VILLA CLAMART, an African diaspora event series launched in Paris this January, serves as a platform for creatives and thought leaders to exchange ideas and forge authentic, impactful connections. Established in a city renowned as a global nexus of design, the series harnesses Paris’ role as a crossroads of creativity, innovation, and cultural expression.
Through the strategic connections of Patrick Banks of THE CALIFORNIEN AGENCY, Creative Director Badara Ndiaye, and Tiffany Young of Digital Thread Consulting, these curated experiences will assemble dynamic African diaspora creatives from art, design, and fashion, celebrating their vibrant mosaic of cultural expression.
“VILLA CLAMART isn’t just an event series —it’s a movement. Inspired by the legendary Nardal sisters’ Clamart Salon and A’Lelia Walker’s Dark Tower in Harlem. We are igniting a 21st-century renaissance right here in Paris,” shares THE CALIFORNIEN AGENCY founder Patrick Banks, “Having served as a gathering place for African diaspora intellectuals, writers, artists, and creatives for generations, Paris provides the perfect backdrop to bring together African diaspora creatives and professionals in art, fashion, and design in a meaningful way.”
During Paris Design Week and Men’s Fashion Week this January, the inaugural series commenced with a private dinner in the historic Salon Doré at Hotel Alfred Sommier. Hospitality and design maven Meryanne Loum-Martin was the Guest of Honor, with attendees including Anderson Somerselle, Blandine Mobio, Danielle Colding, Fred Gnaoré, Freddy Angels, Jomo Tariku, Ludovic Wallerand, Patti Carpenter, Tolu Adeko, Samira Ibrahim; all African diaspora trailblazers and allies hailing from France, Senegal, Belgium, Nigeria, Cameroon, England, Guyana, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the US. The following evening, VILLA CLAMART collaborated with Digital Thread Consulting and Modern Antiquarian on The After Party at Prescription Cocktail Club.
“Bringing people together through storytelling and their appreciation of aesthetics. Our stories inspire others when we are given a platform… VILLA CLAMART was just that platform at our inaugural dinner, thanks to our inspiring guests!” expresses Creative Director Badara Ndiaye.
Photography by Sophia Chambers.
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