Paris‘ vibrant 18th arrondissement is getting a summer makeover courtesy of Jordan Brand. District 23 is a love letter to the global influence on basketball culture, particularly the diverse youth communities that breathe life into the sport.
Housed within the historic former Tati Barbès department store, District 23 is the brainchild of Youssouf Fofana, a designer and founder of the Maison Château Rouge fashion brand. Fofana’s vision is a six-week program brimming with creative energy, offering a summer school experience for young creatives. This program delves into design and technical skills, along with the know-how of launching a brand, all inspired by Fofana’s own journey growing up in Paris’ African diaspora.
Fofana emphasizes empowering the next generation. “This entire project is dedicated to the youth,” he says, “My hope is to amplify the 18th arrondissement and elevate the community’s pursuit to create a new legacy.“
Partnering with Foot Locker, Jordan Brand is ensuring Parisian youth have open access to basketball courts and outdoor spaces throughout the summer. This initiative, using movement as a springboard for creativity, keeps courts open amidst city disruptions and provides a platform for honing athletic skills. Key locations include Paris Basket 18, a women’s basketball club, and Square Leon, a popular park known for its multi-sport offerings. Expect 1v1 tournaments, open play, and casual shootouts throughout the summer.
Art and cultural immersion are also central to District 23. Fofana and Easy Otabor, owner of Chicago’s Anthony Gallery, curated the Diaspora Renaissance exhibition. This showcase invites visitors to explore the interconnectedness of global diasporic communities through the works of 23 artists. The iconic Air Jordan 1 also takes center stage, with six artists reinterpreting the shoe through a unique diasporic lens.
Foodies won’t be disappointed either. District 23 celebrates the culinary landscape of the 18th arrondissement by highlighting local restaurants, food collectives, and recipes that elevate cultural traditions. Look out for crowd-pleasers like Thieboudienne, a West African fish and rice dish, alongside innovative takes on traditional fare from up-and-coming chefs.
Just around the corner from the former Tati Barbès building, the first-ever Foot Locker x Jordan store awaits. Expect a curated selection of Jordan Brand products and a hub for community experiences.
District 23 is a lasting legacy. “It’s hard to imagine your potential without referentes,” says Fofana. District 23 aims to be that reference point, a source of inspiration for the 18th arrondissement’s youth to dream big and achieve their goals.
