Air Afrique magazine, a novel platform centered around Afro-diasporic art and intellectual exchange, has forged a noteworthy partnership with Bottega Veneta. Emulating the essence of renowned pan-African magazines from the 20th century, Air Afrique endeavors to establish a dynamic space wherein individuals of African descent can authentically explore and articulate their multifaceted cultural identities. Being published in both French and English, represents a fusion of historical archives from Air Afrique's cultural patronage and contemporary artistic and literary expressions from French, French-Caribbean, and African creators. This ambitious endeavor is spearheaded by Lamine Diaoune, the Founder and Creative Director, who is motivated by a profound aspiration to rejuvenate and safeguard the cultural relevance of Air Afrique. By incorporating diverse voices and perspectives, the magazine aims to honor the legacy of Air Afrique while providing a platform for the preservation and revitalization of Afro-diasporic cultural heritage.
“Air Afrique was more than an airline. It was a cultural platform,” says Djiby Kebe, one of the magazine's Co-Founders, in a statement about the release. “We want to share the Air Afrique archive and create our own archive – to capture this moment of change in Black awareness and expression,” he adds.Significantly, the magazine's formal inauguration was accompanied by a momentous event hosted at the esteemed Centre Pompidou in Paris on June 23, 2023, further cementing its significance and influence within the cultural and artistic landscape.
Additionally, this collaboration entails the release of a limited-edition series of blankets, meticulously designed by Abdel El Tayeb, a renowned Franco-Sudanese designer affiliated with the Bottega Veneta studio. The blankets, inspired by El Tayeb's Sudanese heritage, showcase a fusion of cultural elements by integrating the finest quality wool, silver leather, and shearling materials sourced from the brand's esteemed archive.
This partnership with Air Afrique magazine represents Bottega Veneta's unwavering commitment to actively support and amplify the voices of specific communities through print media collaborations. The brand's dedication to this cause traces back to its early establishment in 1972, when it established deep connections with New York's vibrant creative community, thereby forming associations with influential figures such as the legendary artist Andy Warhol. By embarking on this collaboration, Bottega Veneta aims to extend its legacy of fostering cultural engagement and endorsing excellence in design, editorial rigor, and pioneering visions within the realm of print media.
By embracing this collaboration, Bottega Veneta actively contributes to the documentation and celebration of Afro-descendents' diverse cultural identities, thereby enriching the ongoing discourse surrounding multiculturalism and artistic expression.
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