An Herero woman in traditional attire. The origins of the elaborate dress and unique hat style of Herero women can be traced back to 19th century German missionaries who took exception to what they considered an immodest form of dress among the tribe at that time. They insisted that Herero women adopt their own impractical style of Victorian-era dresses. Over the years, colourful Herero dresses have evolved as enormous crinolines worn over five petticoats.