We millennials treat cameras, Instagram and vintage items like they’re the best things since sliced bread. But No! They’re not. People have been doing photography and style since…well the beginning of time.
Chief S.O Alonge’s studio portraits of Benin residents provide rare insight into the early history and practice of studio photography in Nigeria. And in the 1930s and 1940s, many Nigerians patronized photography studios for the first time, presenting themselves and their families to the camera in ways they wished to be photographed.
And believe it or not, before we all started learning to pose in front of fine cars, old school Nigerians perfected the art of using props – stools, couches, chairs, and a wooden handrail. Swag is actually old school, and these 15 pictures can prove it:
1. This picture of this uber stylish gentleman leaning on a stool – 1950
2015 has nothing on that suit.
2. This young man posing with the handrail as if it was made for him – 1950
Look at those shoes.
3. Dame Merry Oritsetimeyin Ehanire née Cardigan looking as pretty as a picture – 1940
The headscarf is starting to make a comeback.
4. This picture of Madam Stella Osarhiere Gbinigie at 16 – 1950
Perfect accessories!
5. This self portrait by Chief Alonge – 1942
The side parting has been around for years, guys!
6. This young man at Christmas time in Ibadan – 1911
Loving the look.
7. This group photo of Lagos Boys from 1910
Yoruba boys been moving in groups forever!
8. This Photo of these two Nigerian guys popping their collar – 1957
Look at their polos, guys!
9. This photo of siblings kinging – 1926
This proves everything I’ve been saying.
10. The outdoor pose by these 4 teenagers – 1950
They did shorts better than us
Bonus Mention
Chief Alonge’s Brown boots – 1945
Look familiar?
Have you started questioning your fashion sense yet? Share this to your friends for them to feel the same!