

Gilded Age grandeur in an American Château - "Biltmore House: The Interiors and Collections of George W. Vanderbilt"
Dear readers, the arrival of Valentine’s season brings to my mind a holiday movie that I watched in Christmas not long ago: “A Biltmore Christmas”. This romantic film tells the story of an accidental time-travel encounter between a young, beautiful screenwriter from the present day, Lucy (played by actress Bethany Joy Lenz), and a dashing, heart‑throb Hollywood actor, Jack (played by actor Kristoffer Polaha), in the mid‑1940s. The movie enchants not only with its story and


Chic Paris guide through the artist’s eyes – “Forever Paris: A Guide to the Timeless Soul of the City” by Marin Montagut
Dear readers, speaking of green and beautiful books from my previous blog, I cannot help thinking about another new title that has climbed to the top of my “to-have” list this season, especially if you are looking for Valentine’s Day gift ideas, or for places in Paris where you can shop for a special present. Those of you who have been following my blog will probably know that I have written about the work of Parisian artist, designer, and lifestyle boutique owner, Mr. Marin


The art of Italian perfume and Oud – THoO (The House of Oud)
Dear readers, as the festive season approaches, indulging in a little self-gifting alongside picking presents for others isn't a bad idea at all, especially at Christmas, when we all deserve a touch of stylish luxury. For those who appreciate sophisticated style and refined fragrances and prefer to steer clear of mainstream, oversaturated, or overly commercial brands, today's blog might be right up your alley! About a year ago, I came across THoO ( The House of Oud ), an I


Revival of Gilded Age elegance — “The Frick Collection: The Historic Interiors” by Xavier F. Salomon
Dear readers, as the holiday season approaches, selecting a thoughtful Christmas gift as a gentleman becomes an art in itself. A well-chosen present not only reflects your knowledge, refined taste, and sensitivity toward sophisticated elegance but also delivers an unexpected, unforgettable delight to your loved ones, adding a magical touch to the festive harmony. Speaking of gifts, have you considered your Christmas shopping ideas yet? If you seek a gift that is simple, ta


Riviera charm – “La Pausa: The Ideal Mediterranean Villa of Gabrielle Chanel”
Dear readers, decades ago when I was studying French in an evening school after work, it was an exhausting experience, yet, I vividly remember one class that left me uplifted and energized, my French teacher shared a hilarious anecdote about the vacation habits of the French from the north: how they would travel to the south of France, disrupt the locals and environment, return home, and then complain about how undesirable the south and its people were. While the class laugh


The historic beauty of Tuscany - "Tuscan Rooms: Interiors from the Heartland of the Renaissance"
Dear readers, the twice-yearly Pitti Immagine (also known as Pitti Uomo) in Florence is a must-attend event for refined menswear and...


Timeless charm of Parisian brasseries - "50 recettes Brasserie - La mémoire de Paris" by Jean-Marie Boëlle & Jean Cazals (2009)
Dear readers, I was recently captivated by a YouTube channel created by a Paris-based Japanese couple who meander through this City of...


When Parisian couturier meets Provence - “Christian Dior in the South of France: The Château de la Colle Noire” by Laurence Benaim (2017)
Dear readers, about a month ago, I stopped by a luxurious shopping mall where a grand Dior pop-up store was erected in the central...


Bernard Boutet de Monvel — the French painter & fashion illustrator, the book, and his artworks
Dear readers, following my last blog post about a menswear artist, I’d like to continue this topic by introducing another remarkable...


J.C. Leyendecker — the artist, the book, and his artworks
Dear readers, beyond men’s fashion, we often find ourselves drawn to the elements that surround it: magazines (both online and print),...













