Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
During Milan's Fashion Week in mid-January, Lamborghini unveiled its new collection of clothing and accessories dedicated to men. These casual-chic items now constitute the base for masculine wardrobes : from parkas to footwear, a wide choice of jackets, polos and T-shirts. The Italian brand also announced its partnership with a Swiss brand of cosmetics for the creation of the "Men’s Code" line. Lamborghini, place de la Liberté, Cap d’Ail (04 93 44 67 24).
In the spring of ‘68, three artist friends launched their first perfume called “L’Eau de Diptyque”. The firm is now celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first “eau de toilette” with two new creations. “Tempo” returns to the theme of patchouli, an icon in the ‘sixties, now refined with extreme precision and heady enchantment. Meanwhile “Fleur de Peau” calls upon musk, another ingredient equally symbolic of the era, in a discreet, powdery and slightly spicy perfume. Diptyque, 34 boulevard Saint Germain Paris 5 (01 43 26 77 44 - www.diptyqueparis.fr).
A new brand of jewellery based in Nice, La Plaià has adopted the famous pebbles from the Promenade des Anglais as its emblem, proposed in a precious smooth version or adorned with brilliant-size diamonds. Worn as a pendant, necklace, ring or cufflinks, each pebble creation is craftmade in the workshop in Nice. Ring 1249 €. www.laplaia.com (04 93 71 87 12)
Portraying the beauty of swallows taking flight, this vase majestically celebrates the 130th anniversary of Lalique. Made of colourless crystal stamped with gold, this object of pure luxury in a limited edition of 130 pieces reinterprets the recurrent and iconic illustration of the swallow in the work of René Lalique. Sublime... Lalique Paris, 11 rue Royale, Paris 8 (01 53 05 12 81).
Entrusted to architect Peter Marino, the Maison Louis Vuitton Vendôme has taken shape in two town mansions built in 1714. It opened its doors on October 4th, on the legendary Place Vendôme. The inauguration of this impressive shrine marks the return of Louis Vuitton to the place where it all began over 160 years ago. The noble building presents a unique, global offering : exclusive items are on display alongside 33 contemporary artworks. The building also accommodates two workshops known for their excellence : “Haute Joaillerie” and the “Rare et Exceptionnel” studio, which produces one-off pieces to meet the specific requirements of prestige clients. An exclusive version of the “Capucines” bag is on offer to mark the opening. Louis Vuitton, 2 place Vendôme, Paris 1.
For the first time, private individuals can acquire collections of furniture from hotel and boutique projects. They have all been produced by the duo of architects Patrick Gilles and Dorothée Boissier, who have notably set their signatures to the decor of the Mandarin Oriental in Marrakesh, the Baccarat Hotel in New York, the Four Seasons in Mexico, and the “Histoires” restaurant in Paris. Gilles & Boissier, 10 rue Portalis, Paris 8 (01 45 41 74 96).
The iconic “Mah Jong” sofa signed Roche Bobois has been given a new twist by designer Kenzo Takada, who has dressed it in flamboyant Nogaku fabrics. These patterns inspired by superb old kimonos are also to be found in a line of cushions in different harmonies expressing the three times of day in all softness, vivacity and depth. Roche Bobois, 207/213 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris 7 (01 49 54 01 70).
The Boffi Cannes showroom has just moved to the centre of town. Here you will find its bathrooms, kitchens and walk-in closets, all elegantly staged, together with designs by De Padova and MA/U Studio, two brands which have just entered the Boffi universe to complete its offerings of recognized excellence. Boffi, 6 rue Constantine, Cannes (www.boffi-cannes.com).
In a limited edition of only five pieces, the Louxor set of jewellery by Elie Top is made of silver and crystal. It borrows the Art Deco style of the 1920’s, symbolizing modernism, geometry and sobriety. Baccarat, 79 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8 (01 42 65 36 26).
Furniture designs by the duo formed by French architect Virginie Moriette and Chinese designer Xu Ming (Studio MVW) have joined the elite “Invisible Collection”. Characterized by multiculturalism, these refined furnishings offer a balance between references to French and Chinese decorative arts, and an unrestrained passion for rare and precious materials. www.theinvisiblecollection.com
Each year, Lalique presents a precious perfume in a very limited edition. The 2018 crystal bottle borrows inspiration from the “Serpent” vase designed by René Lalique in 1924. The fragrance recalls a bouquet of scents from paradise regained : a bewitching Garden of Eden with top notes of rose, jasmine and iris. Lalique, 11 rue Royale, Paris 8 (01 53 05 12 81
Géraldine Prieur, interior architect and anti-conformist designer, creates eye-catching ambiances midway between fashion and the decorative arts. She has just inaugurated her own gallery at the heart of the famous Carré Rive Gauche to enrich her studio of interior architecture and customized design. In a glowing setting composed of brass, solid wood and leather, visitors discover furnishings, wall-paper, fabrics and carpets, interspersed with a selection of fashion accessories. Galerie Rouge Absolu, 3, rue des Saints-Pères, Paris 6 (www.rougeabsolu.com).
Luxury summer hats proposed by the Maison Michel invade Saint-Tropez throughout the high season. Founded in 1936, this milliner characterized by Parisian excellence can be found until November 5th in a light and airy boutique in the centre of the village. Discover the “Panama de Saint Tropez” line in all exclusiveness : fedoras in closely woven cotton, typical of the brand, in bleached or bonded version. About 450 €. Maison Michel, 43 rue François Sibilli, Saint-Tropez (www.michel-paris.com).
For the first time, Hermès is proposing a range of textile pieces and decorative accessories for outdoor areas. Based on fabrics treated to withstand damp and the rays of the sun, this line with graphic Mediterranean prints should meet with great success from the world of yachting and seaside villas. Hermès, 52 boulevard de La Croisette, Cannes (04 93 39 18 23).
To celebrate its 90th anniversary, the renowned Italian firm Cassina has extended its activities in France by opening an ample showroom of 230 m2 at the heart of the Marais. A wide selelection of furnishings and decorative items are on display in ambiances both welcoming and inspiring. Cassina, 129 rue de Turenne, Paris 3 (01 40 29 84 30).
For the 60th anniversary of the Superocean, Breitling has redesigned this diving watch dedicated to modern-day explorers. The spirit of the original model has been preserved, with the main new feature consisting of a stainless steel bezel with an ultra-resistant hi-tech ceramic ring. Ferret, 9 bd de La Croisette, Cannes (04 92 59 00 51).
For the launch of the 2017 Spring/ Summer Ready-to-Wear Collection - the first designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri -, Dior is opening a series of ephemeral boutiques all over the world, with scenography orchestrated by artists Tracey Emin and Maripol. Pop up Store Dior, 44 avenue Montaigne, Paris 8 (www.dior.com).
Chic and colourful, Mila armchairs proposed by Spanish designer Jaime Hayon for Magis endow plastic with its letters of nobility. Thanks to a gas-assisted injection moulding technique, the designer has created a chair with sinuous, dynamic lines. His source of inspiration ? Catalan modernism, whose leading representative was Antoni Gaudi. J.Bonet, 33 rue de la Buffa, Nice (04 93 54 77 52).
The architectural firm Malherbe Design can lay claim to Fred’s magnificent new boutique on Rue de la Paix, a stone’s throw from Place Vendôme. Inspired by the fascination of founder Fred Samuel for the South, Hubert de Malherbe has created an elegant Mediterranean atmosphere for this lofty showcase with ceilings 7 metres high. Fred, 14 rue de la Paix, Paris 2 (01 42 86 60 60).
To re-create the olfactory appeal of vodka on the rocks, perfume “nose” Sidonie Lancesseur has blended cold spices (coriander and cardamom) as main notes with a heart composed of the sharp sweetness of rhubarb and floral notes. In the background, oak moss and sandalwood add a powerful chord. This new fragrance from Kilian enriches the precious collection called “Addictive State of Mind”. Kilian, 20, rue Cambon, Paris 1er. (01 42 65 20 60).
