The MAG weekly Blog by Lydia, every Friday at 1700 hrs. Nr 106 28th June 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: 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?
These are going for around 25$ or am I now seeing shadows?
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.
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.
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.
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.
