They are the traditional markers in Nigeria of both ethnic and social identity — and even royalty — but for Raphael Akindele and young men like him, hats are sometimes quite literally a pain.
“I just don’t feel smart and comfortable wearing a hat on a ‘buba and sokoto’,” said the 21-year-old, referring to the traditional long robe and trousers worn by many Nigerian men.
“Such dressing belongs to the old school,” the computer technician told AFP at a recent Lagos wedding, where his t-shirt and jeans set him apart from other guests in colorful traditional attire.
From Trilbies, Homburgs and Panamas to Bowlers and Fedoras, hats were once an essential part of any appropriately dressed Western gentleman’s wardrobe until fashions changed.
But in Nigeria, hats of all colors, shapes, sizes and designs are still a regular sight.
Internationally, the country’s current most famous hat wearer is President Goodluck Jonathan, who is rarely seen without his black Fedora, which is widely worn by men in Nigeria’s oil-rich southeast.
Elsewhere, the Trilby or Bowler, sometimes adorned with a white feather, is in vogue with men in the Niger Delta, while men from the Hausa ethnic group favor the “habar kada,” which is likened to a crocodile’s mouth.
Many Yoruba men plump for the “gobi,” an embroidered soft cap that can be worn either fully raised or tilted to one side, or the “abeti aja,” whose triangular flaps are folded either side like dog ears.
For Igbo males, only traditional chiefs and monarchs wear the red fez-like hats popular in northern Africa, while others sport headgear similar to the “gobi.”
With such a wide variety, it might be thought that any image-conscious young man would be able to find one to suit his own style.
But Ismail Aminu, a 24-year-old student in the northeastern city of Maiduguri, said simply: “I get headaches whenever I put on caps for long.
“I use them occasionally or during religious or traditional ceremonies because I see them as a burden on my head.
“Caps in this part of Nigeria are heavy because they are mostly knitted and starched. Using caps among the youths is gradually becoming a thing of the past.”
Many older men, for whom hat-wearing is second nature, admit they are baffled and even outraged at the vogue for a bare head.
Maiduguri trader Abdulahhi Abubakar, 43, said the phenomenon was “an aberration of the culture of the Hausa” while lecturer Lere Adeyemi said it “violates the ethos of Nigerian culture.”
Former teacher Benjamin Ofomadu, 76, said for his generation, not to wear a hat with traditional dress was considered “a cultural sacrilege of sort and... irresponsible.”
In some cultures, hats are seen as a “mark of respect for your head... your destiny or inner god,” said Adeyemi, who teaches African and Asian cultural studies at the University of Lagos.
“If you do not wear a cap on a traditional dress, your dressing is incomplete,” he added.
“It simply shows that there is a disconnect between such a person and culture, which is part of our life. And this is sad.”
Critics blamed television and the creeping influence of foreign or Western culture for the trend, while Adeyemi claimed the dress codes in some jobs were a lingering form of colonialism.
Nigeria’s banking sector, for example, requires men to wear a Western-style suit and tie. Horsehair wigs and gowns introduced by the British former rulers are still seen in the legal profession.
Young men in jeans, t-shirts — and even baseball caps — are meanwhile increasingly seen in places such as Lagos, indicating that outside trends were taking hold.
“They see people in suits and they admire them. They no longer appreciate caps,” said Ibrahim Musa Babagana, a 52-year-old sociology teacher.
Hats off for young Nigerians as fashions change
Hats off for young Nigerians as fashions change
Saudi model Roz on her homecoming: ‘It feels emotional in the best way’
- The Saudi model recently returned to the Kingdom for the first time in years
DUBAI: Roz — famed for being the first Saudi female model to work internationally, and for recently starring in the reality show “Dubai Bling” — has returned to Saudi Arabia after a decade abroad, marking a pivotal moment in her career and personal journey.
Roz shot to fame in 2019 when she modelled for a Victoria’s Secret’s Pink campaign.
She had moved to the US in 2013 to pursue a degree in interior design, but her modelling soon took over. Her Instagram feed (she has more than 15 million followers) is littered with photographs of her various advertising campaigns, as well as visits to many a product launch party — from NYX Cosmetics events to TikTok gatherings.
Roz’s homecoming reflects both her cultural pride and her desire to reconnect with her roots.
“It feels emotional in the best way,” she told Arab News. “I’m not moving back just yet, but I’ll be visiting more often to show the world how beautiful my country truly is. Being back on Saudi soil after so long brought back so many memories. There’s a deep sense of pride in seeing how much the country has evolved — and experiencing that change in person is really special.”
The model, who has been working on the international fashion circuit for years, says she has seen a remarkable transformation in the Kingdom’s fashion scene.
According to Roz, the country is now fostering a new generation of creatives who are pushing boundaries and embracing self-expression through fashion. This shift is not only inspiring but also deeply personal to Roz, who sees it as a celebration of identity that she had long hoped to see.
“The transformation is incredible,” she said. “There’s a whole new generation of creatives pushing boundaries and telling their own stories through fashion. What excites me most is seeing that self-expression is finally being celebrated, and I’m honored to witness it during my visit.”
One of the key motivations behind Roz’s visit was her desire to be part of the dynamic changes unfolding in the region, especially in fashion and entertainment.
“It’s my country, and I’ve always wanted to come back, but I was stuck in the US due to visa issues,” she said. “Once I finally sorted that out, I knew it was time to visit and reconnect. With everything happening in the region and how quickly things are progressing in fashion and entertainment, I wanted to be present, show support, and be part of this exciting moment in some way.”
Roz’s career journey to date has been far from easy, she said.
“There were so many (challenges). I faced judgment, stereotypes, and a lack of representation. But I kept going because I knew I was paving a path that didn’t exist yet,” she said. “Every step was about proving that a Saudi woman can take over the international stage and still stay true to who she is.”
Her role on “Dubai Bling” has also significantly impacted her celebrity status. “It definitely opened me up to a broader audience — people may have only seen me through fashion campaigns before. It also showed a more personal side, which helped people relate to me,” she said. “It came with more eyes, more opinions, but also more love and support than I ever imagined.”
Roz sees fashion as a form of self-expression, and embraces her roots as a strength that makes her style unique.
“To me, fashion is all about storytelling. I love merging global trends with elements of my identity, whether in how I carry myself or the brands I choose to represent. Staying true to my roots is never a limitation; it’s actually what makes my style stand out,” she said.
Roz is keeping her upcoming projects under wraps, but says her focus is on staying authentic and using her platform to inspire young Saudi women.
“I hope they see that there’s no mold they have to fit into. You can be proudly Saudi, proudly creative, and take up space in any industry,” she said. “I hope my journey shows what is possible, and that their stories deserve to be told on a global scale.”
Hollywood red carpets play host to Arab designs
DUBAI: Awards ceremonies in Hollywood played host to Arab designs over the weekend with celebrities Sophia Bush, Becky G and Jennie wearing looks from the Middle East.
US actress Bush showed off a scarlet gown by Lebanese designer Jean Pierre Khoury at the at the 36th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on Thursday, complete with a beaded bodice and separate form-fitting skirt. Bush’s ensemble was put together by Dani Charlton and Emma Rubenstein, the fashion styling duo known as Dani + Emma.
Fast forward to Saturday night and singers Becky G and Jennie Kim, a member of K-Pop group Blackpink, both showed off looks by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad.
US singer-actress Becky G opted for an all-white dress from Murad’s pre-Fall 2025 collection at the 2025 Billboard Women In Music event, held at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles.
The halter neck column gown boasted silver embellishments on the bodice.
Jennie, who goes by her first name, showed off a look from Murad’s Fall/ Winter 2025 ready-to-wear collection at the same event.
The form-fitting red dress featured a double slit with studs across the slits and sweetheart neckline. The look was completed with a pair of heels by Jordanian Romanian designer Amina Muaddi.
She took to the stage in the outfit to accept the Global Force Award, which is given to "singers, songwriters, instrumentalists and producers making groundbreaking contributions to the music industry" selected by Billboard publication around the world, according to Billboard.
“I’m inspired by all the women in this room — and around the globe who continue to break barriers and make their mark on the world stage,” Jennie said during her acceptance speech. “This award is dedicated to every woman who dares to dream and create and shape the world with her vision.”
This year’s honorees also included Doechii as Woman of the Year; Erykah Badu, who received the Icon Award; Aespa as Group of the Year; and Ángela Aguilar, who won the Breakthrough Award, among others. Presenters included Becky G, Lauren Jauregui, Kali Uchis and Julia Michaels.
Performers included Ángela Aguilar, Aespa, Gracie Abrams, Megan Moroney, Muni Long, Tyla and Erykah Badu.
For her part, US Mexican singer Aguilar dedicated her moment on stage to immigrants. “I want to take this moment to raise my voice for the women whose voices are not always given a stage, for the women who leave behind everything they know crossing borders,” she said.
Amira Al-Zuhair, Gigi Hadid star in accessories campaign
DUBAI: French Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair starred in a campaign for US fashion label Tory Burch, while US Dutch Palestinian supermodel Gigi Hadid fronted the 2025 leather goods campaign for Italian high-fashion brand Miu Miu, blending fashion and fine art.
For Tory Burch, Al-Zuhair wore a silk set adorned with the brand’s logo, showcasing handbags, perfumes, accessories, shoes and watches from the brand’s latest release.
The Miu Miu campaign, captured by renowned photographer Steven Meisel, features photographs that are digitally hand-painted to achieve a tactile, velvety quality, evoking the essence of classic 20th-century portraiture.
The campaign highlights Miu Miu’s signature matelasse leather, showcased in two bags — the Wander and the Arcadie, available in rich chocolate and mustard hues, as well as vibrant pistachio and fuchsia versions.
On Instagram, Miu Miu shared images from the campaign featuring Hadid with soft, sculpted waves styled to evoke vintage aesthetics. In one of the images, she was dressed in a dark navy jacket layered over a light, checked shirt and a collared blouse. The look was completed with the Wander bag in a mustard hue.
Another photo shows Hadid seated on a vintage green and brown chair, wearing a blue and green gingham dress. She was holding the Arcadie bag in chocolate brown, which also features the matelasse texture.
A third image captured Hadid in a strapless lime green top paired with a soft brown skirt. She carried the brown Arcadie bag as a shoulder accessory.
Hadid has had a long-running relationship with Miu Miu.
Earlier this month, she walked the brand’s runway during Paris Fashion Week wearing a mix of classic tailoring and modern styling with a vintage edge.
She donned a charcoal, double-breasted coat-dress with a structured, oversized silhouette. The look was completed with a 1920s-inspired hat that ties under the chin.
The outfit was further styled with dangling gold earrings, knee-high scrunched socks in a muted olive tone and brown leather loafers.
Last year, Hadid also starred in the brand’s campaign featuring the Wander and Arcadie bags, reflecting a similar 1930s-inspired style. The campaign showcased the handbags in shades of brown, orange, and yellow, with Hadid modeling alongside them.
Also captured by Meisel, the photographs draw inspiration from the innovative style of late British photographer Yevonde Middleton, renowned for employing soft colors and incorporating drapery and foliage in her portraits.
Best and Worst: Layali Boker on beauty hacks, fashion trends, and great advice
DUBAI: The Saudi beauty influencer, who has 1.2 million followers on TikTok, on beauty hacks, fashion trends, and great advice.
Best TV show/film you’ve ever seen?
The “Harry Potter” films. They are timeless classics that never lose their magic. I love them. I watch them every winter. My year is not complete without watching “Harry Potter.”
Worst TV show/film you’ve ever seen?
Oh, my God. It’s a cinematic experience I would rather forget. It was “The Triangle.” I didn’t like it because it was a cycle of events that kept repeating the whole film. What’s worse is you don’t figure it out until the end.
Best makeup look for you?
This year, it’s the one I did for Saudi Founding Day! I had a pretty soft eye makeup look with glowing cheeks, and I wore a traditional Hejazi outfit.
Worst makeup look you’ve done?
All my looks are stunning.
Best makeup hack?
Honestly, doing my full base with a powder puff has been life-changing! I wash the powder puff after I use it. Over time, even my acne has reduced.
Worst makeup hack?
Putting loose or pressed powder on your lips before lip lining them. It’s just a feeling and texture that I really can’t tolerate.
Best accessory for a little black dress?
Gold. I am a gold person. Nothing screams effortless-but-put-together like a bit of shimmer and bling. I love it.
Worst accessory for a little black dress?
Well, fashion is quite personal. Let’s just agree on that first. But, to me, beaded necklaces and bracelets are… They just give me DIY summer-camp-craft energy and I can’t unsee it.
Best fashion trend of 2025?
I believe the low-rise jeans are back and I’m here for it! I also love the full denim look, because why be subtle when you can be denim?
Worst fashion trend of 2024?
I don’t like overly baggy silhouettes. I love a relaxed fit, but I also like looking like I have a body underneath all that fabric, you know? So yeah, overly baggy pieces like pants or tops. I’m not here for those.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Two pieces, actually. Both from my father. One is “This too shall pass.” I love this advice, although I don’t think it applies to embarrassing moments. They do not pass. They haunt you forever. I also like “It’s never too late.” That kind of motivates me.
Worst advice you’ve ever been given?
That losing weight is the ultimate goal. I would honestly prioritize my health, my happiness and dessert. Right now, everyone is obsessed with losing weight and taking Ozempic as if they were vitamins. I do not get those comments from people on social media — I actually get them from people around me. I usually respond by saying it’s none of their business.
Best book you’ve ever read?
“Khawf” by Osamah Al-Muslim. It is so intense and gripping. I recommend you read it with the lights on, though, because it’s quite scary. It shows you life from other perspectives, from the other life that we don’t know anything about. It talks about demons and spirits. It is scary, but I loved it.
Worst book you’ve ever read?
I only get to read a few books apart from my medical books, so I try to make it worth it. But even if I don’t like a book, I learn from it and it gives me something to rant about.
Best thing to do when you’re feeling low?
I usually do breathing exercises, take a warm shower, spend time with my family or my best friends. I also try to remind myself always that even Beyoncé had bad days, so it’s OK.
Worst thing to do when you’re feeling good?
I would say sleeping too much. Why waste a perfectly good mood with a nap? That just doesn’t make sense to me.
Best holiday destination?
Bali was amazing. Every sunset was like a postcard. It was like we were living in a magazine. I’ve only been once, but I hope to go again soon. I spent my time forgetting about life, about phones, and just living the moments.
Worst holiday destination?
A trip is only good or bad depending on the company you have. I went to Turkey with my friends, and it was one of the worst experiences. I would never repeat it. I’d go to the country again, but I wouldn’t repeat that trip.
Best subject at school?
As I recall, it was physics. It made me feel so smart when I actually understood what was going on. It is a hard subject, but it is understandable.
Worst subject at school?
Math. I think numbers just never liked me back.
Best thing to do to ensure you have a productive day?
Praying Fajr on time and starting the day with a good breakfast.
Worst thing to do when you’re trying to have a productive day?
Oversleeping. You just become unproductive the whole day. You waste so much time when you wake up at midday. Half the day is already gone.
Sofia Carson dons Elie Saab designs in New York
DUBAI: Sofia Carson continues to make waves on the fashion front while promoting her latest project, “The Life List,” set to hit Netflix on March 28.
This week, the actress and singer was spotted in two Elie Saab ensembles.
Carson arrived at the “CBS Mornings” show in New York City as part of her press tour, wearing a green dress from Elie Saab’s Ready-to-Wear Fall/Winter 2023-2024 collection.
The dress featured a plunging V-neckline and long, fitted sleeves. An oversized floral embellishment adorned her neck, combining vibrant yellows and soft whites. She completed the look with deep green knee-high boots and a matching bag.
On Sunday, Carson wore another ensemble, a black dress that featured a fitted silhouette with structured shoulders. She paired the dress with long leather gloves, sheer black stockings and pointed-toe pumps.
Carson has been actively promoting her new film, “The Life List,” engaging in interviews and public appearances to drum up excitement.
Directed by Adam Brooks, the film is adapted from Lori Nelson Spielman’s best-selling novel of the same name. It tells the story of Alex (Carson), a young woman who sets out on a transformative journey to fulfill her late mother’s bucket list. Along the way, she reconnects with herself and rediscovers the importance of dreams and aspirations.
The film also stars Kyle Allen, Connie Britton, Marianne Rendon, Jose Zuniga, Rachel Zeiger-Haag, and others, with Liza Chasin serving as producer under 3dot Productions.
The actress took to Instagram to share her appreciation for her co-stars. She posted a photo featuring Kyle Allen and Sebastian De Souza, along with the caption: “The best guys I could ever hope to make a movie with. I love you, my Kyle and Seb. What a joy it is to share this journey with you.”
She also shared a picture with Britton and said: “Ladies and Gentlemen, THE Connie Britton. Connie, I can’t express how happy my heart is to share our film with the world so soon. You are sunshine. And it’s been my honor and joy to play your daughter (sic).”
