M.A.G. blog, signed by Lydia

A MAG is a Modern African Girl, so no subject is taboo. My purpose is to share things which may interest a MAG.

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: Unveiling the Gen Z Designers Revolutionizing Fashion, Rosé Garden, Events at Labadi Beach Hotel, and +233 Jazzclub and Grill

Unveiling the Gen Z Designers Revolutionizing Fashion. The heartbeat of the fashion industry has always been innovation, pushing boundaries, and redefining style norms. In recent years, a wave of fresh creativity has been sweeping through the industry, led by a new generation of trailblazing designers—Gen Z talents who are carving out their own spaces and reshaping the future of fashion. From sustainability champions to boundary-pushing creatives, these young visionaries are leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Let's dive into the world of Gen Z designers and explore how they are reshaping the fashion landscape. Sustainable Sensations: Sustainability is more than just a trend—it’s a movement that is here to stay. Gen Z designers are at the forefront of this eco-conscious revolution, pioneering new ways to create fashion that is as kind to the planet as it is stylish. Emma Green, a 23-year-old designer known for her upcycled streetwear pieces, is a shining example of this ethos. With a commitment to using recycled materials and reducing waste, Green’s collections not only make a fashion statement but also a sustainability statement.

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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: Embracing the Versatility of Abstract Silk, Burberry in Trouble, Deepfake, and The Full Moon

Embracing the Versatility of Abstract Silk: One of the most remarkable aspects of abstract designs in silk is their versatility. From flowing silk maxi dresses adorned with abstract prints to structured silk blouses featuring geometric patterns, there is a myriad of ways to incorporate abstract silk designs into your wardrobe. Whether you prefer subtle hints of abstract art or bold, eye-catching prints, there is a style to suit every taste and occasion. Victoria Beckham abstract-print silk blouse-Farfetech, 679 US$ Here are some styling tips for your artistry: When styling abstract silk pieces, it's important to let the fabric take center stage. Opt for simple silhouettes and minimal accessories to allow the intricate designs to shine. Pair a colorful abstract silk blouse with tailored trousers for a chic office look, or dress up a flowing silk maxi dress with strappy sandals for a glamorous evening ensemble. Remember, confidence is the key to pulling off abstract silk designs with flair and panache. Abstract designs in silk embody the union of art and fashion, transforming clothing into wearable masterpieces. Whether you're drawn to bold, avant-garde prints or subtle, understated patterns, there is an abstract silk design

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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 Allure of Abstract Designs in Silk, You Are What You Eat, You Are What You Put On Your Body, and Ocean Basket Seafood Restaurant

The Allure of Abstract Designs in Silk: Silk, with its luxurious feel and lustrous sheen, has long been a symbol of elegance and sophistication in the world of fashion. When coupled with abstract designs, this fabric transcends mere clothing to become a canvas for artistic expression. The marriage of silk and abstract art creates a mesmerizing fusion that speaks volumes about personal style and creativity. Join me as we delve into the captivating world of abstract designs in silk, where fashion meets art in the most exquisite way possible. Silk as a medium of Artistic Expression: Silk, with its intrinsic beauty and flowing texture, serves as the perfect medium for showcasing abstract designs. The fabric's smooth surface allows colours to blend seamlessly, while its lightweight nature drapes elegantly, bringing designs to life with every movement. Abstract patterns on silk evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue, inviting the viewer to interpret the design's meaning in their own unique way. The Allure of Abstract Designs: Abstract designs in silk have a timeless appeal that transcends fleeting trends. These designs often feature bold geometric shapes, fluid lines, and vibrant colours that captivate the eye and ignite the imagination. Whether it's a swirling watercolour motif or a chaotic burst of colours, abstract designs in silk have the power to make a bold sartorial statement that is both alluring and unforgettable.

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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: Paris Fashion Week 2024, Shein and Nigeria's textile industry, My preferred cosmetic brand, Oneness Jamaican and Ghanaian Restaurant, Ritebrand tomato purée, and kebab at Gold Coast

Paris Fashion Week 2024 was a spectacular extravaganza that transcended the realms of fashion, art, and culture. With its eclectic mix of styles, sustainable initiatives, and avant-garde creations, the event celebrated the essence of creativity and innovation in the world. Here are the highlights of this year's moment. Gender Fluidity: Breaking free from traditional norms, many designers explored the concept of gender fluidity, creating pieces that blurred the lines between masculine and feminine aesthetics. Androgynous designs, unisex silhouettes, and inclusive fashion choices celebrated diversity and individual expression on the runway. Avant-Garde Accessories: Accessories played a pivotal role in accentuating the runway looks, with designers pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Oversized statement jewelry, quirky headpieces, and experimental footwear added a touch of whimsy and sophistication to the ensembles, elevating them to works of art. Celebrities and Influencers: Paris Fashion Week 2024 attracted a plethora of A-list celebrities, fashion icons, and social media influencers, adding to the glamour and grandeur of the event. From front-row appearances to exclusive after-parties, the fashion elite mingled with the designers and celebrated the essence of haute couture in style.

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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: Exquisite Elegance: Highlights from Paris Fashion Week 2024, Are men equal to women? No, they are not, That night he broke her beads, and Ecuyer, or the French restaurant

Exquisite Elegance: Highlights from Paris Fashion Week 2024 Welcome to the fashion extravaganza that took the City of Light by storm – Paris Fashion Week 2024! The runways were adorned with avant-garde designs, innovative creations, and a fusion of artistic brilliance that left the fashion world in awe. Let's delve into the captivating highlights of this spectacular event. Eclectic Ensembles: The designers embraced a harmonious blend of classic elegance and futuristic aesthetics, resulting in a diverse array of collections that redefine modern fashion. From structured silhouettes to flowing drapes, each ensemble narrated a unique story, celebrating individuality and creativity. Sustainable Style: With a growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-conscious fashion, Paris Fashion Week 2024 showcased a wave of designers focusing on ethical practices and environmentally friendly materials. Upcycled fabrics, organic textiles, and eco-friendly designs graced the runways, symbolizing a shift towards a greener fashion industry. Bold Colors and Prints: Vibrant hues and daring prints took center stage, infusing a sense of vitality and energy into the collections. From neon brights to bold geometric patterns, designers embraced the power of color to make a statement and uplift the spirits of fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Are men equal to women? No they are not. Men are superior (though mostly the question is asked the other way around). Worldwide, and more so in Ghana, men are considered superior to women. In its simplest form men's pay is higher for the same job, and women are not supposed to hold certain jobs. I said worldwide, even in the US women still earn an average of 16 % less than men for the same job. But it is not only the pay, it is also opportunities. We are 2 way. On one side we've had female Speakers of Parliament and Chief Justices and heads of Electoral Commissions, and in the corporate private sector heads of big banks and factories. And our private sector is dominated by women entrepreneurs. But these businesses typically remain small, women businesses are 8% less likely than men to access business support services and finance to start a business. What is the problem? It is known that women are an important part of the development of a country, contribute seriously to the eradication of poverty, and stimulate the economy, what not, So why block us?

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_This week's contributors: Lydia, Pépé Pépinière, this week's subjects: Exquisite Elegance, _

Exquisite Elegance: Highlights from Paris Fashion Week 2024 Welcome to the fashion extravaganza that took the City of Light by storm – Paris Fashion Week 2024! The runways were adorned with avant-garde designs, innovative creations, and a fusion of artistic brilliance that left the fashion world in awe. Let's delve into the captivating highlights of this spectacular event. Eclectic Ensembles: The designers embraced a harmonious blend of classic elegance and futuristic aesthetics, resulting in a diverse array of collections that redefine modern fashion. From structured silhouettes to flowing drapes, each ensemble narrated a unique story, celebrating individuality and creativity. Sustainable Style: With a growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-conscious fashion, Paris Fashion Week 2024 showcased a wave of designers focusing on ethical practices and environmentally friendly materials. Upcycled fabrics, organic textiles, and eco-friendly designs graced the runways, symbolizing a shift towards a greener fashion industry. Bold Colors and Prints: Vibrant hues and daring prints took center stage, infusing a sense of vitality and energy into the collections. From neon brights to bold geometric patterns, designers embraced the power of color to make a statement and uplift the spirits of fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Are men equal to women? No, they are not, men are superior (though mostly the question is asked the other way around). Worldwide, and more so in Ghana, men are considered superior to women. In its simplest form men's pay is higher for the same job, and women are not supposed to hold certain jobs. I said worldwide, even in the US women still earn an average of 16 % less than men for the same job. But it is not only the pay, it is also opportunities. We are 2 way. On one side we've had female speakers of parliament and Chief justices and heads of electoral commissions, and in the corporate private sector heads of big banks and factories. and our private sector is dominated by women entrepreneurs, but these businesses typically remain small, women businesses are 8% less likely than men to access business support services and finance to start a business. What is the problem? It is known that women are an important part of the development of a country, contribute seriously d to the eradication of poverty, and stimulate the economy, why not, So why block us? Our Affirmative Action Gender Equality Bill, which seeks to address some of these issues by promoting gender equality and addressing systemic discrimination against women, and ensuring equal opportunities in education, employment, and political representation has been, in various forms, in and out of parliament since about 2011. Our 1992 Constitution talks about discrimination, and already in 1986 Ghana ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and agreed, as a state party, to take all appropriate measures, including legislation and temporary special measures, to promote and achieve gender equality. in 1960 the Representation of the Peoples Act allowed 10 women unopposed to represent the administrative regions of the country in the National Assembly. The UN suggests at least 30% women’s representation in all decision-making positions. Ghana is listed among the overwhelming 82 percent of African countries found in the very high discrimination category with only 13.8% women’s representation at the national level and 7% at the local level, as against for example Senegal with 43% at the national level, despite Senegal being a mainly Muslim country, which typically not known for women rights. But we seem not in a hurry to get this act, which affects 50% of our population through parliament, we are rather concentrating on an LGBTQ Barbeque act which affects about 1 % of the population.

That night he broke her beads was a sentence in one of the more juicy Romans I read when I was still in Secondary, and it was loud and clear to me what happened that night, though at that time I did not quite understand how these things happened. Why do we wear beads? It is still common in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and East Africa, though the tradition is becoming less common. As I mentioned earlier, the “West ” is struggling to create new fashion ideas and is now seriously looking to Africa, and coping with impunity. These are going for around 25$ or am I now seeing shadows?

Ecuyer, or the French restaurant (Ring Road, after Danquah Circle, Osu, Accra) is serving a king-size grilled tilapia for a very reasonable price. you can sit outside and watch the struggling traffic, and in the evening you see all the containers coming from Tema going to offload in the Accra warehouses.

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: Festive June, Today we celebrate 2 years of Lydia's blog, Rocomamas Burgers, Canoe Beach Sushi & Grill Bar, Full Moon, and The Longest Day

Festive June. Happy second anniversary to you our loyal readers. Now let's delve into Eid fashion. In West Africa, Eid fashion is a vibrant celebration of culture and style. Traditional attire varies across the region, reflecting diverse influences from local traditions, Islamic heritage, and contemporary fashion trends. Here are some common elements of Eid fashion in different West African countries: Agbada: In Nigeria and other West African countries, men often wear the agbada for special occasions like Eid. This flowing robe is typically worn over a shirt and trousers and can be beautifully embroidered or adorned with intricate designs. Boubou: The boubou is a loose-fitting robe worn by men in many West African countries, such as Senegal, Mali, and Guinea, for festive occasions like Eid. It can be made from luxurious fabrics like silk or cotton and can come in a variety of colors and patterns. Kaftan: The kaftan is a popular choice for both men and women during Eid celebrations in West Africa. It is a long tunic or robe that can be embellished with embroidery, beading, or other decorative elements. Ankara/Lace Fabrics: Ankara fabric, a colorful and patterned wax-printed cotton textile, is widely used in West African fashion. It's often used to make dresses, skirts, shirts, and headwraps for women and shirts, trousers, and even hats for men. Lace fabrics are also popular for festive occasions. Gele/Headwraps: Women often wear elaborate headwraps called gele to complement their outfits during Eid celebrations. These headwraps can be tied in various intricate styles and can be made from colorful fabrics like Ankara or lace. Embroidery and Beading: Intricate embroidery and beading are common in West African fashion, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to Eid outfits. These embellishments can be found on clothing items like agbadas, boubous, kaftans, dresses, and headwraps. Colorful Jewelry: Jewelry plays a significant role in completing Eid looks in West Africa. Women often wear statement necklaces, earrings, bangles, and rings to enhance their outfits and express their personal style. Henna: Henna art is popular during Eid celebrations in West Africa, especially among women. Intricate henna designs are applied to the hands and feet as a form of adornment and celebration. Eid fashion in West Africa is a rich tapestry of tradition.

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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: June's fashion embrace, Spaghetti 2, LVMH successor named, Packaging, and Cooking pasta

June's fashion embrace. Colours that tell a story: The colour palette in West African fashion is a testament to the region's love for bold hues and vibrant prints. In June, you can expect to see a riot of colours that mirror the rich landscapes of the continent – from the lush greens of the savannah to the fiery reds of the desert sunsets. Whether it's a royal blue Bubu gown or a fiery orange Dashiki shirt, colours in West African fashion are not just a choice but a statement, speaking volumes about identity, culture, and self-expression. Prints and patterns: No discussion of West African fashion is complete without mentioning the intricate prints and patterns that adorn clothing and accessories. Geometric shapes, floral motifs and tribal symbols come together in a symphony of design that is both mesmerizing and captivating. In June, you'll find these prints adorning everything from headwraps to handbags, adding a touch of artistry to everyday wear and making a bold fashion statement wherever they go. Accessories as signifiers: Accessories play a crucial role in West African fashion, acting as signifiers of status, wealth, and personal style. From beaded necklaces to cowrie shell earrings, accessories in June fashion are not just adornments but storytellers, each piece embodying a particular tradition or cultural significance. In West Africa even the simplest accessory holds a wealth of meaning, connecting the wearers to their roots while showcasing their individuality to the world.

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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: Embracing Elegance, Copypaste copy paste, the treasures of our heritages, and Spaghetti, Indomie and ramen _

Embracing Elegance: June Fashion Trends in West Africa: June ushers in a wave of vibrant colors, lively patterns, and rich cultural expressions in West African fashion. The region's sartorial offerings are a kaleidoscope of tradition and modernity, blending ancient techniques with contemporary designs to create a unique style that captivates onlookers worldwide. Let's delve into the exciting world of June fashion in West Africa, where every garment tells a story and every accessory adds a touch of elegance. The Influence of Tradition: In West Africa, traditional fabrics like Ankara, Kente, and Adire continue to hold a special place in the hearts of fashion enthusiasts. These fabrics are not mere pieces of cloth; they represent centuries of cultural heritage and craftsmanship. In June, you'll find these fabrics adorning garments in a myriad of styles, from flowing maxi dresses to tailored suits, each design reflecting a deep respect for tradition while embracing the innovative spirit of contemporary fashion.

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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.

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