Opral Benson, Madam Kofo, others redefine
Gele, the Yoruba version of African headgear, has always been around. So, when you stand in a fashion store, trying to find the perfect auto-gele to go with your party wear, it helps to know a little history.
The first African wearers of gele most likely wore it to secure the female hair and keep it tidy and safe from dust and dirt. But over the years, it has become a fashion item which African women use to make bold and strong style statements.
The simplicity of the colonial era headgears and their subdued hues contrast sharply with the extravagant, unique and stylish head gears of these days.
Before the transition to the stylish headgear designs which society ladies rock these days, gele had been the item of choice for hardworking homemakers, traders and party goers. But over the years, it has evolved so much as to be loved by career women and the young and upwardly mobile ladies.
Inventive as ever, women keep coming up with different exotic ways of matching gele with other fashion items like clothes, bags, shoes and jewellery. Headgear can make or break a woman’s looks.
Starting from the 60’s and through the 70s, 80s and even 90s, gele experienced several changes in the way it was sown, tied and perched on the head. Over time, a beautifully-tied headgear that is stylishly knotted is now seen as the peak of women traditional outfits.
Here we bring you the women of ‘timber and caliber’ who now come across as symbols of the defining characteristics of the headgear from the sky-tower to the medium-padded and everything good and funny in between.
They include the Yeye Oge of Lagos and founder of Opral Benson Beauty Training Institute, Chief (Mrs) Opral Benson; Nigerian economist, accountant and industrialist-Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande; veteran Nigerian actress Abiola Atanda popularly known as Madam Kofo and socialite and owner of Gold Rush, a jewellery outfit, Chief (Mrs) Joko Oni.
These women, by their persistent, bold and innovative use of different types and styles of gele, eminently qualify as headgear trailblazers.
Incidentally, the great interest in gele has led to an explosive growth in style and shapes. These days, there are various types of headgear for women. Anyone with a good eye can pick the right gele to look timeless, iconic or classy.
Gone are the days when headgear was adorned with traditional attires. Times have changed. It is safe to say that the headgear, when paired with the right trousers, skirt or gown, can be a woman’s most elegant outfit.
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