I’m originally of Nigerian descent but migrated to the United States when I was 10 years old. However, I have always been very proud of my Nigerian culture and heritage. My appreciation for my culture has heightened even more as I’ve gotten older. A big part of Nigerian culture is reminiscent in our vibrant clothing and jewelry and our love for extravagant things. I remember as a young girl always being in awe of how fly my grandmother was. An elderly woman who raised 6 children but always made sure she looked impeccable every time she got dressed up. Her 2 daughters (my mom and my aunt) also followed in her footsteps and I sometimes find myself thinking that I wish everyday Nigerian women like these were celebrated more in mainstream media.

So for this shoot, I wanted to celebrate my culture and showcase Nigerian inspired wardrobe with a contemporary abstract twist. The goal was simple: showcase the beauty of Nigeria through fashion, capture some dope images and show that it is not a shithole country (despite what someone falsely stated fairly recently). I shared a few of these images on my Instagram account on October 1st to celebrate Nigeria on its Independence Day. Here is the full assortment of images from that shoot…Enjoy! Great job to Tolu Bamwo for the shots and Autumn Breon as the muse.

(For behind the scenes action of this shoot…check out my highlights on Instagram @ascotsandpearls).

Credits

Photographer: Tolu Bamwo

Model: Autumn Breon

Wardrobe Styling + Creative Direction : Ascots and Pearls