We millennials treat cameras, Instagram and vintage items like they’re the best things since sliced bread. But No! They’re not. People have been doing photography and style since…well the beginning of time.

Chief S.O Alonge’s studio portraits of Benin residents provide rare insight into the early history and practice of studio photography in Nigeria. And in the 1930s and 1940s, many Nigerians patronized photography studios for the first time, presenting themselves and their families to the camera in ways they wished to be photographed.

And believe it or not, before we all started learning to pose in front of fine cars, old school Nigerians perfected the art of using props – stools, couches, chairs, and a wooden handrail. Swag is actually old school, and these 15 pictures can prove it:

1. This picture of this uber stylish gentleman leaning on a stool – 1950
[img]http://africa.si.edu/wp-content/uploads/EEPA_2009-007-0093-EditWeb-521x840.jpg[/img]
via Chief S.O Alonge
2015 has nothing on that suit.

2. This young man posing with the handrail as if it was made for him – 1950
[img]http://africa.si.edu/wp-content/uploads/EEPA_2009-007-0101-EditWeb-521x840.jpg[/img]
Look at those shoes.

3. Dame Merry Oritsetimeyin Ehanire née Cardigan looking as pretty as a picture – 1940
[img]http://africa.si.edu/wp-content/uploads/EEPA_2009-007-0114-EditWeb-518x840.jpg[/img]
The headscarf is starting to make a comeback.

4. This picture of Madam Stella Osarhiere Gbinigie at 16 – 1950
[img]http://africa.si.edu/wp-content/uploads/EEPA_2009-007-1787-Edit2Web-840x584.jpg[/img]
Perfect accessories!

5. This self portrait by Chief Alonge – 1942
[img]http://africa.si.edu/wp-content/uploads/EEPA_2009-007-0104-EditWeb-601x840.jpg[/img]
The side parting has been around for years, guys!

6. This young man at Christmas time in Ibadan – 1911

Loving the look.

7. This group photo of Lagos Boys from 1910

Yoruba boys been moving in groups forever!

8. This Photo of these two Nigerian guys popping their collar – 1957

Look at their polos, guys!

9. This photo of siblings kinging – 1926

This proves everything I’ve been saying.

10. The outdoor pose by these 4 teenagers – 1950

They did shorts better than us

Bonus Mention

Chief Alonge’s Brown boots – 1945
[img]http://africa.si.edu/wp-content/uploads/D20140050Web-700x840.jpg[/img]
Look familiar?

Have you started questioning your fashion sense yet?

Stylish.. Yeah. Funny.. Yeah!

Sheeeeet where I fit get chief alonge boot

lol that thing is solid leather

acenazt:
Sheeeeet where I fit get chief alonge boot

They really look dapper.
Yoruba niggers have been representing for ages! And the new generations are taking it to the next level.
Away from my tribal praises,
The pictures are great.