Wednesday 24 February 2016

MY LAST DAY IN PARIS


It's three weeks to the day since we got home from our trip to Paris.  Jetlag seems to be getting tougher as I get older, and yes,  I am making excuses for the lack of blogging!   

I thought I had all the time in the world to see Paris at the beginning of our 12 days in Paris.  Isn't it funny that when there's only a day left, there's suddenly so much more to fit in?!

I wanted to make another visit to my friend Alice Vermelin's store in rue de Verneuil, so I dashed off after breakfast while Michael was dealing with last minute packing and airport transfers etc.  Luckily our flight was in the evening.  I have blogged about Alice's gorgeous store before and this time, I was very  happy to meet Brigitte, her mother. 

Brigitte was very busy getting herself organised for an event the following day.  She explained that every two months, she and her daughter Alice, decorate three luncheon tables at the restaurant of the famous French Chef - Guy Savoy.  The theme for the lunch was 'truffles' and she showed me the delightful items she had sourced for the tablescape. Some photos below are from Alice's website, linked above, of the event.

Brigitte and Guy Savoy

Brigitte found these adorable pigs at Maison et Objet and I love how she has placed them amidst twigs, moss, acorns and bark shavings - perfectly depicting the "Truffle" theme!



  
These 'faux bois' china plates in her store, suited the theme perfectly!


There are many treasures to be found in their store, and below are some of the beautiful tableware items they have available.
Hand-painted porcelain


That bunny tureen is adorable!

Glasses from Murano

After saying good-bye to Brigitte, I had just enough time to rush back across the Seine and visit the  Goossens "pop-up" shop on rue Saint-Honoré.   

Goossens pop-up shop in Rue Saint-Honoré
Visiting this tiny 'pop-up was such fun! While I was there,  people streamed in and out and lots of sales were made. The girls working there were so friendly and were delighted for me to take photos.  Sadly,  some of my photos have 'disappeared' as I have had endless computer problems. I had to include some on their website.


 For those not familiar with
this brand,  the story is fascinating.  Robert Goossens loved mixing fakes with genuine stones.  His clients, including Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and especially Coco Chanel who loved the way in which he managed to blend genuine semi-precious stones with artificial gems.  Highly regarded as one of the greatest jewelers and goldsmiths in Paris, Robert Goossens used silver and gold-plated metals, to surround his semi-precious stones, pearls and quartz for the House of Chanel, creating their now famous Sautoir necklaces.  
Goossens met Coco (Gabrielle ) Chanel in 1953 and she appointed him as the official jewelry supplier for the house.  After Coco's passing,  Goossens continued to work with Karl Lagerfeld, creating jewelry for the couture and ready-to-wear collections.    When Robert retired, his son Patrick Goossens took over the directorship and, in 2005, Karl Lagerfeld added Goossens to his stable of ateliers (Métiers d'Art) as a way of protecting the brand.


I sadly did not have time to visit the Goossens store on 42 Avenue George V

Below are the beautiful pieces I saw in the pop-up.  They are unique and unusual and quite affordable. 









That's all from Paris for the moment.  Although only three weeks ago,  it feels like yesterday..


19 comments:

  1. So much eye candy in this post Jenny. I love the pictures of the Alice Vermelin shop - the little pigs are adorable, and the faux bois china plates are stunning, as is all of it really! I wish she had an internet shop for those of us not able to visit in person.
    Love the photos of Goossen's shop. Their pieces truly are beautiful and every time I wear them I get so many compliments. I think a belt is calling my name in the future… x

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    1. The belt will look really gorgeous on you Heidi! If you email me, I can let you have Alice's email address. She is a pleasure to deal with! I bought some beautiful bed linen from her as well as a tablecloth! Everything arrived perfectly in the post! I wish I had time to get to the big Goossens store which I visited many years ago, but the pop-up shop was fun!

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  2. Two fabulous stores Jenny. Will definately revisit Alice's store. It was unfortunately closed for her wedding when I visited last year and could only window shop- so lovely to see homewares and linen that are unique and beautifully crafted as apposed to what is so often seen in home stores today.
    The second store Goossens I did visit as recommened by a girlfriend. I did not know about this store prior to my visit and had time to visit both stores. The door handle at the George V store is stunning and sets the scene of beauty before you even enter. Must admit, I did buy a couple of pieces- a bracelet and as I can see from your pictures, I bought the neclace that is on your manaquin but it was in blue crystals and gold. A very special piece that my husband bought me for my birthday (my suggestion when I got home!!!!) It is beautiful and like Heidi it is often complimented on for its colour and uniqueness. Will definately go back to both.
    There is always something to capture your imagination in Paris
    Marilyn xx

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    1. When will you be in Paris Marilyn?... I think Alice closes her store in August and as she is expecting a baby, if you do plan to visit, you can email her and set up an appointment with her or her Mum. So thrilled you got some beautiful pieces from Goossens - what a treat! I was very lucky to get a ring - the one pictured above... so comfortable to wear and I've received so many compliments too! It's made all the more special be knowing the story behind it all xxx

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  3. I will be in Paris for the first two weeks in July and then will be doing a winery tour of Bordeaux with my sister in law. I will email Alice or her mother at the begining of my visit so as not to miss out this time. Thanks for the tip
    Marilyn xx

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  4. So many lovely things. I really enjoyed you instagram feed when you were in Paris. thank you for sharing.

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  5. *sigh*
    Such lovely table settings, such lovely photos! Just putting these two places on my ever-longer list of 'need to see' for the next time I'm in Paris.

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    1. There is never enough time to see it all in Paris - truly a great and beautiful city!

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  6. I am going to google those crystal flower earrings. Paris does do boutiques the best anywhere! I am thinking of doing a day trip so might check out the store. Lovely to see all these things Jenny x

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    1. It's so easy for you to get there for a day or two Naomi .... You would love this range and store - Lucky you being so near!! xx

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  7. We'll be in Paris in June and I'm so looking forward to visiting both shops. But now wondering if either will be open then?
    Had read about Goossens in rue St Honore on Heidi's blog. Although we've walked along there many times in past years - I don't remember having seen it. Maybe it just wasn't there if it's a pop-up (or ephemere as I think they more romantically call it in French). Hopefully it might still be there but if not will try the mother ship.
    Have also walked along the rue de Verneuil (even just last year) and somehow missed your friends' shop. We usually spend quite a while studying all the graffiti on the Serge Gainsbourg house. Must go back. Love the street/boutiques in this area - the rue Jacob and Saints Peres etc.
    You're firing my enthusiasm! Thank you for this lovely post. Pammie

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    1. The Goossens Pop-up has only been open a year and they are moving soon Pammie - not sure where to. Their pop-up was just over the road from our hotel - it's tiny and one can easily miss it but as we waked past it nearly every day I spotted it just after our arrival! xx

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  8. Now that our flights and all are booked and it's March the time left before we head to Paris will just fly - so was having another look at your delicious Paris photos. Love the ring you bought - do you know what the stone is? So different. Can't wait to visit Goossens. Original, statement rings of size are one of my weaknesses - already have quite a collection. Mostly they're costume and not bank breaking - rather than serious jewellery - but great fun and often designed by artists. Your ring is fabulous - will definitely be visiting this shop. Best wishes, Pammie

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  9. The dining room is definitely formal. Bed it's the bedroom I absolutely love.
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  10. The jwellery is very unique and has a loud impression which I love.
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