Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
A first boutique for this young brand bearing the name of its designer, who cleverly creates everyday objects in Limoges porcelain offering rare nobility. In this hideaway with lots of wood, these collections in immaculate white tell inspiring stories : the Empire, Arabia, Etoile, Eden… A delicate world which also features sublime candles in elegant holders, also handmade. Alix D Reynis, 14 rue Commines, Paris 3 (01 56 06 90 66).
Still in the 17th arrondissement, at the heart of Les Batignolles, Blou will inaugurate its third boutique dedicated to design in July. An innovative setting, presenting brands of a confidential nature such as Hay, Tonone and Fritz Hansen, but also customized services with a “home-coach” to unearth the best practical and esthetic solutions. Blou 3, 20 rue des Dames, Paris 17 (www.blou-paris.fr).
In this aptly-named spot with a casual ambiance, the selection dedicated to men offers a wide array of very appealing offerings. Fashion signed by trendy designers, personal care products, deco and high-tech items... Proposing an enticing choice of must-haves, La Garçonnière is busy all day long with its little café area. Other bonuses include a barber’s services and events that further enliven this festive concept store. La Garçonnière, 40 rue des Petits Carreaux, Paris 2 (09 73 68 14 47).
An appointment not to be missed, the opening of the Villa Chanel in the mansion La Mistrale´e hits the headlines each year. This season, to set off its ready-to-wear and accessories, plus “haute joaillerie” in July and August - including the new J12, Mirror and BOY models -, the iconic boutique has opted for black, white, beige and gold. This summer, the pool-house is exclusively dedicated to shoes ! Until October 5th. Villa Chanel, 1 boulevard du Général Leclerc, Saint-Tropez (04 94 49 07 47).
A play on colours and lines, refined, crossbred and cheerful taste... Sarah Lavoine’s furnishings are a real tonic for home interiors. In the blink of an eye, her sofas become comfortable beds, occasional tables adapt to all surface areas, brightly coloured cushions made of vegetal materials add a touch of gaiety, while light fittings beckon to distant lands. Sarah Lavoine, 9 rue Saint Roch, Paris 1 et 28 rue du Bac, Paris 6 (www.sarahlavoine.com).
Taking advantage of the 69th Film Festival in Cannes, Dior has inaugurated its new boutique located at 7 boulevard de la Croisette. Designed by star architect Peter Marino, this luxury three-floor showcase in tones of grey and white accommodates collections for both men and women : leather goods, watches, jewellery, ready-to-wear and shoes. Dior, 7 boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes.
Well-known for its artisanal ceramics, the Parisian firm Astier de Villatte has just moved into a former bookshop on the very smart Rue de Tournon. A second boutique, this time focusing more on stationery and fragrances, and offering as a bonus a discerning selection of items from elsewhere, such as DS Durga perfumes from New York, creams from the Rafalias pharmacy in Greece, and Pineider collections of writing paper designed in Florence. Astier de Villatte, 16 rue de Tournon, Paris 6 (01 42 03 43 90).
This armchair signed Unopiù stands out for its teak-slat structure curved by steam using an old crafts technique, and its handwoven cord covering. To personalize this contemporary line, Unopiù proposes about 30 combinations of fabrics and colours, including tweed textiles that are innovative for outdoor use. Unopiù, rond-point des Tourrades, Mandelieu-la-Napoule (04 92 19 57 77).
Tiffany has drawn inspiration from the bounty of the sea and its fauna for this fabulous bracelet comprised of a trio of starfish portrayed in diamonds, sapphires and tsavorites enhanced by white gold. From the new “Blue Book” collection, this spectacular creation is signed by the brand’s design director, Francesca Amfitheatrof. Tiffany, 6 avenue de Verdun, Nice (04 89 14 25 25).
Very enticing, the on-line French fashion brand Sézane is extending its offerings by proposing a “take-away” option for lifestyle products in its very elegant “Appartement”. An opportunity to prolong one’s “connected” experience by shopping from a selection of new creations based on seasonal themes, this time focusing on Italy. Deco, house linen, stationery, jewellery, leatherware, but also food, flowers, books, even a small screening lounge… L’Appartement Sézane, 1 rue Saint Fiacre, Paris 2 (www.sezane.com).
A cascade of colours is the over-riding feature of outdoor furniture for 2016. As witnessed by the “Asian Traveler” sunlounger proposed in blue, grey, orange, white and yellow by Roche Bobois. Designed by the highly creative Stephen Burks and made of aluminium and fabric, it will no doubt add its cheerfulness this season to a good number of terraces and gardens on the Côte d’Azur. Roche Bobois, 3015 chemin Saint-Bernard, Antibes (04 92 96 55 70).
Founded in 1883 by Madame Noël, the brand of the same name specializing in embroidered house linen has adorned the most prestigious dinners given at the Elysées and Versailles palaces. From Paris to London and New York, the brand’s renown resides in unique expertise using traditional embroidery for its exceptional pieces. Noël offers made-to-measure services and highly desirable collections. Noël linge de maison, 1 avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, place Iéna, Paris 16 (01 40 70 14 63).
Mostly known for its gentlemen’s watches, Breitling has dedicated the new “Galactic 29” to its female clients. The smallest of Breitling models with a 29-mm diametre, it is distinguished by refined details including a mother-of-pearl dial, jewelled bezel, diamond hour-markers, and a version in rose gold. As for performance, Breitling has remained true to its long philosophy of excellence. Ferret, 9 La Croisette, Cannes (04 92 59 00 51).
A label created in 2009 by Rodolphe Borgniet, Made in Paris specializes in exclusive fragrances by Parisian creators and designers. Its new line of “Bijou” candles are encapsulated in smart little pots made of biscuit pottery by craftsmen, bearing a gold-plated ring produced in the workshops of designer Mademoiselle Abeille. With their intoxicating perfumes, these candles deliver messages of love that makes hearts melt. Bougies Bijou Made In Paris, points de vente sur www.lfmadeinparis.com
With their white rubber soles, Lanvin’s new slip-ons are madly fashionable. Their strong identity is expressed in a choice of calfskin, leather, jacquard and strass. Lanvin, place du Casino, Monaco (00 377 93 25 01 79).
Capable of assimilating the latest trends without becoming enslaved to the caprices of passing fads, Meridiani’s collections give a wonderful interpretation of luxury in which comfort goes hand in hand with esthetic flair. This season, the Italian brand and its designer Andrea Parisio again offer remarkable pieces of furniture enriched with new materials such as brass with a bronze patina and Emperador marble. Méridiani, 278 boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris 6 (01 55 74 62 26).
Spanish chef Quique Dacosta with three Michelin stars has placed his experience and talent at the disposal of Porcelanosa to come up with a truly creative professional kitchen. Enriching the Premium Collection, it fulfils its aim of being practical while offering impeccable design. It is comprised of columns and an island with snow-white lacquered fronts, black handles and a vast Krion worktop. Open shelves in tinted oak with a clever LED backlighting system complete this outstanding kitchen. Porcelanosa, 41 boulevard Dubouchage, Nice (04 93 04 19 63).
This elegant mechanical fountain pen reflects the Richard Mille philosophy : the summum of technique and innovation, with a strong artistic dimension as a bonus. A titanium calibre with 12 jewels, it bears the DNA of the watchmaking firm from the Jura, offering initiates an iconic Richard Mille product. Richard Mille, allée François Blanc, Monaco (00 377 97 77 56 14)
Under the guidance of architect Marie Deroudilhe who has borrowed the Museum’s very special identity by making liberal use of concrete and steel, its Design Boutique has been treated to a revamp. A wealth of products and objects signed by trendy designers are to be discovered here, along with enticing jewellery and textile creations, and the bonus of a children’s area. La Boutique du Centre Pompidou, place Georges Pompidou, Paris 4 (01 44 78 15 78).
The family jewellery firm Burma has just raised the veil on its new collection offering a palette of bittersweet colours. Ear-rings, necklaces, chokers, rings and cuff bracelets recall the sumptuous finery of Maharajas, while a few pieces opt for more contemporary styles. Adorned with burmalite violet amethysts, blue spinels, green peridots, yellow sapphires, pastel pink, tyrian rose, paraiba blue... A rainbow of colours for the summer season. Burma, 20 bd de la Croisette, Cannes (04 93 68 67 20) et Galerie du Métropole, avenue des Spélugues, Monaco (00 377 97 98 33 19).
