Fashion

Nigerian Gen Z bringing back 80s fashion

By Fawaz Onakoya

Have you ever noticed the return of oversized blazer, high waisted jeans and even mini skirts from the 80s? Nigerian Gen Z is really leading the way in bringing these iconic styles to life. Have you also wondered how Nigerian youth are able to re-imagine these 80s fashion or why these trends are making a comeback?

The 80s in Nigeria were known of as a train of fashion and today, many of these trends are making a return. We now see the likes of 1980s Jean; high-waists, ripped variations, acid-washed, embellished versions, etc. now paired with contemporary shirts and Chunky sneakers now becoming a new favorite among Nigerians.

But have YOU ever wondered, why the love or interest in old fashion?

Well there are a number of significant reasons one of which is NOSTALGIA. Many Nigerians who grew up in the 80s and even 90s are now adults, some who now have children and grand children. These people feel a sense of past-callings for those music and most importantly fashion of their youth. This nostalgia is one of those factors that drive their interest. For example, the trending music videos like “Who get This Things” sung by Desperate Chicks in 2010 has now found its way back into the present media era reminding viewers of the eclectic styles of the 80s. Fashion tend to cycle back every 10-20years and this is why certain cultural sensibilities of the 80s still feel so fresh and novel to younger generations who didn't experience them the first time around.

The Nigerian MUSIC INDUSTRY and their active use of SOCIAL MEDIA platforms like Instagram and tikotok also influences the flow back of fashion styles from the 80s.

Local celebrities such as Tems and even Denola Grey are quite know for their retro inspired fits which further fuels the trend. And while these celebrities rock these fits, they often create specific or unique hashtags to further popularize the 80s trends. On Instagram, trends like #80sFashion and #Vintagestyle among many others...have harbored several posts of fits that are retro inspired.