

Riviera pastry escape - Pastry class at Grand-Hôtel du Cap Ferrat, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
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


Hidden Paris flea market gems - Porte de Vanves flea market, Paris
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


Allure of Parisian dining - “Lapérouse: A Parisian Icon Since 1766” by Frédéric Beigbeder
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


Rare art of French passementerie – Maison Declercq Passementiers, Paris
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


Italian gentlemanly interiors - “Michele Bönan: The Gentleman of Style” (2015)
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


French men's couture essential – Lutays, Paris
Dear readers, I have recently come across several YouTube vlogs about finding souvenirs in Paris that feel neither touristy nor cliché, but instead unique, thoughtful, and memorable. They were interesting, yet surprisingly, almost none of them spoke to refined menswear, especially in the world capital of fashion and couture. That made me wonder where one might find a piece of Parisian elegance in the form of beautifully made menswear, something to bring home as a lasting re


Fairytale palace chronicles – “Schloss Herrenchiemsee” (1995)
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


Irish elegance in scent - Rathbornes 1488 “Dublin Dusk” candle
Dear readers, when creating a sophisticated gentleman’s home for summer, tasteful décor, textiles, coffee-table books, and lighting all play their part in shaping a stylish, lively ambience. Yet, one essential element is often invisible: the scent. Not the new-leather smell of an armchair or the faint aroma of fresh fabrics, but a luxurious, elusive fragrance that quietly defines how your home feels — a scent that matches, with precision, the atmosphere and taste you have s


Cozy summer state of mind – “The Summer House” by Jaci Conry
Dear readers, almost without realizing it, we are slowly entering the transitional season toward summer. Understandably, many of us are already dreaming about our summer vacations and ideal getaways in the months ahead. Yet, for some style-savvy individuals who also delight in a beautiful home life, staying in can be just as relaxing and restorative as traveling, without the time and energy spent on airports, long drives, dinner reservations, or sightseeing schedules. If y


Inside quiet Parisian luxury – “Le Bristol Paris: An Ode to the French Art de Vivre”
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













