2019-08-01 Essence

(^) L
IV
IN
G
P
aris has often dictated what’s fly. Since the eighteenth century, the
popular French city has set trends and the rest of the world has
followed. It’s the birthplace of haute couture, the fashion capital of the
universe. There’s no place quite as dazzling as the City of Light. It’s vibrant,
chic, sexy and cutting-edge. From the first to the twentieth arrondissement,
arts, culture and melanin make up the city’s DNA.
But it’s Paris’s welcoming legacy that is the reason for its enduring
popularity. African-American musicians, writers, artists and political exiles
came to Paris from the 1800’s through World War I and later during the
Harlem Renaissance through the 1970’s, fleeing racism in America. Along the
way they infused the city with their unmistakable flavor. Though unknown to
most, a thriving Black community is at the center of Paris’s style. We brought
cultural richness from across the African diaspora, so our influence can be
seen and felt everywhere around town. We are the tastemakers, trendsetters,
designers, filmmakers, social activists and entrepreneurs. We are innovative
and creatively exceptional. We are Black Paris.
There’s a reason Josephine Baker said, “I don’t want to live without Paris,”
and after you visit this majestic city, you may feel the same way, too. We
caught up with Paris’s most influential Cool Girls for an exclusive look at the
city through their lens. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re a regular,
you’ll want to take notes.
ADAMA
AMANDA
NDIAYE
Fashion designer,
entrepreneur
@AdamaParis
The MUVA
of noire fashion,
Ndiaye is the
creator of Black
Fashion Week.
Her collec-
tions shut
down the
runway season
after season.
SEE: La Coulée
Verte “The rather
unusual scene of
an old railway line
that’s now covered
in vegetation” is
the perfect spot for
photo ops.”
EAT: Boulom
“It translates to
‘bakery where
we eat’—a chic
French-African
restaurant and
lounge.”
SHOP: Saargale “A
concept store that
showcases rare
African pieces.”
STAY: The Jules
& Jim Hotel
“It’s located in
Le Marais and
has a beautiful
bar! If you love
art, you’ll love
this. They have
different exhi-
bitions [running
throughout
the year].’’
FLORA
COQUEREL
Model,
influencer,
charity founder
@Floracoquerel
She took
home the Miss
France title in
2014, so you’ve
got to put some
respect on her
name. When
she’s not slaying
advertising
campaigns for
major beauty
brands, Coquerel
is influencing
change via her
charity, Kelina,
which supports
various initiatives
throughout
Africa.
SEE: Saint
Germain, Le Marais,
Montmartre
“I love to walk on
the river bank in
these areas. You
need to walk to
discover Paris.”
EAT: Republique
of Coffee “It’s
amazing for brunch.”
SHOP: Les Grands
Boulevards “If you
like to shop, then
this will definitely
be your paradise.”
STAY: Le Marais
“This neighborhood
is perfect because of
the location. You’re
not far from the
Louvre Museum
or the Opera.”
TRAVEL
TH
IS
PA
GE
, (^) F
RO
M
TO
P (^) R
IG
HT
: (^) F
RA
NÇ
OI
S (^) L
EN
SK
I; (^) C
OU
RT
ES
Y (^) O
F (^) A
DA
MA
(^) PA
RIS
.
OP
PO
SIT
E
PA
GE
, (^) C
LO
CK
W
IS
E
FR
OM
(^) TO
P
LE
FT
: (^) @
BL
OO
DY
SI
RE
;
@B
RIG
ITT
E (^) S
OM
BI
É;
BE
NJ
AM
IN
(^) BO
CC
AS
; (^) P
AO
LA
(^) LE
DD
ER
UC
CI.
(^2).
ESSENCE.COM I 152 I SEPTEMBER 2019