All images courtesy of All Things Ankara.

From tailored suits to structured gowns, Ankara fashion was in full effect at the inaugural All Things Ankara Ball last month. An opulent ballroom in Upper Marlboro, Maryland set the scene quite fittingly, given the evening’s theme of “Nigerian Renaissance.”

Attendees gathered to celebrate Nigeria’s 55th year of independence in style and also honor Jidenna and model Jessica Chibueze, recipients of the night's Nigerian Renaissance Ambassador Humanitarian Award and the Nigerian Renaissance Ambassador Music Award, respectively.

“Wow, I’ll tell you this is an honor. This is truly an honor,” said Jidenna during his acceptance speech. He also compared the regal event to the popular Fear & Fancy balls thrown by his own creative crew.

“Years ago when we had our first ball, it didn’t look as magnificent as this,” he said. “We did our thing, it was great, it was fun. But this is really a dream for us. We feel apart of this. This is why it was important for us to be here, to see the magic that we see today.”

The night also included performances by the University of Maryland dance group Afrochique and upcoming singer and songwriter OWO, as well as music selections by DJ Diddy Mula. Judging from the gorgeous shots of Nigerian excellence captured by the event photographers, we’d say the first-time event was a success.

Check out the recap video and event photographs, presented by All Things Ankara, an international movement of creatives inspired by the multidimensional print. For more information on the ball and the movement, head to the All Things Ankara website.