Youssouf Fofana and L’Union de la Jeunesse Internationale bring us “Le Grand Magasin Éphémère
by Anna Barr
Since 2022, Youssouf Fofana, founder of Maison Château Rouge, along with the Union de la Jeunesse Internationale, has reclaimed and reinvented the iconic former TATI department store bordering the 18th arrondissement of Paris into a multidisciplinary space. Last summer, they brought us District 23 leading up to the Olympics. With continued support from the Jordan brand, they are back with GRAND MAGASIN ÉPHÉMÈRE set to open on January 23, 2025.
The Union de la Jeunesse Internationale teamed up with Ciguë to design the different spaces. Youssouf Fofana and his colleagues developed a scenographic idea that uses the building’s foundations as the base for sales areas. The use of raw materials, such as metal racks supported by concrete millefeuilles resembling the skytrain viaduct, underlines the temporary nature of the place. The renovation was completed with cooperation from the Yard agency.
Spread across three floors the GRAND MAGASIN ÉPHÉMÈRE finds itself as an intersection of fashion, art and design, bringing together several activities – store, exhibition, library, cafeteria and workshop. The ground sees COMMUNAUTÉ INTERNATIONALE bringing together independent brands inspired by countercultures with objectives that go beyond fashion including Abela, Patta, Lack of Guidance, Maison Château Rouge, and many more.
The GALERIE PUBLIQUE exhibition space on the middle floor will showcase a retrospective of the works of renowned photographers Seydou Keïta and Malick Sidibé, including a photo shoot outside the Barbès metro station for the magazine TATI 50×50 (1998).
“The concept of a PUSH-UP DEPARTMENT STORE aligns with our desire to create a cultural space centered on diasporas and African cultures,” explains Youssouf Fofana. “Showcasing the works of Keïta and Sidibé in this neighborhood, at the heart of the communities they reflect, reinforces our approach. It’s a way of saying: this place belongs to us; this is the culture that emanates from it.”
On the second floor, MATIÈRES PREMIÈRES brings together a new generation of designers to appreciate local workmanship while changing the focus to a global viewpoint from Kartik Research, Lostanges Studio, Meerma Earth, Een Studio, Virgin Forest, Reward If Found, Fichu, Mozhdeh Matin, to Benoit Lalloz.
Le Grand Magasin Éphémère – from January 23 to June 29, 2025
2 boulevard Marguerite de Rochechouart, 75018 PARIS
Wednesday to Sunday, 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Prada Fall/Winter 2025
Metamorphosis: Saul Nash Fall/Winter 2025
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Youssouf Fofana and L’Union de la Jeunesse Internationale bring us “Le Grand Magasin Éphémère
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