One often forgets that behind the big names of Parisian haute couture, is the work of artisans that never make the headlines.

On my usual walk from the Paris office to the Hotel de Ville, I often pass the area known as Village St. Paul. This lesser known part of the Marais dates back to the 7th century; it was used as residence by Charles V and was the parish of the kings of France from 1361 to 1559.

Among many antique shops and refined cafes, I found an interesting boutique/workshop where Veronique Brykalski uses straw to craft beautiful hats, purses, and jewels.

Veronique and her husbands have been in the fashion business for decades, and their hats have been displayed in museums as well as catwalks. Nevertheless, both of them are in their atelier in rue St. Paul every day from Wednesday to Sunday, shaping creations for everyone. I walked in the shop, intrigued by the colorful bracelets (starting from one Euro), and was immediately taken by the urge to buy everything, from hats to purses to vases.

Veronique kindly helped me pick the most suitable model of headband, while explaining the technique used to make these fashionable accessories. She adjusted the hat so it would fit my head perfectly, just like a custom-made piece should.

Of course I ended up purchasing more than I needed, but you can never have too many custom-made hats!

Back from Pakistan and off to Paris and London. Back from London and on with the Scent Dinners in Paris, Rome and Florence.
The life of a jet set worker is quite hectic but very satisfying. Summer has finally arrived, time for sandals and new clothes.

Off to the wedding

I haven't packed yet, but I have made a list of all the things I want to bring. I have shoes, books, trousers and lots of make up.

Mostly, I have excitement! I have been dreaming of dances, colorful outfits, silks and cottons, sparkly tops and soft shawls.

Hopefully I will be posting my pictures and thoughts on a daily base..so I do not lose track of the exciting things happening during my trip to Pakistan.

And yes, I am going to get the Mehendi!

Disfunzioni e Disservizi

Vi scrivo perche' oggi ho cercato di prenotare una visita alla
Galleria Borghese per un amico portatore di sclerosi multipla.
Ho chiamato il numero di prenotazione (0632810) e un messaggio
registrato e' partito in automatico. Oltre alle informazoni standard
relative agli orari e le tariffe, la voce avverte anche che: "si
sconsiglia la visita al museo a persone con difficolta' motorie".
Quando finalmente sono risucita a parlare con l'operatore ho chiesto
delucidazioni. Non solo mi e' stato confermato che il museo non e'
dotato di ausili per portatori di handicap ma anche che l'ascensore
del museo e' rotto e non sara' riparato per almeno 1 mese.
Come e' possibile che uno dei musei piu' importanti del paese e
decisamente uno dei piu' visitati a Roma non sia predisposto per la
visita dei portatori di handicap??? E come e' possibile che ci voglia
1 mese per riparare un ascensore??

Spero possiate aiutarmi a fare luce su questa situazione

perfection...

Perfection is something that happens when you least expect it. It happens on a saturday afternoon, walking down the street. Perfection is happiness mixed with peace. It is the right person hugging you and making you feel safe and excited at the same time.
I think I have achieved it, and I cannot find other words to express it. But I think this picture says it all.

B-day girl

Paris definitely doesn’t lack amazing restaurants. Whether you are looking for classic, glam or intimate location, Paris has it all. The really exciting news is that some of these restaurants not only have the looks, but the also serve amazing food.

The last one, was a week of revelations. Tuesday night I tried the cuisine of the famous Kong restaurant. Nestled on top of the Kenzo building, along the Seine, Kong has been a hip destination for a few years. Maybe following the Sex and the City episode filmed here, or maybe because of the prestigious position, getting a table at Kong is not an easy task. Luckily we went during the week and managed to get a good table. The entrance to the restaurant is through the Kenzo shop, you are escorted in a glass elevator leading you directly to the bar level. The atmosphere was sophisticated and yet warm. The lighting was dim and the staff extremely good looking

We were escorted from the bar to the restaurant area, and to our table with a view. The famous geisha faces printed on the chairs started showing the passage of time, but the overall first impression was great. We started with Assiette 5 saveurs: rouleau de thon, légumes croquants, california rolls. The ingredients were fresh and intelligently paired, the presentation was great. To follow, we ordered Gambas Royales, grillée au charbon de bois and Thon poêlé au curry rouge. Both were fantastic. The flavor of the prawns was enhanced by the cooking on coals, and the tuna-curry ensamble was divine. The portions looked small, but Jeremy and I were full by the end of the main course. Finally, we celebrated with a Fondant au chocolat, unfortunately this didn’t strike me as the best dessert, but the waiter decorated it with a stylish birthday candle which made me the happiest girl in Paris.

Good things to all people

I decided I love the New Year. I used to be reluctant to celebrate, I would get bored after a while, not know what to wear and who it was appropriate to kiss at the arrival of the new year.
This time, instead, everything was perfect. The right group of people, the perfect person to kiss, impeccable food and drinks..2007 could not have ended better and 2008 could not have started more smoothly.
Thanks to all my friends for making my life so special.