Inside the Asnières Atelier, The Heart of Louis Vuitton
If you’re considering a little trip to France; people watching at the Champs-Élysées, or taking in the majesty of the Eiffel Tower, then I’ve got another must-see French treasure to add to your list. This July, luxury French brand, Louis Vuitton, opened it’s doors to one of the most iconic residencies in France. The historic family home of Louis Vuitton which houses his famous atelier (workshop), Asnières, located in the Parisian suburb of Asnières-sur-Seine. Maison de famille Louis Vuitton et atelier – Louis Vuitton family house & workshop Until the mid 60’s, Asnières was the residency of the Vuitton family, however after the family moved out, they kept the atelier going. To this day, Asnières continues to create the houses’ most exceptional pieces, including hard-sided LV trunks, items in rare and exotic skins as well as all custom, special-orders. Fulfilling the most extravagant requests, from the famous trunk-bed of explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, to the tea trunk for the Maharajah of Baroda, and Karl Lagerfeld’s iPad Trunk. Le Salon (living room of the) Maison de famille Louis Vuitton (family house of Louis Vuitton) Another view of the glorious Salon It was in this house that all Vuitton family sons learned the art of trunk-making, including Patrick-Louis Vuitton, who today, is in charge of any special orders for clients. Gaston-Louis Vuitton was passionate about historical trunks from all backgrounds and he…
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Chanel Spring-Summer 2015 Haute Couture
Although New York Fashion week is in full swing -or should we say, full snow- at the moment, I wanted to share a little peek at the Chanel Spring-Summer 2015 Haute Couture collection from the Paris runway, last month. A palette of pinks, oranges, reds, electric blue, pollen yellow, sap green, blacks and whites created at waltz of colour to inspire the start of a fresh new season. Short jackets, full skirts or pencil cut skirts that skim just at the ankle, or flare out just above the knee. Classic and feminine outfits were worn with wide brimmed hats or viels and modernized with leather shoe-boots. My favourite picks from this show have to be the full skirts. In true Chanel style, classic tweed jackets, with 3/4 length sleeves, rounded shoulders and wide necklines were worn with pretty dresses and full skirts. Other looks included fringed chiffon dresses coupled with short blouses and long, ethereal coats, belted with leather. Tulle tunics, embroidered completely with rhodoid flowers alternated with ensembles of painted linen braided with sparkle and coats embellished with garlands of flowers. Colourful and delicate, the CHANEL HAUTE COUTURE collection is everything you’d hoped for in a spring garden and…
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Hermès Jardin sur le Toit
This month, luxury French brand Hermès introduces a new scent, Jardin sur le Toit (Garden on the Roof). Inspired by the garden rooftop of the Hermès building at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris, Jardin sur le Toit is a unisex scent that forms part of the fourth fragrance edition in the brands’ garden series. One spritz of this stuff and the feeling of spring fills the air (although, here in SA we’re heading into Autumn). Regardless, if you want to be transported to another place, a place like Paris, sitting on the top 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore street and looking down on the magnificent fashion-street of Paris, then Jardin sur le Toit will take you there. The fragrance is crisp and fresh with a distinct Hermès richness. Perfurmer Jean-Claude Ellena said he found it one day, right under his nose – The Hermes roof top garden. “My footsteps had produced a burst of aromas, lush grass, damp soil, and I loved letting them work their way inside me.” That’s a great way to describe this fragrance, and after allowing the fragrance to settle, it becomes reminiscent of lush green gardens; a pleasurable scent that instantly lifts your mood…
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Fancy a little Parisian Chic
The French are notorious for having great style. With the world’s most iconic fashion designers including; Yves Saint Laurent, Hubert de Givenchy, Christian Dior and the ever-so stylish Coco Chanel, its no wonder Parisian’s dress to impress. The look is effortless yet classic, simple yet chic and always very stylish. It’s elegant and timeless with every piece carefully considered to balance and perfect the look. Nothing in the outfit screams too loud and it’s rather an understated glamour, a subtle “I know I’m stylish, I don’t need to wear it like a billboard”. If you (like me) simply can’t jetset off to Paris, you can always bring a little bit of Paris to you, by embracing Parisian Chic style. Just remember no Parisian princess would dare let her stylish look go to waste, so be sure to gather your gal pals for a day of glamour, gossip, croissants and of course, strong Latte.
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