Fashion
Fashionprenuers focus on rebuilding sector with digital solutions in post-COVID era
The disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic on global value chain and its impact on African businesses is already evident.
As factories close, the border closures and travel restrictions interrupt supply chains, the workers – the most vulnerable and lowest paid people in the fashion supply chain – have been left to feel the worst effects.
To tackle the issue, about 88 attendees last Thursday joined a webinar hosted by the African Development Bank’s Fashionomics Africa initiative in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme to find possible solutions.
The webinar among other things, focused on building more resilient value chains through innovative business models that would use renewable materials and recycle old clothes into new products.
The panel was composed of industry experts and creative minds behind sustainable African fashion brands.
It was to enable African entrepreneurs operating in the textile, apparel and accessories industry to create and grow their businesses, with a focus on women and youth.
Participants agreed that it was important to develop a healthy fashion industry in Africa to meet the needs of consumers while others suggested a strong collaboration among fashionpreneurs to help resolve challenges faced in the industry.
As part of the forum, digital experts were also seeking to develop applications to analyse the impact of the textile sector on climate change and environment to help deploy climate-friendly solutions in Africa.
Other contributors indicated that digital tools had become a phenomenon and had revolutionised the way the fashion industry worked, hence the need to educate designers and consumers in the fashion industry.
The Fashionomics Africa initiative intends to contribute to the African Textile, Apparel & Accessories industry by increasing the number of entrepreneurs in the sector, while helping them to access markets through e-commerce capabilities, and boosting their access to finance, as well as technical and business skills, among others.
Fashion
Haircut making waves in the fashion world
In recent times both young and older women are seen ‘rocking’ short hairs contrary to the olden days, where hair cut was relatively associated with men.
It is a known fact that women are gradually moving away from permed hair, wigs, braids which they use to beautify themselves.
According to oral history, when Ewe older women kept short hair, they were mostly referred to a ‘Daavi’ which literary means sister because the hair cut makes them look younger.
Haircuts among women dates back to the 1980s, as Akan traditional queens were mostly seen in low haircuts with black thick dye known as ‘dansinkran’ which had been in existence for decades.
Most young girls who attended government Senior High Schools (SHS) dream of braiding their hair after completion with some refusing to cut their hair in their final term in school but unfortunately the trend has changed with them hoping to style their haircuts with colourful dyes and curls.
Cutting of hair by women do not come easy. Some had to cut for various reasons including health, profession (enlisting in the security service), fashion, breakup or traumatic experiences, hair loss, weak tips.
In this 21st century, women are in competition with men when it comes to haircut as barbers now say most of their clients that troop to the salon for haircuts are young and older women.
In an interview with The Spectator, Kofi Mensah, a barber at the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (Circle), explained that, most haircut lovers especially women love to have their hair trimmed because of personal style. They prefer to express themselves through different haircut styles.
“Some women prefer haircut because it reflects their personality. They express themselves through different haircut styles whether they are calm, happy or moody,” he stated.
Speaking to some haircut lovers, Ms Shine emphasised that she loves to have her hair trimmed because as compared to braiding, barbering one’s hair saves lot of money and time.
“Having my hair trimmed helps me to get ready for work early without wasting time on styling and detangling my hair,” she said.
Another haircut lover, Ms Mabel, also said she loves to trim her hair as it makes her look much younger and beautiful.
“Haircut boosts my self-esteem and make me look more attractive, young and beautiful.”
Haircuts are still making waves in the fashion world and has come to stay.
By Mercy Adjeley Sowah
Fashion
Check skirts and trousers perfect outfit for work
Check skirts and trousers are a versatile and stylish option for office wear, offering a refreshing alternative to solid-coloured pants.
Check skirts and trousers are now getting a modern makeover in the fashion world offering a loving, relaxed and comfortable vibe.
Popular checked trousers styles include subtle checks, classic plaid, and modern grid designs.
Subtle checks feature small, muted patterns ideal for formal meetings, while classic plaid offers traditional Scottish-inspired designs for a timeless look.
Modern grid patterns make a bold statement with geometric designs.
For fabric and colour options, a wool or cotton blends is the best option for comfort and durability.
Earthy tones such as brown, gray, navy, and beige are suitable for most office settings, while bold colours like burgundy, blue, and green can add a pop of personality.
By incorporating check skirts and trousers into one’s office wardrobe, one adds visual interest and personality to their outfits while maintaining professionalism.
By Elizabeth Agyeibea Ackon
