On the orange carpet of the 2025 WNBA Draft in New York City, Southern California standout Kiki Iriafen stole the show in a one-of-a-kind, sparkling gold Nigerian designer Nneka Alexander gown. Nicknamed Okikiola—”prosperity or wealth-bringing fame,” she explained—it was an intricately beaded gown that had an orange-beaded bracelet as an accent that honored her Nigerian heritage in a rich, vibrant manner. Beneath the glamour, the line showcased Alexander’s haute‑couture skills and caused a whirlwind of social‑media praise, proving that fashion can be as firm a statement as any slam dunk.
Draft Eve Glam
Draft night at The Shed in Manhattan felt less like an audition for the pros and more like Fashion Week’s hottest after‑party. Players sashayed down the orange carpet in everything from power suits to sequin minis, but Iriafen’s golden moment literally outshone the rest. With photographers flashing and fans cheering, she struck poses that felt part superhero landing, part royal procession—after all, nothing says “I’m ready for the league” like couture worthy of a coronation.
The Golden Gown: A Second Glance
Iriafen’s gown was not merely gold—it was liquid gold. The fabric reflected the stage lights, erupting into a molten glaze that seemed to ripple with every motion.
Alexander provided just what her client wanted: a sleek slip shape and cinched waistline—so tight, Iriafen enthusiastically laughed that she “couldn’t really breathe” but would do it all again in a heartbeat. The hem of the dress barely brushed the floor in a modest train, and delicate beading traced the bodice like star patterns, with each crystal an infinitesimal celebration of labor of love.
In celebration of her heritage, Iriafen capped off the look with a traditional orange-beaded Nigerian bracelet, its deep colors contrasting the metallic sheen and reminding everyone that fashion can bring continents together in one look.
Meet the Maker: Nneka Alexander
Years prior to her WNBA red-carpet debut, Nneka C. Alexander was causing a stir in bridal fashion. She launched her label, Brides by NoNA, after creating her twin sister’s Lagos wedding gown—a look that went viral on Instagram and won over bridal bloggers as instant fans.
Formerly a career Wall Street finance woman, Alexander switched from investment banking to fashion, using her analytical brain to precision cutting and business sense. She honed her design talents at Houston’s Barbizon School, where she fell in love with the potential of garment construction to transform.
Her trademark style? Anything that sparkles. Celebrities and brides, too, flock to her for dresses that mix structural understatement with head-turning embellishment—and the WNBA’s newest golden girl was not exempted.
Cultural Resonance and Impact
By choosing a Nigerian designer and adding traditional elements, Iriafen made a statement: heritage is timeless. During post-draft interviews, she said she “wanted to work with a Nigerian designer” in order to bring her culture onto this global stage.
Social media was abuzz with admiration—fans called it the “royal moment” of Draft night, and fashion critics lauded the look as a masterclass in cultural couture. For many young athletes and fans, seeing Naija swag at a premier sports event was empowering and electrifying.
