

Red-trimmed tea time indulgence - Afternoon tea at Hotel Plaza Athénée, Paris
Dear readers, when in Paris, how could one leave without indulging in the city’s famed gastronomic pleasures? Especially when it comes to those elegant, couture-inspired pastries that tempt us at first glance and invite us back for more. Paris is indeed the home to countless celebrated pastry maisons, but if one wishes to enjoy such exquisite treats in a setting that is equally sumptuous, a classic Parisian afternoon tea is one of the loveliest ways to experience the city.


Riviera perfume legacy - “Fragonard: The Perfume of Provence” by Alain Stella
Dear readers, for those who are passionate about perfume, fashion, and the art of living, there is something deeply compelling about tracing a beautiful creation back to its origins. Sometimes, the fascination is not only with the object itself, but also with the place, the craftsmanship, and the heritage that shaped it. To me, perfume has always inspired that kind of romantic curiosity. About a decade ago, I made a point of visiting Grasse, the world capital of perfume in


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


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


A stylish conversation with Stefan Dobrescu — Style Consultant and Founder of "The Gentlemen's Order"
Dear readers, with the arrival of a new season, it’s the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe with some key pre-Fall or Fall pieces. ...


Haute couture legacy revisited – "Worth: Inventing Haute Couture" Exhibition, Paris
Dear readers, this time of year always reminds me of Paris, where every summer brings a style, or fashion-related exhibition that...


Nina Ricci – the fashion designer, the book, and her perfume
Dear readers, if you are into French fashion and history, whenever you visit Paris, Palais Galliera should be the museum that you should...


Oscar de la Renta – the fashion designer, the book, and his perfume
Dear readers, there are a couple of global events that drew people’s attention earlier this year, and one of them, needlessly to say, is...


Connect with the French fashion legend - Musée Yves Saint Laurent, Paris
Dear readers, did anyone of you watch the TV show “Becoming Karl Lagerfeld”? I first noticed the show because of the German-Spanish...


Splendor revisit – ‘House Style: Five Centuries of Fashion at Chatsworth’ exhibition, Derbyshire
For some reason I am very fond of Matthew Crawley from ‘Downton Abbey’, the polished and dashing gentleman with his impeccable and...













