Jules Cesar hotel, Arles, by Christian Lacroix
Cesar was in great need of some TLC.. it got plenty, and flamboyantly, with a lavish refurbishment by Christian Lacroix.
Rencontres photographiques d’Arles
A few shots of Arles, during the « Rencontres » L’Arlesienne finally glimpsed thanks to Christian Lacroix…. My absolutely favourite set: the women’s transformation with such small details are just stunning, the Arlesienne myth indeed.. Photography: Philippe Praliaud, Styling: Clement Trouche Treasure of the Institut de France, Ancient Egypt recaptured
Academie du spectacle équestre
Going back to my first love: horses, and become fast nostalgic about the hours spent on their back as a teenager. A good alternative to the Chateau and it’s miles of queues, the Academie des Arts Equestres, directed by Bartabas, is an ode to the Horse and music to the ears of any horse lover,
Relatum: Lee Ufan @ Chateau de Versailles
Had to be seriously fascinated by Lee Ufan’s exhibition in the Chateau’s garden to keep looking for his sculptures under the pouring rain… a « summer » day in Paris.. Relatum, Lames de vent Relatum, A l’ombre des étoiles Relatum, La tombe, hommage a Andre Le Nôtre
Upcycled shelving
If like me, your other half is a wine enthusiast (to put it mildly..), here’s an idea to put those wood crates to good use. A lot cheaper than the ready made ones found on the market, and much more personal: here is the girly version
Salon Cote Sud 2014
The theme this year was « Toiles et Voiles » Although this scenography by Thomas Gentilini was kind of hidden at the back of the back of the garden… it is my favourite with it’s low tech gypsy feel, plenty of good ideas to gather for a summer camp in the garden at home! The fabric
Palacio Fronteira, Lisboa
A patch of peace just at Lisboa’s edge, it’s a little out of the way, but the mini trip is very worth it.. Time has stopped in this XVIIe century Palace, still the home of the marquis De Fronteira. The italian gardens are absolutely wonderful as are the azulejos and seashell pavilions. The back of
Lisboa
Second time in 10 years, and made sure we left lots of things unseen, in order to come back soon, loved the place.. The views… The azulejos covered frontages… the cable car… ..celebrating the 40 years of the soft « Carnation Revolution », were Salazar’s « Estado Novo »‘s dictatorship state was put down peacefully by the army and
LX Factory
Like a good girl, I went through the Elle deco list of to-go places, starting with the uber buzzy LX factory, which ended up being partly closed on sunday, but happily had a flee market running all along the main street, to the happiness of my junk addict daughter, who follows (some) of her mothers’
Baixa House, Lisboa
This serviced apartment/hotel in the centre of Lisbon ticks pretty much all the cases: discreet and friendly service, bright spaces, very nice renovation, cool vintage furniture, lovely interior design (true to all the reports seen in various deco sourcing), delicious home made breakfast delivered to your door, and very reasonable pricing… but be warned if you are
Casa da Musica, Porto
Major concert hall designed by Rem Koolhaas, it also houses a restaurant and a cool terrace
Porto
A few blinks… The train station The cathedral’s cloister Shopping for chocolate.. ..and handmade wool & cotton rugs…
Casa do Conto, Porto
Conchita Wurst would approve about this project, rising from it’s ashes is what it’s all about, and it’s as daring and unconventional as the new winner of Eurovision! See link here for it’s history We did too, thoroughly enjoyed the architecture, spaces, breakfast and inspiration..
Alcobaça and Batalha Monasteries, Portugal
If, like me, you hadn’t heard of Portuguese gothic, you shall be up for a surprise… an actually grand surprise! Both monasteries are on the UNESCO world heritage list. Alcobaça Monastery is the first entirely gothic building in Portugal, built from 1178, it was later renovated in baroque style, thus the classical style of the
Cooking and nature emotional hotel, Alvaros, Portugal
Although the name is not very glamorous, the place is absolutely perfect, and in the end, the title does describes it, partially. What it doesn’t say, is how well designed is the place, how large and cosy are the common spaces, and how glam the rooms actually are with floor to ceiling walls opening on
Sensing Spaces @ Royal Academy of Arts, London
The RA invited 7 architectural practices from around the world to express themselves with no prerequisite but the way they express themselves through architecture. The resulting show was fascinating in the bright and grand space of the Royal Academy. Pezo von Ellrichshausen, despite their name, they are from Chile… Chichichi-lelele!! This practise is known for
1925, quand l’Art deco séduit le monde, Cite de l’architecture
Of course there is an assumed nostalgia about the time when France was within the worlds leading countries…. but you can’t help being nostalgic about about a modernity that joyful and worry less… And times when women after being put to work during WWI, decided they were not going to go back to their kitchens
Musee d’Orsay
I’d rather not say how long ago I went to Orsay last, cause it makes me feel really old.. But back here on a rainy Parisian day, it was nice rediscovering this grand building and it’s treasures, also a good spot to go back to the roots of industrial look. Yes I know, those
Angkor @ Musée Guimet, Paris
Always been fascinated by Angkor, so spent a full morning at musee Guimet, loved the drawings and period photography, specially interesting as apparently the site has already considerably deteriorated.. now will definitely have to go there at one point..
Happy holidays!
This years Christmas is under the sign of the olive tree… A sofa from a brocante in Provence, olive branches from our garden, a frame from Santiago’s flea market and a Mapuche bread container all come happily together for celebration, best wishes to you all!!!