In this nostalgic visual essay, photographer Papa Akanni takes us back to Nigerian fashion the 1990s. He was inspired by an album of photos from that era, in which friends and family looked resplendent in their choice of clothing, accessories and hairstyles, thereby reflecting the socio-cultural influences of those times.

Here we see his contemporary cast of characters against warm textile backgrounds, the sun casting its luminescence across their faces. For the men, looks range from khaki outfits reminiscent of colonial era officers to a regal two-piece dashiki and soro made from lace of that era, hinting at a political or community leader. For the women, in one scene a guinea gown is teamed with a crown-like hairstyle that exudes powerful femininity. In another, an anco look in the oleku style suggests a Yoruba family dressed for a special occasion, their gele fabric wrapped from shoulder to torso – instead of their heads - all the better to show off one muse’s koroba plaits.

Photography Papa Akanni
Styling and words Tobi Bolaji Idowu
Cast Joshua Adedeji, Tobi Adeniyi, Ebun, Loveth
Costume Adebiyi Fatihah
Hair and make-up Amaka Nnamdi

Published on 23/02/2020