

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


Folklore, color, and modern English charm – “Kit Kemp: Design Stories”
Dear readers, as spring approaches, many fashion and interior designers turn to intriguing patterns, drawing inspiration from nature, such as flora and fauna, even folkloric motifs, to create a refreshing, uplifting mood that lightens the deep, wintry palette of the colder months. If you are looking for the same kind of inspiration to refresh your home, or even your wardrobe for this new season, then the new coffee-table book titled “ Kit Kemp: Design Stories ” could be a be


Home entertaining with timeless sparkle - Baccarat “Mille Nuits” crystalware
Dear readers, what comes to mind when you think of spring? Perhaps it is the season of new beginnings, the awakening of nature, and quiet rejuvenation. To me, it is also the season of entertaining, a time to open our homes, set a beautiful table, and celebrate with those we enjoy spending time with. With Easter sitting at the heart of the season, its joyful symbolism of renewal and rebirth pairs perfectly with pastel decorations, charming Easter eggs, soft home textiles, a


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













