Black Girl Magic vibes rounded up with Parisian lifestyle is what Emmanuelle Koffi gives. Her content is just soft, dreamy and soul soothing that we couldn’t wait to know more about her journey.
By Mitchel Tanyaradzwa
At what age did you move to Paris and what was your main plan when you moved there?
I moved to France after graduating from high school at the age of 17. I lived my whole childhood in Africa. I was born in Togo, spent 6 years in Senegal, a year in Mali before moving back to my home town Lomé until the age of 17.
I’ve always knew I would continue my studies somewhere in France and the plan was to do 5 years of business school. I first lived in Lyon and after 3 years, moved to Paris.
How did you get into the fashion industry how did you start?
As long as I remember, I’ve always loved clothes, I love dressing up and the fashion world fascinates me.
The thing is, I came from a family that's far from this industry, so I’ve been raised thinking that I couldn’t have access to it. A few years ago, I made a business school exchange in London as part of my Master cursus. This city really inspired me so much! People I met were open minded, friendly, interesting, passionate about so many things in life.
I felt for the first time that I was free to be who I truly am and express myself through my style.
All this energy gave me the courage to start posting my looks on instagram ( I say the courage cause I was really anxious and shy about how people will react). I’ve received a lot of love and encouragement from people and I was so happy about it. For the first time of my life I thought "maybe it’s for me, maybe I can actually do it".
How can you describe your style?
My style is eclectic. It never stops evolving, it’s an endless creation. I don’t like being put in a box and I don’t feel like I have to dress a certain way to be relevant , I wear anything my eyes find beautiful.
What really ignited the passion you’ve for fashion?
Getting actual knowledge about fashion history made me love it even more. I love culture, reading and learning new things about brands history, where a certain type of clothing comes from, new technologies to improve sustainability in fashion etc. Also, I’m so inspired by every new person I meet thanks to my work as a content creator. Even with this weird period with less events, I’m often in contact with amazing people that are part of the industry and are genuinely passionate about their job.
How do you create your content and being able to stay consistent?
I create my content almost a daily basis. I take some photos by myself, with friends and also with photographers I love to work with. If I’m not shooting, I’m thinking about some new ideas and getting inspiration from my other hobbies. To be able to stay consistent, first thing is getting organized. My planner is a life saver as planning ahead is important.
Where do you get inspiration from when it comes to your style?
I love Art in general and I often get it from a painting, a film, a book or music whatever really that’s going to touch my soul. I think that fashion and Art are directly connected and in some ways fashion is Art to me.
Paris and Parisians are also a wonderful source of inspiration. I love observing people and be aware of the environment I’m in. I’ve now realized how when you’re present and really pay attention to things, you see so much beauty around you.
Did lockdown impact your work in any way? If yes kindly explain how?
Lockdown is what made me realize that creating content is truly what I wanted to do.
Before the first lockdown, I wasn’t focused on that. I just finished my business school and wanted to do too many things at the same time. Being at home « forced » me to recenter myself with very few options and possibilities. Finding ways to create an inspiring and beautiful content in a small Parisian apartment is really how I got through all this. I wanted to share good and soft dreamy vibes even if it wasn’t an easy period for everyone.
Which women of colour inspire you in the fashion Industry?
Lindsay Peoples Wagner, Leomie Anderson and Path Mcgrath are really inspiring.
How do you come out with your outfits?
My relationship with fashion is really spontaneous. It’s my place of freedom and expression. A color, a fabric, a pattern can instantly inspire me and I’m like "I want to wear this" before even knowing how I'll put everything together.
The most important thing is that I feel good and confident in the clothes I’m wearing.
What’s that one piece in your wardrobe that you always rock and have had for a long time?
That old pair of Levi’s jeans I got from my mom. She used to wear it in her 20’s and I find it super cool to give it a second life.
Best tips right now for a look if someone has to hop on that Zoom meeting?
Keep it simple and elegant or be overdressed if you feel like it and you miss dressing up.
3 Favorite African designers?
– Anifa Mvuemba from Congo
– Thebe Magugu from South Africa
– Loza Maleombho from Ivory Coast.
Africa has so many amazing talents, resources and craftsmanship. I’m really excited about what the future holds for fashion there.
What would you like to see in the future of fashion Industry?
Even more inclusivity and even more sustainability.
As a content creator how do you take care of your mental health?
My mental health is my top priority. I sometimes spend entire days without constantly checking my social media and I feel really good about it. It’s important to know yourself, your limits and set boundaries, otherwise you can just lose yourself trying to do your work. Everything is about balance!
What are the best touristic places to visit in Togo and Paris you would recommend?
In Togo, Kpalimé is such a amazing place to visit. It’s 1h30 from the capital Lomé and it's a little natural paradise. The city has very beautiful waterfalls and has a tropical environment. It's also the most important artisanal center of the country where a very large number of artists and craftsmen have settled: woodcarvers potters, weavers, calabashers etc.
In Paris I absolutely love parks such as Jardin des Tuileries, jardin du Luxembourg or Parc Monceau. It’s peaceful, you can just chill alone with a book or have a picnic with friends. I love being in the center of Paris but surrounded by a bit of nature.
One of my other favorite spot is Montmartre. It’s like a little village in Paris and is charged with a lot of history. It was the place to be for artists in the beginning of the 20th century such as Picasso, Matisse, Braque and Apollinaire. It’s a really charming area and from the top, you have an incredible view of Paris.
What’s your skin care routine like?
My skincare routine is 3 simple steps: Clean, Tone, Moisturize.I feel like the less products I use on my skin the better. I like to use some products just for a short period of time and then switch depending of what I feel like my skins needs.
I'm really mindful when applying every product and love to give massages to my face and body.
I’m really interested in holistic skincare, it means treating the skin from the core It’s an all-encompassing approach to healthy body, mind and soul which result in a healthier skin. It’s not just about putting a bunch of creams on the face but being mindful with the whole process, including the food you eat and the amount of water that you drink.
Which top 3 songs are on your playlist right now?
Minni Riperton - Les fleurs
The Knife - Pass this on
I’m not in love - Kelsey Lu
Three words for Paris Fashion Week?
Everything from home.
