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 store basking in white, Charlotte de La Grandière, scenographer and stylist for the home decor press, introduces us to wonderful fabrics with about 60 references offering impeccable finishes, from France, Italy and Japan. Cotton, wool, linen.. the materials on display here are sights for sore eyes. The boutique also proposes a collection of curtains and sublime cushions in XL size that one simply can't wait to take home ! Rue Hérold, 8 rue Hérold, Paris 1 (01 42 33 66 56).
Star designer Karim Rashid has joined up with the Spanish firm Vondom to create this collection of ultra-contemporary and beautifully sculpted furniture. Suitable for both indoors and out, the Vertex line, recently enriched by a stool, uses the technique of moulding by rotation allowing for lots of design possibilities. Sabrina Monte-Carlo, place des Bougainvilliers, Monaco (00 377 97 97 57 60).
All in matt black and made of carbon fibre, the new Monaco V4 Phantom from Tag Heuer certainly tolerates no compromises. As a reminder, the first version of this award-winning watch was launched in 2004. The "V4" reference comes from the V-shaped plate bearing the 4 serial-mounted barrels. Slightly inclined, they recall the engines of F1 cars. Julian & Fils, 71 rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 39 30 68).
With its new “Corner Italia”, the Conran Shop proposes a selection of products inspired by Italy, its designers, culture and gastronomy. A charming trip across the Alps allowing us to discover, among other things, “Magnus Long X The Conran Shop” furniture, handblown glass, lighting and decorative items from Murano, fluffy plaids made of Italian cashmere, and an exclusive collection of monochrome dishes signed Paola Navone. The Conran Shop, 117 rue du Bac, Paris 7 (01 42 84 10 01).
Blending white gold, ceramic and diamonds, the new “Cosmique” collection from Chanel Joaillerie gives a place of honour to stars and comets which adorn the ceramic work of rings and pendants. Brought right up to date, these eternal symbols were much appreciated by Gabrielle Chanel. Chanel Joaillerie, Place du Casino, Monaco (00 377 97 97 43 60).
A visionary politician, a pioneer and ambassador of stylishness, John F. Kennedy gave inspiration to Montblanc which is dedicating a collection of writing instruments to him. In red, white and blue – the colours of the American flag -, the fountain pen, ball-point and rollerball pens all recall the world of yachting. The President of the United States loved to sail off the coast of Cape Cod in his boat, “Victura”. In reference to the presidential campaign won by Kennedy in 1960, his motto, “A time for greatness” is engraved on the ring around the cap. A limited series of 1917, in reference to the year in which this world leader was born. Montblanc, 2 avenue de Verdun, Nice (04 97 20 22 30).
The first show-room boutique for the Azea brand presents the collections of designer Victor Caetano in an intimate space rather like a gallery. Decidedly contemporary, his creations give precedence to noble materials (oak, American walnut, cherry wood...). Azea, 4 rue Montesquieu, Paris 1 (01 40 41 05 14).
On the occasion of its 150th anniversary, Zenith unveils the Academy Georges Favre-Jacot watch, a limited edition of only 150 pieces. As well as an elegant look, this “haute horlogerie” model boasts pulley-and-chain transmission attached to the barrel to ensure constant force. With a total 797 components, this exceptional timepiece houses a high-frequency handwound movement. Chez Arije, 50 La Croisette, Cannes (04 93 68 47 73).
Echoing the famous “Quatre” ring created by the renowned jeweller of Place Vendôme, this new perfume does not skimp on precious materials. Starting with a bursting bubble of bitter orange with redcurrant juice, it reveals at its heart the timeless match of rose and jasmine, with a woody touch of musk and cedar. Boucheron, 17 La Croisette, Cannes (04 93 38 96 96).
After their very hip bookshop-gallery, Marie and Alexandre Thumerelle are now taking on design. This new address presents creations by young designers who are not widely distributed, feeding our appetite for new discoveries with off-the-wall objects, vintage furniture, clothing and accessories, all contributing to a distinctive life-style.
Flowing textures, folk patterns, vaporous volumes, shirts made of voile… The summer season is synonymous with delightful Bohemian-chic looks from Chloé. As always, accessories are ultra-essential for elegant women with natural flair. Chloé, 26 boulevard des Moulins, Monaco (00 377 97 77 15 95).
The cult collection of LC furniture designed by Le Corbusier is celebrating its 50th anniversary. For the occasion, Cassina, its exclusive editor, is presenting new models made of “greener” materials such as organic leather and trivalent chrome, said to be much less toxic than that used until now. Martine Foubet, 135 rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 38 54 50).
The new creation for men signed Harry Winston explores a wild and virile territory ! The 42-mm Midnight Feathers Automatic proposes esthetics rich in contrasts. Watchmaking expertise and the animal kingdom join up here in a new fabric worked in relief, like a textured material. Each feather - from a stock-bred goose - has been selected, fashioned, then positioned with a magnifying glass to obtain maximum precision. A brown alligator strap adds the finishing touch to this sleek and elegant watch. Harry Winston, 29 La Croisette, Cannes (04 93 39 75 76).
With spring and summer just around the corner, Paule Ka has come up with a collection of chic dresses ! On the menu of a line called “Black Carpet”, a multitude of cocktail and evening dresses in festive, bittersweet colours. The designs give pride of place to fresh colours such as lagoon green, cobalt blue or aniseed yellow, not forgetting timeless shades of nude and blush. The designer’s iconic detail, the bowtie appears on almost all the creations. 65, La Croisette, Cannes (04 93 45 77 77).
Fred’s collection of “Cabochons Pain de Sucre” just keeps on growing ! In the wake of last summer’s offerings in turquoise, jade green and lemon quartz, the jeweller has just enriched the line with a new model in amazonite mounted on pink gold. Irresistible ! Fred. 21, La Croisette, Cannes. (04 92 99 60 60)
This light “eau de parfum” unveils a new facet of the flowery and vanilla fragrance of “La Panthère”. A sunny version, in a gem of a flacon evoking a panther in graphic form. Cartier, 4 rue de Verdun, Nice (04 92 14 48 20).
Italian couture designer Emilio Pucci and Ladurée have joined up for the duration of an ephemeral collection of macaroons. Assertively graphic, these delicious treats in rose and lemon flavours will be available from February 25 ; eight in all, in a collector’s box proposed in a printed version of the Capri fabric, evoking the Dolce Vita. 30 €. Ladurée, 79 rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 38 05 06).
Launched in 1978, the “Nouveaux Classiques” line from Roche Bobois proves with each new collection that contemporary design and period furnishings can be combined to give real elegance. At the start of 2015, the “Profile” bed clad in velvet and designed by Roberto Tapinassi and Maurizio Manzoni embodies this vintage and contemporary spirit, introducing up-to-the-minute flair into stylish bedrooms. Roche Bobois, 6 rue Gubernatis, Nice (04 93 62 32 91).
The iconic “Happy” bag from Lanvin is now available in new acid-drop colours adorned with metal details. With its pure and elegant silhouette, it embodies different facets of femininity and a certain timeless allure. Lanvin, Place du Casino, Monaco (00 377 93 25 01 79).
Just above the Grande Epicerie, the Bon Marché’s new home decor department has taken up its quarters on two floors. As if in a Parisian loft, you wander around this light and airy space, passing from the latest novelties to established trends, exclusive items, special exhibits and pop-ups. The selection lines up great classics and more discreet labels on a tour of discovery. A special mention for the “Voyage” area where you’ll find all the ingredients that transform a trip into a dream. Bon Marché espace déco, 24 rue de Sèvres, Paris 7.