Ajiri Aki

Ajiri Aki has made a name for herself in Paris as an entrepreneur, author and arbiter of taste. Living in France for over a decade, she has become a sought-after speaker, tablescape designer and expert on living beautifully and authentically. As the founder of lifestyle brand Madame de la Maison she shares her passion for the French lifestyle, antiques and “joie de vivre” with her fans across the globe. Her latest book, Joie: A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life, has cemented her status as a leading voice on joy and living beautifully.

Born in Nigeria and raised in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, Ajiri’s journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of her passions. After completing her BA at Texas Christian University, she yearned for the excitement of the big city and swiftly made her way to New York City to embark on a career in fashion.

She quickly rose through the ranks of the fashion industry, working with prestigious publications such as W, Rolling Stone, Nylon, and Interview Magazine. Her natural talent propelled her to the position of Associate Men’s Fashion Editor at DNR (WWD), and later, Senior Accessories & Celebrity Sittings Editor at Suede Magazine. It was during this time that Ajiri had the privilege of styling renowned celebrities including Boy George, Pharrell Williams, Kerry Washington, and Jimmy Fallon.

Driven by her passion for objects and design, Ajiri pursued a Master of Arts degree in Decorative Arts, Design History, and Material Culture from Bard College in New York. This academic endeavor deepened her already profound obsession with the world of aesthetics. Ajiri’s dedication and expertise led her to intern and volunteer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, contributing to groundbreaking exhibitions on iconic figures such as Poiret, Chanel, and Anglomania. Additionally, she served as an associate curator at The Museum of the City of New York, curating an exhibition that explored Black style from the 1920s to the present.

Following a brief period in Paris, where she immersed herself in researching and writing about Jean Patou, Coco Chanel’s rival in the 1920s and 30s, Ajiri returned to New York to establish a fashion video production company. Her creative vision and collaboration with renowned brands, including Neiman Marcus, Hermès, Diane von Furstenberg, Rodarte, Marchesa, and Jason Wu, solidified her reputation as an industry powerhouse.

In 2011, Ajiri moved back to Paris, where she continued her production work while exploring other creative endeavors. In 2015, Ajiri co-authored her first book, the New York Times bestselling “Where’s Karl?: A Fashion-Forward Parody” (Clarkson Potter). The book received widespread acclaim, propelling Ajiri on a book tour sponsored by none other than the legendary Karl Lagerfeld himself.

In 2018, Ajiri’s entrepreneurial spirit and love for curating experiences around the table, led her to launch Madame de la Maison, a Paris-based lifestyle brand that specializes in French antiques and exquisite tabletop linens. With an online shop and travel experiences, Madame de la Maison has garnered attention from prestigious publications such as Vogue, Domino, House Beautiful, Veranda, and the New York Times. Ajiri’s remarkable brand collaborations with the likes of Tory Burch, Christofle, and Ruinart have further solidified her position as a trailblazer in the design and lifestyle industries.

Ajiri’s impact extends beyond her business endeavors. She was featured in “The New Parisienne” (Abrams, 2020), a book that celebrates 50 women who are redefining the essence of being Parisienne as well as The New York Times article, “Putting Black Design in a Spotlight.” (March, 9, 2023). Furthermore, in March 2021, Ajiri was selected as one of seven women to be featured in a short film for LinkedIn, commemorating International Women’s Day 2021.

Ajiri Aki’s journey is a testament to her unwavering determination, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. With her magnetic personality and captivating story, she is a true inspiration to all who have the pleasure of hearing her speak.