My Modern Darcy

Dear readers, in our daily lives, we often hear the phrase “think outside the box”, which encourages creativity, originality, and fresh solutions. I have often wondered how that idea applies to wine and champagne appreciation. To me, it means being open to discovering houses that are less widely known, rather than simply following the most heavily promoted names; it means choosing wine and champagne for their value, quality, heritage, and craftsmanship — and for the way the

Dear readers, throughout history, artists have used different media to express their aesthetic, their distinctive style, and their point of view. Some have turned to painting, others to music, perfume creation, or wine-making. Across the centuries, these forms of expression have helped shape the artistic and creative world we know today, enriching our lives with beauty and inspiration. To master one art form is already a challenge, requiring years of practice, patience, and

Dear readers, about a month ago, an invitation arrived in my mailbox for Vinexpo Asia 2026, one of the most exciting events of the year for wine lovers. It gathers not only some of the world’s most prominent wineries, but also a number of newer names that are not always easy to find in local wine shops or restaurants. As my curiosity drew me back to the fair, it also occurred to me that I had not written about wine and champagne for quite some time. So, as a prelude to thi

Dear readers, Paris is home to more than 100 museums, showcasing not only national treasures such as master paintings, sculptures, objets d’art, fashion, and jewellery, but also the quieter, more specialised forms of craftsmanship that often remain overlooked. For those who have already visited the city’s most familiar museums and are looking for something more distinctive, yet still deeply rooted in Parisian history and artistry, there is another destination worth discoveri

Dear readers, since we were in a bit of an Italian mood, it has reminded me of something I have wanted to write about for a long time. In my previous blog, I explored how a dashing Italian baron was closely tied to his perfume creations. This time, I have been thinking about another stylish Italian gentleman whose work continues to inspire a love of beautiful living: the Florentine interior designer, Michele Bönan. I first came across his work through the interiors he crea

Dear readers, following my previous blog about the prelude to Esxence, the prominent annual perfume expo in Milan, which will be held next month, I would like to revisit another perfume maison that has long captured the imagination of perfume lovers: Acqua di Parma. Instantly recognisable by its iconic, elegant, Art Deco-inspired cylindrical bottle, its black cap resembling a gentleman’s top hat, and its clean white label crowned with the house’s coat of arms, this Italian l