Friday, September 4, 2026 · Updated Friday, September 4, 2026
Badagry, Nigeria
In the coastal town of Badagry, Nigeria, a creative collaboration is redefining the boundaries of sustainable design. Against the weathered, textured backdrop of concrete walls, a striking fashion statement emerges from the most unexpected of sources: discarded plastic packaging.
A young Black woman stands in front of a textured light-colored wall. She is wearing a dark, possibly black, outfit that appears to be made from a plastic material. The outfit includes a headpiece, a vest-like top with a V-neck, and a skirt. She is adorned with multiple black beaded necklaces and bracelets, as well as beaded earrings. Her hair is short and dark. Her arms are bare, and she has some temporary markings or tattoos on her right arm. The woman's facial expression is neutral, and she looks directly at the camera in some shots. The video consists of several short clips where the woman's pose and gaze shift slightly. The lighting appears to be natural and somewhat diffused.
The garments feature dark, reflective materials meticulously fashioned into structured tops and skirts. Embellished with graphic prints, text, and repeated motifs, the synthetic fabrics are given a second life as avant-garde streetwear. The contrast between the industrial sheen of the plastic and the rough, organic surfaces of the surroundings creates a powerful visual dialogue.
A Black female model stands against a textured grey wall in Badagry, Nigeria. She has short, dark, curly hair and is wearing a black, sleeveless top made from what appears to be recycled material with white text printed on it. The top is ripped and has a cutout in the midriff. She is adorned with multiple strands of black bead necklaces and black bead bracelets on both arms. She also wears a black beaded headband and a unique black earring. Her right hand is raised to her head, and she gazes to her right with her mouth slightly open. The lighting suggests an outdoor setting.
Complementing the sculptural outfits are layers of dark beaded necklaces, bracelets, and head coverings. These accessories ground the contemporary, experimental silhouettes in a classic aesthetic, balancing the modern texture of the recycled plastic with timeless elements.
A young Black person with dark skin and short black hair stands in a dirt lot wearing a black, shiny, homemade dress made of what appears to be recycled material. The dress has a V-neckline and a short skirt. They are also wearing black beads around their neck and wrists, and a black head covering. They are looking directly at the camera and appear to be walking towards it. The background is blurry but shows some greenery and palm trees, suggesting an outdoor, possibly tropical, environment. The lighting is overcast.
A young Black person stands facing the camera, leaning against a textured grey wall. They are wearing a black headband adorned with black beads, a black sleeveless top made of what appears to be shiny, crinkled material, and multiple strands of black beaded necklaces. They also wear black beaded bracelets on each wrist and an armlet on their left upper arm. Two rings are visible on their fingers, one with a large, light-colored stone and the other with a red stone. The person has dark hair styled close to the head and dark lipstick. Their left arm is adorned with two simple drawn designs. The overall aesthetic suggests a stylized portrait. The wall behind them is rough and shows signs of age and weathering, consistent with an outdoor urban environment. The scene is illuminated by natural light, creating soft shadows. This image was captured in Badagry, Nigeria.
This project highlights a growing movement among local creators who utilize upcycled materials to challenge traditional fashion narratives. By elevating everyday waste into high-concept design, the shoot showcases how resourcefulness and artistic vision can merge to create compelling visual art on the streets of Nigeria.
A full-body, eye-level, portrait-style photograph captures a young Black woman standing with her arms outstretched, leaning against a rough, grey concrete wall in Badagry, Nigeria. She is dressed in a black, sleeveless outfit made of what appears to be recycled plastic, possibly from packaging material. The dress is cinched at the waist and has a V-neckline. She wears dark beaded bracelets on both wrists and around her ankles, and a matching necklace. Her hair is covered with a black cap. The background wall has an uneven texture with some streaks of dirt and discoloration. The ground in front of the wall is a mixture of dirt, small rocks, and debris, with a patch of green grass visible to the right. The lighting suggests an outdoor setting during daylight hours.
The image depicts a young Black woman standing against a textured, light gray wall in Badagry, Nigeria. She is wearing a creative outfit made from black plastic packaging that appears to be from "Happy Crown Poly Products." The outfit consists of a sleeveless top and a skirt. The top has a V-neckline and a knotted detail at the waist. The skirt is a wrap-around style. She is adorned with multiple layers of black beaded necklaces and several black beaded bracelets on her arms, along with a black beaded headband. Her hair is short and styled in a way that complements the headband. She is looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. Her left arm is bent at the elbow, with her hand resting on her shoulder, and she is pointing with her index finger towards her left shoulder. The background wall is rough and shows signs of age and weathering, with faint lines and smudges. The lighting suggests an outdoor environment, possibly during the day.
A young Black person stands in front of a textured, light-colored concrete wall, which appears to be an exterior wall in Badagry, Nigeria. The person has dark skin and short, black hair, styled with a beaded headband. They are wearing a sleeveless, black top with a checkered pattern that appears to be made of a crinkled material. The top has jagged, uneven edges on the shoulders.
The person is adorned with several pieces of black beaded jewelry, including a layered necklace, bracelets on both arms, and beads woven into their hair. They are also wearing large, statement earrings, one of which is visible and appears to be black and shaped like a butterfly or bat.
On their left hand, which is raised in a thumbs-up gesture, they wear a large ring with a clear, oval-shaped stone surrounded by a gold-colored setting. On their right hand, also raised in a thumbs-up gesture, they wear a ring with a large, red stone.
The person's lips are painted with a glossy, nude-colored lipstick. Their gaze is directed to the right of the frame. A faint tattoo is visible on their right arm. The lighting suggests it is daytime, and the overall scene is a portrait of the individual showcasing their attire and accessories.
A young Black person stands in front of a textured concrete wall, possibly in the city of Badagry, Nigeria. They are positioned centrally in the frame, facing the camera directly. Their arms are raised and crossed above their head, with palms facing outwards. The individual wears a black, textured head covering and a black, shiny outfit that appears to be made of plastic material printed with white text and graphics, including crowns and what look like bananas. The outfit has cutouts, revealing the person's midriff. They are adorned with multiple black beaded necklaces and several beaded bracelets on their arms. The person has dark hair styled in short braids, and their lips are accentuated with dark liner. The concrete wall behind them is a light gray with visible cracks and imperfections, suggesting an outdoor urban setting.
A young Black person stands against a textured grey wall, their head adorned with a black beaded headband and matching earrings. They wear a black, sleeveless garment made of a shiny, crinkled material with white text and grid patterns. Several strands of black beads hang around their neck. Their right arm is bent, with a hand resting on their chest, and they wear a black beaded bracelet on their left wrist. Faint markings resembling teardrops are visible on their left arm. The subject has dark lipstick and their gaze is directed forward. The lighting suggests an outdoor setting, possibly in Badagry, Nigeria, given the architectural style of the wall.
A young Black woman stands in front of a textured light-colored wall. She is wearing a dark, possibly black, outfit that appears to be made from a plastic material. The outfit includes a headpiece, a vest-like top with a V-neck, and a skirt. She is adorned with multiple black beaded necklaces and bracelets, as well as beaded earrings. Her hair is short and dark. Her arms are bare, and she has some temporary markings or tattoos on her right arm. The woman's facial expression is neutral, and she looks directly at the camera in some shots. The video consists of several short clips where the woman's pose and gaze shift slightly. The lighting appears to be natural and somewhat diffused.
A head-and-shoulders, profile view of a dark-skinned person wearing black jewelry. The person has short, curly black hair and is adorned with a beaded headband and multiple strands of black beads around their neck, as well as a pair of black, flower-shaped earrings with a clear gem at the center and a dangling black pendant. The person's face is turned to the right, with their eyes looking forward. The background is a neutral, textured wall, consistent with an outdoor setting in Badagry, Nigeria. The lighting suggests it is daytime.
A Black female model stands against a textured grey wall in Badagry, Nigeria. She has short, dark, curly hair and is wearing a black, sleeveless top made from what appears to be recycled material with white text printed on it. The top is ripped and has a cutout in the midriff. She is adorned with multiple strands of black bead necklaces and black bead bracelets on both arms. She also wears a black beaded headband and a unique black earring. Her right hand is raised to her head, and she gazes to her right with her mouth slightly open. The lighting suggests an outdoor setting.
The image shows a person of color standing against a textured concrete wall in Badagry, Nigeria. The individual is wearing a black, avant-garde outfit constructed from what appears to be trash bags, with a halter-style top and a skirt tied at the waist. The outfit is adorned with a multi-strand black beaded necklace and bracelets. One hand is adorned with a gold ring featuring a white stone, and the other with a large red stone ring. The person's hair is styled in small braids, and a black beaded band encircles their head. Their lips are painted with dark lipstick. The background is a weathered gray concrete wall, showing signs of age and wear.
A young Black person with dark skin and short black hair stands in a dirt lot wearing a black, shiny, homemade dress made of what appears to be recycled material. The dress has a V-neckline and a short skirt. They are also wearing black beads around their neck and wrists, and a black head covering. They are looking directly at the camera and appear to be walking towards it. The background is blurry but shows some greenery and palm trees, suggesting an outdoor, possibly tropical, environment. The lighting is overcast.
A dark-skinned person with short black hair and dark lipstick stands against a light-colored, textured wall. They are wearing a black beaded headband, multiple strands of black beads around their neck, and a black sleeveless garment that appears to be made of plastic material with some text printed on it. The person is also wearing several black beaded bracelets on each wrist and two rings on their left hand. One ring is gold with a white stone, and the other is silver with a red stone. There are also black beaded bands on their upper arms, and tattoos on their left arm. The person's hands are positioned in front of their chest, with their fingers intertwined. Their head is slightly tilted, and they are looking to the right of the frame. The lighting is neutral, and the focus is on the person.
A young Black person stands facing the camera, leaning against a textured grey wall. They are wearing a black headband adorned with black beads, a black sleeveless top made of what appears to be shiny, crinkled material, and multiple strands of black beaded necklaces. They also wear black beaded bracelets on each wrist and an armlet on their left upper arm. Two rings are visible on their fingers, one with a large, light-colored stone and the other with a red stone. The person has dark hair styled close to the head and dark lipstick. Their left arm is adorned with two simple drawn designs. The overall aesthetic suggests a stylized portrait. The wall behind them is rough and shows signs of age and weathering, consistent with an outdoor urban environment. The scene is illuminated by natural light, creating soft shadows. This image was captured in Badagry, Nigeria.
A medium shot captures a person with dark skin and short, dark, curly hair, adorned with striking black bead jewelry. They wear a beaded headdress that encircles their head, and multiple strands of black beads are layered around their neck. Their right ear is adorned with a black earring shaped like a flower with a dangling black geometric element. A black bracelet is visible on their left wrist, and a matching bracelet is on their right wrist. The person is wearing a sleeveless top made of a shiny black material, possibly plastic, with a textured pattern and ripped edges at the shoulders. A silver ring is on their right index finger. Their eyes are closed, and their head is tilted down, with their right hand gently touching their chest. On their upper left arm, there is a tattoo of swirling lines and small teardrop shapes. The background is a plain, light-colored textured wall, suggestive of an outdoor setting in the city of Badagry, Nigeria.
A young person, with dark skin and a short, dark afro, stands against a textured, light grey concrete wall in what appears to be the city of Badagry, Nigeria. They are wearing a black, sleeveless garment that appears to be made from a shiny, crinkled material, possibly trash bags, with torn edges at the shoulders. The garment has a V-neckline. They are adorned with numerous black beaded necklaces, layered around their neck and chest. Black beaded bracelets are worn on both wrists. On their left hand, they wear a gold-toned ring with a clear, faceted stone, and on their right hand, a gold-toned ring with a large, prominent red stone. The person's gaze is directed upwards and slightly to the right. The overall aesthetic suggests a fashion or artistic statement.
A young person, appearing to be of African descent, stands against a rough, grey concrete wall in what is described as Badagry, Nigeria. They are positioned centrally, facing the camera, with their arms raised and crossed above their head. Their attire is unconventional, consisting of what appears to be black plastic material, possibly packaging, fashioned into a top and a skirt. The material is textured with a repeating grid pattern and text, some of which is visible and reads "HAPPY CROWN TOLY PRODUCTS". There are rips and tears in the plastic fabric, revealing the person's midriff and skin. They are adorned with multiple black beaded necklaces and bracelets, as well as a black beaded headband. The lighting suggests an outdoor setting, with natural light illuminating the scene from above. The background is a textured, weathered concrete surface, showing signs of age and wear. The composition is a waist-up shot, with the focus on the individual and their unique presentation.
A full-body, eye-level shot features a young Black woman standing against a textured, light gray concrete wall, possibly in a construction site or undeveloped area in Badagry, Nigeria. The woman is positioned in the center-right of the frame, leaning her right arm against the wall, with her left hand on her hip. She is wearing a black, makeshift outfit consisting of a sleeveless top and a short skirt, both appearing to be fashioned from plastic material with printed text and images, possibly from packaging. Her head is covered with a black beanie, and she wears black beaded necklaces and bracelets, as well as anklets. Her skin tone is dark brown, and she has light brown markings on her left arm, possibly temporary tattoos or body art. The ground beneath her is a mix of dirt and gravel, with some larger concrete debris visible on the left. The lighting is natural and appears to be from an overcast sky.
A young Black woman stands in a side profile pose against a textured concrete wall in Badagry, Nigeria. She is wearing a black, shiny, plastic-like dress with a halter neckline and a short, ruched skirt. The dress appears to be made from repurposed material, possibly garbage bags, as evidenced by the printed text and grid patterns on its surface. She accessorizes with multiple strands of black beaded necklaces, a beaded headband, beaded bracelets on her wrists, and beaded anklets. Her arms are adorned with temporary tattoo-like markings on her upper left arm. Her right hand is near her chest, touching the necklaces, and her left hand is by her hip. The ground beneath her is a mix of gravel and broken concrete. The lighting suggests an outdoor setting, likely during the day.
A medium shot shows a person with dark skin and short black hair standing in front of a light grey, textured wall. The person is wearing a black, textured, off-the-shoulder garment with a low neckline, and a black beaded necklace. They are also wearing a black beaded headband, black flower-shaped earrings with a white gem in the center, and several black beaded bracelets on their wrists and forearms. On their left hand, they are wearing a gold ring with a large, clear, faceted gemstone, and on their right hand, a gold ring with a red gemstone. Their hands are held up in front of their chest, palms facing the viewer. The person is looking to the left of the frame. There are rudimentary tattoo-like markings on their right arm. The location is identified as a street in Badagry, Nigeria.
A young Black woman stands in a sandy outdoor area. She is wearing a black outfit made of what appears to be recycled plastic material, adorned with black beads around her neck and wrists. She also wears a black headband. The background features lush green foliage, including banana trees and palm trees, suggesting a tropical environment. The woman is looking directly at the camera, her hands clasped behind her back. The lighting is soft, indicating an overcast day or diffused sunlight.
A young Black woman stands against a light grey, textured wall. She is looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression and dark lipstick. She has short, dark, curly hair and wears a black beaded headpiece. Her outfit is constructed from black plastic, appearing to be made from garbage bags, with a deconstructed top and a skirt tied at the waist. She wears multiple black beaded necklaces, a black beaded bracelet on her left arm, and another on her right wrist. She also has a black beaded bracelet on her left upper arm, which has a spiral tattoo above it. Her left earlobe has a black, angular earring. She wears a gold ring on her right index finger. The background wall has visible imperfections and faint smudges, suggesting an outdoor or unfinished urban setting in Badagry, Nigeria.
A young woman stands with her right arm raised, leaning against a rough, textured concrete wall. She wears a unique outfit fashioned from black plastic material, resembling a sleeveless top and a short skirt. The clothing is adorned with a repeating pattern of text and images, including what appears to be a crown and fruit. She also wears a black head covering, beaded necklaces, and bracelets on her arms and ankles, which are also adorned with black beads. Her left leg is bent at the knee, with her foot resting on the ground. The ground beneath her is uneven and covered with small stones and debris, suggesting an outdoor, potentially unfinished or industrial area. The background is a plain, gray concrete wall with subtle variations in texture and tone. The scene appears to be an outdoor setting in the city of Badagry, Nigeria.
The video shows a person standing against a concrete wall. The person is wearing a black outfit made of a shiny material, possibly plastic, with a pattern of text and crowns. They are also wearing black beaded jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. The person's hair is covered with a black knitted cap. The video pans from the person's feet up to their face, showing them posing and touching their head. The environment appears to be outdoors, with rough ground at the bottom of the frame.
A young Black woman stands facing forward, her body angled slightly to the right, against a textured, light gray concrete wall. She has dark skin, dark braided hair styled into a cap, and is wearing an outfit constructed from what appears to be black plastic material printed with a repeating pattern of crowns and text that reads "HAPPY CROWN POLY PRODUCTS." The outfit consists of a sleeveless top with cutouts and a matching skirt. She is adorned with multiple black beaded necklaces, bracelets on both arms, and an anklet on her left ankle. Her left hand is placed on her hip, and her right arm is bent with her hand resting on her thigh. The ground in front of the wall is a rough mix of dirt, small stones, and larger rocks. The scene is outdoors, suggesting an urban or semi-urban environment. The image was captured in Badagry, Nigeria.
A person with dark skin and short, black hair adorned with a black beaded headpiece stands against a gray, textured wall. The person wears a black sleeveless top made of a shiny, crinkled material, with uneven, torn edges. Multiple strands of black beads are worn as necklaces, and black beaded bracelets adorn both wrists. A large, ornate ring with a white stone is on the person's right index finger. The person's hands are clasped in front of their chest, and their gaze is directed at the camera. Faint circular markings are visible on the person's left arm. The lighting suggests an outdoor setting. The scene is set in the city of Badagry, Nigeria.
A young Black woman stands facing the camera in front of a concrete wall. She is wearing a black outfit that appears to be made of plastic, consisting of a crop top and a short skirt. She has a black headscarf on, and several black necklaces. She is also wearing black bands around her upper arms and anklets. Her arms are raised above her head, with her hands crossed in front of her. Her facial expression is neutral. The ground in front of her is covered in dirt and rubble. The lighting is even, and the focus is sharp.
Badagry, Nigeria
