Fashion

Uncovering The Influence of Alte Style on Gen Z in 2022

Alte style, or the "Roaring Twenties" look, has made a comeback in recent years. You might have seen it in the movies, on TV, or even in your own city. But what is it about this style that has kept it popular for so long?

By Iverson Akhigbe

PUBLISHED: December 07, 2022

Uncovering The Influence of Alte Style on Gen Z in 2022

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The Alte scene has existed for decades with stars like Ajebutta 22, SDC, Teezee, Fresh L and more artists. This movement took a less significant turn and something of a break around 2011-2015. Thus, the roots of the Alte culture and expression can be traced back to Lagos where the population of youths are fearless and daring in owning their creativity in music, fashion and lifestyle as a whole.
In 2019, the Alte movement struck the entire music and fashion scene with a massive storm and apparent resurrection, resurgence and intense rebranding that raised a lot of dust amongst the cool kids and this rebirth can be attributed to artists like Odunsi the Engine, Santi, Tay Iwar, Teni, Adekunle Gold, Nonso Amadi, Maleek Berry, Wavy the Creator, Lady Donli and a few more. 
The upsurge of the Alternative culture, like every other movement was expected to die or fade over time like it did in the past decade, but instead, has transcended into a unique craft that totally disregards Nigeria’s rigid sartorial standards and gender binary fashion rules thus captivating the interests of youths worldwide by consistently pushing the narrative of artistic brilliance, uniqueness, stylishness, aesthetic genius and overall freedom in the music and fashion scene.

A movement such as this, which has elevated into a thriving community is constantly pushed by creative personalities like Ashley Okoli, a creative director, stylist and one of the leading creatives in the Alte community. 
In an interview with Okay Africa, she described the process of styling in Santi’s recently released ‘Raw dinner’ video.
"I always draw inspiration from my own style, because my styling is an extension of myself. When I saw the treatment, I already knew how I wanted it to look, and the gothic, sexy elements were right up my alley. it was fun and it was simple, believe it or not."

 

ashley okoli

Ashley Okoli, one of the backbones of the Alte scene believes in pushing one’s individuality from different trends, classics, fashion, developments, movements and syncing it all into originality and inventiveness.

In her interview with Okay Africa, she went on to speak on the criticism her style gets. "I don't let it get to me, she says speaking on the criticism her style gets "I wouldn't be me if I did, and that would be tragic, wouldn't it?... Because Nigerians are used to being in a box. A lot of people here aren't used to freedom and seeing creativity—most people are very traditional and stuck in those ways. We, on the other hand, are bringing the new, the fresh, and the modern to the mix, and that upsets, or even scares, people."

Another stunning creative making waves and sustaining the Alte community is Emefa Smith, a fashion entrepreneur and styling genius has built a trend-driven brand, The Vintage Smith which has proven to be highly relevant in the Alte fashion scene.

In an interview, when asked to describe The Vintage Smith in 3 simple words, Emefa Smith reflects and finally says ‘’Alté, edgy, cool’’. 
The passion driven fashion entrepreneur has dropped her latest fashion styles from the Frankie satin bag, gunna frames, soulja frames, croissant bag to the killa cam frames.
Alte has become a wave of pride passionately pushed by creatives and style enthusiasts like Emela Smith and Ashley Okoli. These creatives are keeping the Alte scene relevant and we love to see it.

 


 

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