The Paris-based nightlife collective are known for hosting the city’s most electric parties, where Creole culture takes centre stage
In the past few years, the underground Parisian collective LA CREOLE have established themselves as a beacon of the city’s nightlife – but the story of how they came to be actually began in 2013. Working as a trainee stylist and designer, Vincent Frederic-Colombo met Fanny Viguier, who had just graduated from her degree, studying photography. The pair embarked on a project titled CREOLE SOUL, which explored reimagined Caribbean wardrobe in a modern context, combining Frederic-Colombo’s designs and Viguiers photographic vision.
In 2017, the duo organised an exhibition of their joint work, and also booked Crystalmess and Bamao Yende for the after party. Due to the massive success of the night, the pair decided to host their first official event in January 2018, and LA CREOLE as we know it was born. Since then, the duo have transformed into a fully fledged collective, joined by resident DJs GЯEG and Sylvere, partner manager Paul Lavel, and dancers Raeesha Lavande, Keemy, Lala Moon, Mariana Benenge, Patricia Badin, Ritchy, Snake, Stessy, Nui and Ziickos.
Below, we chat to the collective’s two co-founders about the importance of spotlighting Creole culture, the craziest parties they’ve ever hosted, and what they have in store for 2024.
Hey Fanny and Vincent! Congrats on making the Dazed100. First of all, what makes a LA CREOLE party different from all the other club nights?
Fanny Viguier & Vincent Frederic-Colombo: A real sense of communion and freedom exists among the DJ, dancers, and the audience, regardless of the location, encompassing a broad spectrum of community.
Why was it important for the collective to spotlight Creole culture?
Fanny Viguier & Vincent Frederic-Colombo: Creole culture is a melting pot of diverse influences, shaped by the complex specificity arising from the resilience of colonial history. We’ve established a platform to celebrate these diverse expressions with a dance floor that serves as a catalyst for their awakening. It was crucial to shed light on these cultures while emphasising the significance of queer cultures, topics that have long been considered taboo. It was time to open a door in that direction.
The concept of ‘tout-monde’ by Edouard Glissant profoundly influences our mindset. While our starting point is Creole culture, we resonate strongly with the notion of ‘creolization’ he speaks of. Glissant’s work transcends the history of the formation of Creole cultures to address society through a cultural blending resulting from the encounter and clash of diverse cultures, producing an unexpected outcome.
What’s the craziest party you’ve ever hosted, and why was it so good?
Fanny Viguier & Vincent Frederic-Colombo: Every party is insane, but perhaps one of the most memorable moments was when Shaun Ross made his first appearance in 2018. He grabbed the mic and brought a ballroom MC vibe, creating a unique experience. He separated the crowd, called the voguers to perform as a LSS (legends, statements, and stars) the fundamental component of ballroom, and then the magic happened!
Also, our second edition at La Machine du Moulin Rouge last May was amazing. It’s a much larger venue than we were previously in, and a different setup where we are less close to the crowd. It’s always a challenge transitioning to a different space, but the energy in the main hall was as powerful and tangible as what we initially felt at Le Chinois, the more underground and intimate club of our beginnings. The widespread wave of intensity across so many people was truly impressive!
“LA CREOLE began as a reflection through photos and clothing, but evolved into a space for celebration, communion, and politics” – Fanny Viguier & Vincent Frederic-Colombo
How do you define what you do?
Fanny Viguier & Vincent Frederic-Colombo: This project not only has artistic aspects, but is also a large-scale social project. LA CREOLE began as a reflection through photos and clothing, but evolved into a space for celebration, communion, and politics. An environment where identities can – we hope – circulate with great freedom and mutual respect. While our project initially centres around minorities (racial, women, LGBTQ+), it is intended for everyone. The social aspect remains consistent across all our projects – it takes different forms through various mediums, but it transcends when it’s in a space that people can make their own.
What’s one ambition you have for 2024?
Fanny Viguier & Vincent Frederic-Colombo: Launch a music label!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Fanny Viguier & Vincent Frederic-Colombo: You’ve created something unique and genuine – it’s crucial to preserve this authenticity.
What’s your star sign and are you a typical one of that star sign? (Or, if you’re a real astrohead, can you share your ‘big three’?)
Vincent Frederic-Colombo: I’m a Leo sun, Scorpio rising, and Aquarius moon. I’m incredibly passionate, constantly observing the world and people to capture the best of it.
Fanny Viguier: I’m also a Leo. As a photographer, light holds immense significance for me. The sun, in particular, is the celestial body that brings me the most joy. Without it, I feel a sense of dimming. I also operate by observing the light in others, their energy. That’s how I read and understand them.
What would the line-up be on your nightmare blunt rotation? And then your dream one?
Fanny Viguier: Nightmare (or probably a classic) would be between Marine Le Pen, Emmanuel Macron, Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahou, and Kim Jong-un. What a nightmare, 6 hours of straight pain on all levels. But it will never, ever, ever happen!
Vincent Frederic-Colombo: It’s a tough choice because we love so many talented artists and collectives but our dream lineup would include Baketoo, Arca, Babatr, and BAMBOUNOU.
What’s your weirdest internet obsession?
Vincent Frederic-Colombo: I’m obsessed with osteopathy and cat videos.
Fanny Viguier: Pimple extraction videos are a vortex for me. I can get lost in watching them!
What conspiracy theory are you quite into actually?
Fanny Viguier & Vincent Frederic-Colombo: Colonialism and patriarchy are the forces that contribute to making this world homophobic, sexist, and racist. However, these are not just theories – it’s an unfortunate reality that we hope to see transformed one day.
Who would you nominate for the next Dazed100 and why?
Fanny Viguier & Vincent Frederic-Colombo: Paris’s P3 collective, because they do things so well. GЯEG and Sylvere, our resident DJs and producers – they’re incredibly talented! Also, Melody Thomas, a fashion journalist with a pen as sharp as it is light, and Edem Dossou, a stylist we love dearly.