5 things to know about Maud Villaret, founder of Toubab Paris Passionate about design in all its forms, Maud Villaret holds a degree in textile design from the Duperré School of Applied Arts.…
5 things to know about Maud Villaret
founder of Toubab Paris
A passionate advocate of design in all its forms
Maud Villaret holds a degree in textile design from the Duperré School of Applied Arts.
She has worked for internationally renowned trend agencies and collaborated with various fashion and interior design creators before launching her own accessories line, Toubab Paris, in 2006.
Her ethnic-inspired creations sit at the crossroads of fashion, design and art.
A lover of Africa
Maud has a special connection with the continent, and with Senegal in particular. Maud believes her attachment to Africa was passed on to her by her mother. Indeed, she was carried in her mother’s womb whilst her mother was working in Casamance. Her first trip to Africa came at the age of 20, for a traditional indigo dyeing workshop in Mali with the calligrapher and designer Aboubakar Fofana; the continent has never left her since. In search of her roots, exchanges, encounters and shared experiences, she finds the energy that nourishes her there.
A designer with a touch of humour and self-deprecation
The term "toubab" is a slang word in West Africa, used particularly in countries such as Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali and others. It is generally used to refer to all people with white skin and of a predominantly Western background, as the Arab-Berber population is not included. There are several theories regarding the origin of this word. It is thought to be a corruption of the Arabic word ‘tabib’ (meaning ‘doctor’). There is also a Wolof verb meaning ‘to convert’, as the first missionaries during the colonial era were white people from Europe. Another theory suggests it derives from the Wolof word ‘Tougal’, meaning Europe. This word has entered everyday language and there are even derivatives such as the verb ‘toubabiser’ or the nouns ‘toubabisme’ and ‘toubabité’.
A committed woman
The designer champions cultural fusion, diversity and cross-cultural exchange: African textiles combined with materials from all corners of the globe.
Maud is also committed to placing traditional craftsmanship and innovation at the heart of her creative process. She works with skilled artisans, as well as with women’s integration associations and small workshops. She strives to promote the textile heritage she discovers over time and through her travels.
She promotes a fair and equitable development model in which each artisan is paid a fair wage and skills are passed on under good human and environmental conditions.
A true artist!
Maud’s jewellery is magnificent works of art in vibrant colours.
Her shimmering and unusual pieces radiate joy wherever they go.
The cultural richness, artisanal techniques, materials used and their originality lend them uniqueness and authenticity. Each piece tells a story inspired by a boundless imagination.
Maud’s creations are true body adornments that spark interest and curiosity.
Dubai residents, mark your calendars for 29 October and 29 November to discover Toubab Paris jewellery.