My Modern Darcy

Dear readers, visiting Grasse — a small town in the south of France — may not be the first choice for certain travellers seeking the glamour of the French Riviera; the region offers plenty of more obvious destinations, from the grand hotels of Cannes to the sunlit elegance of Saint-Tropez. Yet for perfume lovers and connoisseurs, Grasse possesses an almost sacred significance. Recognised as an historic centre of French perfumery, Grasse is celebrated for its centuries-old ex

Dear readers, among the many trips I have taken to France over the years, summer 2017 was particularly memorable for a series of “firsts” in my life. It was my first visit to Grasse, the world capital of perfume in France; my first visit to Château de Compiègne, where I marveled at the grandeur of French architecture and court life; my first close encounter with the legendary “Le Bar” suit by the legendary late French couturier, Christian Dior, at the spectacular exhibition

Dear readers, summer is the perfect season for a luxury getaway, even if the heat can be intense, especially in Europe. A stylish and memorable holiday is not only about lounging by the pool of a beautiful hotel or sailing on a chic yacht in the sun and sea breeze; it is also about how one chooses to spend the time. This summer, I wanted to do something a little different. The French Riviera has always held a special place in my heart, and with my birthday coinciding with

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

Dear readers, over the past few months I have been captivated by several vlogs about Paris’s flea markets, and I kept wondering when I would have the chance to revisit this city I am so fond of and explore these intriguing markets in person. That day finally came when I confirmed my trip to Paris this summer, and I set myself an ambitious list of places to discover this time. On my previous trips, I had already been a regular at the Saint-Ouen flea market thanks to a recomm

Dear readers, in the world of gastronomy, it is always fascinating to experience the many sensations that an artistically prepared meal can offer. Guided by a chef’s vision, from carefully selected ingredients to precise technique and elegant presentation, and elevated by beautiful tableware, silverware, and atmosphere, dining becomes a form of art, one that delights both the eye and the palate. Yet what if history were added to the experience, too? What if a restaurant co

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, for many perfume aficionados, the annual Esxence perfume expo in Milan is an event not to miss; with the next edition taking place in early June, many of us are looking forward to discovering what is new in the world of fragrance. Whether you are attending or simply following along from afar, this feels like the perfect moment to celebrate the “scent of style”. Having written many perfume posts over the years, I sometimes find myself searching for new brands t

Dear readers, a few months ago, I came across a documentary by a German TV news network, DW, about the legendary Neuschwanstein Castle and the visionary spirit behind it, King Ludwig II of Bavaria. This program stirred something in me, particularly it brought back some of the vivid memories of my trip to Munich in April 2017; I still remember clearly that because of the story of this fairytale king, I have made a promise to myself that it is compulsory to visit all three of

Dear readers, beyond high-fashion glamour, one of Paris's greatest assets is its rich history, particularly its art of living and elegant gastronomy. That was exactly what I experienced on a sunny summer day in 2017, when I planned a delightful Parisian afternoon tea at Café Antonia, inside the historic and prestigious Le Bristol Paris , before continuing to the renowned Parisian tailoring house, Cifonelli, and say “bonjour” to my Parisian friend who worked at the boutique j