T R A V E L / l o c a l e x p e r t s

MY PERFECT DAY IN PARIS

Dynamic, gorgeous and full of life, Adama Ndiaye is the talented Franco-Senegalese fashion designer behind the glamorous international fashion label, Adama Paris. She is also the founder and organiser of Dakar Fashion Week, and the high profile Black Fashion Week event which takes place in Paris and other major cities around the world each year. Splitting her time between the African continent, New York and Paris, she shares with us her favourite things about the French capital.

How would you describe Paris?

AN: Paris is magic! Paris encapsulates the epitome of French beauty and it is the romantic epicenter of France.

Which person would you say embodies Paris and why?

AN: Without a doubt, I would say Yves Saint Laurent. He represents the values of timelessness and elegance that I associate with Paris.

Which fashion brand do you associate with the French capital?

AN: For me, Hermès stands out from the other brands as it has mastered the French savoir-faire and excellence in creating luxury goods, where their collections symbolise quality and longevity.

What would be your perfect day in Paris?

AN: I would wake up at the 1K hotel in the Marais. It’s a cool and edgy urban resort hotel, close to many art galleries, cute boutiques and restaurants. Memorable parties that I’ve had there with friends come to mind, especially in their suites where some of them include a swimming pool! Within walking distance from there is the Canal Saint Martin district, where I love to wander and stop for a drink at one of the cafés along the canal. The Montmartre district is also a fantastic place to spend the afternoon, especially if you take the funicular railway all the way to the top of the hill. When I’m in Paris, I also try to go to the Musée du Quai Branly, which is very close to the Eiffel Tower. They always have fantastic exhibitions to compliment their permanent art collections from continents such as Africa and Asia.

Where is your favourite place to go shopping in Paris?

The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen flea market is also one of my favourite places for shopping, especially for vintage goods.

What is your favourite restaurant in Paris?

AN: My favourite restaurant is the Mama Shelter which offers great food and a very cool atmosphere, and also the African Lounge in the 16th arrondissement which prepares the best tilapia grilled fish in the world! To party with friends, I would head back to the canal Saint Martin, to an amazing place called Au Comptoir Général. It is a sort of African shabby-chic space and cultural center which is full of life with posters of African celebrities and politicians. I love to enjoy a good “bissap” there which is the national drink for Senegalese people.