Finding the "New School" in "Old School"

First year birthday parties were epic at the time, although I hear it is way cooler in this 21^st century for those who are in the “ajebutter” category (lol). Anyway, it was a thing of joy to be invited for a first year party in the 90’s. It meant you could play dress up, get an entire bottle of Coca-Cola to yourself (and not share one with your four siblings as was the tradition then) and probably win a treat in dancing competitions, dancing to Shina Peter’s, Pasuma or Wasiu Ayinde’s tunes or doing the running man dance to a Michael Jackson track. There was also the popular dance around the chair game, where about 10 kids would dance around 8 chairs until the DJ halts the music. The last man standing without a chair automatically gets disqualified and then the circle continues till only one winner is left sitting on the chair. Mehn, those where the days…

These  parties were usually segmented. We would have the kid’s corner with all the play things and goofiness, the Mum’s corner where idle banter and household gossip occurred and the Dad’s corner, where the men ruffled their collars and massaged their egos, sharing their accomplishments and possessions to the hearing of their wives… As colourful as the kids’ corner looked at the time, I couldn't help but notice how grandiose our mums looked. Gosh, I could drool for days staring at their outfits and hairstyles. Jerry curls, beautiful traditional fabric (for those in traditional attires) and neatly finished skirts or pants with elegant blouses, some with sky high shoulders or puffs. Our Mum’s looked great at such parties…

The traditional attires had me totally intrigued especially the “Iro & Buba”. They were so popular at the time especially combined with a two piece “aso-oke”, one serving as a head gear and the other loosely placed across the shoulder falling down to your feet or tied across the waist in an about-to-get-ready-for-a-fight mode (lol). 

Culled from emotanafricana.com

Culled from Google Images 

These attires served for different occasions; parties, weddings, awards, memorials, you name it! The blouses or buba were usually cut in a one directional patterns, draping the upper body not too firmly but fitted enough not to fall off ones shoulder. I remember loving these attires as a child.

As I grew a bit older a sudden dislike for the once loved “Iro & Buba” evolved. This was more from the feeling of looking way older in them or being termed as “Old School”. I rarely had any traditional print attire at this phase in my life…

Then suddenly the world seemed to change. First was the knee length or micro versions of the Iro's with three quarter length sleeves that returned with a vengeance. The new look was called “Oleku” loosely translated in English to mean "Super hot" or "Chic". This new look became a sophisticated and chic re-enactment of the "Old School" Iro & Buba our mothers in the 80’s wore for special occasions and as showcased in traditional Yoruba Nollywood flicks of that era. 

"Oleku" - Culled from www.mainframemovies.tv 

Uju Igweokwu - In a pretty pink themed version of the "Oleku"

Eki Ikeh & Sarah Agaldo - Combining the Oleku with the Traditional look 

I remember still feeling a certain kind of reservation for the "Oleku" attire. Different strokes for different folks I guess! With the "New School" came more creativity which made the“Oleku” adaptation a lot more cool/hip! 

Tundun Sanusi - (Pretty Yummy Mummy) Her looks are effortlessly chic! You go girl!

Today, new adaptations have evolved beyond the “Oleku” trend. Ladies appear in much more adventurous and glamorous versions of the “Iro & Buba” coming in a variety of fabrics such as Lace,  Shiffon, Ankara, Wax or the more modern version of Raw Silk in more daring prints and colours…

Today’s piece is dedicated to the “New School” of “Iro & Buba” which for now has got me spell bound! Thanks to the beautiful ladies who have sent in their versions, I present to you, the “It” version of the New School of Iro & Buba.

Ps; I have also tried out my own version of the cape buba on a fitted iro *winks* Feel free to adapt some of our modern trendy looks for the “Iro & Buba” newbies like me!!

Tundun Sanusi - Love the fusion with the yellow accessories! A pop of bright colour and voila!

Wunmi Olatunji - In a fitted long sleeved buba! Her accessories and gele gives the look a pretty finish!

Tolu Bameke - Pretty Tolu gives us the knotted print Iro with a modern short-sleeved buba 

Mercie Ahabue - In a pretty red print knot version of the Iro & Buba. The drape-like sleeves add magic to the look

Toyin Balogun - Delectable Sisi Toyin In a double layered cape Iro & buba! I love the flowery pink patterned material

Ibukun Olubode - Our "Pretty Yummy Mummy" in a fitted long sleeved Buba & Iro

Kechy's first ever attempt at a modern version of the Iro & Buba - Pinky! I'm loving it!

Eki Ikeh - Another "Pretty Yummy Mummy" - Orange just gives you life! *wink*

Tundun Sanusi & Wunmi Olatunji - In a raw silk material adaptation of the knotted Iro & Buba! The prints are amazing!

Yode & Bade Aboderin - Pretty Sisters in a lace & Velvet mix of the Iro & Buba

Abimbola Adefuye-Adaramola - Another "Pretty Yummy Mummy" fusing her look with a pop of red aso-oke

Yode & Bade Aboderin - Notice how the neck pieces add elegance to their look! *wink*

Bimbo Alade - Pretty Bimbo pulls off this chic look with a bell sleeved buba! Amazables!

Tundun Sanusi - In a 3 quarter fitted sleeved version of the buba! I love the fusion with black!

Ibukun Olabode - Pop's her monochrome knotted Iro & buba with a touch of Orange!

Bimbo Alade - In a high neck double cape Buba & knotted Iro! Lovely!

Tundun Sanusi - Finishes our display in an amazing vintage raw silk Iro & Buba! Pretty!

Huge thanks once again to all the ladies who made this feature colourful and enticing! *Bear hugs* Till next time, have a lovely week and keep exploring new Iro & Buba trends!

Toodles...

Kechy!