In launching the new Van Cleef and Arpels High Jewelry Collection, Nicolas Bos, President and CEO, chose to reinterpret the story of Noah’s Ark. He also chose world-renowned stage and set designer Robert Wilson to execute his vision for the L’Arche de Noé collection. He was attracted to Wilson’s extraordinary ability to create his own universe sometimes with very simple effects and also his frequent use of myths and legends in his productions.
The collection is only comprised of clips since it best allowed for two and three-dimensional figures and using the same scale for all of them.
I’ve always been a fan of Robert Wilson and have seen many of his operas and theater pieces in past years, so was curious to see his approach for a different medium than usual.
Upon entering the stately Hotel d’Evreux on the Place Vendome to see the exhibition, we had to wait for a few minutes while someone gave us a lecture about the exhibition and the history of some of the pieces. We were later escorted past a black velvet barrier into a darkened room and had to duck under it to enter the exhibition room.
Once inside, I could immediately recognize Wilson’s minimalist style with just small vitrines and a simply lit background, which worked marvelously to show off the jewels. The only reference to the ark was a tiny, hardly noticeable white ark hanging from the ceiling.
After a few moments of peering closely into the vitrines to see the exquisite craftsmanship of the jewels, the lights suddenly went down and a loud thunder struck, making me jump. I had forgotten about the 40 days and night of rain from the story Noah’s Ark and Wilson dramatically made sure I didn’t forget!
Once I calmed down from the thunder, I went back to the jewels and was amused by the menagerie of turtles, pandas, swans, butterflies, elephants, horses, owls, toucans, penguins, peacocks, rams, giraffes and unicorns.
L’Arche de Noé
Till September 26
Hotel d’Evreux
19 Place Vendome, 75001
Metro: Tuileries or Concorde
Open daily 12PM to 8PM
Free admission
Eye Prefer Paris Postcards
I am thrilled to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Postcards, a 3, 6 or 12-month subscription service where the subscriber receives three physical postcards of my iconic Paris photos every month. Each month will have a specific theme, from architectural street scenes to romantic outdoor cafes to beautiful gardens to unique shots of iconic monuments. Each mailing will include two postcards in color and one in black & white or sepia, beautifully packaged in a special French Blue postcard holder with a custom designed seal.
Each 6” X 4.25” traditional size postcard is printed on thick matte coated card stock, similar to traditional vintage postcard stock that enhances the vibrancy of every image.
Only $30 for a 3-month subscription plus shipping or
Only $60 for a 6 month subscription (plus shipping)or
$110 for a 12-month subscription (plus shipping)
Click here to order a 12-month subscription from my Etsy store
Click here to order a 6-month subscription from my Etsy store
Click here to order a 3-month subscription from my Etsy store
Come experience Eye Prefer Paris live with Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I personally lead. Eye Prefer Paris Tours include many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes, food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks and gardens and much more. In addition to my specialty Marais Tour, I also lead tours of Montmartre, St. Germain, Latin Quarter, in addition to Shopping Tours, Gay Tours, Girlfriend Tours, Food Tours, Flea Market Tours, Paris Highlights Tours, and Chocolate & Pastry tours.
Tours start at 225 euros for up to 3 people, and 75 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: 195 euros per person (about $210)
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.
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