An original collaboration with Adama Paris
Paris, fashion capital of the world, is getting ready to welcome exceptional designers. From June 18 to July 8, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann will host Pop-up Africa Now. An event that will redefine contemporary fashion from the African continent for the uninitiated. Key partner Adama Paris plays an essential role in this celebration of creativity. Its expertise and vision have enabled the selection of talented designers. The Parisian public will experience an authentic immersion and discover the richness and dynamism of African style.
Adama Paris, a visionary at the service of African fashion
Adama Amanda Ndiaye, the driving force behind Adama Paris, is not just a fashion designer. She is a true architect of the African fashion ecosystem. Born in Kinshasa, her career has been marked by bold initiatives that have helped bring African fashion to the international stage. She is the founder and producer of Dakar Fashion Week, a flagship event that has provided an essential platform for generations of designers. But her ambition doesn’t stop at Senegal’s borders: she has also exported her concept with Black Fashion Xperience to Prague, Bahia, Paris and Montreal, proving the universal resonance of African fashion.
Innovation is at the heart of its approach, as demonstrated by the 2014 launch of Fashion Africa Channel, Africa’s first 100% fashion TV channel. This platform has provided an unprecedented showcase for the continent’s talent. This medium is a tool that helps democratize access to African fashion. The aim is to challenge dominant Western narratives. Beyond catwalks and screens, Adama Amanda Ndiaye fights tirelessly to promote women’s entrepreneurship. She is involved in numerous initiatives in Senegal and throughout Africa. Her deep commitment to “Made in Africa” and her quest for global recognition are perfectly aligned with Galeries Lafayette’s vision for Pop Up Africa Now. Its participation as a key partner ensures a sharp selection and authentic representation of the continent’s talents.
A selection of top designers for Pop Up Africa Now
The collaboration between Galeries Lafayette and Adama Paris for Pop Up Africa Now highlighted designers whose work is a vibrant tribute to African culture, yet resolutely contemporary and forward-looking. Adama Amanda Ndiaye’s selection offers a diverse and refined overview of the best that African fashion has to offer.
Among them, Nene Yaya, a high-end accessories brand founded by two Senegalese sisters, illustrates the richness of African craftsmanship and the modernity of African design. Their creations are masterpieces that sublimate every outfit, combining heritage and sophistication.
The Adama Paris brand, offering an elegant wardrobe inspired by its founder’s incessant travels between Africa and the West. Adama Paris silhouettes are an ode to the modern, confident, cosmopolitan woman, blending fluid cuts, bold prints and an innate sense of timeless elegance. This is the essence of cultural hybridization in fashion.
Ibrahim Fernandez, with his high-end, made-to-measure prêt-à-porter “Made in Abidjan”, represents the excellence of Ivorian couture. His meticulous workmanship and sophisticated designs testify to first-rate craftsmanship, rooted locally but with a global aspiration. Her creations are synonymous with understated luxury and impeccable craftsmanship, underlining Africa’s potential for high quality.
Finally, Sisters of Afrika, another brand by two Senegalese sisters, celebrates African culture through pieces that tell stories and invite travel. Their creations are imbued with joie de vivre and color, reflecting the vitality and diversity of the continent’s cultural heritage. These brands embody diversity and excellence, each bringing its own signature and unique interpretation of African fashion.
Nene Yaya
Galeries Lafayette acts as talent scout
For over 130 years, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann has been a key player in the fashion and event retail sectors. True to their mission to “bring people together, inspire them and make them dream”, they are today reaffirming their special links with the African continent. This Pop-Up Africa Now is not just a commercial operation; it’s a strong statement and a commitment to reveal to the public the creative energy that comes from Africa.
As Alix Morabito, Director of Women’s Fashion Purchasing and Special Projects, pointed out, Galeries Lafayette is “delighted to welcome this new generation of contemporary fashion designers from the African continent.” This initiative is part of the department store’s ongoing commitment to highlighting emerging and established talent. The aim is to offer them unrivalled visibility in the heart of Paris. Exhibiting in such a venue is a major recognition for these designers. It’s a means of accessing a demanding international clientele and making a lasting mark on the global fashion landscape. It’s an opportunity to break down stereotypes and showcase a creative, innovative and resolutely contemporary Africa.
Pop Up Africa Now, an event not to be missed
The collaboration between Galeries Lafayette and Adama Paris, alongside the other partners, is an eloquent example of how established institutions can become catalysts for the promotion of African cultural and creative industries. “Africa Now” is an invitation to discover unique pieces, exceptional know-how and inspiring stories. It’s an opportunity to support ethical, bold fashion rooted in a rich heritage, while looking to the future.
Don’t miss this opportunity to plunge into the world of contemporary African fashion. Visit Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, from June 18 to July 8, to discover collections by Nene Yaya, Adama Paris, Ibrahim Fernandez, Sisters of Afrika and many others, and take part in this historic celebration of African fashion.
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