Call It Hibernation

...we're now out of our winter slumber and back ready to go.

Watch this space for new and exciting posts.

Get the Picture?

It is amazing what can be done when the old world decides to propel itself into the 21st century. We see modern remakes of classic films (i.e. The Pink Panther, Pride and Prejudice, etc.), fashion movements from the 1970's and 80's making a come back (oh joy), and even musical legends being transformed into radio hits all thanks to remixing.

La Fondation Cartier - the contemporary art foundation and cultural arm of the famous French jeweler, has done just that - and not in a small way. The Fondation has turned its iconic building in the heart of Paris, as well as its garden into a living exhibition - a dedication to urban art - graffiti.

Opened on the 7th of July and extending until the end of November, "Ne dans la rue - Graffiti" (which literally translates to "Born in the street - Graffiti") has ignited vast amounts of interest and surprise by elevating the mostly illegal practice to the ranks of art. 

Born in the streets of New York in the 1970's, graffiti has very quickly become a global phenomenon, found in the streets of most cities around the world, and each unique to the artist.

The exhibition, according to la Fondation Cartier, is an attempt to define the realm of graffiti all while fully accepting its highly dynamic and volatile nature and encouraging the public to look at the urban world differently.

I'm sold, yo. 

http://fondationcartier.org

A Marvel of Engineering

When you think of Marc Newson, what comes to mind first? His work with Philippe Stark? His design of the Qantas First Class lounge in Sydney? Whatever your answer may be, I'll bet it wasn't his jewelry.

 

Adding to his already extensive list of creations and extraordinary designs, Marc Newson and the iconic French jeweler Boucheron collaborated on this one piece - a giant diamond necklace. 

Referred to as a "Big Bang of diamonds" by none other than Karl Lagerfeld's muse, Lady Amanda Harlech, the work of art is almost a greater feat of engineering, if anything. 

The necklace itself is a combination of diamonds and sapphires that look like a series of fireworks, but what is even more amazing is that the shape is actually based on fractal theory. Newson plays with the notion of shapes and similarities in nature comparing the fundamental shapes in his necklace to those found in broccoli or the romanesco. 

Vegetables and mathematics aside, this necklace is truly breathtaking both for its physical beauty but also for its extraordinary inspiration.

This simply confirms what I've been saying all along - buying jewelry is a perfectly natural thing. 

If the Shoe Fits...

I guess charity is on my mind these days, because I have yet another philanthropic outlet I would like to share with you.

Blake Mycoskie is the founder of a company called TOMS Shoes - and the premise is simple: for every pair of shoes you buy, they will donate a pair of shoes to a child in need. 

This started in 2006 when Blake traveled to Argentina and found that many children he had befriended had no shoes for protection. Since its inception, TOMS has donated over 140,000 pairs of shoes and the number is growing. 

If that's not enough of a good reason to take a look at TOMS, do it for the Gilligan-esque espadrilles which are seen on the pages of many glossy magazines these days. They come in a wide array of colours, will hardly burn in a hole in your pocket, and look great with a pair of shorts and a tunic.

 

Looking good and feeling good all at the same time.

www.tomsshoes.com

Luxury....there's Spending and Giving

There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of contributing to a good cause, changing someone's life and knowing that you have made an impact. Combine that with some amazing fashion spreads, beautiful travel editorials and the perfect dosage of celebrity stories, and you've got the winning box - Box Magazine, that is. 

I've admired this publication for quite a while now and as it happens Box is a magazine which looks good enough to be a coffee table book, but has the content to really keep its reader interested through to the last page.

What really sparked my interest in this magazine, I'll be honest, is not the very trendy and sleek packaging (though it certainly stands out), but the ethos behind the publication. Box Magazine believes in the luxury of charity, the elegance in giving back to the world and helping children in need. The founder of the magazine initially set out to raise awareness in exclusive circles about his philanthropic interests, and what better way than through a lifestyle publication that not only surpasses most of the glossies out there, but also one that elevates philanthropy to an actual luxury?

Box does what most cannot which is feed the body and the soul...and of course put those fabulous shoes I spotted on page 24 on our feet.

A Sweet Romance

I just heard from one of my dearest friends who has returned from her honeymoon in France, and other than the fact that it was her honeymoon, all she could talk about was the food...sigh.

It's true - French food, and more specifically, French patisseries (pastries) are in a league of their own, making living about 10,000 kilometres away slightly difficult when the cravings kick in. That said, there's nothing wrong in sharing two of my favourite places in Paris which house delicacies so tasty you'll feel like you're in a dream. 

The first is the well-known La Duree - a classic tea house famous for their gem-like macarons in almost every imaginable flavour. The little mouthfuls are slightly crunchy on the outside but conceal their soft, velvety filling. My favourite flavours are Rose, Raspberry, Chocolate (though that goes without saying) and Pistachio.

The second destination is one far less classic but no less renowned. Sadaharu Aoki has made a name for himself by taking very traditional French methods and using Asian and modern ingredients such as green tea, ginger, and even black sesame. His patisseries taste incredible, and look even more exciting. 

I haven't yet looked at my girlfriend's honeymoon pictures, but something tells me that most photos will not be of her and her new husband...but rather her and her many culinary conquests. How could you blame her?

My Favourite Things version 1.2 - Duck For Cover

It's Friday night here in Sydney so I already feel more relaxed and eager to get the weekend started. As all forms of heat have suddenly decided to disappear without any warning, I've had to quickly call in for reinforcements - shawls, boots, jumpers, you name it. If it serves any warming purpose, then I've got it. 

Now that I'm not shivering anymore, I can finally get onto my Favourite Thing v.2 - and that is a good throw. 

I'm not referring to what baseball players do, but rather a beautiful wool or better yet cashmere blanket which not only aesthetically adorns a living room or bedroom, but also very dutifully saves you from any dreaded drops in temperature.

I pretty much have one in every room of the house with the exception of the bathrooms, and that's purely because I know I would be judged for placing one there. 

The great thing about throws is that they don't need to match anything - they can be of any colour, size and material and still make a room look warmer, richer and more inviting. 

I've come across many varieties over the years ranging from absolutely decadent to well, let's just say that airline blankets aren't much better. Frette - the Italian linen company, have created beautiful throws which would make any connoisseur happy. Of course, who doesn't want a Danish Zaphir sheared mink one? They have even created a range of special throws with matching slippers for our travel needs. Music to my ears. 

These are well worth a look, and of course make a wonderful gift...particularly to yourself.

www.frette.com

Always Listen To Your Mother

Helene Benhamou is a woman of many talents. She has headed up a successful fashion label, created her own range of homewares, is now becoming a leading interior designer in Europe and the Middle East and most importantly has raised two wonderful children. How do I know this, you ask? Well, it just so happens that I am the eldest of the two. 

HB Interior is her most recent and notable venture and while many components go into being a successful designer, her job can be summed up quite simply - she creates beautiful things. 

With an uncanny eye for new and wonderful things, Helene designs spaces which are not only highly original and beautiful, she makes them timeless at the same time. 

A touch of decadence and a large helping of elegance make each space unique and I am constantly trying to keep up with her ambition and talent. 

It's certain - I will always listen to her advice when it comes to arranging my home, but no matter what she says I still won't eat those brussel sprouts.

www.hbinterior.co.uk

Marrakesh, Mon Amour

I just finished helping some friends plan their itinerary while in Marrakesh for a few days. Granted, it's not a very difficult task, but I can't help but get tremendously excited when I talk about Morocco. The colours, smells, smiles and sights are so unique that just thinking about the place takes me away. 

After so many trips there, I've collected a few special memories and must-do's which I would like to share:

1- Exploring Jmaa Al Fnaa

Whether you're there just as a spectator, or are searching for a mystical potion to entrance the object of your affection - you're bound to see and hear unusual and exotic things in this square. 

To your left, storytellers weave together tales of magic and passion, while to your right jugglers make rings of fire look like a perpetual string of light...It's impossible to be bored here.

 

2- Wandering through the Souk

I've got more ceramic pots, tajines, dishes, and ashtrays (even though I don't smoke) than I know what to do with. It's not my fault I have a real weakness when it comes to the azure, ochre and tumeric-hued ceramics. The vendors make them look so beautiful, and just when you think you've had enough, comes a different stall with slightly different objects...and you're sure that the turquoise is just a few shades darker than the previous urn you just bought - so of course you need it. By the way, you can also buy kaftans, djelabas, babouches and beautifully crafted leather and metal objects, oh and did I mention the ceramics?

3- A stroll through the Majorelle Gardens

This is a beautiful garden designed by a French artist names Jacques Majorelle during the colonial period when Morocco was a protectorate of France. Yves St Laurent owned this garden at a certain point and it not only houses his collection of North African textiles (just in case you needed another reason to go) but is also the site of the Islamic art museum. 

Though these are only a few places amongst many, Marrakesh is a magical city which will always surprise and enchant, no matter how many times you've been.

Contrasting Matters

Last night we went to a friend's house for dinner and other than the food being amazing, it was very refreshing to attend a dinner party where the table played just as big a role as the menu. 

Our hostess set a black and white table where everything from the tablecloth and wine glasses all the way to the plates and floral arrangements were contrasting, both in colour and pattern. It immediately set an elegant and luxurious tone (which is always a welcome change on a Sunday night) and I'm sure that each and every guest enjoyed dinner all the more thanks to their surroundings - I know I did...or maybe it was the Shiraz? 

The Mother of all Drinks

Not one to ever say no to a cocktail, I was very happy when we popped open a bottle of champagne rose to celebrate Mother's Day. With a glass of bubbly in hand, I got to thinking about my top three drinks for a brunch or lunch occasion - and this is what I came up with:

1- The Bellini

Made famous in Venice at the renowned Harry's Bar. It's the perfect mix of sweet and tart - prosecco and pureed white peach.

2- The Sgroppino

I had my first one of these at Cipriani in London. It's a blended mix of vodka and lemon sorbet and served immediately in a small glass. One word - yum.

3- The Mimosa

Allegedly invented at the bar in the Ritz in Paris, this drink is simply a mixture of champagne and orange juice. I suppose the great thing about this concoction is that there's no wait - it's all about instant gratification.

With all this, if you can't make up your mind (but are anything like me), a simple glass of champagne will fit the bill beautifully.

A Fabulous Writer's Block

I love stationery. It's as simple as that. Paper goods, pens, files, plastic folders, anything remotely belonging to the category makes me feel better about my life - regardless of how organised (or not) it is.

Smythson must have heard all my secret wishes from so long ago when they came up with a wonderful range of colourful, witty and possibly useful notebooks. Each book comes in a variety of hues, depending on the collection, seasonal colours and purpose. The best part though boils down to one detail - the title. 

Every little jotter comes with subtly gold or silver-pressed words on the cover such as "Recessionista" (for those of us who believe in remaining positive), "Yummy Mummy" (of course I need this one now that I'm a mother myself), "Keep Calm and Carry On" (for those moments of self-doubt) and the essential "Goddess" (for every woman out there who either knows it already, or just needs a gentle reminder). 

Whether for birthday presents, party favours, wedding party gifts, or just a little indulgence for yourself, you cannot go wrong with these little paper gems. 

I can't guarantee that all your problems will disappear once you get your hands on one, but it will certainly put a smile on your face.

www.smythson.com

Ciao Bella

I had lunch today with someone who is not only a dear friend, but also a phenomenal cook. Her devotion to Italian cooking runs so deep that she even spends a good portion of the year in Rome immersing herself in the life, flavours and aromas of Italy. 

It must have been quite amusing for our fellow diners to watch two young ladies such as ourselves squealing with delight when talking about how to cook fish, or make an affogato...what else could be more enthralling?

Stephanie is a talented designer, creator and cook. Her website "Across the Tiber" is bound to inspire. 

...Oh and we talked about shoes too...but that goes without saying.

www.acrossthetiber.com

A Love-ly Find

Even though I don't live in London anymore, I'm always delighted to find great little spots that pride themselves on adorning their shelves with great fashion, accessories or homewares. It's often the small pieces that make such a big difference, particularly when it comes to styling your home or even yourself.

Labour of Love is a "lifestyle store" where you might wander in to look for a great hat, and walk out with a highly original teapot. Either way whether you're browsing around the real boutique or shopping the online store, go take a look - it will be time well spent. 

By the way, their colourful jazz shoes are adorable...now where did I put that bowler hat?

Labour of Love - www.labour-of-love.co.uk

An Ode to Ina

One of my many guilty pleasures is watching the Food channel, particularly when the Barefoot Contessa is on. Other than the sometimes excessive use of butter and cream in her recipes, there is very little that I would not love to dish up as easily as her, especially on a weeknight when you have very little time to indulge in the gastronome within. 

That said, if there's one thing I've learnt about entertaining and cooking dinner for friends during the week it's that making things that you know are good (and don't require any more guinea pig efforts from your spouse) is the best course of action.

Of course using your imagination is a great idea, but keeping things very simple is often best. That's why I always keep a whole chicken for roasting in my fridge, and I can never go without canned tomatoes. Put the two together, sprinkle some fresh herbs (if available - if not, don't even give it a second thought), throw some tender baby spinach in a bowl with an easy vinaigrette and even quickly steam some rice (in a pot - I'm not the rice cooker type)...and voila! 

I know it's not the most refined menu ever, but I'm pretty sure our guests left happy and quite full, which makes the Ina Garten in me beam with pride.

A Speedy Chicken (almost) Cacciatore

When you are ready to cook the chicken, first preheat the oven to 425*F (220*C).Wash the chicken (inside and out) and liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. Cut a lemon in half and place both pieces in the cavity with a bunch of parsley, tarragon and a couple of cloves of smashed garlic. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken (although I must admit that I often skip this step depending on my level of commitment to the bird). Place it on a roasting rack in a pan. Rub the outside of the chicken with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast the chicken for 1.5 hours, or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh.While the chicken is roasting, finely chop a medium-sized onion and smash one clove of garlic (feel free to chop the garlic and leave it in - I like to remove mine once the sauce is cooked) and let simmer until onion is soft. Add 1.5 cans of chopped tomatoes as well as one large tomato chopped (for texture) and stir. For seasoning, add 1-2 bay leaves, chopped flat-leaf parsley, chopped oregano, a small teaspoon of vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Once the sauce looks like it's reducing well, add 2.5 cups of white wine (or chicken stock) and let simmer on a low flame. By the time the chicken is out of the oven, the sauce will be done.

Once the chicken is cooked, wait about 10 minutes to carve and place all the pieces into a baking dish and cover with the tomato sauce. Lower the oven temperature to 180-200*C and cook for about 12-15 minutes. 

Perfect Rice

In a pot, drizzle some olive oil and add an amount of rice appropriate for the number of guests (I usually use about 1-1.5 cups for 4 people). I like basmati rice - the other varieties lack the depth of flavour that basmati has. Stir the rice in the olive oil to make sure that each grain is coated. Once done, add twice the amount of chicken stock into the pot, season, and cover with the lid. Bring the stock to boil and then lower the flame to the lowest setting. Cook the rice for 12 minutes and then leave covered for a few minutes before serving. 

My Favourite Things version 1.1

Mariage Freres Candles

Better known for their delectable teas, teapots and tea-drinking accessories, Mariage Freres is a favourite of mine for something completely unrelated to hot beverages (however excellent they may be)...their candles.

With an array of exotic, elegant and perfectly-powered scents, 

Mariage's candles are a refreshing change from the more common scents such as gardenia, spice, lavender, or citrus. Please don't misunderstand me, the aforementioned varieties are lovely and charming, but there's something truly unique about their French counterparts. 

The ones that I love so much I could even enjoy cleaning, watching sports center, and even [insert undesirable activity here], are Rose d'Himalaya, The Bleu, The Blanc, Sorbet de The and Darjeeling. 

This may explain some of my severe excess baggage problems every time I go to Paris. 

www.mariagefreres.com

May 1st ... a few days late.

Growing up in Paris, May 1st was not only a chance to sleep in and play all day, it was also the one day of the year where the entire city - country in fact - bloomed, and lilly of the valley somehow magically appeared overnight absolutely everywhere. Markets, boutiques, and even the usually cold and gray street corners were given new life with the little white buds. 

It is customary to give a sprig of the beautiful flower to good friends, family and loved ones, in order to mark the coming of Spring but also for good luck.

This really is one of my favourite days of the year, if only for the fact that it's a national reason to buy flowers...not that you ever need an excuse...

First Orange Post

The Orange Label Life is a space where new things come alive. 

Covering all things beautiful, our aim is to share our finds, creations and wants with you. 

Welcome to our world.