The Higher The Hat, The Higher The Standing
- Words
- Annika Wittrock
Don’t you judge a man by its shoes in Nigeria! There, it’s all about the hat. “For Nigerian men, a hat adds a sense of confidence, it’s like a personal crown.” says Lakin Ogunbanwo, a Nigerian photographer in an interview with Vogue.
Lakin’s portraits of Nigerian men and their headpieces brings folklore to a high fashion level. You can see the social standing of a man by its hat. The taller the crown, the higher the social standing. Lakin Ogunbanwo is a versatile artist with an eye for colour. His work – described as vivid and sometimes suggestive – boasts of a very meticulous approach that allows for visually stunning imagery.