One thing many of us remember about our grandmothers is how they always had a look. It didn’t change with the seasons. It didn’t come from magazines. It came from knowing exactly who they were and what they stood for.
Before Instagram, Pinterest, or fashion bloggers told us what to wear, our grandmothers were already setting the tone. They didn’t have stylist-curated closets, they didn’t need mood boards, and they certainly didn’t wait for validation from the internet. Yet somehow, they always stepped out of their homes looking elegant, intentional, and unforgettable.
Their outfits weren’t random. The wrappers they wore often had meanings; some told stories, others marked significant life events. The colors they chose weren’t just about what was available; they reflected mood, season, or tradition. If you ever asked your grandmother why she chose a particular outfit for a ceremony, she’d probably have a full explanation behind it.
In many ways, our grandmothers didn’t follow fashion; they defined it on their own terms.
Headwraps Weren’t a Trend...They Were a Daily Ritual
Today, headwraps just like the ones in our collection, are sold as fashion statements, featured in style editorials and cultural fashion brands. But for our grandmothers, headwraps weren’t trends. They were part of everyday life.
Whether they were going to the market, church, a naming ceremony, or simply staying home, they wore headwraps for various reasons: protection, modesty, confidence, and sometimes just out of habit. And they didn’t use YouTube tutorials to learn how to tie them. Their fingers just knew what to do. The styles were passed down by observation, repetition, and routine.
Each tie had its own character: high and proud, loose and casual, tight and formal. Some women even developed signature styles that became part of their identity. You always knew who was coming from down the street, just by the silhouette of their headwrap.
Their Fashion Was Functional, and Always Flawless
Our grandmothers mastered the art of looking stylish while staying practical.
And the clothes? They lasted. They had a few trusted outfits that served multiple functions. A wrapper worn to a church anniversary may also be seen at a wedding, a naming ceremony, or a town meeting. They knew how to restyle, repurpose, and renew. You’d rarely hear a grandmother say, “I have nothing to wear.” What she had was enough, and that’s something we’ve forgotten in today’s world of fast fashion.
They Taught Us Without Saying a Word
Most of us learned about fashion and self-presentation not through lectures, but by watching them. Watching how they prepared their outfits the night before a big event. Watching how they ironed their wrappers or starched their blouses. Watching how they tied their scarves, powdered their necks, and adjusted their jewelry before stepping out.
They didn’t just teach us how to dress; they taught us how to carry ourselves.
They moved calmly. They spoke with clarity. And their fashion was never separate from their presence; it was an integral part of it.
Give Them Their Credit
So the next time you put on a bold print, style a wrapper, or tie a headwrap, remember this: you’re not doing something new. You’re continuing something that started long before you.
Your grandmother and women like her set the foundation for African fashion as we know it today. They turned everyday outfits into expressions of heritage. They gave meaning to simplicity. They taught us that elegance doesn’t have to cost a lot, it just has to be worn with pride.
At Besida, we design for women who carry that same spirit. We celebrate modern women, but we never forget the ones who walked before us. The ones who didn’t just wear fashion, they lived it.
So yes, the influencers today are cool. But the original ones? They cooked, taught, built families, raised nations, and still found a way to look amazing. That’s power. That’s legacy. And that’s fashion worth honoring.