The MAG weekly Fashion and Lifestyle Blog for the modern African girl by Lydia, every Friday at 1700 hrs. Nr 228 2nd October, 2026
Lydia's Weekly Lifestyle blog is for today's African girl, so no subject is taboo. My purpose is to share things that may interest today's African girl.
This week's contributors: Lydia, Pépé Pépinière, Titi. This week's subjects: Milan Fashion Week, Hanging Your Dirty Lingerie Outside? and City Hotel
Milan Fashion Week: Abeg, Who Told Everyone to Dress Like This?
Milan Fashion Week has arrived, and nobody came to behave. Milan Fashion Week is that one week when even getting coffee looks like a fashion moment.
From September 22nd–28th, 2026, the city became one giant fashion playground—runways inside, street-style slay outside. Milano traded its usual Italian ease for seven days of runway drama, street-style theatre and fabulous outfits to make your wardrobe question its life choices. Also enough designer bags floating around to make your bank account feel personally attacked.
Prada opened the week. Vogue World: Milano brought the spectacle. Fendi, Gucci, Max Mara, Dolce & Gabbana and Armani brought the heavy hitters. And the streets? Pure fashion chaos—in the best possible way.
In Milan, apparently, “I just threw this on” means perfectly tailored trousers, an immaculate handbag, sunglasses, killer shoes and a coat that probably costs more than your first car. But Milan Fashion Week isn't only about the runway.
The CNMI Fashion Hub at Palazzo Morando brought fashion closer to the public, while Palazzo Reale hosted Dalí e la moda, adding an art-meets-fashion moment to the week's agenda.
And outside the shows? Brera, Via Montenapoleone, the Duomo and those effortlessly polished Milanese streets became their own street-style runway.
The Milan formula was clear: impeccable tailoring, beautiful accessories, confident silhouettes—and absolutely no apology for looking expensive.
Meanwhile, the Accra fashion girl is taking notes:
Can it survive Accra heat? Can it handle Airport traffic? Can the heels survive Independence Avenue?
Because Milan may have the marble palazzos and Via Montenapoleone, but Accra has its own fashion language—bold, expressive, practical and unapologetically stylish.
Milan brought the Italian polish. Accra brings the personality. SS27 just got a lot more interesting.
Milan understands one important thing:
If you're going to be seen, you might as well give them something to look at.
Hanging Your Dirty Lingerie Outside? US President Trump has just been told to pay $5.6 million to journalist E. Jean Carroll for sexual abuse. The case dates back to 1996, and Carroll has meanwhile turned 82, Trump is 80. 30 Years for a court case, justice delayed is justice denied? In Ghana the average court case takes a bit less than 3 years. But there is a second case. After Carroll accused Trump, Trump called her a liar, and Carroll sued Trump for defamation. This defamation case is worth $83.3 million.
The importance of the case lies in the fact that Carroll is seen as the standard-bearer for dozens of other women who have accused the US leader of sexual misconduct. It is probably not the right time for Trump for this type of thing. Harvey Weinstein, the American film producer who brought many actors and actresses to stardom, has just been sentenced to 15 years in prison after some of these same stars claimed he had tried to assault them. Gwyneth Paltrow, who won an Academy Award for Shakespeare in Love (1998), was one of them. There are others. And it created the “Me Too” movement.
Meaning? “Me Too” means they too have experienced sexual harassment or abuse. It became a way for women to speak out and show that they were not alone. But some say the “Me too” stands for I too was trying to get to the top by any means.
And in Ghana? What do we do with our dirty lingerie?
It appears we have more dignity than our friends across the Atlantic. Sometimes you hear rumors, but generally the Ghanaian public is not really interested and will quickly look at something else.
Are we more civilized than Americans? The first Akan state, Bono Manso was founded in 1295, Columbus was born 156 years later. Let’s judge ourselves and not leave it to others.
City Hotel, 4 Stars Barnes Road, West Ridge, started as the Novotel in 1988, towards the end of Ghana’s very dark years, and at that time it was about Ghana’s only decently operating hotel. It was very central and near the ministries, quite convenient, the little business there was in Ghana at that time was mainly Ghana Government and international aid business.
Golden Tulip, now Lancaster, opened a few years later and today they are all here: Hilton, Ibis, Kempinski, Marriott, Holiday Inn and several other international and local hotels.
But in 2023 Novotel moved out and the Ghanaian owners of the hotel decided to go it their own way, under the name City Hotel.
It still has a French streak, so we decided to have one croissant there and some coffee, and indeed, the croissant was about the best I’ve ever had in Accra, though a bit too salty for my liking, but then I hardly take salt. The coffee was OK, the cappuccino could have had more coffee taste.
And the bill? GHC 710 for 2 croissants, 2 cups of coffee and a cappuccino.
I protested, and it was explained to me that that’s how the breakfast was costed. I told the lady they should have clearly indicated that before we sat down and ordered, and that I was definitely not going to pay.
Eventually they came back with a bill of GHC 128, GHC 25 for a croissant and GHC 39 for the coffee and for the cappuccino. All good. But now the moral of this story.
City Hotel is no more under foreign (French) management. When we entered, 3 waiters and the cashier were loudly discussing something very important near the entrance of the dining room and did not really see us enter. When it was still Novotel, we would have been “seated” and been asked if we were hotel guests and if we came for their full breakfast.
And there were some other things.
The table had been laid with a plate, fork, knife and a napkin. Several waiters were trying to serve our table, so there was confusion. One waiter came and removed the plate, fork, knife and napkin, and replaced them with a plate, fork, knife and napkin.
First the croissant did not come, and then we rather got 2 instead of 1.
Amongst the sugar offer there was only white and brown, no zero-calorie sweetener. So I asked for this, but nothing happened. I got up and checked the other tables. One indeed had my calorie-free sweetener. And I took some coffee spoons as well, which had not been brought.
Then crystal white sugar arrived, in a cute little bowl.
The acoustics too have gone haywire. The walls are almost barren, so everything bounces back, and despite the very few customers on this Sunday morning, we had to speak loud to hear ourselves above the important discussion going on at the entrance.
The place does not look very friendly anyway.
Training, training, training, retraining and supervision. That’s what’s needed to keep the standards up. If not, the stars will soon fall off, first from 4 to 3, and by the time the room maintenance is not done again either, down to 2.
Our president has been warning against poor service and standards in our hospitality industry. I agree with him, and he agrees with me.
Lydia...
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Give London a little rain, a few black cabs, a red double-decker and a fashion crowd dressed like they’re late to something extremely important—and suddenly the whole city is serving Fashion Week.
From Soho to Hyde Park, trench coats were flying, boots were marching, sunglasses were appearing in questionable weather, and the Tube was basically transporting fashion editors from one outfit change to the next.
London wasn't just hosting Fashion Week. It was wearing it.
London Fashion Week 2026: London, Take Your Bow !!!
The runway was everywhere.
From September 17–21, 2026, London Fashion Week turned the capital into one giant fashion set—and the pavement was just as important as the catwalk. More than 220 designers brought collections, presentations and experiments across the city.
Paul Costelloe opened with a nautical-inspired collection, while outside, the street-style crowd was already serving: oversized tailoring, dramatic coats, boots, statement bags and sunglasses—because apparently grey skies are no excuse for bad accessorising.
Then came Olympia London, where H&M brought the star power with names including Lila Moss and Alex Consani. Outside? Another runway. Cameras flashed as fashion editors, models and influencers moved between shows.
Across London, Burberry, Simone Rocha, Alexander McQueen and Mulberry pulled the fashion crowd from venue to venue—and every journey became another street-style moment.
Meanwhile, Fashion Scout's 20th anniversary season brought emerging-designers energy, while Art Hearts Fashion transformed St. John's Church in Hyde Park into another fashion destination.
And naturally, London supplied the special effects.
Rain. Wind. Wet pavements. Black cabs.
A coat billowing dramatically in the breeze? Editorial.
A puddle reflecting a perfectly styled outfit? Content.
Hair slightly ruined by the weather? Call it texture.
Meanwhile, the Accra fashion girl is watching from 30°C thinking:
“Gorgeous. But please show me the linen version.”
The venues brought the fashion.
The streets brought the attitude.
The weather brought the drama.
And London turned the whole city into a runway.
– A structured midi dress + blazer for a playful but polished corporate twist.
– A matching co-ord set for effortless fashion-girl energy.
– An oversized corporate shirt + pencil skirt when you want to mix classic office wear with a little rebellion.
The Accra Reality Check: Between Accra traffic, long working hours, running between meetings, and those spontaneous after-work plans, comfortable footwear is honestly a luxury. Crocs give your feet room to breathe while still allowing you to participate in fashion’s latest “ugly shoe but make it cool” era.
And in true Accra girl fashion, if you style it well, it can go from office desk to brunch without changing shoes.
Comfort is no longer the opposite of fashion.
The Accra corporate girl is wearing both.
Yes, sis. Crocs can enter the corporate conversation.
The secret? Styling them intentionally.
The Corporate Crocs Formula: Forget the loud, overly decorated pairs for a moment. For the office, think neutral shades, sleek silhouettes, and elevated styling. Black, cream, beige, brown, navy, and even muted pastels can blend beautifully into a corporate wardrobe.
Keep the Rest of the Outfit Polished: Crocs are already making a statement, so let the rest of your outfit say, “Yes, I planned this.” Add a structured handbag, neat hair, simple jewellery, and a clean, well-tailored outfit.
The goal is not to look like you forgot your office shoes at home. The goal is to look like you knew exactly what you were doing.
Jibbitz? Office Appropriate Edition: Personalising your Crocs can be fun, but maybe don’t turn your shoes into a full amusement park before your Monday morning presentation. Choose a few stylish charms—minimal, chic, and relevant to your personality.
Remember: corporate, but make it fun.
Shoes can change the entire mood: Want the outfit to look more corporate? Reach for loafers, pointed-toe flats, sleek pumps or modest block heels.
Sneakers can work too, especially in creative workplaces, but keep them clean and minimal.
And remember, a mini skirt + sky-high stilettos can quickly move the outfit from boardroom to birthday dinner.
Add tights when in doubt: Tights are the underrated corporate girl’s secret weapon.
They give you a little more coverage, make a short skirt feel more intentional and instantly add polish. Black tights with a tailored mini and loafers? Very chic.
Plus, for those aggressively air-conditioned Accra offices, your legs will thank you.
Keep the accessories intentional: You don't need a chandelier around your neck just because your skirt is short.
A structured handbag, delicate jewellery, classic watch and sleek sunglasses can elevate the look without competing with the outfit.
The goal is expensive-looking simplicity.
Here’s how to make the mini corporate skirt work without compromising your polish.
Let the skirt be the “fun” piece: If your skirt is short, keep everything else relatively sophisticated. Think a structured blazer, crisp button-down shirt or elegant knit top.
The shorter the hemline, the more refined the rest of the outfit should feel.
Translation is If the legs are making a statement, let the neckline take a seat.
Go for structured minis: Not every mini skirt belongs in the boardroom.
Choose styles with structure—think tailored A-lines, pencil skirts, pleated skirts or clean, straight silhouettes. Avoid anything excessively tight, sheer, distressed or designed primarily for the club.
A structured mini immediately says “corporate girlie” rather than “Friday night plans.”
The blazer is your best friend: Nothing rescues a mini skirt from looking too casual quite like a good blazer.
Try a matching skirt-and-blazer set for maximum sophistication, or pair a neutral mini with an oversized tailored blazer. The blazer adds coverage and creates that effortless “I have a meeting at 10 and a cocktail at 7” energy.
Keep the top classy: A mini skirt and a plunging neckline at the same time? Your office might not be ready for that level of confidence.
Instead, opt for button-down shirts, high-neck blouses, polo shirts, elegant camisoles layered under blazers or modest fitted tops.
Remember: Corporate sexy is about suggestion, not exhibition.
Consider your office environment:
Let’s be realistic: not every workplace has the same dress code.
If your office is conservative, keep your mini closer to the knee and add tights or a longer blazer. If your workplace is fashion-forward and relaxed, you can experiment with slightly shorter lengths while keeping the overall look polished.
And if you're heading into a serious client meeting? Maybe save the micro-mini for brunch.
Add a Touch of African Elegance: Nothing refreshes a plain corporate shirt like African prints. Pair your white or blue shirt with a beautifully tailored Ankara pencil skirt or high-waisted trousers. The combination blends professionalism with cultural pride, making it perfect for the modern Ghanaian woman.
Accessorise Like a Professional: A statement necklace, elegant earrings, a leather handbag, or a colourful silk scarf can completely transform your outfit.
Keep accessories balanced so they complement your shirt without overpowering your professional image.
Layer for the Rainy Season: Accra's rainy season can be unpredictable. Keep a lightweight blazer or tailored cardigan handy. It adds warmth in air-conditioned offices and protects your polished look when the weather changes.
Roll Up Your Sleeves with Confidence: On warmer days, neatly rolled sleeves creates a relaxed yet sophisticated look. Pair them with loafers or block heels for comfort while moving around the office or attending meetings.
Before you shop for something new, take another look at the shirts already hanging in your wardrobe. You may discover your next favourite office outfit is one you've owned all along.
But after wearing them repeatedly, they can start to feel boring.
The good news? You don't need a whole new wardrobe to look stylish. With a few smart styling tricks, your old corporate shirts can look modern, elegant, and office ready even during Accra's hot and rainy seasons.
Beat the Heat with Smart Pairings: Ghana's warm weather calls for breathable outfits. Pair your cotton corporate shirt with a lightweight midi skirt or wide-leg trousers in linen or cotton. Choose lighter colours to stay cool while maintaining a polished appearance.
Belt It for a Flattering Shape: If your corporate shirt feels oversized, tuck it into high-waisted trousers or a skirt and add a slim belt. This simple trick defines your waist and creates a sleek, confident silhouette.
Choose Comfortable Footwear: Complete your outfit with block heels, loafers, ballet flats, or smart leather sandals if your workplace allows them. Comfort is just as important as style, especially when navigating busy workdays.
Confidence Is the Best Accessory: The most stylish women aren't always wearing the newest clothes—they're wearing their outfits with confidence. A well-ironed shirt, neat grooming, and a genuine smile will always make a lasting impression.
Shine Brighter Than the Clouds
Rainy days can make every outfit look a little dull. Latex naturally reflects light, giving you that “main character” glow, even under grey skies. Think of it as your built-in spotlight.
Keep It Smart
Instead of wearing head-to-toe latex (unless you're heading to a fashion editorial), choose one statement piece:
– A latex blazer over a fitted dress.
– Latex trousers paired with a soft knit top.
Balance is the secret to looking polished instead of overdone.
Rain-Friendly Accessories:
The Accra rain loves surprises, so pair your latex look with:
– Waterproof ankle boots or stylish loafers.
– A structured umbrella (because your umbrella is part of the outfit too!).
– A sleek tote that can handle unexpected showers.
Let Your Outfit Breathe:
Latex already makes a statement, so keep your makeup fresh and your accessories minimal. Gold jewelry, a neat hairstyle, and confidence will do the rest.
Rain and latex may seem like an unusual pairing, but confidence is what truly completes the look. Own it, walk carefully on those slippery pavements, and remember—fashion doesn't stop because the skies opened up.
This rainy season, don't just survive the weather. Shine through it—one glossy latex look at a time.