The MAG weekly Blog by Lydia, every Friday at 1700 hrs. Nr 102 31st May 2024
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, this week's subjects: The new C-Suite women's clothing revolution, Does size matter? and Mata Hari
The new C-Suite women's clothing revolution. Enter the new wave of stylish C-Suite women's clothing, designed to seamlessly blend professionalism with comfort and versatility.
Versatile sophistication: Versatility is a key characteristic of efficient C-Suite attire. Transition effortlessly from boardroom meetings to networking events or business dinners with versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched. Tailored trousers in luxurious fabrics, paired with silk blouses or statement tops offer a seamless day-to-night transition, reflecting the multifaceted nature of women in leadership roles.
Functionality meets fashion: Efficiency in C-Suite fashion is not solely about aesthetics but also about functionality. The incorporation of technical fabrics that offer stretch, breathability, and wrinkle resistance ensures that women can focus on their roles without being hindered by their clothing. Accessories such as structured leather handbags with multiple compartments to keep essentials organized and comfortable yet chic footwear that supports long days offer a cohesive and practical approach to dressing for success.
Empowering accents: The details make all the difference in the new wave of C-Suite women's fashion. From subtle embellishments that add a touch of personality to classic silhouettes to bold accessories that make a statement, empowering accents play a crucial role in elevating a professional look. A pop of color in the form of a vibrant scarf or a striking piece of jewelry can convey confidence and style.
Today's corporate landscape requires women at the top to navigate through demanding schedules and diverse responsibilities seamlessly. The new era of C-Suite women's clothing champions efficiency as a fundamental aspect of style, recognizing the need for garments that empower without compromising comfort or functionality.
Tailored Precision: At the core of this sartorial revolution lies the emphasis on tailored precision. Each piece of the modern C-Suite wardrobe is meticulously designed to enhance the wearer's silhouette while allowing for effortless movement. Structured blazers with strategic cuts and elegant pencil skirts that exude confidence without constraining create a powerful yet comfortable ensemble for the contemporary businesswoman.
Welcome, fashion enthusiasts, to a glamorous rendezvous with one of the most anticipated events of the year—The Met Gala 2024. This year's theme, “Sustainability and Style,” promised not only dazzling displays of fashion but also a crucial focus on environmental consciousness and responsibility. Let's dive into the exquisite world of high fashion and social impact that graced the renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
The Theme: Sustainability and Style.
As the fashion elite graced the red carpet, all eyes were on their interpretations of sustainability within the realms of haute couture and avant-garde designs. The theme challenged attendees to rethink their fashion choices, encouraging them to prioritize eco-friendly materials, circular fashion practices, and mindful styling that reflects a commitment to a more sustainable future.
Highlights from the Red Carpet
Eco-Couture Extravaganza: Leading the way in sustainable fashion, A-list celebrities arrived in style, donning creations that were not only visually stunning but also ethically conscious. From upcycled fabrics to cruelty-free accessories, attendees showcased innovative approaches to sustainability without compromising on glamour.
Retro Revival: As fashion often does, jazz fashion in Africa has seen a resurgence of retro styles from the mid-20th century. Think sharply tailored suits for men, reminiscent of the iconic jazz musicians of the past, paired with fedoras and wingtip shoes. For women, figure-flattering dresses with artful draping and bold patterns evoke the glamour of bygone eras, while oversized sunglasses and statement headwraps add a contemporary twist. From the sultry elegance of a floor-length gown to the cool sophistication of a tailored suit, and jazz fashion.
As African musicians embraced this genre and made it their own, they also imbued jazz fashion with a kaleidoscope of influences from traditional African attire to contemporary urban styles.
In cities like Johannesburg, Accra, and Nairobi, jazz clubs became hubs of creativity where musicians and fashionistas mingled, inspiring each other with their sartorial choices. The result? A fusion of cultures and styles that gave birth to a new aesthetic—jazz fashion in Africa.
Naomi Campbell
Oroma Cookey-Gam
The Eurocentric Gaze and Authenticity:
In the past, African fashion sometimes catered to Eurocentric tastes. However, in recent years, creators and designers have doubled down on authenticity. They seek to communicate Africa's unique narratives, traditions, and contemporary expressions. Fashion is no longer about conforming to external standards; it's about celebrating individuality and cultural pride.
Blay- Miezah
Traditional African clothing, on the other hand, was sometimes dismissed as primitive or outdated. This perception led to a gradual decline in the popularity of indigenous African fashion.
The Rise of African Fashion:
Despite the colonial legacy, African fashion has always thrived. From the intricate kente fabrics of Ghana to the colorful wax prints of West Africa, the continent boasts a kaleidoscope of styles. Talented designers and artisans have woven their heritage into contemporary designs, celebrating cultural motifs, vibrant colors, and innovative silhouettes.
The added word, breakfast made the film a bit of a scandalous issue, hence lots of publicity. Compare Audrey with Miss “Dubai and an iPhone please”. But this is about breakfast only. No iPhones involved, and no Dubai but just our own Koforidua. Nice if the boss pays for the best hotel, the Eastern Premier, a beautiful place and a beautiful bedroom, and had it not been for the all-night power cuts, it would have been a luxury stay indeed. The nice thing about these luxury hotels is the breakfast, which typically includes the full English breakfast with fresh coffee or tea, baked beans, bacon, marmalade, toast, freshly fried, scrambled, poached, or boiled eggs, and a cook-to-do all that in front of you, yogurt, cheeses, and charcuteries, various fresh fruits and fruit juices, different kind of bread pastries, and then, of course, our own “Hausa Koko” with Koose, “Koko with Bofroat”, Rice Water and Tom Brown. But that did not work out. They had Koose, which I like, but no fresh coffee, but Nescafe which offlate has a bad press, no fresh fruit juices, no marmalade, all in all, it was like breakfast in the Tamale guesthouse in the 80's, (the hunger years). And the eggs? That put me off most. The girl was there all right to cook them, but all she could do was the 2 side fried eggs, and when I wanted sunny side up she gave a blank, so I explained and finally she got it, and, as a bonus, turned them and fried the sunny side as well. A chef in a grand hotel indeed.
I think one of the issues is that, in Ghana, we don't complain. People happily give five stars for poor service, no salt and pepper and napkins on the tables, leaking hamburgers, fatty and under-or overcooked pizzas, old fish, dry steaks, over-fried eggs, and juice in imported cartons.
The dining hall was nice, and all wooden furniture, after a closer look made in Turkey which has only 14 % of its land covered by forest, in Ghana that is 35 %.
The Luxury Fashion Landscape: Luxury brands have been particularly guilty of appropriating African designs. Whether it's using Maasai beadwork in accessories or incorporating Ankara prints into high-end collections, these actions raise questions about ethics, representation, and economic justice. The lack of credit and financial compensation for African creators perpetuates a cycle of exploitation.
African fashion is more than a trend: it's a living legacy. As Western fashion continues to draw inspiration from Africa, let's honor the roots, acknowledge the creators, and celebrate the beauty of collaboration. By weaving together our stories, we can create a global tapestry that reflects the richness of our shared humanity.
RENE CHAGAL MYUNG JU SILK TIE WITH WINDSOR KNOT
