Lydia's Weekly Lifestyle blog is for today's African girl, so no subject is taboo. My purpose is to share things which may interest today's African girl.

This week's contributors: Lydia, Pépé Pépinière, this week's subjects: Stop Press, Iris Apfel dies at age 102, African Fabric Beading Trends, The Venue Restaurant.

Stop Press, Iris Apfel dies at age 102 on 1st march 2024.
Now here's an extraordinary story of someone who kept saying “never say die”, though, like all of us, eventually she was wrong. But to become a fashion model at aged 97 is unusual indeed, to say the least
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Born Iris Barrel in 1921 in Queens, New York, U.S. as the only child of Samuel Barrel and his Russian-born wife, Sadye (née Asofsky) who owned a fashion boutique she started as a copywriter for Women's Wear Daily, earning $15 a week. She became a businesswoman, interior designer, fashion designer and a model known for her flamboyant style, outspoken personality and oversized eyeglasses. In business she had a career in textiles with her husband, Carl Apfel, including a contract with the White House that spanned nine presidencies. She found the White House to be among the easiest of her clients, as they generally wanted only to replicate what had previously been there. “The one exception, was Jacqueline Kennedy who employed a very famous Parisian designer to gussy up the house and make it a real Frenchie, and the design community went bananas. After that we had to throw it all out and start again”.
In retirement she drew acclaim for a 2005 show at the Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art featuring her collection of costume jewelry and styled with clothes on mannequins as she would wear them.
In 2011, aged 90, she became a visiting professor at the University of Texas at Austin in its Division of Textiles and ApparelIn 2016, aged 95 she performed in a television commercial for the French Citroen car DS3. see here She became a fashion icon, and signed to IMG in 2019 as a model at age 97 and even Tommy Hilfiger wanted to sign her up. Apfel was the star of a documentary by Albert Maysles, called “Iris” premiered at the New York Film Festival in October 2014, and she featured in the documentary “If You're Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast”, a television film which premiered in 2017.
In 2018 a Barbie doll was created in Apfel's image, making her the oldest person to ever have a Barbie made in her image and the recipient of the highest honor the Barbie brand bestows.
In 2013, she was listed as one of the fifty “Best-Dressed over 50” by The Guardian. She was awarded the Women Together Special Award of the Year at the 12th Annual Women Together Gala held at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in 2016 and was awarded the Women's Entrepreneurship Day Pioneer Award for her work in the fashion field. The Apfels did not have children, partly because of the amount of travel their work necessitated; she did not want her eventual children to be raised by a nanny.
Once again here is a creator who lived unusually long, and I keep saying that creating makes you live longer.
I'll let you know the inscription on Iris's tombstone once done...
African Fabric Beading Trends A Fusion of Tradition and Contemporary Chic Africa's rich textile heritage is a treasure trove of inspiration for fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Among the myriad fabrics, beading stands out as a timeless art form that weaves cultural narratives into contemporary designs. Let's delve into the recent African fabric beading trends that are captivating hearts and runways:
Beaded Adornments: Beads have adorned African garments for centuries, symbolizing status, spirituality, and community. Today, designers are infusing beads into modern silhouettes, creating intricate patterns on dresses, blouses, and accessories. Whether it's Maasai beadwork from Kenya or Zulu beadwork from South Africa, these embellishments add a touch of authenticity and vibrancy.

Beaded Necklines and Collars: Necklines and collars are getting a beaded makeover. From high-necked blouses with delicate beadwork to statement collars adorned with colorful beads, this trend elevates even the simplest outfits. Beaded necklines draw attention to the face and celebrate craftsmanship.

Beaded Belts and Waistbands: Beaded belts cinch waists and add flair to dresses, jumpsuits, and skirts. These handcrafted accessories showcase intricate bead patterns, often inspired by traditional motifs. They're not just functional; they're wearable art.
Beaded Bags and Clutches: Beaded bags are having a moment. From beaded bucket bags to intricately woven clutches, these accessories blend tradition with modern aesthetics. They're perfect for adding a pop of color and texture to any ensemble.
Beaded Footwear: Sandals, sneakers, and even heels are getting the beaded treatment. African beadwork graces footwear, turning shoes into wearable masterpieces. Imagine stepping out in beaded sandals that tell stories of resilience and creativity. Check out next blog for continuation

The Venue Restaurant

Inside Adjringanor,Brak Watsoo Loop, East Legon-Greater Accra, if I am well informed,run by a retired Dutch second hand car dealer, with a flair for interior decoration and a varied kitchen. Apart from some Dutch specialties like bitterballen (mini boflots with meat in them) and jenever (Dutch gin, schnapps), they serve a very varied kitchen with pizzas, beef burgers and tapas, but also the classic pasta and seafood dishes, beef, lamb chops, this menu will not bore you and the quality is well above average. The interior of the restaurant will not bore you either. We had a seafood platter with lots of fresh langoustines (small lobsters, sole fish, prawns and calamari and a simple beef burger. I was asked if the beef burger should be rare, medium or well done, (a question you not often get), and all in all it was not a bad burger, definitely not a sad burger, but the onion was too little and the bread had not been put in the oven. I'll tell them how to do it next time, because I'll definitely come back. Prices are reasonable for what you get, this is not a French restaurant with le or la in front of the name.

Lydia...

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