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: Embracing Elegance: Christie Brown's Latest Collection, Erratum, DNA tests, MDS Lancet laboratories and Joannes Café, and Happy Women's Day tomorrow

Embracing Elegance: Christie Brown's Latest Collection. Welcome to the vibrant world of Ghanaian fashion, where tradition meets contemporary flair! Today, we’re diving into the stunning collection of renowned designer Christie Brown, a name synonymous with elegance and cultural richness. Known for her ability to blend modern aesthetics with traditional Ghanaian textiles, Brown’s latest collection is a celebration of femininity, confidence, and artful craftsmanship. A Tribute to Heritage: Christie Brown's designs are deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture, reflecting the beauty and diversity of our country. Her latest collection pays homage to traditional fabrics like Kente and Batakari, reimagined for the modern woman. Each piece tells a story, weaving together the threads of heritage and contemporary style. The use of bold colours and intricate patterns creates a visual feast that resonates with both local and international audiences. Key Features of the Collection. Sculptural Silhouettes: The collection showcases a variety of silhouettes, from flowing dresses that drape elegantly to structured pieces that define the waist. Christie Brown expertly balances comfort and style, ensuring that each garment flatters the female form. Vibrant Colour Palette: Expect a riot of colours! The collection features earthy tones alongside striking jewel hues, capturing the essence of Ghana’s landscapes and cultural vibrancy. Whether it’s a deep emerald green or a rich maroon, each colour is carefully chosen to evoke emotion and energy. Artisan Techniques: A hallmark of Christie Brown’s work is her commitment to craftsmanship. The collection incorporates traditional hand-embroidery and beading, showcasing the skills of local artisans. This not only supports the community but also adds a unique touch to each piece, making them one of a kind. Versatile Pieces: From casual outings to formal events, this collection offers something for every occasion. Think elegant maxi dresses, chic tailored blazers, and stylish co-ords. Christie Brown’s designs empower women to express their individuality while celebrating their roots.

Erratum, noun. plural errata. An error in writing or printing. A statement of an error and its correction inserted, usually on a separate page or slip of paper, in a book or other publication; corrigendum. (error). In blog 140, 21st February 2025, I mentioned that LVMH bought the glossy Paris Soir magazine. This should have read Paris Match. Paris Soir has a history of its own, with 1.8 million copies sold daily in 1939 (on a French population of 11 million households then only). During world war 2 (1939-1945) there were 2 Paris Soirs, one published by the Germans who had occupied the largest part of France, and one published by the French in “free France” (the entire Paris Soir staff had escaped from Paris), the 2 battled for control of the (fake) news. At one time the (free) Paris Soir editor was described as “the most sacred liar, the most disgusting scoundrel, the most filthy bastard, the most infamous criminal, the most excremental mentality, the most purulent flower of the cesspool [a shallow, underground system for disposing of sanitary waste] And we maintain ourselves here in the most delicate terms of the most respectful decency”. Anyway, after World War 2, internal French politics killed off this illustrious paper. Manasseh Azure, take note.

DNA tests. The most popular usage of this test is for hubby to check that his children really are his, men are so unsure about themselves. With reasons? A famous case here is that of a famous footballer. But what to do if he cannot make you pregnant? He and his family will blame you and kick you out. This type of DNA test is called paternal DNA testing. To my surprise I found that paternal DNA testing is illegal in some developed countries, like e.g. France: “Non-consensual private DNA paternity testing is illegal, including through laboratories in other countries, and is punishable by up to a year in prison and a €15,000 fine. The French Council of State has described the law's purpose as upholding the “French regime of filiation” and preserving “the peace of families.” Well? I understand Germany has a similar situation. In Ghana, it is still legal. I guess once these more holy than the Pope BBQ law advocates are finished with their God sent mission, they might as well start with this one. And then there is DNA testing for criminal cases, they find one of your hairs on the scene of the crime and a DNA test will prove that you were there (but you will say that someone stole your wig, and that wig might have had some of your hair in it, if ever you get into real trouble take a real good lawyer). Recently popular is ancestry DNA testing. Mr Brown, an Afro American (most have white men's names) wants to know where about his forefather came from, then finds out he is most likely from Gwollu, 70 km north of Wa, visits the place with gifts and decides that God's way is the best. And lastly and this to me is a real novelty: DNA testing of your future guard dog. The sweet-looking pup is sold to you is a pure pedigree Rottweiler but as it grows up it somehow looks like a Pitbull as well, and something else which you cannot quite define. DNA test. 41% Bull Mastif, 51% Boerboel and 8% Poodle. Bingo. Legal. Sue the seller.

MDS Lancet laboratories and Joannes Café. I went to the MDS Lancet laboratory at Afrikiko (1399 Independence Ave, Kanda, Accra). Why did I choose to go there? I recently went to a lab which told me that I was exactly at the limit of something, the range was 0-10 and I scored 10. That made me do the test again and again, and I scored 10. Not trusting this exact 10 (if I had scored 9.7 and 10.2, I would have accepted), I went to a different lab and scored 5.3, nicely and safely in the middle! Keep watching over their shoulders! You can be a laboratory technician if you only have Cs, meaning you don’t know 40 %! I discussed this issue with a proff from Korle Bu and he advised MDS Lancet. I asked him why. Because they calibrate all their equipment every 2 weeks, he answered. After the test I went to next door Joanne's Café. It was quiet on a Saturday morning. I had an espresso. The service was friendly but could have been a bit faster for just a cup of coffee. But payment was fast, often the long wait to get your bill and then again for your change can spoil the entire event. I’ll go again when I go to MDS Lancet.

Happy Women's Day tomorrow

Lydia...

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