Celebrating African Beauty and Heritage Through Hair, Fashion, and Culture

Recently, while interacting with prospective vendors at Ashowa and Qarakata, I have been called upon to embrace my “Africaness” while celebrating the richness of my people, cultures and traditions. Nigerian fashion, like never before, is deeply entrenched in said culture and tradition. I came across this image today and I was taken in by the vibrant colours and the boldness (some may even say “slayness” of the queens. Something in the picture made me pause to think of the Nigerian fashion scene, it’s journey so far and how it sits in the entire world of fashion.

In a world that’s increasingly interconnected, there’s something deeply empowering about pausing to celebrate cultural identity, especially through the lens of heritage fashion, traditional hairstyles, and timeless beauty. This captivating picture of the three stunning queens standing gracefully in traditional African attire is not just a portrait, it is a story.

From the regal threads of Aso Oke (Oh, as an aside, I remember when it wasn’t really cool to wear that, unless you or your child was getting married) and intricately patterned brocade to the modern reinterpretation of Afro-centric glam, each element in this photo is a tribute to African elegance. The hairstyles alone speak volumes, each a masterful sculptural form, echoing centuries of African history, pride, and artistry. Throw away the weaves and get all natural with the hairdo. But wait! These are not just hairdos; they are visual languages, passed down through generations, communicating status, tribe, celebration, and creativity.

The styling is powerful and purposeful. The woman on the left exudes grace in a golden-embroidered gown with hair styled into thick loops reminiscent of traditional Yoruba threading (Irun Kiko). The centre figure commands attention with a voluminous afro, a nod to 70s Black pride and beauty movements. Meanwhile, the woman on the right dazzles in a brown-and-gold striped ensemble, her hair rising like a crown of geometric loops—bold, structured, and defiant of convention.

Set against a vibrant woven backdrop and a deep red wall, the photo mixes modern and tradition in the most harmonious way. It reminds us that African fashion is not a trend; it’s a legacy. It’s not about looking back with nostalgia, but looking forward with pride.

At a time when mainstream fashion often borrows without acknowledging its roots, images like these are essential. They reclaim the narrative, celebrate authenticity, and inspire younger generations to stay rooted even as they soar.

A Call to Embrace Heritage

Fashion is more than fabric. Hair is more than style. Together, they are forms of identity, resistance, celebration, and power. Whether you’re from the continent or part of the global diaspora, honouring these traditions is a beautiful act of cultural preservation.

So let’s wear that Aso Oke boldly. Let our hair rise with purpose. And when we look in the mirror, let’s see the beauty of our ancestors reflected back at us.