It is not uncommon to hear the phrase “old school” being often used among many youngsters in the present day Nigeria, but the truth is that every generation in any country of the world usually has its unique lifestyle that looks quite different from older generations, and what appears to be an “old school” to a particular generation was at one point in time a trend for older generations during their own youthful days. Thus, it is safe to say that old school is relative
Old school is a Nigeria colloquial term used to describe a kind of lifestyle that feels obsolete to a present younger generation but used to be the trend for generations before them. A fad in Nigerian society has the tendency of becoming an “old school” in no time.
There are some old trends or norms that should never be categorized as old school regardless of the new normal prevalent in a particular generation. Such a trend has been found ethically right in Nigeria across different generations and thus should be upheld. A good example of this is good morals such as respect across board, hard work and honor to whom due as a way of life. It is however disheartening to note that this good moral is fast becoming a shadow of itself in some quarters in the country as civilization has taken its toll on younger generations whereby some people see the ancient ethically right act as somewhat archaic.
In terms of fashion, Nigeria has a long history of aesthetic styles dating as far back as the 16th century. Nigerians are known to be fashionistas, donning unique attires, alongside with beautiful hairstyles, and footwear.
Meanwhile, some fashion trends were said to have gone out of style in the 1990s and early 2000s, paving way for modern fashion trends, however, some of these trends are making a comeback, thanks to a growing class of young and middle-aged Nigerians who seem to have found new love for what is now popularly described as “old school.”
Below are some “Old School” Fashion Styles that are still ethically correct in today’s Nigerian society:
OLEKU
Oleku is the name for short-sleeved blouses worn above knee-length wrappers up to the mid-thigh. The style was named after a popular Yoruba movie produced by Tunde Kelani titled, ‘Oleku’. The movie is an adaptation of a book written by Prof Akinwumi Isola. Released in the early 90s, the movie portrayed the lifestyle of Yoruba people in the 70s while the costume of the movie revisited the fashion style in that period of time.
In the past between the 70s up to the early 2000s, the style was trendy and hardly would you find a party where a woman would not wear the tantalizing “Oleku”. And many ladies prefer to don the style even casually. It became a signature dressing back then, especially among Yoruba ladies.
The early 2000s seemed to be the peak year for the style but it is now back in full swing as modern women are revisiting it, and the style has even gone as far as being uniforms for ushers, and as corporate wear for women on Fridays.
SUSPENDER
Suspenders are fabric or leather straps worn over the shoulders to hold up trousers. The straps may be elasticated, either entirely or only at attachment ends, and most straps are of woven cloth forming an X or Y shape at the back. Suspenders are typically attached to trousers with clips or buttons using leather tabs at the ends.
Suspenders were once almost universally worn, due to the high cut of mid-19th and early 20th century trousers that made wearing belts impractical. Suspenders were once out of fashion as trousers with belt loops reigned, but there has now been a resurgence in its interest.
EKO BRIDGE
Eko bridge is a hairstyle that trended in the 70s. It is a threaded hairstyle made with rubber and a particular kind of thin thread. The hairstyle was named after the Eko Bridge and represents the bridge by dividing the hair into 10 or 15 parts. The braid is twisted to recreate the bridge on one’s head.
This old school hairstyle made a strong comeback into the modern hairstyles for women some years back and has remained trendy till date, although many ladies now use Brazilian wool instead of thread. Popular hip-hop star Tiwa Savage promoted this hairstyle in her recent hit music video, ’49-99.’
AFRO HAIRSTYLE
Afro is a kind of hairstyle that started in the United States of America as a result of the civil rights movements by African-Americans in the US which brought about a quest for redefining black identity, and also resulted in a redefinition of personal style that included an appreciation of black beauty and aesthetics.
Afro hairstyle is produced by a natural growth of kinky hair, or specifically styled with chemical curling products by individuals with naturally curly or straight hair. The hairstyle can be created by combing the hair away from the scalp, dispersing a distinctive curl pattern, and forming the hair into a rounded shape, much like a cloud or puff ball.
In the early 1960s, the Afro became a powerful political symbol which reflected black pride to some African-Americans and also represented a reconstitutive link to West Africa and other parts of Africa.
The popularity of the Afro started to wane in the 70s but has since regained momentum and even rocked by celebrities such as Bright Okpocha (aka Basketmouth), Ibrahim Chatta, as well as Nse-Ikpe Etim and TY Bello.
PLATFORM FOOTWEAR
During the 60s, platform shoes were fashionable, although they weren’t as tall as they are today. In addition, stilettos are popular now.
Platform shoes or sandals are footwear with thick heels. Many of them are finding their way back to the homes of many Nigerians. There are also platform slippers and sneakers for the trendy women.
The old school footwear has made a tremendous comeback recently, as many ladies are rocking the style on both shoes and sandals.
Do slide into the comment section to drop your comment. We would like to hear some old school acts or fashion styles that you consider to still be ethically correct in our contemporary age today.
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Photo Credit: Adedimeji Lateef
