MOËT & CHANDON

African creatives toast to heritage with Moët & Chandon

A vibrant cross-cultural exchange unfolded in the heart of Épernay, where Moët & Chandon celebrated the endless creativity in craftsmanship. The iconic brand invited some of Africa’s most prominent creative talents to explore its rich heritage and artistry. The seven creatives – Thebe Magugu, Banke Kuku, Aisha Ayensu, Mahine Sef, Lyra Aoko, Mtani Nyamakababi, and Youssra Nichane – span fashion, design, music, and photography, each representing a strong commitment to African craft and creativity.

For this creative collective, the trip offered a chance to immerse themselves in the world of Moët & Chandon, a brand that embodies luxury and centuries-old craftsmanship. Even before arriving at the estate or tasting the Champagne, they were captivated by its allure.

“My first impression of Épernay was timeless elegance,” says Mahine Sef, a Cameroonian photographer and music producer. “The Moët & Chandon estate feels like a place where tradition and innovation harmonize beautifully.”

Mtani Nyamakababi, founder of Tanzanian brand Mtani Bespoke Clothing, echoes this sentiment, noting the stunning Avenue de Champagne, lined with centuries of winemaking history. “The cellars, where millions of bottles age gracefully, were particularly impressive,” he says, reflecting on his exploration of the remarkable 28 km tunnels.

Thebe Magugu, an award-winning South African designer, adds, “It’s astounding that they’ve preserved this brand since 1743 and kept it relevant in 2024. That requires continuous dedication and education.”

The trip also delivered an emotional and cultural exchange, underpinned by the legacy of Moët & Chandon. For Banke, behind the well-established Nigerian brand Banke Kuku Boutique, the experience almost felt surreal. “It’s like the world slowed down once I stepped into the estate,” she said.

Aisha Ayensu, founder of Ghanaian fashion house Christie Brown, was similarly in awe of the Château’s stunning architecture and the sense of history radiating from its walls. “The atmosphere felt both luxurious and inviting,” she remarked, immediately connecting with the relationship between tradition and innovation, a theme that defines Moët & Chandon.

Morocco-based Youssra Nichane, founder of Dihyan Jewellery, was deeply inspired by the Memories of Tomorrow exhibition, where signature pieces crafted by the embroidery artisans of atelier Baqué Molinié showcased the rich heritage and savoir-faire of Moët & Chandon. She highlights that exploring the meticulous work of contemporary artisans at the Maison was a standout moment for her, describing the collaboration as “a true reflection of where craftsmanship meets history.”

Moreover, the creatives had the opportunity to learn from, network and inspire one another. As photographer Lyra Aoko aptly put it. “It was the perfect opportunity to live my best life, validate my art, and mingle with some of the best craftsmen and -women.”

For a luxury brand of this nature, continued expertise is a cornerstone of legacy. “Discovering the savoir-faire of Moët & Chandon made me realise the endless possibilities of craftsmanship,” says Youssra. Aisha adds to this by saying, “[It] made me rethink how I express luxury in my designs. It’s about capturing that essence of sophistication while staying true to the stories behind each creation,” she continues.

Thebe also draws parallels between his work as a designer and the artistry behind Moët & Chandon. “It is a meticulous and calculated process, this idea of showing our culture in a respectful way, and I think Moët does the same – to perfect the centuries-old process of creating Moët takes a level of respect, know-how, and talent,” he says

In light of celebrating the upcoming Champagne Day across eight countries in Africa, this cross-cultural exchange highlighted Moët & Chandon’s rich heritage while fostering connections between African and French craftsmanship.