Tapestry, needle work, petit point, a last minute present

parisdiaFurniture, Happy moments2 Comments

I remember spending long holiday evenings when I was a teen ager, creating cushions in tapestry. It was a nice way of listening to the grown ups’ conversations and keeping my hands busy. This easy art is still a passion for many and there is a unique and refined little shop, Tapisserie de France, between Opera and the Louvre, where you can find the most authentic designs. Whether you choose medieval or 18 th century themes, these canvases will fulfill your quest for quiet Saturday evenings. It has kept an authentic atmosphere and the owner has all the time in the world for you.Read More

Jean-Jacques Lequeu, a doomed XVIII th century architect

parisdiaArchitecture, Art, Happy momentsLeave a Comment

The Bacchante, one of the erotic drawings in the last room

Petit Palais has accustomed us to big surprises but this new show of drawings by Jean-Jacques Lequeu is so astonishing that it almost eclipses the main show of Khnopff on the first floor. 150 drawings chosen among the 800 that he bequeathed to the Bibliothèque Royale just before his death in 1826, are exhibited here with a variety of themes. Somptuous architecture, imaginary landscapes, troubling self portraits and erotic scenes. All the fantasies of a failed architect who became a drawer for the French administration during the Revolution.Read More

Michelle Obama and Dominique de Menil, two giant Ladies

parisdiaBooks2 Comments

The book is published by Crown (Penguin Viking in GB) and edited by Molly Stern

I don’t know if you have read many good books recently but I have not. And most literary critics are useless or just lazy, I don’t know? Nowadays I only trust word of mouth.  This is how I recently read Michelle Obama’s “Becoming” which I found not only riveting, but also very gracious. And “Double vision“, the extraordinary history of one of  Franco-American most fascinating art collectors, Jean and Dominique de Menil. Two great present ideas.Read More

Sauvage, what great food!

parisdiaRestaurants & Hotels

Foie gras and pear was excellent

When two people I trust tell me to try a new place, I rush! and this is what I did with an English friend at Sauvage, which replaced the wonderful La Marlotte on rue du Cherche Midi. There is no decor at all in this blunt white wall space furnished with very simple woden tables. The reception is warm and young and the food delicious. You will not be disappointed.

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Opéra Garnier revisited inch by inch

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Palais Garnier facing avenue de l’Opéra, © Photo Jean-Pierre Delagarde

5 January 1875, marks the inaugural Gala for the Paris Opera created by Charles Garnier. Napoléon III has been deposed. The show on stage is very “pale”, all eyes are directed on King Alfonso XII of Spain, the Lord Mayor of London and the President of the French Republic, Patrice de Mac Mahon. The building was the real hero of the evening, not the ballet nor the diva. This is how lively, Gérard Fontaine’s story about the construction of one of Paris’s most celebrated buildings is. “L’Opéra de Charles Garnier” is a riveting read in French and in English, based on 19 th century archives.Read More

Gothic sculpture at Cluny looks contemporary!

parisdiaNon classéLeave a Comment

Kings of the Old Testament, 1140-1145, Statues columns from Chartres cathedral restored by the American Friends of Chartres

Musée de Cluny is currently being totally remodeled and the new entrance in a modern building is a huge success. Besides the lovely exhibition around the “Unicorn” tapestry “La Dame à la Licorne”, a large show “Naissance de la sculpture gothique”  of 130 statues from 1135 to 1150 illustrates the birth of Gothic sculpture in Saint Denis and at Chartres cathedral. It is the best way to see these incredible works of art from close up.Read More

Free exhibitions and expensive shopping in the Seventh

parisdiaArt, Fashion, Furniture, Happy moments

At Deyrolle, Claire Morgan shows “Losses”

With Christmas getting dangerously closer, my steps led me to rue du Bac and rue de Sèvres where two small exhibitions are quite enchanting. While doing your shopping at Hermès, at Laurence Tavernier (for nightgowns) or at “38” rue de l’Université for South African and Mexican artifacts,  make sure to step into Fondation EDF next to the Récamier restaurant to get immersed into “Light matters” by Erwin Redl and to go by Deyrolle, rue du Bac, for Claire Morgan‘s exquisite exhibition.Read More

Obsidian stones are volcanic at Pierre-Alain Challier

parisdiaArt, Happy moments1 Comment

Mattia Bonetti, mirror

It’s a good idea for the Christmas season to have commissioned mirrors and jewelry from famous French artists. And this is exactly what Pierre-Alain Challier, the charming galerist from the Marais, has conceived with Anne and Patrick Poirier, designer Mattia Bonetti, Jean Michel Othoniel, Hubert Le Gall and more terrific designers… The result is a fun show on two floors with objects at all prices. If I could pick one, it would be the large mirror in the hallway which is magical. Read More