LA MAISON HERMES & PUIFORCAT

We travelled to Paris on a 5am train to the hidden silver workshop of Hermes and Puiforcat. The manufacturers had  invited us to see how the silverware is created, and the meet the artisans who craft these beautiful objects. 

Once one understands the time and craftsmanship that goes into making luxury goods (from handbags, cars and watches etc.) one understands why it must cost so much. It takes around 10 years to train to be a silversmith, and the love of their craft translates into the pieces.

We were given our tour by Hermes' top Silversmith - a friendly and passionate Frenchman that didn't speak any English, called Arnold. 

We were greeted by tea, coffee and fruits in a workshop. The walls were covered in tools and equipment that have been specially made by the silversmiths for the Puiforcat silverware. They have been using tools like these for hundreds of years with little changes. 

These silversmiths make all the tools and products by hand. They curve the silver by beating it with hammers, using heat, fire, polishers and acid until it is smooth and mirror-perfect. They engrave the metals using microscopes and free hand drawing. It’s a time consuming but magical process. 

We were lucky with the timing of our visit. The artisans had just completed the silver coffee and tea service in the photos below. This design was first created for Emperor Joseph I the King of Germany - only 10 have been made since its first production in 1759.

This set took a year and half to complete and retails for approximately 500,000 Euros!

The latest collection - Puiforcat Orfevre-Sommelier, is a collection of wine glasses and decanters that were designed by Puiforcat, London based designer Michael Anasassiades and 'World's Best Sommelier 2004' Enrico Bernardo.

We visited Enrico Bernardo's Michelin star Parisian restaurant, IL VINO for a meal paired with wines selected by the sommelier using the new collection.

Scallops 

Truffle something or other

Lobster 

Citrus sorbet

Then full of food we travelled back to London on the 4 pm train, un merveilleux mercredi! 

MAISON ET OBJET, PARIS

Maison Et Objet Paris is the most important event in the European luxury interiors market. It is held bi-annually (winter and summer) in the Parc des Expositions Paris Nord Villepinte. A huge venue - spreading across 8 halls.

The January show is held during S/S Haute Couture fashion week, and the city oozes sophistication and style. 

As the name suggests, Maison et Objet is a design fair dedicated to objects more than furniture, beautiful and unusual objects of every shape and size take center stage.

Day 1 
We arrived in Paris after an indulgent Eurostar journey. I'm talking cheese platters, mini bottles of red wine and gin and tonics from the M&S outside the station. My friend and I fantasied that we were Serena & Blair/ Kendall & Bella heading to Paris. 

Dinner was at Brasserie Flottes with my work colleagues, and I treated myself to foie gras and lobster mango salad. 

Day 2
Early start at the fair.
We had exhibitors passes so we arrived before the doors were open to the public. 

It was fascinating being the first to see the halls when they were still empty of the crowds. Some of the exhibitors were still applying final touches and giving the products their final tweaks. 

The most magical part of the experience was the Baccarat party at the Galerie-Musee Baccarat. Stepping into the party was like stepping back in time, the building used to be the private mansion of a wealthy American socialite in the early 1900's.  

We were greeted by handsome men in black tie and giant blue chandeliers. The sweeping staircases led up to the original grand ball room. The Maison felt like a mini version of Versailles where models in wispy blue gowns and tiaras sipped on champagne and blue curacau cocktails - Marie-Antionette moment.

(Also, after some research I realised this venue was used in the Gossip Girl Paris episodes)

The Puiforcat showroom was our first stop on the third day, and they really spoiled us! We had lunch with the managing director and I treated myself with truffle and parmesan pizza and cod salad with green mashed potatoes (not sure why they were green) 

The final stop before dinner was the Saint Louis cocktail party where they launched their new crystal collection 'Folia'.

Then back in the office on Monday 9 am.

C'est Magnifique.

x o x o

NEW YEAR MOVEMENTS

Moving into 2017 hopeful and open to change. 

I am not one for 'New Year New Me' resolutions but I wanted to share my intentions for the future. 

• Try not to always choose the path of least resistance. 
• Try to remember the bigger picture.
• Take more chances. 
• Seize the moment. 
• Change your perspective. 
• Get naked more. 
• Love yourself and be kind. 
• Travel more. 
• Make more art.
• Give zero fucks about what other people think of you. 
• Love fiercely. 
• Embrace change and vulnerability. 
• Say "yes" and "I can" more. 
• Be yourself, and don't feel ashamed. 

"It's never too late to be whoever you want to be. I hope you live a life you're proud of, and if you find you're not, I hope you have the strength to start over"


Are you making changes for 2017? 

TROPICAL CHRISTMAS - WAVY, BABY

Ah, Maiden Cay (Lime Cays likkle badgyal sister). 

I think the name Maiden Cay is funny and ironic considering how bad people get on out there. The combination of rum, sun and half naked people can only mean one thing; wildness. 

ICONIC image. I don't know who took it, but if you're from Kingston you know this photo.

Photo from Pintrest

We went out on a yacht with a big group of people. The best part of endless summer seasons is bikinis. For this trip I chose a party bikini rather than one actually meant for swimming.

It rained a bit in the morning and so the sea was choppy and dark, but then there was a beautiful rainbow over Kingston that made the rain worth it. Can you spot it in the video? 

Dreamy.

x o x o