Joie: A Parisian's Guide to Celebrating the Good Life
Details
The French are known for their joie de vivre—celebrating the simple things—a philosophy that tastemaker Ajiri Aki embraced all of her American life. As a child, she frequently tried to convince her Nigerian-Jamaican mother to pull out the fine china for everyday meals or when hosting friends. Her mother always said she was waiting for a special occasion, which sadly never came before she passed away when Ajiri was only twelve. Ajiri promised herself she would never hesitate to use her treasured pieces. When she moved to Paris, France, as an adult, she learned how central that idea is to French life, and she also began to absorb other essential lessons from her new friends: treat yourself to fresh flowers just because, take time to source the best baguette, and perhaps most importantly, enjoy être—just being.
In this beautifully photographed volume of everything French, Ajiri shares what she’s learned about living in Paris—from hosting the perfect apéro (happy hour) to lingering around town like a flâneur (loafer) to thrifting for antiques at the market. While exploring the prettiest cafes and shops, you’ll be inspired to reclaim your right to leisure as the French have, so you, too, can savor the spontaneous, joyful moments that happen every day.
Editors’ Note
Ajiri Aki is the co-author of Where’s Karl? and has worked as a stylist and on fashion exhibitions for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of the City of New York. After moving to Paris, Ajiri started her successful design business, Madame de la Maison, a rental company and online boutique. She still lives in Paris, now with her husband and two children.
Details
The French are known for their joie de vivre—celebrating the simple things—a philosophy that tastemaker Ajiri Aki embraced all of her American life. As a child, she frequently tried to convince her Nigerian-Jamaican mother to pull out the fine china for everyday meals or when hosting friends. Her mother always said she was waiting for a special occasion, which sadly never came before she passed away when Ajiri was only twelve. Ajiri promised herself she would never hesitate to use her treasured pieces. When she moved to Paris, France, as an adult, she learned how central that idea is to French life, and she also began to absorb other essential lessons from her new friends: treat yourself to fresh flowers just because, take time to source the best baguette, and perhaps most importantly, enjoy être—just being.
In this beautifully photographed volume of everything French, Ajiri shares what she’s learned about living in Paris—from hosting the perfect apéro (happy hour) to lingering around town like a flâneur (loafer) to thrifting for antiques at the market. While exploring the prettiest cafes and shops, you’ll be inspired to reclaim your right to leisure as the French have, so you, too, can savor the spontaneous, joyful moments that happen every day.
Editors’ Note
Ajiri Aki is the co-author of Where’s Karl? and has worked as a stylist and on fashion exhibitions for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of the City of New York. After moving to Paris, Ajiri started her successful design business, Madame de la Maison, a rental company and online boutique. She still lives in Paris, now with her husband and two children.
Details
The French are known for their joie de vivre—celebrating the simple things—a philosophy that tastemaker Ajiri Aki embraced all of her American life. As a child, she frequently tried to convince her Nigerian-Jamaican mother to pull out the fine china for everyday meals or when hosting friends. Her mother always said she was waiting for a special occasion, which sadly never came before she passed away when Ajiri was only twelve. Ajiri promised herself she would never hesitate to use her treasured pieces. When she moved to Paris, France, as an adult, she learned how central that idea is to French life, and she also began to absorb other essential lessons from her new friends: treat yourself to fresh flowers just because, take time to source the best baguette, and perhaps most importantly, enjoy être—just being.
In this beautifully photographed volume of everything French, Ajiri shares what she’s learned about living in Paris—from hosting the perfect apéro (happy hour) to lingering around town like a flâneur (loafer) to thrifting for antiques at the market. While exploring the prettiest cafes and shops, you’ll be inspired to reclaim your right to leisure as the French have, so you, too, can savor the spontaneous, joyful moments that happen every day.
Editors’ Note
Ajiri Aki is the co-author of Where’s Karl? and has worked as a stylist and on fashion exhibitions for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of the City of New York. After moving to Paris, Ajiri started her successful design business, Madame de la Maison, a rental company and online boutique. She still lives in Paris, now with her husband and two children.
Reviews
“Tastemaker Ajiri Aki makes French living look positively delightful in this gorgeous book . . . For the Francophile in your life, there’s no better book to gift them this season.”—Conde Nast Traveler
“In Joie, the secrets to that enviable way of being—la belle vie Parisienne—are decoded in a language that we can all understand, with practical tips and philosophical musings that only locals are privy to. More than being a terrific guide to the city, it's a thoroughly comprehensive guide to better living.”—Chioma Nnadi, editor of Vogue online
“When seeking inspiration for how to live life beautifully, you have to look to someone whose aesthetic and very way of life not only inspires joy but is effortlessly beautiful and a thing of substance. Ajiri Aki is that person, and her book Joie is not only inspiring but a practical insight into French life as seen through her magnificently stylish eyes. A must-read for its visual impact as well as for Ajiri's engaging storytelling.”—Paula Sutton, author of Hill House Living
Additional Details
Published by Clarkson Potter (April 18, 2023)
272 pages
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