gele (gay-lay). that's what the headwrap of our traditional is called. it's made out of damask or heavy duty cotton/silk or some paper/cloth hybrid. i finally learned how to tie one properly about 3 years ago. i guess i wasn't trying to learn before that.

so at this wedding, i changed from my bridesmaid's gear into my traditional wear and did my gele. the other bridesmaids wanted me to help them with theirs. i willingly obliged. as i was working on my second one, in walks mr segun aka shecy. lol. people in the nigerian fashion scene should know of him. he owns the bride's escort and is super awesome at tying geles. he was flown in mainly for the bride and her mom. any other lady who wanted her headtie wrapped, he'd tie for a nominal fee. i'm like wow. "dami... do not freak out. don't be intimidated. try to hold your own". lol! too funny. infact, he was the sweetest person and gave me some tips when i started working on my 3rd gele. now i have to stand in front of the mirror and practice, practice, practice! he jokingly called me his disciple. i'll take protege. he gives classes by the way =)

here are some of my work. the left pic is my signature work. the right pic, mr segun helped me eliminate the twisted knot that is always in the center of my signature work. at least, i'll have two styles now.


in honor of the gele, i leave you with this video from lagbaja, a nigerian artist. enjoy.