Category: Paris

In A Class By Herself

Gae Aulenti

Influential Women Designers: Gae Aulenti

If I’m not mistaken, you’re the kind of person who truly enjoy unparalleled design, and that’s why I believe you’ll be pleased to see the striking work of Gae Aulenti splashed all over this blog today. Many of you may already know that Gae (pronounced Guy) was the Italian architect who sadly passed away on November 1st. She was known for, and responsible for some of the most extraordinary designs of the 20th Century. One of which being the famous Musée d’Orsay in Paris.

Virtually every single piece of her iconic furniture and lighting designs are in high demand right now. This is no big surprise since most artists are even more famous after death (I am by no means suggesting that she wasn’t while she was alive). The beloved designer, who died a few weeks after her 84th birthday, was one of the first female Post War Italian architects and is best known for transforming old buildings into modern museums, including Paris’ Musée d’Orsay and the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. Her undisputed legacy includes a trove of modern residential and commercial furniture designs that showcase her collaborations with such illustrious manufacturers as Poltronova, Knoll, Artemide and Casabella.

The renowned online furniture store, 1stDibs, is featuring a number of American, and European dealers, who carry Aulenti’s works including her signature Tavolo con Ruote (Table With Wheels), produced by Fontana Arte, one of which is in the New York Museum of Modern Art, aka MOMA).

With the design zeitgeist pointing to a renewed interest in the works of late 20th century designers and architects, Aulenti’s furniture, lighting and accessories are So Chic – to be sure. And once again, So Hip!
Gae Alenti for Vistosi: A set of four Vistosi suspension lightsItaly, 1950s, blown Murrina technique, circa: 1960-70 Italy, 1stDibs.com
Gae Aulenti for Kartell: Pair of 4794 Lounge Chairs made of rigid expanded polyurethane foam, Italy. Circa 1972, Converso

Gae Aulenti: “Means” armchair for Poltronova Italy, circa 1967. Metal frame, fabric covering featuring a pattern of orange and brown circles specially designed for this model. Compasso

Metal table lamp by Gae Aulenti (RUSPA)
Image via Archie Expo
Musée d’Orsay
Musée with a view
Photo via: Prezentit.com

Paris Is Always A Good Idea

Les Deux Magots, Paris

 Whenever I visit Saint-Germain-des-Prés, it’s not until I sip my first cup of coffee at Les Deux Magots, that I truly feel that I’m in Paris. It’s no secret that nowadays this famous hangout is well known for being a tourist destination, but most Parisians still consider it a favorite jaunt to see and be seen. My experience in the city of lights have taught me that no other places in this town is as welcoming, nor convey the true Parisian spirit, as this quintessential Parisian café.


These days, my mind is more focus on Paris, since I’ve been considering moving there in the next three years. That’s right, you heard it here first. It’s no big surprise really. I’ve always considered Paris my home, and since I’ve been consulting with a couple of luxury companies located in the Marais district, the idea is becoming more and more appealing. And before I forget, my apologies for the delay of posts for the past week or two. It’s been a movable feast.


Photo credits: 1st Black and White: From Edouard Boubat, 1955, Gelatin silver print from Peter Fetterman Gallery. Original still life painting “Lunch at Les Deux Magots, Paris, acrylic on canvas by BL Murray. 2nd Black and White: Dovina with Sacha, Cloche and Suit by Balenciaga, Cafe des Deux Magots, Paris, August, 1955, by Richard Avedon.


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The Grande Dame of Antique Fairs

Biennale des Antiquaires, Paris
The XXVI Biennale des Antiquaires:
Part 3 of 3 
There is some considerable talk about the Biennale coming to New York this November. Christian Deydier, the president of the Syndicat National des Antiquaires, has long toyed with the idea, and it’s becoming quite clear that this may become a reality this fall. If that’s the case, I venture that it will be well received by many people from the United States. This past week, I’ve gotten a great deal of feedback, and read a lot of press about this foremost fair of antiques, fine art, and jewelry.

Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld was invited to “reimagine” the exteriors of the old palais. Being that he is one to dazzle his audience at all times, the majority in attendance anticipated an extravaganza in the style of the Chanel shows that he’s become so well known for. Instead, what they got was a demure and uncharacteristic scenography from the Ice Man. Nevertheless, as his hot air balloon took center stage, the euphoric atmosphere was elegant, most appropriate, and for the well-heeled who were seriously interested in collecting design, and jewelry, this was the place to be. Are you ready to enter the festivities inside the grand palais?





 Photos courtesy Billy Farrell Agency
Photo courtesy Vogue
Notable attendees: Karl Lagerfeld, Former First Lady Bernadette Chirac, Calvin Klein, Benjamin Steinitz, Becca Cason Thrash, Dominique Levy, Christian Deydier, Peter Marino, Sheikh Hassan bin Mohamed bin Ali Al Thani, Didier Claes, Bernard Arnault, Gisele Croës, Sophie Marceau, Pierre Bergé, Hubert de Givenchy, Yue Sai Kan, Charlotte Casiraghi, Diana Widmaier Picasso, Eugenie Niarchos.

The Weekender: French by Design

“Every man has two nations, and one of them is France.” – Benjamin Franklin

ARTISTIC LIFESTYLES

Knowing how the French usually do things with great panache, one might get the impression that they approve of nearly anything as long as it is done with style, but I don’t believe that is the case. Style is great but savoir faire is so much better. And thankfully, French design carries both elements. To me, it reveals the secrets of fierce creativity illustrated with a futuristic point of view on design at its best!


Above Images: Didier Krzentowski’s Parisian Home
Photo via Dwell Magazine

Marc Newson





Marc Newson’s classic ride-on horesy  designed for Magis
Paradise Found: Marc Newson Qantas Lounge And Spa Room Interior


HOTEL KEPPLER



Hôtel Keppler: 10 rue Kepler, 75016 Paris
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The Weekender: The Return Of The King

CHRISTIAN LACROIX’ NEW ADDRESS

“It’s LACROIX, darling, LACROIX.” Remember Jennifer Saunders’ character Edina, and her constant refrain in Absolutely Fabulous? She was known for her wild streak as well as her desperate attempts to stay young and hip by donning the most hilarious, ostentatious clothing. And guess what?

We all loved her for that even more since his fashion was fit for her personality. I’ve long admired Christian Lacroix‘ spirit, if not necessarily his fashion, so this week, I was thrilled to receive in my mailbox an email from Robb Report about the flamboyant fashion designer and the re-opening of his left bank Parisian boutique. The interior design was hip, without being over the top, and for me that was a huge plus. In addition, I liked the gold wallpaper that was used throughout this quaint little space which once was an old printing shop. According to their creative director Sacha Walckhoff, gold is definitely in for the home this fall.




When Amanda Millin asked about incorporating gold in the home, and still making it look modern , Sacha responded “For furniture, avoid gold and grand style, and go for the ’50s and ’60s designer pieces like the ones of Jean Prouvé or Charlotte Perriand in order to add a modern touch. Then go back to gold for the little decorative objects like “One Minute Sculpture” by Marcel Wanders. It is always nice to mix gold with a fabric that looks simple. Natural beige linen, for example, or a rough cream cotton. Try our gold Voyage wallpaper (an ancient map of the south of France) with our Feria natural beige linen fabric. The Voyage wallpaper is very light and can be used anywhere.”
Photos by Francis Amiand, via Robb Report
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Biennale des Antiquaires – Part 1 of 3

The fêted Biennale des Antiquaires was announced last March at the French Consultat General de France. Looking back, the actual fair seemed so far away…. Nowadays I’m reminded that it is just about a little over a month away. This grande dame of antique fairs will take place at the Grand Palais in Paris from September 14th through the 23rd.

Galerie Jousse, 2008

FINE ARTS
Etienne Dinet (1861-1929), “La Lutte Des Fillettes” (“Young girls fighting”), Oil On Canvas, Signed on the left flower side
(Chadelaud)

The idea of an “antique dealer fair” first appeared in the 1950s and more precisely in 1956 under the aegis of the new chairman of the SNA (National Union of Antiques Dealers), Pierre Vandermeersch. The dream was to create an event where the beauty of the objects on show could compete with that of the women who come visit the exhibition, a venue where elegance, prestige and celebration would await a host of art lovers and collectors. – SNA-France. The 26th Biennale des Antiquaires will feature an unprecedented 120 leading international art, antiquities and fine jewelry dealers representing over $50 billion worth of Archaeological treasures, arms and armor, furniture, paintings, drawings, graphic works, sculpture, books and illuminated manuscripts, tapestries, rugs, objects d’art, coins and medals, stamps, ceramics and jewelry.
Jean Raoux, (Montpellier 1677 – Paris 1734), “Portrait of a woman slightly undressed”, Oil on canvas
(Alexis Bordes)

FUN FACTS: Key People from BDA: Karl Lagerfeld, Scenographer Christian Deydier, President of the Syndicat National des Antiquaires. Sample List of Exhibitors: Wallace Chan, Chaumet, Bulgari and Boucheron, Piaget, Chanel, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Cartier, Christian Dior.

Johann-Ernst Heinsius, (Thuringe 1731 – Erfurt 1794), “Portrait de Pierre-Simon de Laplace, mathématicien” Oil on original canvas. Inscription ” N. Largillière” On the book, bottom right
Elizabeth Taylor by Andy Warhol, silkscreen ink and acrylic on linen
(L& M Arts)

FINE JEWELRY

Chanel Necklace
FUN FACTS: Did you know that it was André Malraux who opened the path to the Grand Palais, a legendary Parisian landmark built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900? Yes, the first International Biennale, in its present form, was held in 1962. It was a focal gathering of the greatest French and foreign antique dealers, decorators, jewellers and book store owners under the famous glass roof in a magic setting made up of pavilions, gardens and fountains.
Bague (ring) Piaget
DECORATIVE ARTS
Eugène Printz (1889-1948) , Jean Dunand (1877-1942)
Galerie Marcihac
Art & Décoration 1933, modèle similaire avec un décor différent reproduit page 297. Guy Bujon et Jean-Jacques Dutko, E. Printz, éditions du Regard, Paris, 1986, modèle reproduit page 278
Paul Evans Sideboard in structure in bronze, wood and covered with weld steel plates. Bronze low relief in front, like patchwork, circa 1970
(Galerie Yves et Victor Gastou)
Marcel Coard (1889-1974)
Galerie Marcihac
Provenance : Ancient collection of Monsieur E. , collaborator at La maison Jansen Décoration. 

Copyright images. All Rights Reserved

Ahae’s Stunning Photographs at The Louvre

The Natural

The Ahae experience continues. Following the opening of the Ahae De Ma Fenêtre at the Louvre Pavilion at the Jardin des Tuileries in June, a memorable concert was held on July 4th.

Hello World: Grey Heron (2010) / © Ahae Press

  

A review followed: Under clearing skies on a warm July 4th evening in Paris’s Tuileries Garden, the famed Orchestra Lamoureux played a concert of French classics and new compositions while two enormous screens showed images by Ahae, the Korean-born photographer whose exhibition De ma fenêtre (From My Window) is currently on view in the Louvre’s garden. Pieces by Debussy, Saint-Saens and Offenbach were played on a stage specially built for the concert. Ilan Eshkeri’s De ma fenêtre was given its world premiere to generous applause.

Mother Nature: Spectacular entrance to Ahae’s Show at Musée Du Louvre, 
Jardin Des Tuileries Bespoke Exhibition Pavilion in Paris
From My Window is an exceptional show of photographs taken from the vantage of just one window in Ahae’s house. The landscape, photographed throughout the year, reveals the subtle changes of the seasons as well as a great sensibility to life in all its forms. Painstakingly photographed and printed, the show is already a popular success. Revealing a tranquil sensibility in the midst of the chaos of nature, it features some of the largest reproductions ever mounted.
Flock of Magpies (2009)

Azure-winged Magpies (2010)

Sold in the Ahae Pavilion bookstore is the new Assouline collector’s title, AHAE: Through My Window. Scenes pastoral and comic, dramatic and tragic, dynamic and serene, enchanting and breathtakingly beautiful are revealed through his lens. With introductions by the director of the Louvre, the former director of Prague’s National Gallery, and the director of the Institute of Contemporary Art in Moscow, and featuring poetic texts by the photographer, this beautiful hardcover volume of inspiring imagery is presented in a luxury slipcase (available August 14th, $200, through Assouline). The exhibits ends on Sunday, August 19th, 2012.
Captivated: Museum goers marvel at the wonders and simplicity of nature

Water Deer (2009)
Images courtesy © Ahae Press
All Rights Reserved

Contributing Story by Joan Parker

Maison Goyard


How Do I Wear My Scarves?
Let me count the ways…

Maison E. Goyard’s new addition to their iconic luggages are an array of colorful scarves which comes in blue, white, orange, and pink! Of course, pink!

No travel plans for this summer? Keep in mind that a little accessory goes a long way.

Goyard

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Hidden Paris – Part II



patisseries

Cote de France
52, rue St. Placide
75006 Paris
Tel: +45 48 9253
www.cote-de-france.fr

Sadaharu Aoki
35, rue de vaugirard
75006 Paris
Tel: +45 44 485
les marches europeans
Cheese shops – Laurent Dubois
2, rue de Lourmel
75015 Paris
Tel: +45 78 7058
Boulangerie Jean Luc Poujaurant
20, rue Jean-Ricot
75007 Paris
Tel: +47 05 8088
wine bars
Au Tonneaux Des Halles
28, rue Montorgueil
75001 Paris
Tel: +42 33 3619
Metro: Chatelet
museums
Musee Carnavalet
23, rue de Sevigne
75003 Paris
Tel: +42 72 2113
Metro: Saint Paul
Musee Picasso
Hotel Sale
5, rue de Thorigny
75003 Paris
Tel: +42 71 2521
Metro: St. Paul, Chemin Vert
Fondation Le Corbusier
Villa La Roche
Square du Dr. Blanche
75016 Paris
Metro: Jasmin
nightlife
Au Lapin Agile
22, rue des Saules
75018 Paris
Tel: +46 06 8587
Metro: Montmartre
Duc Des Lombards
42, rue les bombars
75001 Paris
Tel: +42 33 2288
60, rue des Lombards
75001 Paris
Tel: +40 26 2125
restaurants with entertainment
Castel
15, rue princesse
75006 Paris
Tel: +40 51 5280
Maison Blanche
15, avenue Montaigne
75008 Paris
Tel: +47 23 5399
music halls and theaters
8, rue Scribe
75009 Paris
Tel: +92 89 9090
Olympia
28, boulevard des capucine
75009 Paris
Tel: +92 68 3368
Metro: Opera – Madeleine
Opera Bastille
120 rue de Lyon
75012 Paris
Tel: +40 01 1752
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Hidden Paris






These are the inserts from the pages of my private Paris book. Many of these places are not so well known, but the locals, and those like me, who simply adore this side of Paris, will tell you that they simply cannot get enough of them. This is the Paris of my young adulthood, and present life.
where to eat
L’Atier de Joel Robuchon
7, rue de Montalembert
75003 Paris
Tel: +42-22-5656
www.joel-robuchon.net

Guy Savoy
18, rue troyon
75017 Paris
www.guysavoy.com

L’ambroisie
9, place des vosges
75005 Paris
Tel:  +43-78-5145
www.ambroisie-placedesvosges.com
tea houses
Mariage Freres
30, rue du bourg tibourg
75004 Paris
Metro:  Hotel de Ville
Tel:  +42-72-2811
www.mariagefreres.com

Laduree
16, rue royale
75008 Paris
Tel:  +42-60-2170
Metro:  Madeleine or Concorde
www.laduree.fr

flea markets
Saint Ouen Flea Market
Metro:  Porte de Clignancourt
Sat, Sun, Mon:  10am – 6pm
All Year Round

Bazar de l’Hotel de Ville
55, rue de la verrerie
75004 Paris

Porte de Vanne
(14th arrondisement)
Porte  de Montreul (20th arrondisement)

Les Bouquinistes
Quai de Montebello
75005 Paris

where to shop
La Vie En Rose
238 Rue de Rivoli
(1st Arrondisement)
Tel:  +42-60-2372

Colette
213 Rue St. Honore
75001 Paris
Galerie Architecture
Miniature Gault
206 Rue de Rivoli
(1st Arrondisement)
Tel:  +42 60 5117
Lavinia
3-5, Blvd de la Madeleine
75001 Paris
Tel:  +42-97-2020
Les Caves Taillevent
199, rue Faubourg
St Honore
75008 Paris
Tel:  +45 61 1409

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