Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
In this little setting for fans of decor, designer and Jack-of-all-trades Philippe Model invites us to share his selection of items for the home unearthed in all four corners of the globe. His own creations rub shoulders with those of artist/craftsmen friends, and the visitor is enchanted by his interpretation of colours, his poetic universe and original proposals conveying a discerning sense of fantasy. Philippe Model Maison, 66 rue Condorcet, Paris 9 (09 66 97 92 58).
Elegant and insolent, Tod’s new Double T mocassins have opted for red python skin to harmonize with the matching bag in red velvet on a black leather shoulder strap adorned with guitar, star, mediator pins and strass in silvered metal. Tod’s, traverse de la Garonne, Saint-Tropez (04 94 97 88 17).
With his very own form of alchemy, the talented German designer Lukas Wegwerth grows real crystals on ceramics. After months of crystallization, he produces vases, all of them unique pieces. These creations are now available exclusively from the Eklektik Gallery in Monaco. Eklektik Gallery, 19 boulevard des Moulins, Monaco (00 377 6 11 48 03 86).
The first address in France for Neptune, a British brand launched in 1996, which has chosen the heart of Paris in which to install its refined collection of decorative items, tableware, house linen and furnishings. In cottage style, the boutique welcomes us to the soft, velvety world of traditional English homes. Well worth discovering for its charm and elegance. Neptune, 12 rue d’Uzès, Paris 2 (www.neptune.com).
For Valentine’s Day, Harry Winston has come up with a rich array of “Haute Joaillerie” creations in white gold paved with diamonds and superb rubies, including these Crossover rings conveying a truly romantic message. Harry Winston, 29 boulevard de La Croisette, Cannes (04 20 10 07 66).
Behind its silkscreened label with a lace of intertwined roses, the 2015 vintage christened “La Vie en Rose” unfurls a wide aromatic palette. With her son Adrien, Valérie Rousselle, owner of the Château Roubine, has produced this blend mainly composed of Tibouren and Cinsault varieties to pay homage to sensuality, femininity and romanticism. Château Roubine, 4216 route de Draguignan, Lorgues (04 94 85 94 94).
In her elegant showroom in Cannes, Riviera-born Christine Bodino exhibits prominent signatures in international design : Ora-Ito, Andrée Putman, Gio Ponti... From now on, the “Sicilia” collection signed Sarah Lavoine can also be found here, and nowhere else. Comprised of glassware, bowls, plates and trays in vivid colours, this line comes in earthenware with a matt or shiny finish.Christine Bodino Design, 4 avenue Selvosa, Cannes (04 92 98 05 01).
In generous floor space of 150 m2 on the 4th floor of BHV, this first corner shop devoted to Made in Design, a brand acclaimed by fans for 15 years for its incredible e-shop, shares a well-chosen selection of furnishings and accessories. Budding talents, “must-haves’’ and acknowledged classics all rub shuoulders in this stylish setting offering the surprise of a first, very prominent, guest of honour : Tom Dixon, an iconic designer, here proposing exclusive items. The bonus ? Each month, Made In Design gives a manufacturer “carte blanche” : Ibride and its fantastic universe sets the ball rolling with its eye-catching animals. Made In Design, BHV Marais, 52 rue de Rivoli, Paris 4 (09 77 40 14 00).
ompleting the “Eaux de Cartier” collection, the new “Eau de Parfum” revels in warm and sensual nuances. With its glowing amber fragrances, this precious potion leaves a warm, vanilla-tinted scent drifting in its wake. A fragrance both timeless and ideal for winter ! Cartier, 4 avenue de Verdun, Nice (04 92 14 48 20).
The sixth for Roche Bobois ! Born in 1960, this brand embodying all the diversity of French design has inaugurated a new address in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. In this showroom of 500 m² on two floors, collections are displayed in very appealing stagings offering a wide array of scenarios and inspiration for today’s homes. Boutique Roche Bobois, 84-92 Avenue du Maine, Paris 14 (01 40 47 85 01).
Designer Jason Wu has redefined the silhouette of the BOSS woman in a new line called “Fundamentals”, a collection of timeless clothing with the iconic tailored suit as its mainstay. Elegant and beautifully cut from noble materials, light and well-structured, these models with impeccable finishing touches are proposed in a deliberately limited palette of colours : midnight blue, black, white and anthracite grey. Boss, 62 boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes (04 93 43 59 61).
Nestling at the heart of a neighbourhood seeing a real turn-around, this concept store with a playful, creative spirit aims to place design within everyone’s reach. Through an eclectic selection of innovative labels in tableware, accessories, stationery, furnishings, lighting, but also amusing, educational games for children, this boutique awakens interest in design, sets up exchanges and offers something of interest to all its visitors. Boutique For Tomorrow, 16 Esplanade Nathalie Sarraute, Paris 18 (01 42 05 88 87).
With this new model enriching Corum’s Op Art series, designer Nicolas Le Moigne wanted to create a strong, arty dial. All in relief, alternating beautifully mastered curves and hollows, it imitates the surface of swirling water, whence the name of this limited edition of 350 pieces : “Bubble Drop”. Arije, 50 boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes (04 93 68 47 73).
The Saint-Tropez brand renowned for its chic swimwear shorts presents its first capsule collection dedicated to winter sports. Combining elegance and performance, Vilebrequin’s “Aspen” line ensures a sporty silhouette for men and boys in mountainwear basics made of technical materials. The Vilebrequin signature is easily recognizable in bright colours and cheerful prints. Vilebrequin, 8 rue Paradis, Nice (04 93 16 06 80).
In a limited series of only 170 pieces worldwide, the Kabuto de Namiki fountain pen will appeal to fans of exquisite writing instruments. Decorated by Michifumi, a renowned craftsman specializing in lacquer, the barrel of the pen is dusted with gold, while its rhodium-plated 8-carat gold nib ensures exceptional writing quality. 2700 €. Régence, 28 avenue de la Costa, Monaco (00 377 93 50 31 09).
Inspired by iconic creations by René Lalique, the perfume bottles for the “Noir Premier” collection contain six contemporary fragrances. “Or Intemporel 1888”, an olfactory interpretation of the most precious of metals, features tobacco and coffee as its dominant notes. An opulent potion, intense and rare. Lalique, 87 rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 38 66 88).
Snuggling in red lamb’s fur and gold leather, the special Christmas 2015 edition of Longchamp’s iconic “Pliage Héritage” tote-bag comes with a clutch bag version flaunting the same theatrical patchwork. Very chic for party nights ! Longchamp, 10 avenue de Verdun, Nice (04 93 87 19 00), 17 La Croisette, Cannes (04 93 38 08 08).
An expert on the Côte d’Azur’s architectural legacy and technical advisor for restoration of 18th-C. façades around Place Garibaldi in Nice, Roberte Dallo supervised renovation of the Gloria Mansions in Nice, a real masterpiece of Art Deco. Passionate about her work, she has written a rich and precise book on the Art Deco architectural style in the Mediterranean. It includes some remarkable buildings, both private and public, designed by the Hovnanian brothers, Robert Mallet-Stevens, Georges Dikansky and Ferdinand Bac. Editions Gilletta. 34,90 €. La Briqueterie Concept, 4 - 6 rue Jules Gilly, Nice (04 93 85 77 79).
Julien Beaulieu, Pastry Chef at the Meridien Beach Plaza in Monaco, has come up with a log based on citrus fruit, guaranteed gluten-free. It combines the lightness of angel cake with wonderful ingredients such as cream with lemons from Menton, and a chocolate bow decorated in fine gold. This limited edition of 30 logs is available by order only. 60 €. Méridien Beach Plaza, 22 avenue Princesse Grace, Monaco (00 377 93 15 78 88).
To support the Elton John AIDS Foundation in its fight against AIDS, Lalique has joined up with the star to produce a collection of crystal artworks designed by Elton John himself. An angel and two hearts in limited editions are on sale in Lalique boutiques, and part of the profits will go to the Foundation. Lalique, 87 rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 38 66 88).