Actor and politician Desmond Elliot has explained the reason behind his bold fashion choice at the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, the 50-year-old said he deliberately chose to stand out because of how rarely he attends entertainment events now that he is focused on politics.
“I am more in politics now and it means the few times you have the opportunity, just come out different. Don’t make too much noise but let people see a lot of noise in what you are doing,” he said.
Desmond admitted the look was a risk but insisted it was worth it.
“It could go two ways. It could be good or you could totally mess it up. Life is about taking chances and at 50, you have to take bold chances.”
He also revealed that the elephant print on the outfit carried a symbolic meaning.
“What gives me confidence now is the fact that I have an elephant imprint which has always been my watchword because of what the elephant stands for – power, strength, loyalty, stability, love.”
Asked how he handles the attention that comes with being in the public eye, Desmond said, “I won’t exactly say I love it but it is okay. Right now, I don’t go too extreme.
“When you come through what they call ‘midlife crisis’, you just learn to consider how you are feeling at the moment but, generally, it is just my own way of saying let everyone live their lives.”
On whether he is experiencing a midlife crisis, he added jokingly, “That is if I am not still in it.”
Desmond had social media buzzing after he appeared at the AMVCA in a black two-piece ensemble that included a shirt and a skirt.
The outfit, which featured a bold elephant print, drew mixed reactions from viewers, with some praising his creativity and others calling it unnecessary.