Shame has taken on many forms over the years. It lurks in the way we dress, in how we perceive our bodies, and in the weight of others’ opinions pressed upon us. Somewhere along the way, shame became woven into the fabric of our culture. Yet, our ancestors draped themselves in elegant wrappers that bared their shoulders, adorned their heads with towering gele, and tied mini-wrappers that, at times, left their busts uncovered—without a whisper…

“Do you know who I am?” reverberates through the air, a battle cry born from wounded pride. It echoes not just in the sterile confines of customer service departments or the chaotic streets of Lagos, but in the hearts of individuals seeking recognition, validation, or perhaps just a fleeting moment of superiority. Picture this: two cars collide in the bustling streets of Lagos, their drivers erupting into a cacophony of honks and shouts. Amidst the…

My father played an integral role in shaping my career. He encouraged my creativity and always supported me where he could. In my preteen years, I would take his clothes and my mother’s scarves, deconstruct them and fashion hand-sewn rudimentary outfits. When he found out, I was scared he would scold me but instead, he gave me more of his clothes including suits and old work shirts to practise with. ‘Ode to Gabo’ pays homage…

SEE FINISH – ‘To have seen it all’ A pidgin term used to describe the inappropriate behaviour that is normalised when boundaries are not clearly defined and enforced in personal or professional relationships. Events inform a designer’s ethos. For Frank Aghuno, one of those experiences was an invitation to pitch an early collection to a Lagos stockist. He was hopeful that this would be his big break, but she had little patience for inexperience. She…

For this collection, Aghuno takes us to his Neverland. He discusses growing up as an IBEJI (Twin) in Lagos and being treated like royalty. IBEJI is the name of an Orisha representing a pair of twins in Yoruba land. Nigeria, particularly the southwest, has the world’s highest twinning rate. The Yorubas praise the birth of twins and see it as a great blessing. During the iron age the Yorubas loved twins and worshipped them as…

Agbogho Mmuo is annual performance held in the northern part of the Igbos’ traditional territory. Performed only by men wearing masks, the masquerades imitate the character of adolescent girls, exaggerating the girls’ beauty and movements, the smallness of a young girl’s features and the whiteness of her complexion, which is an indication that the mask is a spirit. Most maiden spirit masks are decorated with representations of hair combs, and other objects, modelled after late…

My grandparents originally from Delta state, lived in Benin City. I was always fascinated by how exposed they were. Their stories fuelled my fascination with the Bini people and their culture. In recent years I’ve been inspired by the work of Solomon Osagie Alonge. The world that Alonge (1911-1994) documented away from official ceremonies, rituals, and events was filled with stylish and free-spirited young men and women who had stepped in front of his lens…