A studious student
Passionate about fashion from an early age. His mother is the central figure in his love of creativity. She shaped his taste for original cuts and fabrics, such as linen and wax, and guided him towards a world where fashion flourishes.
He followed an eclectic educational path. After passing his baccalauréat in literature, he obtained a master’s degree in political science at the University of Yaoundé in Cameroon. He then entered a business school in Paris and obtained a second master’s degree in digital marketing and brand strategy.
During his studies, Alexis Joseph completed two internships that have marked his career. He worked for the Bond’inNov start-up incubator, which specializes in supporting entrepreneurs wishing to develop initiatives focused on Africa. He then worked as a community manager for Paris Match. After these experiences, it was natural for him to move into journalism, working in the culture and media sections.
An ambassador for African fashion
His desire to highlight African fashion and the continent’s designers led him to a decisive turning point in his career. While working for Paris Match, he noticed the absence of a feature dedicated to African fashion. He decided to take matters into his own hands and proposed an article highlighting emerging African fashion talents in Paris, including Imane Ayissi, Peulh Vagabond and Goya.
The enthusiasm generated by this article, on the part of both the magazine and the brands, encouraged him to continue his exploration of African fashion. He has continued to write on a wide range of subjects, from fashion and art to gastronomy and music. His interviews with the likes of Salatiel, the Cameroonian musician who collaborated with Beyoncé, and Serge Ngasa, the Cameroonian chocolatier, illustrate his commitment to bringing out the best in African talent.
Among his most notable and talked-about articles, Joseph had the opportunity to interview Thebe Magugu, winner of the 2019 LVMH Prize, marking his contribution to the promotion of African creativity. At 30, Alexis Joseph Essout is much more than a fashion journalist; he is a passionate advocate of diversity and African talent, ready to open new doors for tomorrow’s designers.
