Before style became a scrollable affair and fashion influencers ruled timelines, the true tastemakers were seated at the family compound, wrapped in Ankara, laced in George, and crowned with gele that could defy gravity. The real icons? They lived in our family albums. Our mothers, grandmothers, and stylish aunties whose wardrobes weren’t just about looking good were cultural archives stitched with elegance, status, and inherited pride.
They wore their stories—every Iro and buba was intentional. Their lace blouses weren’t just trendy, they were symbolic. Whether it was a wedding, a burial, a child dedication, or a chieftaincy title ceremony, these women dressed to show up and show out. Their looks were never accidental. They were declarations. And now, a whole new generation is taking notes.
Today’s Nigerian woman is rediscovering those style codes and remixing them, giving age-old fashion a contemporary spin that still nods to its roots. The past is not just influencing the present; it’s being reinterpreted with fresh eyes and a bold spirit.
What we’re borrowing from them
1. Textiles With Meaning
Once tucked away in our mothers’ Ghana-Must-Go bags, fabrics like Aso Oke, Akwete, Adire, George, and vintage lace are now front and centre. No longer seen as “traditional wear,” these materials are being elevated to luxury status—worn on red carpets, at fashion weeks, and even on international runways. Brands like Lisa Folawiyo, Emmy Kasbit, and Lady Maker are making a case for heritage as high fashion. The texture, the weight, the history—these fabrics carry more than just aesthetic appeal. They carry identity.
2. Accessories That Speak Volumes
Coral beads. Layered ivory bangles. Those chunky vintage brooches. All the things your grandmother wore with pride are back, but now they’re styled with a twist. Think coral beads paired with denim, or layered gold chains stacked over oversized blazers. Gen Z and millennials are diving into family jewelry boxes and making heirlooms hot again. Just ask Olori Atuwatse III, Ivie, who consistently brings cultural opulence into modern relevance.
3. The Silhouette Revival
The hourglass silhouettes of the ’60s and ’70s’—cinched waists, voluminous sleeves, dramatic wrappers—are finding their way into today’s style vocabulary. Only now, they come as two-piece coordinates, peplum tops, or even cropped Iro skirts. It’s the same feminine power dressing, just made for a new era.
The Modern Remix
On Instagram and TikTok, you’ll find a new wave of fashion creatives blurring the lines between past and present. Influencers like Angel Obasi (@StyleConnaisseur), Nonye Udeogu, and Chichi are leading the charge—pairing vintage lace with denim, reworking wrappers into off-shoulder tops, and styling old-school accessories like streetwear grails.
There’s even a trend of mother-daughter style swaps, with creators wearing their mum’s vintage outfits and turning them into editorial-worthy looks. At weddings, modern brides now incorporate their mum’s coral beads or re-wear her gele as a tribute during the ceremony. It’s personal, powerful, and beautiful to witness.
More Than Just Nostalgia
This isn’t about playing dress-up or indulging in a retro aesthetic. It’s about cultural preservation. At a time when fashion is fast and forgettable, intergenerational style offers something deeper—timelessness, craftsmanship, and connection. These heirloom-inspired styles remind us that some things don’t expire. The needlework on that old blouse. The story behind that wrapper. The scent still lingering on grandma’s scarf. These are fashion moments that live beyond seasons.
