Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
Marmorini Design has launched a new sales outlet in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Since its foundation in 1920, the Nice-based company first ennobled the world of stone, then developed its activities by merging with Scaramozzino tiles to create Marmorini Design, a unique entity that has become a benchmark for for tiling, stone, mosaics and bathroom equipment, among both private and professional clients. The company proposes 15,000 references including trendy prestige brands for indoor improvements and outdoor settings, as well as a contemporary “Bath & Spa†line. “In Cagnes-sur-Mer, we wanted to make our products in stock available while offering the best value for money from Italian and Spanish manufacturers," says Céline Valentini, the third generation to head Marmorini Design. A world of deco design to discover in a showroom of 280 m2, with a consulting team ready to assist for all your projects. 14 avenue de Cannes (04 93 20 74 04).
For the past eight years, Elen Boutang has been scouring the land for off-beat light fixtures with a touch of fantasy, to be customized or renewed depending on her inspiration. “Hydra†is one of her latest models, a ceiling light with a cascade of Perspex filaments. Creations bearing the label “Les Fourmis Bleues†always show concern for the environment and sustainable development, whether in the form of recycled materials such as textiles or paper, or the use of LED. And all the models are handmade. www.fourmisbleues.fr.
L’Oréal’s “Rose à Lèvres Universel†is unlike any other. Translucent, thanks to a blend of two gelling agents, it has a light, tasty texture, rather like candies. But most importantly, it gives your lips a unique colour which varies depending on their degree of humidity. A rose which belongs to you alone, with a natural, glossy finish, and packaging that makes it particularly elegant. www.loreal-paris.fr
You’ve always dreamed of having a billiard table in your home, but couldn’t do without a lounge ! The “Fusion†table has just solved the problem. In the blink of an eye, this dining-room table of admirable design turns into a top-quality table for parlour games or billiards with all the accessories. Launched by Aramith and distributed by BFA Concept, an original and innovative idea with hand-crafted finishes which reinvents leisure time with family and friends. Three models are available with twelve colours for the baize : one model in wood with five finishes ; a steel model with lacquered aluminum or stainless steel, and a “Gold†version (decorated with gold leaf). BFA Concept (0 825 000 533 et www.bfa-concept.com).
High sophistication for the Hammam Zeïn Oriental, a new address dedicated to body care. In this former warehouse on the port, you follow a maze of vaulted corridors in exposed stone, leading on both sides to hammans, relaxation lounges and massage booths. The decor is 100 % Moroccan, from mosaics to wall-sconces and chandeliers in hammered steel, paintings, daybeds, tables and heavy drapes. All basking in the wafting scents of incense and eucalyptus… 16 quai de Rive-Neuve, Marseille (04 91 59 11 11).
Before a shampoo, before or after a blow-dry, but also used on an everyday basis, the new “Elixir Ulti-me†from Kérastase will soon become an absolute must among your hair-care products. Beautiful locks now seem like child's play ! With four legendary oils, corn seed, pracaxi, argan and camellia, it nourishes, repairs, softens and adds shine to even the dullest and most damaged hair. A simple touch and the magic begins to work ! www.kerastase.fr
Not content with benefitting from sound experience (20 years already…) and an excellent reputation on the far side of the Atlantic, Richard Baker Furniture has finally set foot on the French market. As its name suggests, the firm designs furniture, but not only that. As well as superb walk-in closets, wardrobes, cupboards and tables made by its team of craftsmen, it offers customized fixtures and fittings, extraordinary stage-sets, beautiful and highly practical kitchens... From design to manufacturing and installation, Richard Baker Furniture handles everything from A to Z, and to perfection. Attentive to your preferences in terms of materials, colours and design, it respects both needs and budget. Though it’s always ready to contribute its own personal touch by adding a touch of fantasy to creations such as the “Bubble Wardrobe†or “Lollipop Cupboardâ€. Laurent Drouin : laurent @richardbakerfurniture.co.uk (06 07 46 37 36).
You didn’t think you had necessary requirements to have a pool built in your garden ? Thanks to the innovative, patented concept proposed by Dujardin Piscines, you can now review your project and carry it out in record time ! Because of this manufacturer’s original assembly and fixation system, many constraints actually disappear. Made from galvanized steel panels coated with ecological paint called DJ Plast, your pool will take the shape and size of your dreams ! www.dujardin-piscines.com
At the Hi Hotel, master sushi-maker Kazuomi Ota is something of a poet, respected for his sobriety and Zen attitude. Lunchtime formulas feature essentials in Japanese gastronomy : Miso soup, sushi, Teriyaki chicken. The evening menu is more sophisticated : Soba with breast of duck, green tea ice-cream… 3 avenue des Fleurs, Nice (04 97 07 26 26).
Bold and realistic, “Atelier R Pure” focuses on the structural identity of products with a passion for applied arts as its credo. From spirits (Nicolas Feuillatte, Veuve Clicquot...) to perfumes (Diptych, Dior, Stella McCartney) and design, R Pure dabbles in everything with rare talent. Objects thus take on a completely different dimension. Shown here, a concept for an ergonomic chair in velvet called “Double Jeu”, totally in tune with the times, as required by its future manufacturer ! www.rpure.net.
“Vision 10” is the thinnest TV screen ever created by Bang & Olufsen. Its conceptual language is sobre and authentic. The black glass screen is edged by a thin frame in polished aluminum. The angles and curves have been designed to give the impression of an optical illusion. Hung on a wall, it will perfectly fit in with your other artworks. Bang & Olufsen, 6 rue Joseph-Vernet, Avignon (04 90 82 94 62).
“A terrace overlooking the Croisette, a young chef full of talent with a passion for great cuisine... a unique alchemy that inevitably drives us to excel each and every day,” enthuses Jean-Philippe Vanthielt, dynamic manager of this institution in Cannes. A legendary “brasserie”, re-opened in March 2009, “Le Félix” has appointed Nicolas Rondelli to man the ovens. This 28 year-old chef from Nice works brilliantly, with due humility and respect for his elders, giving priority to ultra-fresh ingredients and meticulous cooking. He has thus made a splash, immediately landing a “toque” from Gault & Millau. Taken randomly from the menu : Carnaroli risotto, sautéed mushrooms and crisp line-caught sea-bass, ceremoniously served with a delicious purée of artichokes with hazelnut oil. 63 La Croisette (04 93 94 00 61). Menus at 55 €, 75 € et 110 €. Lunch menu at 26 €.
Created by Erich Rozewicz, inventor of the “Law of Tectonic Unity” adopted by Le Corbusier and the Bauhaus, the Manufacture de Monaco has been producing porcelain for the past 40 years, much appreciated by purists as far away as Japan. Every year, thanks to the unique expertise of its craftsmen and designers, the manufacturer, patented by HSH the Prince of Monaco, proposes original collections of decorative items and tableware, together with a selection of linen, crystal, silverware and accessories signed Fabergé, Moser, Artel, Valombreuse and Déco Pur. Manufacture de Monaco, C.C. Le Métropole, 17 av des Spélugues, Monaco (00 377 93 50 64 63 et www.mdpm.com).
Scott and Zelda has opened its doors in the “Golden Square” in Nice. Two floors dedicated to niche labels for fashion accessories, perfumes (By Kilian-Paris, Mona di Orio, Miller Harris) and exceptional jewellery, from Donatella Pellini de Milano to bracelets designed by Armando De Simone, a Neapolitan family of silversmiths. 6 bis avenue de Suède, Nice (04 93 04 95 79).
An unprecedented comeback on the part of Manon Martin, well-known for her famous hats and limited series of romantic dresses and tunics. This time, the Marseille-based designer has come up with an ultra-soft collection in rabbit fur, taking the form of toques, slippers, fake collars, bags, cushions, pouches, hold-alls etc., all embellished by tassels, sequins, lace or pompoms. Anti-fur protesters will down their arms : the silky pelts come from animals bred for their meat and organically processed by Tunisian tanners using recyclable products without heavy metals. For the red-headed milliner, this turn towards interior decor begins in the softest way. In the shops Gerda Hug, Tata Zize and Mobile de curiosités in Marseille, and in the shops Filles de Lune in Cassis and Marseille, and Shakespeare in Love in Bandol.
Bearing the prestigious name of Armani, a new boutique spec-ializing in contemporary furniture has just opened its doors in Cannes. Here, furnishings and sophisticated, practical accessories are signed by the designer. In this refined showroom, precious woods combined with lizard skin and silky leather adorn the new collection flaunting all the excellence of Italian craftsmanship and creative flair. Worth noting : an impressive range of textiles with clever combinations of colours. 50 boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes (www.armanicasa.com).
Nestling at the heart of an estate of 1,428 acres, the Château de Berne is the ideal destination for those in search of gourmet treats : enchantment for the taste-buds in the gastronomic restaurant, a pilgrimage to meet the alchemists of the vines or a spell of regenerating cocooning at the Spa ... Route de Salernes, Lorgues (www.relaischateaux.com/berne).
Specializing in waxed concrete in all its forms, Arkheia works with designers wanting to use it as the basis for their projects. Their encounters have given rise to small editions of customized furniture and decorative items inspired by the vast palette of shades offered by the material. Infinite possibilities, to discover in the showroom. 8 rue Jean-Henri-Fabre, Arles (04 90 18 30 57) and www.arkheia.fr
You’ve always dreamed of relishing the cuisine of a star-rated chef in your own home ? Eric Maio, who mans the ovens in his gastronomic “auberge” at Montauroux, will satisfy all your desires with three home formulas... to die for ! An expert with truffles, Eric will ensure an unforgettable experience ! To be tested immediately, especially as prices are still relatively reasonable ! Two-formula menus from 50 to 130 €, estimates for “à la carte” dining. Free delivery within a radius of 100 km. Montauroux (04 94 47 71 65 and 06 10 57 66 87).
Stéphan Muntaner no longer needs any introduction : this graphic designer based in Marseille is active on all fronts, his many ideas and corrosive humor fuelling exhibitions, publications, events and other happenings. The Zorro of La Canebière is currently focusing on local kitsch imagery, the famous sardine-oil-soap trilogy packaged in his own way for winter. At the head of the brand new “Manufacture Graphique Marseillaise”, he first went fishing for sardines that he canned his own way, reminding us that in the (good) old days they used to stop up the Old Port… AOC “Bonne Mère - Extra Virgin” olive-oil came next, together with tea towels printed with a Marseille kind of snakes-and-ladders and a bar of soap. On sale in Marseille at the Galerie du Panier, La Fonderie, La Brasserie Jacques, and at the Café du Marché in Nice.
