The MAG weekly Blog by Lydia, every Friday at 1700 hrs. Nr 137 31st January 2025
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: Trends to Watch in 2025, +233 Jazz Club & Grills Bar, Ugh, more smoke from the BBQ, and 9-year-olds to be married
Trends to Watch in 2025. As we step into 2025, the world of fashion promises to be a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of past influences, technological advancements, and a growing commitment to sustainability. This year, we anticipate a blend of innovation, nostalgia, and practicality that reflects the changing attitudes of consumers. Let’s explore some of the key fashion trends that are set to dominate the scene in 2025.
Eco-Conscious Chic: Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it's a movement reshaping the fashion industry. By 2025, we expect a significant rise in eco-friendly materials, with brands increasingly adopting practices prioritizing the planet. Expect to see more collections made from organic cotton, recycled fabrics, and innovative biomaterials like lab-grown leather. Additionally, fashion rental services and second-hand shopping will continue to grow, encouraging consumers to embrace a circular economy.
Tech-Infused Fashion: The intersection of fashion and technology is set to expand further in 2025. Wearable tech will integrate seamlessly with daily outfits, offering functionality and style. Imagine stylish fitness trackers, smart fabrics that adapt to temperature changes, or clothing that can change color or pattern with the click of a button. Brands might also leverage augmented reality for virtual fitting rooms, allowing consumers to “try on” clothes before purchase, enhancing the shopping experience while reducing returns.
+233 Jazz Club & Grills Bar. (Dr. Isert Street, North Ridge, opposite GBC, Accra), on a Thursday evening is still one of my favourites with no entrance fee and Chris and his Zoom band are doing Evergreens with Nolan J. Semien and his silky voice, through a very good sound system. They have excellent beef kebabs, at GHC 70. That sounds expensive but in fact it is almost a full quality beef steak for which one would pay an easy 150 GHC in any restaurant. But this time I tried their fried chicken which was surprisingly soft and tasty, almost like tokkytays. That's what they call them in Nsawam, but the official spelling is turkey tails. At one time a Minister of Health banned the importation of tokkytays because they are fat and supposedly unhealthy, but the only thing that happened was that the price went up. Let's see what our new Minister of Health has in store for us, the previous one was full of surprises that really played with people's lives, shortages of children's vaccines, overpricing of Covid vaccines, shortages of HIV suppressors (there is still no treatment for HIV and the half a million people in Ghana living with HIV, that's about the Tamale and Tema populations combined, will have to continue taking tablets all their lives or develop full-blown AIDS and die), and a few more scandals.
Ugh, more smoke from the BBQ. After HE John Dramani Mahama stated that he would rather install core Ghanaian values into youngsters in school than revive the BBQ bill, and seconded by his Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Her Excellency Agnes Naa Momo Lartey. Mr. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, the speaker of parliament, has now vowed to get the LGBTTQAP+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, asexual, pansexual, etc) law through Parliament within 3 months or so because he claims to be a man of God and stands for his principles. Know that more wars have been fought over religious principles than over money or women and that the Cape Coast Castle church was right above the slave dungeons. Right? They were right, right?
162 9-year-olds to be married. These days you don’t know what is real news and what is fake news, with all sorts of idiots publishing anything, but I think I heard that in Iraq the minimum marriage age for girls has been lowered to 9 years old. One time I heard “when a girl has had her first flow she has actually become a woman and thus can marry”. And the girl herself? Well, if her parents can tell her that Father Christmas is real they can also tell her that the ultimate aim is to get married, and the sooner the better, and that schooling is only for children of the devil. I even heard that in some countries the girls look forward to being circumcised, so they become real women. And knowing that today today even in the USA women on average earn 16% less than men for exactly the same job, then we have a long long way to go.
Gender Fluidity in Fashion: The movement toward gender-neutral fashion is gaining momentum, with 2025 marking a deeper integration of androgynous styles on the runway and in retail. Unisex collections will blur traditional gender lines, fostering a more inclusive fashion industry where individuals can express their personal style without the constraints of gender norms. This shift will challenge the binary classifications of clothing and encourage creativity and individuality, allowing consumers to curate their wardrobes based on preference rather than societal expectations. As designers embrace this evolution, we may see a rise in innovative silhouettes and versatile pieces that appeal to a broader audience, reflecting a cultural transformation towards acceptance and fluidity in self-expression.”
Smart Fabrics: Clothing equipped with smart technology such as moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, or even health-monitoring fabrics gained traction, merging functionality with fashion.
The Return of Y2K Aesthetics: Nostalgia continued to reign supreme in 2024, with the revival of early 2000's fashion capturing the hearts of many. Bubblegum pink, baggy jeans and crop tops were everywhere, thanks to fashion icons like Dua Lipa and the resurgence of brands like Diesel and Ed Hardy. Social media challenges celebrating this era highlighted playful, kitschy aesthetics, reminding us that fashion is often cyclical.
Vintage and Retro Influences: Nostalgia-driven designs, including vintage athletic logos and retro styles from the '70s, '80s, and '90s, continued to influence contemporary fashion.
Gender Fluidity in Fashion: 2024 marked a further shift towards gender-fluid fashion, with numerous brands releasing unisex collections that challenged traditional gender norms. Major fashion houses like Gucci and JW Anderson led the change, showcasing designs seamlessly blending masculine and feminine elements. This movement was not just about clothing but also about redefining identity, challenging societal norms, and promoting self-expression through personal style.
Fashion meets sports: Athleisure: The athleisure trend, which combines athletic wear with casual clothing is likely to continue to thrive. This includes stylish leggings, joggers, and sports bras that can be worn both in and out of the gym.
Bold Colours and Patterns: Bright colours, unique patterns, and eye-catching designs in sportswear have gained in popularity, reflecting a desire for individuality and self-expression through clothing.
Styling Tip: For a family gathering, choose a modernized boubou in a seasonal colour palette (think deep reds, greens, and gold) and accessorize with traditional jewelry to honor your roots.
Sustainable Fashion: With the growing emphasis on sustainability, many West African designers are championing eco-friendly practices. In 2024, you’ll find collections that utilize recycled materials, thrifted fabrics, and ethical production methods. Brands are focusing on creating timeless pieces that can be worn beyond the holiday season, promoting a more sustainable approach to fashion.
Styling Tip: Look for unique handcrafted items that reflect the artistry and culture of the maker, showcasing personal touches that mass-produced goods simply can't offer. Each piece tells a story, making it a special addition to your collection or a thoughtful gift for someone you care about.
In 2024, the blend of traditional attire with modern styles offers a beautiful tapestry of looks that are both festive and fashionable. Here’s a glimpse into what to expect this holiday season in West African fashion:
Bright Textiles and Bold Patterns: West Africa is renowned for its rich textile heritage, featuring bright colors and intricate patterns. For Christmas 2024, designers are emphasizing local fabrics such as ankara, kente, and adire, reimagined into trendy silhouettes.
Expect to see flowing maxi dresses, structured suits, and tailored jackets, all adorned with festive motifs that reflect the joy of the season.
Styling Tip: Pair a vibrant ankara top with high-waisted trousers or a sleek skirt. Add statement accessories like handmade jewelry or a beaded clutch to elevate your holiday outfit.
Tips for Styling:
– Choose a reversible top with a bold print on one side and a solid hue on the other for maximum versatility.
– Layer with versatile outerwear to create a cohesive look that can adapt from day to night.
Convertible Jewelry: Jewelry is no longer just an afterthought; it’s become an essential means of self-expression, and convertible jewelry is leading the charge. Pieces that can be transformed—like necklaces that can be worn as bracelets, or earrings that can be adapted from studs to dangly accents—allow fashionistas to mix and match according to their mood.
Transformable Bags: One of the standout trends in convertible accessories is transformable bags. These multifunctional pieces can transition from a backpack to a tote, a crossbody, or even a jacket with a few simple adjustments. Look for styles with detachable straps, foldable designs, or even hidden compartments. Brands like Fjällräven and Tote & Carry have perfected the art of crafting bags that adapt to any occasion, making them perfect for the modern urbanite on the go.
Tips for Styling:
– Pair your transformable bag with a minimalist outfit to let the accessory take center stage.
– Use the backpack mode for casual outings, and switch to tote mode for evening events to carry your essentials in style.
The act of embroidery can be seen as a meditative process, allowing creators to reflect on their experiences while engaging in a practice that has been passed down through generations. Many of these artists combine traditional techniques with contemporary motifs, bridging the gap between past and present, honoring their heritage while innovating their craft.
The Power of Community: One of the most beautiful aspects of The Red Dress Project is its commitment to community. Workshops and gatherings bring together artists from various backgrounds, creating a space for dialogue, collaboration, and support. These events not only foster creativity but also build awareness of the critical issues facing indigenous women. The dresses are often displayed in art galleries, community centers, and public spaces, inviting viewers to engage with their powerful messages.
Fashion with a Purpose; In recent years, the fashion world has shifted towards more sustainable and ethical practices, with many brands taking a stand on social issues. “The Red Dress Project aligns beautifully with the mission to raise awareness about heart disease in women, celebrating resilience and strength while encouraging proactive health measures. Through artful expression and community engagement, it fosters conversations that empower women to take charge of their health, ultimately promoting prevention and education in a vibrant and impactful way.”