CREATIVITY OR CONFUSION: A LOOK INTO THE ALTÉ FASHION MOVEMENT
By Idowu Precious (Babosha)
They say fashion is an art but like all forms of art, interpretation often blurs the lines between genius and confusion. In Nigeria’s ever-evolving youth fashion scene, nowhere is this more evident than in the rise of Alté culture. A fashion culture built on intrinsic values of personal expression, individuality, creativity and one's interest in reinvention and rebellion against conformity. However, what began as a niche expression among certain creative circles of youths has now gained a much larger audience, exposing both an appealing sense of originality and a slice of sometimes misunderstood creativity. Thus, as the Alté movement grows, the difference between authentic artistry and confused imitation becomes harder to ignore.
It is noteworthy that Alté was never just about the clothes alone. It began as a mindset that resisted the ubiquitous nature present in music, art, and lifestyle in general. The Alté fashion just happened to become one of its most visible expressions. Dressing alté is not about randomness like most people think but more about intentionality. The mix and layering of silhouettes, fabrics, and eras is deliberate. Pairing oversized pieces with fitted ones, vintage jackets with modern wears, lace atop leather, denim with chiffon, textured with smooth, thrifted with custom-made and many more variations are all intentional acts of the Alté lover. While at first glance, it may look unusual or possibly elicit a raised eyebrow from the onlooker, a second look often reveals the balance and thought behind . The goal of the alte lover is not just the shock factor but a means of expression with personality.
Well-curated alté outfits tend to draw attention because while they may be tagged as outrageous and unexpected, they are complete in their own unique way. A thrifted coat might sit over a reworked skirt. Jewelry might be mismatched but chosen with careful precision. Colours may seem unlikely together until they’re seen in motion. Even the hair, shoes, or lack of symmetry contributes to a visual story. There is a quiet confidence in the way the wearer carries the look.
As social media, thrift culture, and music scenes gave the movement visibility, more young Nigerians began using style as a form of identity, not approval. Alté helped shift fashion away from strict rules and trends, making space for personal interpretation. For some, it is soft resistance. For others, it is simply how they live—blending influences from streetwear, retro fashion, afro-futurism, DIY styling, and vintage nostalgia. Now you’ll find it at art shows, campuses, concerts, and on everyday streets.
But with visibility comes imitation. As the look gains popularity, more people attempt it without grasping its intention. This has led to a growing wave of what many quietly call “alté confusion.” These are the outfits that make people turn not in admiration but in uncertainty. The difference is not always in the clothes themselves, but in the absence of cohesion. Where authentic alté uses contrast with purpose, these attempts rely on randomness—layers without structure, patterns without rhythm, accessories placed without context.
The problem is not the desire to experiment but the pressure to appear different without understanding the language of difference. Some throw on every bright or unusual piece they can find, hoping to look expressive, but the result feels more like costume than style. Where true alté feels lived-in and natural, the imitations often seem forced and uncertain. The head-turn here is not born from curiosity but from confusion—“Is this intentional, or is this just chaos?”
Still, this clash of elegance and excess says something about where Nigerian youth fashion is headed. Whether done well or poorly, more young people are now willing to step outside the expected. They are reworking old clothes, borrowing across genders, mixing cultural elements, and reshaping trends instead of following them. Even the mistakes show a kind of boldness—a willingness to try, even without perfect understanding.
Some outfits turn heads because they inspire admiration. Others turn heads because they raise questions. Yet both reflect a truth: Nigerian fashion among the youth is no longer afraid of being different. And whether refined or chaotic, alté has already proven that expression today does not wait for permission, and style—like art—will always leave room for both wonder and debate.
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