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, Titi, Pépé Pépinière, this week's subjects: Rhythms On Da Runway “Kente Edition”, Chinese fashion, Why hats should be worn at open-air events, and The Other Side of the Barbeque BBQ law

Rhythms On Da Runway “Kente Edition”: Celebrating Cultural Elegance with Kente. The fashion world recently witnessed a dazzling spectacle with the much-anticipated launch of Rhythms On Da Runway: Kente Edition. This extraordinary event served as a vibrant celebration of African heritage, showcasing the timeless beauty and cultural significance of Kente cloth. The runway came alive with a kaleidoscope of colours, intricate patterns, and innovative designs that paid homage to the rich traditions of Ghanaian craftsmanship.

Kente, known as the “cloth of kings,” holds a special place in the hearts of many across the African continent and beyond. Its origins trace back centuries, symbolizing prosperity, cultural identity, and the interconnectedness of communities. At the launch of the Kente Edition of Rhythms On Da Runway, this symbolic fabric took center stage, reimagined through the creative lens of talented designers and stylists who merged tradition with modern aesthetics. The venue buzzed with excitement as guests appeared and strutted down the red carpet in a breathtaking array of Kente ensembles. Each garment was a work of art in its own right, blending bold hues and intricate weaves to create a visual symphony that captivated all in attendance. The event featured show-stopping performances by Ghanaian music sensations including Mizter Okyere (DA SOUL HEALER), Oparebea Williams, K.K FOSU, Godwin Namboh, Cwesi Oteng, DKB, Byno Ayoni and Maya Blu.

The MC outlined upcoming events like the model casting on the 6th of October, industry minds (all the famous artists be it the movie, music or fashion industry would come together) on the 26th of October, and the fashion forum on the 14th of November. The main Rhythms On Da Runway event will be on the 30th of November 2024 at the Grand Arena, Accra. The artists to perform on that day is still shrouded in mystery, but expect surprises. I heard names like Diana Hamilton, Efya, Fameye, King Promise, Mzvee, Nacee, R2bees, Rocky Dawune and Stonebwoy whispered in the corridors. Mr Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD) hosted the launch, graced by the presence of NDC National Communications Officer Honourable Sammy Gyamfi and others. The night was a resounding success, solidifying Rhythms On Da Runway's position as a premier fashion event in Ghana. One thing is clear, African fashion and culture are alive and thriving. From flowing gowns to tailored suits, the versatility of Kente was on full display, proving that this ancient textile has a place in the contemporary fashion landscape. And you don't need to go over the border and spend hard earned currency, the MC mentioned, top quality fashion is available right here.

Chinese fashion. We've all heard of Shein and Temu fast fashion (Temu is anything, including fashion) but China has more to offer, like Anta, Bosideng, Erdos Trendiano, INXX, Li-Ning, Metersbonwe, MJ Style, NEIWAI, Ochirly, Peacebird, Revivo (UR), Septwolves, Shanghai Tang, Uma Wang, Urban HLA, Warrior and Youngor, just to mention some of the bigger brands. So what will happen? They come in cheap and establish the name, then they will start to up their prices and eventually they occupy all segments of the market, ranging from cheap fast fashion to exclusive haute couture.

Or do you believe that the Diors and Gucci's will continue to reign? Burberry is already falling by the wayside, Gucci is facing a hard time and most of the other big brands are struggling as well, mainly because the Chinese, a very big market for these big brands, are buying less. Are they? Or are they now buying their own? They buy their own, and many copies or improvements of big international brands, “pincti products” (dupes in English”). China has its own fashion weeks, like China Fashion Week, an international twice yearly fashion event held in Beijing, with professional contests, exhibitions, fashion forums and professional evaluations, and Shanghai is catching up with its own fashion week, trying to overtake Beijing. And with a home market of 1.4 billion people and cheap labor they should be able to create some momentum, and over the border as well. Watch this space.

Why hats should be worn at open-air events. Many a time you see photographers walking around at events, taking pictures of all and everybody, making you feel like a celebrity. But not everyone likes to be photographed, for whatever reason. Before you get home you might already have gone viral, so you can indicate to the photographer to leave you out, and in peace. And then you look up and see some little red lights blinking, it's a drone hovering above you. They are rather silent these days. That's it, you're on. Or maybe not. So a wide hat is the solution and it looks trendy as well.

The Other Side of the Barbeque BBQ law. Though more or less our entire parliament passed the BBQ law (LGBTTQAP+) (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, asexual, pansexual, etc) the West and our major donors threatened to block any further aid to Ghana if this law would receive presidential approval. Strange enough, that approval is still pending with technicalities being put in the way again and again. But why is the West so much interested in our internal affairs?
We know that given the chance the majority of Ghanaians would leave this country tomorrow, if not this evening, not so much in search of freedom from individual freedom curtailing BBQ laws, but in search of economic stability. USA law states that “individuals who face persecution due to their sexual orientation or gender identity in their home country can seek asylum in the United States”. The US recognizes sexual orientation and gender identity as valid grounds for asylum claims. (But of course there is the small print). So if we assume that 5% of Ghanaians qualify for an L or a B or a G or a T and so forth, that could result in 1.7 million asylum applications, about the same as the entire population of the US city of Philadelphia. Could that be the reason the West does not want us to pass that law? After all, the West does not make much noise about Human and Women's rights in Arabic countries or India.

Lydia...

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