I Prefer Paris

Beach at Etretat

There was a heat wave in Paris in the end of July with temps in the mid- 90s. I had a few days where I didn’t have any tours and decided to flee overheated and un-air conditioned Paris.  Friends had told me about a little seaside village in Normandie, Etretat, about 90 minutes by train and bus from Paris.

As I child I spent most of my summers on the Jersey shore (way before that television show with Snookie) and to this day I always long to go to the seaside in the summer when I am stuck in the city.

I took the 70-minute train ride from Paris and then boarded a bus to Etretat. The drive through the bucolic country roads was typical of Normandy with Technicolor green grass and cows grazing in meadows.

The village was small and quaint, dotted with crepe and mussel restaurants, and shops selling local souvenirs such as salted caramels and beach sundries. There were still many of the original half-timbered houses standing.

When I got the to the beach, my jaw dropped as I took in the view of the immense jagged stone cliffs and intense blue sea. I parked myself on a towel on the rough pebbled beach. I was so transfixed by the sheer beauty of the scenery in front of me, all I could do is stare. I reached for my book several times to catch up on my reading but after a few minutes I would put it back down, pleasantly distracted by the hypnotic sound of the water crashing on the beach pebbles and the smell of the salted mist. 

At a certain point, I went very close to the water and sat upright and immersed myself on the sand as the chilled, fresh seawater covered me up to my waist. I sat there for hours basking the in water and bright sunlight and finally at 6PM I got up, with my hands shriveled and my body cold.

I briefly went to my hotel to shower and warm up and rushed back to the beach to have dinner while I watched the sunset.

Tomorrow I will post about the very special sunset with breathtaking photos.

My Apartment for Rent
I am renting my fabulous one -bedroom apartment from November 1- November 16 in the heart of the Marais near St. Paul. I will now rent it for less time, either ten days or a week during that period.For more info email me at [email protected]

I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.

Tours cost 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
 Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com 

Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour

New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.

Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.

Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
  

New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale

I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos.  I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.

Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.

 

Virgule Etc: In the Footsteps of Roger Vivier

As many of you know I have a thing for shoes, as I worked in a family retail shoe business as a teenager selling platform shoes and later on at the Delman Shoe Salon at Bergdorf Goodman in the early 80s, selling shoes to Park Ave. women.

So I rushed last week to see the new Roger Vivier retrospective at the Palais de Tokyo and I was in shoe heaven. Vivier was one of the greatest and prolific shoe designers ever with a long career spanning over six decades. He was also an innovator, as he invented the first stiletto heel and his famous comma heel. The 140 styles hand picked for the show by curator Olivier Sailliard bedazzled even this hardcore shoe fanatic. The delicate femininity plus the rich and sometimes outlandish fabrications including feathers, beads, embroidery by Lesage and Rebet, stones, sequins, silk, ruffles, printed silk, and glass beads, make the shoes into works of fine art.

Vivier started in the 1930s and he rose to fame by designing shoes for Christian Dior between 1953 and 1963. His international celebrity clientele included Ava Gardner, Jeanne Moreau, Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot, the Duchess of Windsor, Princess Soraya of Iran, and the Beatles. The pinnacle of his career was when he was commissioned to design Queen Elizabeth’s coronation shoes in 1953. Perhaps Vivier’s most iconic and timeless shoe was the Pilgrim pump he designed for Catherine Deneuve in the 1967 Bunuel film Belle de Jour, which made the shoes an instant smash and are still produced and sold today.

In recent years Italian designer Bruno Fisoni was made the creative director and head designer and Ines de la Fressange the brand ambassador.

Virgule Etc: In the Footsteps of Roger Vivier coupled with the Azzedine Alaia exhibit right across the street I wrote about earlier this month, are the best museum shows presently in Paris this season, so don’t miss them.

Palais de Tokyo
13 Ave. President Wilson, 75016
Metro: Iena
http://www.palaisdetokyo.com/en/exhibition/fashion-program/virgule-etc

My Apartment for Rent
I am renting my fabulous one -bedroom apartment from November 1- November 16 in the heart of the Marais near St. Paul. I will now rent it for less time, either ten days or a week during that period.For more info email me at [email protected]

I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.

Tours cost 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
 Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com 

Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour

New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.

Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.

Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
 

New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale

I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos.  I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.

Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.

 

Eye Prefer Paris Tours: Robin and Craig

Robin, an avid Eye Prefer Paris fan and loyal subscriber, contacted me a few months ago about booking a tour in mid-September. It was the first time she and her husband Craig were coming to Paris and Robin requested a evening photo tour because Craig was a professional photographer and was interested in night shots. I had never really done a night tour before and I was game to take on a new tour I hadn’t done before.

I thought it would be best to have dinner before the tour so we wouldn’t be hungry and also to get to know them. We met at a café down the block from me on rue St. Antoine. Robin and Craig were from a Chicago suburb and as nice as can be. Smart, funny, and down to earth, I felt like I was having dinner with friends. Craig ordered a giant steak frites and loved every bite of it. Stuffed, we were ready to hit the streets of Paris and left the restaurant about 7:45, twilight time.


Craig had a massive, very heavy Sony camera with a set of  intricate lenses. I pointed out a few spots to Craig where I had taken some successful photos before. It was a full moon, in fact it was the Harvest Moon, and it faded in and out of the clouds. We meandered around the Marais on the crisp autumn like night as we stopped at various historic buildings, hotel particuliers, squares, churches, alleyways, and backstreets that I thought would make appealing photo ops.

 The highlight of our evening was the mystical spell Notre Dame cast on us. Craig got the best photo of the night, (top photo), of the gargoyles bathed in yellow light contrasted by the cool blue moon shining through the clouds.

I got to use Craig’s intimidating camera when I insisted on taking a photo of the happy couple on the Pont Marie bridge, again with the full moon in the background.

Earlier in the evening Robin told me one of the other reasons why she booked a night tour was that she didn’t like to be with hoards of people crowding the tourists sites. All the while Robin was taking it all in, soaking in at all the incredible architecture and beaming because the streets were mostly empty and devoid of crowds. I inspired Craig by telling him that one of the photographer Helmut Newton’s most iconic shots, the androgynous female model in a Yves St. Laurent smoking jacket on a dark street, was shot in the Marais.

We ended the tour about 10:30 and Robin and Craig were exhilarated but a little pooped from our non-stop three hours. I loved doing the night tour and will add it to my tour menu.

Craig was kind enough to share some of his photo bounty from that evening, so enjoy Craig’s exceptional photos below.

My Apartment for Rent
I am renting my fabulous one -bedroom apartment from November 1- November 16 in the heart of the Marais near St. Paul. I will now rent it for less time, either ten days or a week during that period.For more info email me at [email protected]

I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.

Tours cost 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
 Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com 

Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour

New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.

Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.

Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
 

New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale

I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos.  I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.

Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.

 

French Cooking with Wini Moranville: It’s Autumn….Get Braising!

That chill in the air means one thing: Braising season has officially begun. I’m a huge fan of French braises for many reasons:

• Braising (that is, cooking meats in a small amount of liquid at low temperatures for a long time) turns inexpensive cuts meat into killer-good dishes. That extra cash you save can go for some great bottles of wine.

• Braising is “walk away cooking”:  Yes, some braised dishes take a while to cook, but most of that is entirely “hands off.” 

• Braising is forgiving: Overcook a beef tenderloin by a few minutes, and you’re sunk. A braise, however, doesn’t require such exactitude. Relax. Let it simmer (or, if it’s done, let it sit an hour) until you’re ready to eat.

• Braising makes the BEST leftovers: Most braising recipes make a lot of servings, so braise this weekend. Enjoy that great meal again during the week. And get this: Most braises are even better if they’re made in advance and reheated. Flavors have had time to meld….

French cooks often use a specific pan for braising: It’s called a rondeau. Le Creuset, Staub, All-Clad, Tromantina all make these kinds of pans, and call them “braisers” or “braising pans.” They’re great….but, as I’ve posted on my website, you don’t have to have a braiser to make great braising recipes..



So, how about a braise? Here’s a recipe that’s in The Braiser Cookbook, an ebook published just last winter. My co-author is Richard Swearinger, former Senior Food Editor at Better Homes and Gardens magazine. He also took beautiful photos for the book—to inspire you to braise all autumn and winter long.

Enjoy!


Beef Plat Unique with Coriander and Cardamom

This plat unique (one-dish meal) combines popular French ingredients (leeks, garlic, and wine) with coriander and cardamom, popular North African flavors, which bring a little exoticism and warm spiciness to the sauce. You can use any round potatoes, but we loved eye-catching appeal that the combination of purple, red, and yellow potatoes brought to the dish.

1     2- to 2-1/2-pound 7-bone pot roast or beef chuck shoulder pot roast
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2     tablespoons vegetable oil
1    large onion, chopped
1     large leek, halved lengthwise, rinsed, and sliced, white and pale green parts only (about 3/4 cup)
8     cloves garlic, chopped
1     teaspoon ground coriander
1     teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2     cup red wine
1/2     cup beef broth
1     pound round white, red, and/or purple potatoes, cut in half if larger than
1-1/2 inches in diameter
3/4     pound peeled carrots, left whole if thin (cut in half lengthwise if thicker
than 3/4-inch)
1     tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
1     tablespoon all-purpose flour
Snipped fresh parsley

1. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a 3-1/2-quart braiser over
medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the roast and cook, turning as needed, until browned on all sides, about 15 minutes (reduce the heat to medium if the meat browns too quickly). Transfer the meat to a plate.

2. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and leek to the braiser. Cook, stirring, until
vegetables are tender and lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, coriander,
and cardamom; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add wine and broth,
stirring to loosen browned bits from bottom of braiser. Return beef and any juices to
the braiser. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 1 hour.

3. Add potatoes and carrots to the braiser. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and
simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour more or until the meat and vegetables are tender.
Remove the meat, potatoes, and carrots from the braiser. Cover to keep warm.

4. At this point there should be at least 1 cup liquid in the braiser. If not, add enough
beef broth to equal 1 cup. In a small bowl, work the butter and flour together to make a paste (a beurre manié). Add the beurre manié bit by bit to the pan liquid, stirring with a wire whisk to blend away any lumps. Cook, stirring, until thickened and bubbly, then continue to cook and stir for 2 minutes more.

5. Pass the sauce with the meat and vegetables.

For more great cooking tips, Wini Moranville on Facebook at Chez Bonne Femme and visit her blog at http://chezbonnefemme.com.

My Apartment for Rent
I am renting my fabulous one -bedroom apartment from November 1- November 16 in the heart of the Marais near St. Paul. I will now rent it for less time, either ten days or a week during that period.For more info email me at [email protected]

I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.

Tours cost 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
 Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com 

Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour

New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.

Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.

Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
 

New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale

I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos.  I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.

Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.

 

Jardins d’Espoir at Hotel Sully for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I walk through the magnificent Hotel Sully, a restored 17th century former mansion in the Marais almost daily. Last week I noticed a series of intriguing and arresting large photos of women’s torsos and breasts in the entrance courtyard and in the garden courtyard similar photos plus a tree like wire sculpture with pink ribbons.

The photos by visual artist Kaliko, have won the Estee Lauder Pink Ribbon Photo Award, started by Estee Lauder France in 2012 as an homage to Mrs. Evelyn Lauder for 20 years of the Pink Ribbon for breast cancer awareness. Its empowering name is the Garden of Hope. Please take a walk through it if you are in Paris this month as it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
 
Till October 31
Hotel Sully
62 rue Saint Antoine, 75004
Metro: St. Paul
http://jardinsdespoir.fr/monuments-jardins-solidaires/hotel-de-bethune-sully

My Apartment for Rent
I am renting my fabulous one -bedroom apartment from November 1- November 16 in the heart of the Marais near St. Paul. I will now rent it for less time, either ten days or a week during that period.For more info email me at [email protected]

I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.

Tours cost 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
 Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com 

Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour

New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.

Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.

Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
 

New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale

I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos.  I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.

Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.

 

October 2013 Eye Need to Do’s: Karsh, A Shaded View on Fashion Film Festival, Chantecler Tango, & Braque

Yousuf Karsh: Icons of the Twentieth Century
Yousuf Karsh, one of the greatest portrait photographers of the 20th century, shot some of the most important celebrities, politicians, and dignitaries of his time. Jerry Fielder, Director of the Estate of the Yousuf Karsh, has curated the exhibit with over 70 photos of French and American luminaries, including many from Karsh’s Life and Paris Match magazine covers. Frank Lloyd Wright, Alfred Hitchcock, Grace Kelly, Christian Dior, Dwight Eisenhower, and Charles de Gaulle are among the striking portraits.

October 16-January 26
The Mona Bismarck American Center
34 Ave. de New York, 75116
Metro: Iena
Open Tuesday to Sunday 11AM-6PM
http://monabismarck.org


A Shaded View on Fashion Film Festival
A Shaded View on Fashion Film Festival, the first film festival devoted to fashion and beauty is now its sixth edition. Highlights this year are a tribute to photographer and filmmaker Larry Clark and a series of films by fragrance creator Serge Lutens. Filmmakers and subjects include Bruce Weber, Ellen Von Unwerth, Vincent Gagliostro, Carter Peabody, Shirley Maclaine, Bettina Rhiems, Hussein Chalayan, Mike Figgis, David Sims, and Chloe Sevigne.

October 11,12,13
Centre Pompidou, 75004
Metro: Hotel de Ville or Rambuteau
http://www.ashadedviewonfashionfilm.com


Chantecler Tango
After two highly successful shows in 2008 and 2011, Moyra Goddy returns with another show about the alluring and seductive world of tango dancing. The show is set in the Chantecler Café in Buenos Aires circa 1930.

October 9 – November 3
Theatre du Chatelet
1 Place du Chatelet, 75004
Metro: Chatelet
http://chatelet-theatre.com/2013-2014/home


Georges Braque
After more than 40 years, Georges Braque is getting a long overdue retrospective. The exhibit spans his entire career, showing 240 of his works. Highlights include works from his Cubist and Fauvism movements, Les Canephores (the bird carriers), bird series, and his final landscapes.

Till January 6
Grand Palais
3 avenue du Général Eisenhower
, 75008
Metro: Champs Elysees/Clemenceau
http://www.grandpalais.fr/en/event/georges-braque

My Apartment for Rent
I am renting my fabulous one -bedroom apartment from November 1- November 16 in the heart of the Marais near St. Paul. I will now rent it for less time, either ten days or a week during that period.For more info email me at [email protected]

I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.

Tours cost 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
 Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com 

Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour

New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.

Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.

Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
 

New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale

I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos.  I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.

Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.

 

Paris Fashion Week Spring 2014: Azzedine Alaia Exhibition at Palais Gailliera

I couldn’t think of a better way to end Paris Fashion Week Spring 2014 than writing about the Azzedine Alaia Exhibition at Palais Gailliera. The designer’s designer, Tunisian born Azzedine Alaia is a master couturier and one of the rare designers who is as adept at tailoring as he is at draping. Alaia aspires to flatter and sculpt the female form to look its best and sexiest. He doesn’t follow fashion or trends and some seasons will not design a collection. “Women have always dictated my behavior. I make clothes, women make fashion.” says Alaia. His coveted form fitting dresses have been worn by every major celebrity and super model including Grace Jones, Tina Turner, Rhianna, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Stephanie Seymour and many of them are his groupies/friends. In his more humble years when he was a dressmaker for glamorous actresses and society ladies and designed for Greta Garbo, French actress Arletty, and Louise de Vilmorin.

The exhibit at the newly renovated fashion museum Palais Galliera presents 74 of Alaia’s most iconic pieces from his persoanl archives, spanning 1979 to 2012. Curator Olivier Saillard worked closely with Alaia for 18 months carefully choosing which pieces would best show Alaia’s extensive range. The exhibition covers the gamut of Alaia’s inexhaustible talent with cutout evening gowns, big sweaters and knits, his famous leather sculpted dresses and skirts, waist cinching short dresses, and dramatic ball gowns. The true testament to the genius of Alaia is that the clothes are truly timeless and any of the garments in the show could be worn today and still be current. 

The exhibit is in two spaces, the Palais Galliera and a capsule collection across the street at the Musee d’Art Moderne. I was not allowed to take photos at Palais Galliera but was allowed at Musee d’Art Moderne in the Salle Matisse. I loved the way the clothes looked against the backdrop of Matisse’s murals La Danse and Lutte de Nymphes and also Daniel Buren’s colorful Murs de Peintures.

Did you enjoy having a front seat with me for Paris Fashion Week Spring 2014?

Till January 26
Le Palais Galliera
10 avenue Pierre Ier de Serbie, 75116
Open Tuesday to Sunday 10AM -6PM, Thursday 9PM
Metro: Alma Marceau or Iena
http://palaisgalliera.paris.fr

Musee d’Art Moderne
11 Ave. du President Wilson, 75116
Metro: Alma Marceau or Iena
Open 10AM-6PM Tuesday to Sunday, Thursday 10PM
http://www.mam.paris.fr

My Apartment for Rent
I am renting my fabulous one -bedroom apartment from November 1- November 16 in the heart of the Marais near St. Paul. I will now rent it for less time, either ten days or a week during that period.For more info email me at [email protected]

I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.

Tours cost 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
 Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com 

Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour

New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.

Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.

Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
 

New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale

I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos.  I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.

Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.

 

Paris Fashion Week Spring 2014: Andrew Gn & Audra

Sunday morning was the Andrew Gn show, a Singaporean designer who is very hot right now. Like many designers before him including Yves St. Laurent, Andrew’s inspiration this season was his favorite contemporary artists. He brilliantly translated these influences to the runway with Matisse and Picasso with a series of outfits exemplifying their most recognizable works, including Picasso’s guitars and eyes, and Matisse’s birds. You could absolutely also see the YSL influence. Another strong element of the collection, which I loved, were the graphic black and white Escher like prints on skirts and dresses depicting the urban landscape. All white and black and white were also prevalent in the feminine, body conscious collection, which showed a lot of leg with short skirt lengths and shorts well above the knee. A small collection of evening gowns at the end had a Greek influence to them with fitted bodices and flowing chiffon on the bottom.

http://www.andrewgn.com/#/int/en

Last Friday morning I received an email from one of my blog readers inviting me to an American friend of hers show. Her name was Audra Danielle Noyes and it was her first collection after training at Lanvin for a while. It’s always a thrill to see new young designers starting out.

All white seems to be the thrust of many collections this season and Audra sent a series of playful pants and jumpsuits down the runway in a warehouse space in the trendy northern Marais. Men’s tailoring also played a part in some of the opening pieces. Some of the more daring looks were the long all sheer dresses and pants. When the models turned, the backs had fantastic details giving the clothes extra dimension. I also loved the styling of the show especially the fabulous shoes.

The collection was very conceptual and definitely for the more fashion forward customer. I think Audra is a bright new talent and I look forward to seeing more of her collections in the upcoming seasons. 

http://audra.org

 My Apartment for Rent

I am renting my fabulous one -bedroom apartment from November 1- November 16 in the heart of the Marais near St. Paul. For more info email me at [email protected]

I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.

Tours cost 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
 Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com 

Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour

New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.

Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.

Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
 

New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale

I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos.  I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.

Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.

 

Paris Fashion Week Spring 2014: Nina Ricci

Suddenly last week, I found myself invited to three fashions shows during Spring 2014 Fashion Week.

My first invitation was for Nina Ricci and it was in a tent in the Tuileries near Place de la Concorde, the same place where I saw the Chloe show a few years back.

As I approached the entrance of the Tuileries, I noticed something new, a long white runway leading to the tent. I felt like I was walking the red carpet (I guess in this case it was the white vinyl runner). Photographers and fashion admirers abounded the sides but not too many were interested in photographing me, even though I was stylishly dressed. A very suave Frenchman walking behind me wearing a blue blazer just like mine and orange pants seemed to get all the attention, with the photographers snapping away and calling his attention to pose. Next time I’ll be sure to wear orange pants and give a little more attitude, and see what happens.

The guy in the orange pants. Is this what I have to wear to be noticed?

          My handwrttien, personal invitation- la-di-da

The house was packed with bloggers, buyers, fashion editors, celebrities, groupies, and fashion wanna-be’s eagerly waiting for the show to begin. At 5:35 (the show was supposed to start at 5, I think the motto for fashion shows is “Keep them waiting”), the lights went down, the civilized classical music was cut, and the bright lights came on while a sheer white curtain hurled against runway dividing it in two, with heavily percussioned techno music replacing the soft din of the classical music.

The first models, dressed in crisp white separates and dresses looked softly alluring behind the curtain strutting down the runway. The white outfits, although most feminine, were a touch inspired by classic men’s white shirts. The cavalcade of pure white eventually lead to some feminine and floaty intricate print dresses and a series of looks in pale blue gray. Towards the end of the show, another set of smashing white dresses had lace and sheer cutouts, which boosted their sexiness. The backs of the clothes had lovely details giving them extra pizzazz.  Lengths were mostly short and above the knee with some having graduating hems in the back and fabrics included poplin, subtle tweed, chiffon, pique, and satin. 

Designer Peter Copping has created a strong, cohesive collection with a certain delicateness and femininity that stands out.

More from the runway tomorrow.

My Apartment for Rent
I am renting my fabulous one -bedroom apartment from November 1- November 16 in the heart of the Marais near St. Paul. For more info email me at [email protected]

I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.

Tours cost 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
 Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com 

Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour

New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.

Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.

Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
 

New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale

I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos.  I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.

Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.