GENERATIONS OF STYLE: THE M’BAYES
3 generations, 2,000 miles and 7 courses: the MBaye family’s Christmas
From Senegal, the South of France, Paris, and London to, er, a field in the British countryside for our Christmas shoot – the MBaye family are no strangers to a big festive reunion. Alternating each year between West Africa and Europe, they collectively rack up 2,396 miles to get to their turkey and trimmings.

And so, to the aforementioned shoot day – not exactly the time to bundle-up – but this family did, with no complaints. Piled around a brightly dressed table (in turn surrounded by brightly dressed families), mum Danielle, dad Sanou, sisters Ninka and Maroussia, chatted animatedly while five-year-old Naoki was busy making friends (and mischief) with the other children involved in the campaign. During all this, brothers Tidiou and Sacha, Mamadou and Tyler could be heard charming the crew at any given time (ie all the time).
Talking festive style, the family emphasised a need for brighter colours to combat the grey skies of winter, with most of them agreeing that anything dark or dull just didn’t make sense with the joy of the season. They also had many opinions on what coats should and shouldn’t do or be – a big issue was deceptively chilly styles, as well as too-tight arms (those sweaters need room to breathe, right?).

Present giving is, of course, also a part of their Christmases. And it’s brother Sacha who’s the hardest to buy for – he’s the kind of guy who knows what he likes but already has everything he needs. Mum Danielle is known to give useful things such as towels and books, while little Naoki was very clear on ambitions for a horse this year. It’s evident that this isn’t a ‘stuff’ family, though – experience and quality time are quite clearly much more of a priority.
“What do I want for Christmas? Just to be with the family.”