Hi BellaStylistas! It’s Isoken and every month, I’ll be sharing a short letter spotlighting our monthly theme from my personal perspective and giving you an idea of some of the amazing content we have planned. For May, our theme is #ModernAfricanStyle.

Editor-At-Large Isoken Ogiemwonyi introduces the BellaNaija Style’s #ModernAfricanStyle theme for May.

There is nothing quite as modern as taking a classic look and giving it an unexpected twist. It is this very chic sensibility we champion at BellaNaija Style this month, as our love affair with new trends and must have pieces, to the designers reworking of  traditional design in modern silhouettes from designers like Thebe Magugu and Turfah continue to wax strong. Modern african style means an artful mix of modern and traditional, global and African. Think less head to toe looks in the ubiquitous ankara and traditional beads, and more elegance with a traditional edge. Channel the new Afropolitan chic in silk adire separates with Ocha Jewelry, a classic Chanel 2.55 and Ivy Barber flats.

One man known for his traditional yet rebellious edge is Ric Hassani. Mixing  impeccable style, with a lust for life and a penchant for modern traditional pieces-  he is the perfect muse for the Modern African Style theme, with a wardrobe littered with modern menswear designers like Orange Culture, Emmy Kasbit and Patrickslim.

This month, read my take on the Dior cultural appropriation/appreciation line, see brilliant interviews by our junior editor Mary Edoro with the founder of one of the hottest launches this year Sharon Chuter of UOMA Beauty and fash-tech founders David Peterside, Henry Nneji and Seyi Adedokun of Fashion Map App. Check out all the African brands doing big things from Senegalese brand Diarrablu in Vogue to Ghanaian beauty brand R&R Luxury opening a new store in Kotoka Airport, Accra and exciting behind the scenes fashion from the new Omoni Oboli film and the Smart Money Woman series.

And finally, don’t forget to explore our regular features like Best Dressed of the Week, Ankara Styles We Love, Best Beauty Instagrams of the Week, Workwear Looks our Editors Love, fan favourite BellaStylista, Style Your Curves and Friday Fab Finds.

Have a great month!