“LADIES, LADIES ALL AROUND,
WHO’S THE FINEST DUDE IN TOWN?”
For the Wodaabe, the week-long Guérewol symbolizes a time for love through a courtship contest, where men beautify and adorn themselves in an attempt to win the affection of a lady. Throughout the seven-day period, various dance routines unfold, with men standing shoulder to shoulder and moving slowly in a circle. As they pass by, eligible women tap on the shoulders of those they find attractive.
During the dance, a jury of three, usually daughters of past winners, selects the most attractive male. Each juror chooses a winner, forming a romantic connection that could last a day or evolve into a marriage.
Guérewol Festival
Client: Personal, 2019
The Guérewol Festival, an annual courtship ritual in Chad, features men dressing up, applying makeup, and dancing to attract partners. This unique take on beauty pageants celebrates the beauty of both genders, offering a contrast to Western standards. The festival's design is inspired by vibrant face paint and traditional Wodaabe clothing, encouraging everyone to embrace diverse cultural expressions of beauty.