On our inaugural episode of โBridging The Gapโby The Fashioned Museum, we are graced with the pleasure of true African Fashion Royalty - if we say so ourselves. Her name may not immediately resonate with you but we have little doubt that Adama Paris has played a key ๐ช role in our modern African Fashion journey, thus far.ย
More candid than we ever imagined, Adamaย shares about her two decades of ploughing the proverbial roads in establishing an undeniable fashion brand - in creativity, storytelling and production.ย
For those who may not be familiar with her, Adama is the founder of Dakar Fashion Week which she has initiated, hosted and nurtured since the early 2000s; in addition to this, Adama owns a television network - FA Channel from which sheโs currently birthing ๐ซ a unique array of content and as if that wasnโt enough, is now working on a manufacturing site + fashion hub for designers.ย
If there is any nugget ๐ to leave you with, Adama underscores the importance of being exceptional at your craft and building a brand that speaks for you even when you are not there. When luxury brand - Chanel made its debut in Africa, she was specially headhunted to produce the show primarily because @pharrell (Pharrell Williams) had put in a good word for her - he spoke about her and for her even though they had never met in person. [fyi, @pharrell is the current lead designer at Louis Vuitton.]
Another key aspect of the conversation speaks to the criticality of the role of the government (policy, processes and practices) in Fashion and Innovation. Indeed if you consider yourself a fashionista, entrepreneur, or just want to know more about the fashion industry, this episode is for you. Donโt forget to share, comment, follow and like for more! ๐ค๐ฝ