Interview

Afropolitan Fashion from Adama Paris

 Adama Amanda Ndiaye is the designer behind the label Adama Paris. Born in Kinshasa, Congo to Senegalese diplomatic parents, the well-travelled creative young lady is the embodiment of a multi-cultural designer of the new millennium. Adama currently shares her time between Dakar, Los Angeles and Paris; and,  it is in these metropolitan cities where she finds her inspiration. The Adama Paris label  reflects the spirit of young contemporary women and is imbued with a cosmopolitan sensibility. The label spreads this global mindset through to its stockists in Senegal, the USA, the UK and France.  Fashion blogger Ekua Odoi, a.k.a Ms K, caught-up with Adama and interviewed her as follows. 

Please introduce your business and your designs.
I am the designer and entrepreneur behind the brand Adama Paris. I was born in Kinshasa, Congo, to Senegalese parents. I have lived in several international cities which has allowed me to witness a great variety of cosmopolitan trends. My global fashion odyssey inspired the birth and the spirit of the brand Adama Paris.

When and why did you start using African prints and fabrics?

I started using African prints five years ago. It just felt natural to me to show a new way of using them, especially with the Afro-bikini line. I want to show that African prints can be modern and fresh.

How do you feel about the new African Prints/Fabric trend?
The new trend is great because it allows designers to show their ingenuity in working with African prints.

Is use of the African print in the fashion industry here to stay?
I hope so - either way, we African designers will continue to show the world our fabulous prints.

What inspires you?
Megapolises are the sources of inspiration for an Afropolitan, world citizen like me.

What is your favourite piece in your closet or from your collection and why?
I just love this skirt (see picture). I wear it in wintertime, summertime, any-time! It is elegant retro and I adore the high waist. It is from my "Paris-Dakar" collection from last year.

How do you market your designs and how do you make them accessible to a global audience?
I attend various fashion shows during the year where buyers are present. I also own two shops in Senegal and am sold in various stores in Paris, NYC, Tokyo and London.

Any tips for new designers/start-ups in the fashion industry?
Express your creativity and stay focused on your goal.

 By Ekua Odoi, a.k.a Ms K .
blog: http://africanprintsinfashion.blogspot.com
twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/MsK_NY

facebook:African Prints in Fashion