Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
The XS version of the “C de Cartier” bag has just arrived ! This adorable light-weight companion comes in vibrant colours including jonquil yellow, morganite rose and peridot green for a chic baby-doll allure. Cartier, 4 avenue de Verdun, Nice (04 92 14 48 20).
The French company Madura and the Paul & Joe brand have again combined their talents to come up with a range of house linen, this time taking us to the Riviera. Delicate linen curtains with romantic floral prints, cotton cushions with polka dots, sets of bed linen with summer beach scenes : this very feminine and poetic collection is a welcome breath of fresh air. www.madura.fr
This aluminium chair, offering light yet robust design. Illustrating the talent and know-how of designer Patrick Norguet for Ethimo, it exemplifies real evolution in textiles for exteriors with the new upholstery used for its pleated back. Intended for outdoor use, its wrap-around shape will meet the needs of the most demanding when it comes to comfort. Ethimo. 98, boulevard Carnot, Le Cannet. (04 93 46 23 02)
The brand “Mes Demoiselles... Paris” has just treated itself to an immaculate showcase at the heart of Cannes. Here you will discover airy, Bohemian clothes made of precious second-skin fabrics such as linen, cotton gauze and silk. A must address for irresistible spring fashion. Mes Demoiselles... Paris, 121 rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 30 08 70).
An expression of Boucheron’s endless creativity, the “Quatre” ring is available for men. Henceforth, a fragrance pays tribute to this intemporal gem. Enlivened by a touch of bergamot and lime as a reference to white gold, the “Quatre pour Lui” perfume is a heady outpouring of violet leaves. Very sensual. Available from April 1st. Boucheron, 17 La Croisette, Cannes (04 93 38 96 96).
This fine Italian manufacturer of kitchens has just inaugurated a new flagship store in the midst of the home design neighbourhood in Cannes. In a floor area of 120 m2, its innovative designs are set off by a functional backcloth with walls in a lovely dove grey colour. Rejecting cold minimalism, Cesar kitchens propose combinations of materials such as laminated steel, vintage pine, ceramic, natural oak, and a new material called “fenix lead”. Cesar 6, rue Constantine, Cannes (www.cesar.it).
To celebrate the 60th wedding anniversary of Princess Grace, Multiprint Monaco, under the artistic direction of Frédéric Lecomte-Dieu, is publishing a superb boxed set comprised of 60 rare photos, printed on luxury paper 60 x 60 cm. Each photograph is captioned by socialite journalist Henry-Jean Servat. Made by hand of wood and precious fabric, this limited and numbered edition of 60 boxed sets will be on sale from April 14th, and is already available to order. 6000 €. Editions Multiprint Monaco. Réservations : lecomtedieu.fred@gmail.com
Launched in 1956, the “Ladybird” this year celebrates its 60th anniversary. For the occasion, Blancpain has come up with several new versions. As feminine as one could wish, this model features a bezel set with 32 diamonds and a dial set with eight. Special limited edition of 60 pieces. Blancpain. 27, La Croisette, Cannes. (04 93 38 11 11)
The Mediterranean ritual of the siesta has inspired Niçois designer Stéphanie Marin for her new creation called “Dune”. This indoor or outdoor sofa with comfy, poetic shapes adapts beautifully to all kinds of spaces and is available in three modular forms. On sale at the showroom by appointment, or on shop.smarin.net. Smarin, 14 ruelle du ruisseau, Nice (04 93 52 89 26).
Since joining Paule Ka in July last year, Alithia Spuri-Zampetti has been reinterpreting the codes of this Parisian fashion house with her usual talent. A capsule collection will arrive in April in the boutique in Cannes. Taking centre-stage, black and white, graphic details, the iconic bow-tie, and couture volumes of the ‘sixties. Paule Ka, 64 boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes (04 93 45 77 77).
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Platner collection, Knoll has come up with a precious finish in 18-carat gold for all the items signed by Warren Platner for Knoll. Designed in 1966, the architect himself had thought of making them in gold, but unfortunately, it was not possible with the technologies of the time. His wish has now been granted... Showroom Martine Foubet, 135 rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 38 54 50)
To showcase the most refined creations of its “artisans d’art”, the Fort Royal group has left the Bastille neighbourhood to treat itself to new premises in the chic 8th arrondissement. With floor space of 130 m2 on two floors, this elegant showroom displays offerings by historic legends in French heritage : orange-tree boxes from Les Jardins du Roi Soleil, cabinetmaker Craman Lagarde, the gunsmith Darne, master glass-maker Atelier Simon Marq, and a new arrival of unequalled virtuosity, metalworker Betemps, specializing in wrought iron. Showroom Fort Royal, 137 boulevard Haussmann, Paris 8 (01 83 64 89 12).
For more than 20 years, Caravane has been a reference for sofas acclaimed by city-dwellers fond of the cosmopolitan style. Handmade by devoted upholstery craftsmen, each model can be customized thanks to a vast catalogue of noble fabrics : printed cotton, washed velvet, linen, hemp and other materials unearthed on distant travels. The last-born, "Calife", is of oriental inspiration, an informal sofa elegantly incorporating a variation on forms and fabrics. From 3950 €. Chez Marie Robinson à Nice et Taman Antik à Saint-Tropez (www.caravane.fr).
In perfect harmony with the spirit of Christofle which views the art of living with its own brand of sensitivity, the talented and original designer Eric Schmitt has just set his name to a collection of small objects. Pure, elegant, refined, luxurious but not ostentatious, they are made of silver-plated metal, brass and alabaster. Two outstanding pieces play the ace of “haute orfèvrerie” with Borghini marble. A collection bearing the delightful name of “Céleste”, which should enrapture fans of beautiful objects. Eric Schmitt pour Christofle (www.christofle.com).
Tiffany's "East West" line has been joined by this new model whose rectangular shape is inspired by the 1940's. Its Tiffany blue dial, matte silver numerals and alligator strap all blend harmoniously with its steel case 42 x 25 mm. Tiffany, 6 avenue de Verdun, Nice (04 89 14 25 25).
An air of lightness wafts over this new address run by Cécile Bouchet, who has abandoned the world of communication for that of home decor. In this pretty setting of 35 m2, items by renowned designers rub shoulders with arts-and-crafts, vintage pieces and limited series. A discerning selection with a bit of everything, from tableware to lighting and house linen. L’air de Paris, 19 rue Lambert, Paris 18 (06 24 51 86 76).
The Bauhaus movement provided inspiration for Jason Wu, art director for BOSS, for the creation of this new line of handbags with colourful, graphic esthetics. Available in three sizes, this model called "Bespoke" is made of full grain leather in the workshops in Florence. From 950 €. Boss, 62 La Croisette, Cannes (04 93 43 59 61).
A brilliant combination of gold, enamel and diamonds, the Lina Piccola pendant pays homage to Gustav Klimt’s painting, “Le Baiser”. Made of 18-carat gold, this pictorial jewel is presented on a gold angel’s hair chain. Frey Wille, 43 rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 39 06 07) .
A stone’s throw from Bon Marché, the Compagnie Française de l’Orient et de la Chine has taken over vast floor space of 300 m2 with an astute blend of light wood, exotic parquet floors and a column of glass, all creating a soothing Zen-like atmosphere. Here one can enjoy a fragrant brew at the tea bar before exploring the wares on display, consisting of precious furnishings, designer objects and a wealth of tasteful decorative items. As a bonus, clients can benefit from advice from a personal shopper. Coming soon : a restaurant area orchestrated by a Japanese chef. Compagnie française de l’Orient et de la Chine, 10 boulevard Raspail, Paris 7 (www.cofc.fr).
On February 8th, the Chinese zodiac will enter the Year of the Fire Monkey. For the occasion, watchmaker Jaquet Droz has come up with four models portraying the animal, a symbol of intelligence and long life. To illustrate these outstanding watches housed in red gold cases 35 and 39 mm in diameter, Jaquet Droz took inspiration from the legend of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King in classic Chinese literature. The collection called “Petite Heure Minute Relief Singe” is limited to 28 pieces. Arije, 50 boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes (04 93 68 47 73).
