    Pairs well with: Gold accessories, soft glam makeup, and a sleek clutch

    Style tip: Let the gown speak. Keep your hairstyle sleek or in a low bun to highlight the neckline and sleeves.

    Nigerian Kampala Styles for Ladies

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  • Creator Spotlight is a weekly series celebrating young Nigerians in the creative industry doing unique things. Everyone has a story, and Zikoko wants to tell it.

    Hi, I’m Moyomade a 21-year-old graduate of law. I don’t intend on practising. In fact, it’s of no use to me. I studied law because my father wanted me to. I had a high post-jamb score, and they didn’t want me to “waste” it. My favourite food is jollof rice. I don’t like pounded yam, even though I grew up eating it every Sunday. It’s a family tradition.

    How can you not like pounded yam?

    Pounded yam, for me, is a symbol of patriarchy. I grew up in a place where the women were always expected to do the pounding every Sunday. They made it clear if I didn’t help out, I couldn’t eat it. I wasn’t down for that, so I stopped eating it. I also don’t eat noodles at all.

    Noodles? That’s not very Gen Z of you

    I know, right? I actually don’t think I’m Gen Z enough because I don’t display Gen Z behaviour. For example, I don’t know how to use Snapchat. I genuinely do not understand people who use it to communicate. 

    Picture by: Ogunranti Dimeji

    We’re just there for clear pictures. What do you now enjoy? 

    I consume a lot of Asian media. From Japanese, Thai, Taiwanese, sometimes, Chinese, occasionally, and a lot of Korean. I don’t keep up with K-pop, though. I enjoy writing and designing, and I also love sleeping. I mean, it’s good for my brain. I also spend 90 per cent of my time indoors.  

    RELATED: What She Said: I Haven’t Stepped Out of My Front Door in 10 Months

    How do you get away with that?

    Everything I do is remote. I barely have business that takes me to the outside world. Being outside stresses me. Practically speaking, in a week, I spend like three hours outside. 

    What? Are you serious?

    I’m serious. But then, I realised living a sedentary life is a good way to kill yourself. So I walk at least 6k steps per day, mostly in my living room. My three hours outside are when I go to buy dye and fabric. I always have a budget and know exactly where I’m going. I get on a bike, get everything I need, and in like an hour, I’m back home.

    In an hour? This can’t be Lagos

    I don’t live in Lagos. I wake up every day with the aim of living a soft life, and being outside of Lagos helps. There’s no traffic, so I can easily go out and come back in. Trees and rivers surround where I live — it’s very serene. I realise I can’t do the whole hustle culture Lagos life demands. I desperately want to live a quiet life, and I’m trying my best to. Everything I do actually aligns with that. I write and make adire, and they both only require creativity. 

    Must be nice. How did you fall in love with adire? 

    In 2020, ASUU went on strike. I was in year five. I needed to learn something, so I went to the Nike Art Gallery to learn pottery. But they didn’t have the resources for it, and I had to choose between adire or wood making. I made my decision and bought the required instruments. It was hard to actually fall in love with it because the environment was highly patriarchal. I spent a lot of time crying. I’d call my late dad, and he’d say, “If it’s that toxic, leave. I’m not forcing you to earn money”. But I was really determined to learn, so I stayed there, kept my head down, and in the long run,  fell in love with the culture. I fell in love with the orisa Yoruba people worship. You never finish learning at Nike Art, they register you as a student for life, so you have to take the initiative to leave when you feel you’ve learned enough. 

    Did you leave?

    Yes, I spent more than the required time, to the point where I started creating designs for my boss for free. By that time, I was no longer a beginner who needed to be shown the ropes. What was the point of staying there and creating designs that would never be credited to me without getting paid for it? So, I decided to start making my own designs. I’m at the stage where I can do brushwork, stamping and stencils if I want, but I prefer to be organic. 90 per cent of my work are custom-made.  

    How does custom-made adire work? 

    When someone comes to me to make adire, I ask them if they want a new or existing design. I sketch out the design — sketching was an important part of my learning process for a month. While sketching, you get to perfect your line work. It’s basically drawing on clothes. I show my clients the design, and if they like it, I proceed to get the materials. You can also use foam to cut out the designs when it has to be duplicated. If the client wants detailed designs, I’d use foam. If not, I’d freehand it. 

    That sounds like a lot of work

    I really like the dyeing part of the process. I enjoy making adire because of that and it’s Yoruba culture. I’m a very cultural person. I’m an Osun devotee, and this is a way to connect with our ancestor’s work and clothing from before the colonialists came, and it resonates a lot with my spiritual practices. Dyeing clothes is honestly fun. Sometimes, you have to mix the colours yourself, taking colour theory into account with everything you make. People just want to wear adire, they don’t really know how much thought goes into it. The dyeing process is very delicate, and any mix of colours can change everything. I’m constantly thinking about things that would make the clothes interesting but still very comfortable and functional. I ask my clients if they’re ordering for a specific event and their response into consideration, so they won’t have any reason to complain about the design in the future.

    Have you ever made a mistake with colour before?

    Oh yes, I’ve made plenty of mistakes. When I started learning, I experimented with many of my mother’s wrappers and clothes. It helped me grow in the way I mix my colours. Now, I know better. I also take better care of myself because I work with chemicals, so I always have a nose mask on. I can stand the smell, but I have to be considerate of my lungs and body. I also use gloves because caustic soda can burn your hands. And you have to know the amount of caustic soda you need because too much will make your clothes tender. 

    This sounds risky though

    I’m used to it. For tie and dye, the dye has to be much thicker, so you have to be careful not to get colours in the places you don’t want the colour to be in. With Batik, you’ve already waxed out those places. With tie and die, any small mistake and the customer’s cloth is ruined. Next thing, Gobe. 

    What’s your favourite work so far? 

    I have a lot of favourites because I don’t choose based on what it looks like. I’m happiest when I make clothes I feel good about. I’m an overachiever, so when the client is like, “Moyo, I wore this thing in London”, I’m happy. Karimot Odebode, a Nigerian poet and feminist whose work takes her to many different countries, contacted me to make her clothes for a book launch. I made clothes for her and her team members. I was very happy about that.

    I also made a whole Encanto-themed adire when the movie was trending. I love all the characters and felt they all had individual designs for clothes. I picked out some of them and remade them in a traditional way. I made one for Bruno, Camillo and Dolores. It was really fun creating them.

    That sounds so cool. What’s your favourite song from the Encanto soundtrack?

    We don’t talk about Bruno for sure. The song did a great job of shining a light on who Bruno really was. 

    Facts. Roughly, how many adire products have you made since 2020?

    I’ve made over 100 yards. I really can’t count.

    You mentioned making adire is spiritual for you. Does it feel odd to make money from it? 

    Absolutely not. While I was working at Nike Art, I wanted to learn Adire Eleko, but everywhere I went, they’d refused to teach me because I didn’t come from an Idile Alaro, a family of Adire people. Yoruba families were divided back then. My name is Moyomade, and Ade is royalty. There are the Oloyes — the chiefs — the Oguns and Akins, who were warriors. They cited my genealogy as a reason not to teach me the ancient style of Adire making.

    These same people would teach any white person willing to throw a couple of dollars around. I eventually went to the Ifa temple to see the priestess, and she told me not to mind them for withholding trade secrets and connected me with someone who’d teach me. Since the people at Nike Art would give white people clothes for free, I thought I could as well put a price on my work and not feel bad. Frankly speaking, we should be charging more, especially to white people. They used colonialism to take away a lot of our traditions. The least they can do is pay for the culture they are accessing now. I don’t feel bad about it at all.

    Let’s talk a bit about you being an Osun devotee. How did that happen?

    I was raised Christian. My mom is a church deaconess. But my dad, bless his late soul, was a man of tradition. He’d come to church or the mosque but leaned more towards traditional religion. In 2020, he had his first Odun Ifa, and I was the only one who followed him. The priest told him I belonged to Osun. They called out to me first, and it was right to honour that invitation. In 2021, I went to the Ifa temple in Ife, wearing my consecrated beads, and prayed in the shrine. But I don’t practise in gatherings anymore because I don’t want to be involved in any kind of patriarchal thinking. No matter the religion, people will always infuse their beliefs. The Yoruba orishas are not only non-gendered, they’re also not homophobic, transphobic or misogynistic. But people interpret things based on their social conditioning, and they’ll always project that no matter what.

    And your mum was chill about your conversion? 

    She was not. I didn’t mention it to her. And she pretends she doesn’t notice when I wear certain things like my beads. We’re okay now.

    A win is a win. What’s been your favourite career moment so far? 

    I have none. When I feel joy, I feel joy; that’s just it. I do have least favourites, though.

    Like what?

    When someone extorted my friend and me. 

    A guy came to the Nike Art workshop and contracted us to work on 100 t-shirts, 12 bucket hats and socks. My friend happened to know him on a personal basis. I thought it was a good deal and made the mistake of not asking her how much she charged him. We finished the work in three days and nights, and he paid us both ₦25k to share. That’s the worst deal I’ve ever done in the adire business. I was a beginner then.

    What’s the best deal you’ve got so far?

    It has to be the book launch deal. It was worth my effort. I told her the price, and she actually accepted. So, I wasn’t stressing about cutting down on this or that. When you’re young, people want to make you feel small. But I’ll always charge my worth.

    Even though they’ve seen your work, people will look at you and tell you they need someone with more experience. I kept trying to break into a market full of people who’ve done this for the longest time. Last year, I had to find a way to market to the younger generation. 

    How?

    I’m not an Instagram person, but I have to post there. I also do a lot of one-on-one marketing, which is one of the things I hate most in this life. I even started making TikToks of my process. I’m actually at the point where if I post, I post. If I don’t post, people who know what I do will still come to me. I’m okay right now, but it’s not completely where I want to be. 

    Where would you like to be in a couple of years?

    I don’t really foresee a future for myself in this country. So, it’s hard to picture. Whichever country I decide to settle in, I hope that I can build a mini factory there. I’d love to go into textiles properly, making my own fabric from scratch, produce my own organic dye. Because of this, I studied how to make the Indonesian and Malian types of batik online. It’s something I’d like to heavily invest in even if it’s here in Nigeria.

    What’s something you wish people told you before getting into adire making? 

    You’ll hate it. You work with people less exposed than you, who think differently from you, and if you can’t stand it, you’ll drop out. Also, finding a market will be hard if you don’t have enough connections. It’s very easy to get stuck in a cycle of stagnancy. But it you prioritise yourself, with time, you’ll love it.

    READ ALSO: Creator Spotlight: Jeiel Damina on Learning From Olive, the Fictional Character She Portrays