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 Boldness: Contemporary African Designers Redefining Fashion, The Met Gala, Sanitary Pads, Is history interesting? and Wengeze Bitters

Embracing Boldness: Contemporary African Designers Redefining Fashion. In the vibrant tapestry of global fashion, contemporary African designers are weaving bold narratives through their craft and design. With a rich heritage that influences their creations, these designers are not only celebrating traditional techniques but also pushing the boundaries of modern aesthetics. From striking colors and innovative materials to intricate craftsmanship, the work of these artists is a testament to the dynamic and evolving nature of African fashion. Let’s explore some of the designers who are making waves and redefining the global fashion landscape. Brother Vellies (Aurora James): Founded by Canadian-born, New York-based designer Aurora James, Brother Vellies is a pioneer in sustainable luxury fashion. Inspired by the traditional footwear of various African cultures, James blends age-old techniques with contemporary design. The brand emphasizes craftsmanship and works closely with artisans from North Africa, incorporating vibrant colors and rich textures that speak to a global audience. Each piece tells a story, combining functionality with an artistic flair that is unmistakably African. Tiffany Amber: Nigerian designer Tiffany Ambrose is known for her ability to fuse contemporary and traditional styles. Her collections are characterized by bold patterns, rich textiles, and vibrant colors that celebrate African culture. Ambrose’s work often features intricate embroidery and luxurious fabrics, reflecting the heritage of Nigerian craftsmanship while appealing to global trends. Her designs empower women by embodying confidence and elegance, making her one of Africa's most celebrated fashion figures. Laduma Ngxokolo (Maxhosa Africa): Laduma Ngxokolo, the creative force behind Maxhosa Africa, has gained international acclaim for his knitwear that draws on the Xhosa culture of South Africa. His designs incorporate patterns and motifs inspired by traditional Xhosa beadwork, celebrating heritage while adopting a modern silhouette. Maxhosa resonates deeply with those looking for authenticity in fashion, with garments that not only look stunning but also encapsulate a rich narrative rooted in African identity. Gert-Johan Coetzee: South African designer Gert-Johan Coetzee is known for his bold glamour and innovative use of fabrics. His designs often feature eye-catching patterns and vibrant colors that draw immediate attention and provoke intrigue.

The Met Gala My previous blogs talked about the MET Gala. What is it? It is an annual fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City, and considered one of the most prominent fashion events globally, attracting A-list celebrities, designers, and artists. The MET Gala is a celebration of fashion, art, and culture.

Sanitary Pads. Although our great grandmothers had no menstruation pads they still managed to deliver our grandmothers, and so forth. But today pads is a huge industry, worth about 20 to 35 billion USD (depending on who you ask) and growing at 3-5 % per annum. Which has some unexpected angles. First there is the quality of the pad. Secondly there is the chemicals used in the pad which may even affect our fertility. Thirdly there is the environmental problem with about 25 billion used pads ending up in waste buckets monthly, about 250,000 Metric tons of non compostable plastic into the environment yearly. Fourthly there is the political angel, with for example our current president, His excellency John Dramani Mahama proposing, for a second time, free pads for school going girls so they don’t have to skip classes. Countries in Europe have some free pad schemes as well for school going girls and low income women, but with strong emphasis on reusable pads. Ghana would have to look in that direction as well, for the yearly orders for pads not to become too politicized and quality going before price and political kick back. And now there's a new thing on the horizon, corn starch pads. Don't think of corn cobs or leaves, but of the starch which can be used to construct drinking cups, or pads. It's a new thing which still has to take off but it will come. So soon we can grow our own pads.

Is history interesting? 80 years ago, in 1945, French women were allowed to vote for the first time. Reason? Not gender equality, but a thank you for the underground resistance work they had done during the just ended second world war. And 60 year ago? Well, 61 years. In 1964 segregation was abolished in the USA. Before that blacks were not allowed in “white restaurants”, or use “white toilets”, or sit in front of the bus. Names like Rosa Park Rosa Park and Martin Luther King and Angela Davis come to mind. Angela Davis As a prelude to Ghana's independence in 1957 Louis Armstrong, USA citizen (+1971), Louis Armstrong maybe the most popular trumpeter ever, visited the Gold Coast with the message from the USA that the future Ghana should politically rather look West than East, that the USA (the west) was a fantastic country, yes there was segregation but that was quite bearable and despite that the USA should be the preferred choice. (But Kwame Nkrumah rather looked East and eventually got toppled with the help of the CIA). The CIA Finger Print Files, 1944 And 160 years ago? In 1865 slavery was abolished in the USA, so segregation continued for another century.

Wengeze Bitters (8th Lane, Sunkwa Rd, Osu Accra), is a quiet place in Osu, without blaring sports screens. One sits outside at huge tree trunk slice tables, or there are benches. My guest had a Star beer, we had to insist on having glasses rather than the plastic cups, and we both had akple abobitadzi which was good, I'll come back for more and to try some of their other dishes. As the name says, they sell some bitters as well which will require further investigations. Then they ran out of Star but had Eagle beer, which one rarely sees these days. The music was not too loud, but the waitress could do with a stylist and was not very alert. Most dishes go for around 65 GHS.

Lydia...

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