Best New Hotel - Sofitel SO Singapore

Keeping up with the latest luxury hotel in Singapore is quite a decision to make. But it is a clear winner for voters to select Sofitel SO Singapore as the Best New Hotel in the region. Its French luxury boutique hotel style with a Singaporean twist also includes latest technology used in its rooms for guests to experience ultra luxe and modernity in the Karl Lagerfeld designed interior and emblem.

We would like to congratulate Sofitel SO Singapore for the mentioned award and thank them for their support and partnership in Le Style's upcoming event, L'heure du The fundraiser event in aid of breast cancer foundation of Singapore. 

We are also thrilled in partnering with quality brands in the French high tea event for their contributions. Special guest, Kerrie Hess is a talented fashion illustrator that is widely recognised not just for her work in New York, Paris and Australia, but also for her connections with a large growing number of social media followers worldwide.

Special thanks to Ladurée Singapore, Alliance Francaise de Singapour, Survival Chic, Zurina Bryant photography, The Honeycombers Singapore, Fragrance Du Bois, Le Petit Journal de Singapour, Le Petit Depot, Luxola, Blissfulthots, KOSÉ, Uber Singapore and TWG tea.

Event details and bookings

L'heure du Thé fundraiser event, in aid of Breast Cancer Organisation

Nov 15, 3-5pm

Sofitel SO Singapore

Xperience restaurant

35 Robinson Road

Singapore 068876

Bookings: SGD$100 http://lestyle.org/pages/Events.htm

Dress code: Parisian chic

Sofitel SO Singapore:

LE STYLE produces French high tea, L'heure du Thé fundraiser event at Sofitel SO Singapore on Nov 15

Celebrate our love of food, fashion and France at L'heure du Thé fundraiser event with LE STYLE at Sofitel SO Singapore on Nov 15 from 3 to 5pm for a good cause in supporting the Breast Cancer Organisation. We are pleased to bring renown fashion illustrator, Kerrie Hess to meet our guests and readers in Singapore for an autograph session at the hotel's La BiblioteK (library) that has a selection of books chosen by Monsieur Karl Lagerfeld himself on a regular basis.

Kerrie Hess photographed by Carla Coulson

La BiblioteK (the library) where autograph session with Kerrie Hess will be held.

With a modern interior designed by MIAJA Design Group, L'heure du Thé will be held at the Xperience restaurant in a with a buffet-style Parisian afternoon tea menu accompanied by a petite entertainment program emcee-ed by model Karri Nicholas. The salon de thé concept includes a duet ballet performance from soundtrack of the much-loved movie Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain, La Valse d'Amelie, an interview with Kerrie Hess, a speech by Executive Director of Alliance Francaise de Singapour, Ms Claire-Lise Dautry plus prize giveaways to the best-dressed and lucky winners.

Xperience restaurant where guests of L'heure du Thé will dine.

SO Hip entrance to Sofitel SO Singapore embodies modernity and French luxury with a Singaporean twist.

A glimpse into the petit dejeuner (breakfast) served at Sofitel SO Singapore. 

We are pleased to be able to combine both style and compassion for a very special cause that we have supported since 2011 through a percentage of ticket sales and donating features to the Breast Cancer Organisation. Our many thanks to Sofitel So Singapore as our main sponsor of L'heure du Thé fundraiser event, along with all supporting partners Ladurée Singapore, Alliance Francaise de Singapour, Survival Chic, Zurina Bryant photography, The Honeycombers Singapore, Fragrance Du Bois and Le Petit Journal de Singapour.

Event details and bookings

L'heure du Thé fundraiser event, in aid of Breast Cancer Organisation

Nov 15, 3-5pm

Sofitel SO Singapore

Xperience restaurant

35 Robinson Road

Singapore 068876

Bookings: SGD$100 http://lestyle.org/pages/Events.htm

Dress code: Parisian chic

Hurry to book your places as this is a sold-out event!

Sponsor and partners of L'heure du Thé Singapore fundraiser event 

Sofitel SO Singapore

The French-owned Sofitel SO has brought a dash of Parisian chic to downtown Singapore with the opening of a new hotel in a landmark heritage building on Robinson Road near Raffles Place in the heart of the CBD. Developed by the Singapore-based MIAJA Design Group led by French interior designer Isabelle Miaja, with unmistakable floushes courtesy of Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld, the 134-room Sofitel SO Singapore combines Gallic style with Singapore's modernity and features all sorts of OTT embellishments, including a gold-tiled rooftop pool, in-room iPad minis and couture-clad front of house 'ambassadors'. Sofitel SO Singapore is our choice to host L'heure du Thé Singapore fundraiser event for its signature of excellent service and food. It is also definitely one to look out for as a voted best new-hotel in the lion city.

Laduree Singapore

Parisian tea rooms' history is intimately tied to the history of the Ladurée family. It all began in 1862, when Louis Ernest Ladurée, a miller from the southwest of France, founded a bakery in Paris at 16 rue Royale. In 1871, while Baron Haussmann was giving Paris a "new face", a fire in the bakery opened the opportunity to transformation it into a pastry shop. The decoration of the pastry shop was entrusted to Jules Cheret, a famous turn-of-the-century painter and poster artist.

The store at Ladurée Singapore has an interior of mint colour with chandeliers that are specially imported. A cloudy, sky blue wallpaper ceiling features a dreamy look to the overall look. Walls are lined with shelves of Ladurée merchandise from teas, jams and more collectibles and is a haven of all things beautiful and delightful one would think of Parisian sweet desserts. Ladurée Singapore has generously provided guests at L'heure du Thé event vouchers in gift bags. 

Alliance Francaise de Singapour

In 1949, The Alliance Française de Singapour was founded by a group of French-speaking teachers headed by Paul Clerc. There were only 20 students and 50 members. Conversation classes were held twice a week in the evening and there was only one French language class and no teaching material. The Alliance was considered more of a social club than a language school. 

Today it has since been very well established with its French language courses and have organised for the first-time ever an Open-House day for children and an International Women’s Day celebration in 2014. Executive Director of Alliance Francaise de Singapour, Ms Claire-Lise Dautry will be speaking about the French language at L'heure du Thé event.

Survival Chic

 

Singapore's first & premier Lifestyle Membership, invites Le Style readers to join and at the same time, to support a very worthy cause. To support Le Style's L'heure du Thé fundraiser event, for each Survival Chic Membership sold to Le Style readers before 15 November, SC will donate 10% to the Breast Cancer Organisation of Singapore.

Survival Chic (SC) Membership Benefits:

1) SC Dining Program ($350 if purchased alone) - 30% off at 50 Top Restaurants including alcohol & guests (List here). Members usually make back the Membership fee within 2-4 uses of the card.

2) Complimentary & VIP Invites (examples here), every week, to the city's most sought-after private events, from champagne tastings to Formula1 after parties, from Art Stage to live concerts. 

3: Exclusive travel privileges & escapes across SE Asia, every month.

4: Unique opportunities to meet & mingle with like-minded people

Join here with any major credit card in less than 1 minute (NO need to have a Paypal account). Please contact i@survivalchic.com with any questions; 

References readily available!

Zurina Bryant photography

Born in Hobart Tasmania, Zurina Bryant has a passionate interest in photography. She has photographed various profiles, entertainers and fashion shows. We cannot wait to see how she captures L'heure du Thé fundraiser event on Nov 15! Merci beaucoup Zurina for supporting the charity event.

The Honeycombers Singapore

The Honeycombers is led by Chris Edwards who traded sunny Sydney for Singapore seven years ago, and being the unstoppable go-getter that she is, started The Honeycombers. The online portal was born out of her desire to connect expats with the abundant and fab local culture. We are so thankful to have their support in bringing together expats of Singapore to L'heure du Thé fundraiser event in support of the Breast Cancer Organisation.

Fragrance Du Bois

Fragrance Du Bois is a niche luxury perfume house born from the richest essences of nature, and crafted by fifth generation perfumers from the 17th Century French tradition of Grasse. Their exquisite fragrances will transport you to yesteryear, invoking long lost memories, fleeting feelings, and bursts of joy. Their beguiling creations will strike a chord with your deepest, most intimate and unique selves.

Be sure to book your tickets to attend L'heure du Thé fundraiser event and receive free gift bags with Fragrance Du Bois items to bring home!

Le Petit Journal Singapour

lepetitjournal.com is a daily French language news website aimed at French expatriates and Francophones outside France. It was launched in 2001 by Hervé Heyraud and has won several awards. We are pleased to have Le Petit Journal de Singapour as our media partner to share L'heure du Thé fundraiser event with the French communities of the cosmopolitan city.

The Little Black Jacket: CHANEL's classic revisited by Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld

On November 8^th 2013, Le Style had the privilege of being in attendance at the ArtScience Museum in Singapore, CHANEL unveiled the exhibition of "The Little Black Jacket: CHANEL's classic revisited by Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld"*, a celebration of the modernity and timelessness of the CHANEL jacket.

Following on from exhibitions throughout the world including Tokyo, New York, Paris, London, Milan, Beijing and São Paulo, this is a remarkable showcase of over 100 photographs of the jacket adapted and worn differently by some of today’s greatest personalities in contemporary culture. The exhibition includes 21 new images depicting celebrities and other personalities wearing the iconic piece, lensed by Karl Lagerfeld and selected from the book "The Little Black Jacket: CHANEL's classic revisited by Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld".

At the opening were actress Song Hye Kyo, model Karolina Kurkova and new faces to the book, French actress Alma Jodorowsky, Chinese model Xiao Wen, Korean model Soo Joo, joined by Thai actress Chompoo Araya, Singaporean model and upcoming actress Sheila Sim, models Fiona Fussi and Liv Lo, radio DJs Rosalyn Lee and Bobby Tonelli, host Henry Golding and opinion leaders Sarah Tan, Ashley Bei and Renée Lorentzen.

ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM MARINA BAY SANDS
SINGAPORE
From Saturday November 9^th 2013 until Wednesday January 1^st 2014
Opening hours: 10:00AM - 07:00PM daily
Free admission

Please visit thelittleblackjacket.chanel.com

 

 *The Little Black Jacket: CHANEL's classic revisited by Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld, New expanded edition, Steidl, Göttingen, 2013, 280 pages. Available in selected bookstores.

Le Style Magazine New Edition - Paris et New York

A new edition on French allure put together for the modern, savvy woman. In focus of Paris et New York theme, topics include renown fashion illustrator Kerrie Hess's limited edition fashion prints who have also graced the cover true to the theme; New York urban style by Bill Cunningham, Olivier Magny on his winery and O'Chateau Paris; and beautiful gallery by Australian and European photographers. The interactive mag did not leave behind style and travel videos too. We're pleased to announce that printed version of Le Style magazine will begin in 2014! Read the free online magazine on http://lestyle.org/pages/magazine.htm 
Credits: Kerrie Hess Illustration | Bill Cunningham | André Elhay Photography

LE STYLE Spring Black & White Edition

Bonjour printemps! The first day of spring started so beautifully. Kick back and get the mobile devices out to celebrate the season with Le Style Spring Black and White Edition. The publication is an inspiration, an idea of passion that we have to live the essence of French beauty that touches our hearts. Click on the magazine below to view!

LE STYLE MAGAZINE - WINTER 2012

The amazing turn out from our previous edition gets us connecting with some of the world's successful individuals who are passionate in French style. An interactive version, smartphone and tablet friendly, accompanied by instant click-on videos and useful links - this Winter edition is one you would want to sit at the cafe or lounge with! A stylish, cool and insightful digital publication of today.

Maintaining the clean look and yet full of great topics that's perfect for the savvy digital lover.  Le Style team consists of well-known correspondents who are passionate to bring to you the best.

Le Style Digital Magazine is published quarterly for each season in Melbourne, showcasing French style and news from around the world.  For advertising rates and information, email advertise@lestyle.org.

Click on magazine to read:

Tchaikovsky On The Road Through the Eyes of French Director Bertrand Normand

The conductor, much like a mad scientist, bold and stern like most middle-aged Russian men, instantly stops the entire orchestra to a complete silence, and zeros in for the attention from one. He looks directly into the eyes of a cellist and demands, “inspire the orchestra!” This is a scene from French director Bertrand Normand’s Tchaikovsky On The Road documentary of a European tour of the highly-acclaimed Russian Mariinsky Theater’s orchestra lead by the great conductor, Valery Gergiev. Admirer of classical music or not, Normand’s film enlightens us of the remarkable orchestra’s passion, dedication and often painstaking journey with nightly performances after a day filled with rehearsals.

“Maybe the most important thing that I have learned is what a conductor brings to a piece of music and how differently an orchestra can play according to the conductor, the venue, the mood,” states Normand of his latest film. “It was amazing to hear each symphony of Tchaikovsky sound differently every day.” Normand dedicated two weeks of filming on tour with the orchestra from cities such as Amsterdam, Brussles, Toulsous and Cologne just to name a few. “When you can listen to the same piece of music over and over within a short period of time performed differently each time, a world opens to you, a world of variety, of nuances, of emotions, and you can’t help but compare, relate, be more attentive and more sensitive to the music.”

I’m highly impressed with Normand who graduated with a degree in Business Management but realized it was not his calling. “I needed to do something I was passionate about,” he admits, “I did some acting for a few years, in short films and on stage, but I realized that I didn’t care much for the life of an actor and that my true means of expression was directing, meaning being behind the camera.” Normand’s other impressive documentary Ballerina released in 2006 showcases five female dancers also from the Mariinsky Theater (commonly known as the Kirvo). Although Normand wants to direct feature films, he has worked on several documentaries. “It allows to convey something truthful, although to some extent personal as well, to the audience,” explains Normand of documentary type films.

“Before directing my own films, I have worked as an assistant on several films made by other directors,” Normand recalls. “The most memorable experience was on Russian Dolls, directed by Cédric Klapisch, with Romain Duris and Audrey Tautou, on which I worked as second unit director.”

As for Tchaikovsky On The Road, “making that film has allowed me to better grasp what some call the ‘Russian soul’,” Normand explains. “What distinguishes the Mariinsky orchestra from most Western orchestras is that it plays in a more emotional way.” Normand shows us how and why commendable conductor Gergiev “seems to go through great torments or ecstasy!” You see this in Gergiev’s eyes as he stand proud in front of his orchestra. That is, if his eyes are open. Other times with eyes shut, Gergiev is lost in an apparent trance. His baton flutters like that of the wings of a hummingbird while the other hand is directing another group of musicians a different tempo. I became completely fascinated with Gergiev, his hair a tattered mess tosses beads of sweat onto his jacket; his mellow dramatic full body gestures surely needed in leading the orchestra to its greatness. Through Normand’s eyes, we see and feel the maestro’s passion as he ignites the musicians to a most memorable performance. “Some of the musicians, and above all Gergiev himself, are certainly passionate about what they are doing,” describes Normand.   “Observing them gives a lot of energy and a will to devote oneself to something one is passionate about.”

“Tchaikovsky is our daily bread,” explains French Horn musician, Yuri Akimkin in the film. While on the road with the orchestra, Normand was able to make certain observations of this ensemble. “It was amazing to witness how an orchestra functions from inside, moreover a Russian orchestra.” While some musician are back home in St. Petersburg performing at the Mariinksy, “those taken on tour by Gergiev are supposed to be the best and most energetic ones, and young ones cope with tiredness better than old ones,” Normand explains.

http://www.bertrandnormand.com/

By: Slavica Monczka

A piece of the French Riviera fit for a Princess

For those of you looking to splurge on a vacation home, look no further. Have I found a place for you! Let’s just say, it is located in paradise, a.k.a. the French Riviera. Luxury does have its price so for the 21 million Euros, which is nearly $28 million USD today, you shall receive a home fit for a princess, literally. “The owner is one of the most famous and beautiful princesses,” states Irina Alekseeva of Sadaka Exclusive Realty agent representing the majestic villa off the glorious Côte d'Azur.

First thing first, I wanted to cut to the chase to know why the princess, who shall remain nameless for the sake of privacy, would sell such a beautiful property minutes away from world-renowned Monte Carlo. In the back of my mind I envision a stunning young lady, resembling Eva Green dressed in an evening gown in Casino Royale, sipping champagne off the terrace during sunset, overlooking the sparkling sea and twinkling city lights. “She is very involved with charity work,” explains Alekseeva, “she wants to invest her money in one of her charity projects.” 

If you are not writing out that check yet to purchase the home after learning of such a generous deed sure to accept the princess into the sanctity of sainthood, then allow me illustrate for you more. This palatial estate includes the basics you would expect, such as original marble fireplaces, numerous large and spacious rooms, a pool with a guest house, and a private beach, just to name a few. From any one of the picturesque terraces or patios, the views are breathtaking! 

Views from the Villa

“It would be paradise,” Alekseeva declares in her charming French accent when asked what it would be like to live in this elegant manor. “You wake up in the morning in your room to views of a blue, peaceful sea,” Alekseeva continues illustrating for me what you can expect for a typical day in this prestigious locale. “You enjoy breakfast on the beach, later plans with friends for a barbeque. For the evening, you put on a beautiful dress and invite your business partners to champagne. Later, accompanied by your driver, you are off to the famous Monte Carlo Casino where you enjoy the most famous opera in the world. Near midnight, a beautiful table in the best restaurant is waiting for you.”

I suddenly think of Eva Green once again, only this time I am she and my driver is the 007 agent himself dressed in a tux as we race down the winding seaside drive! “You have a great image of Monaco, and you are right,” Alekseeva laughs! “It is the most famous place in the world for the exceptional people and for a unique life style.”

Located in the one of the most exclusive communities in the French Riviera, Domaine Prive du Cap-Martin, this historic villa was built in the late 19th century by prominent architect Hans-Georg Tersling. Well known for much of his work on the French Riviera of that time, Tersling was commissioned by European aristocrats and elitists for his designs from mansions to hotels you find scattered across the highly desirable coastline.  

Monte-Carlo Casino

The accomplished architect knew that the cultured and wealthy holiday homeowners on the French Rivera demanded quality, as evident in the exposed stone structure and the room layouts that captures the natural light gleaming from windows throughout this chateau, a must on the Mediterranean Sea.

Alekseeva is well experienced in representing these luxury properties for her high-profile clients from Paris, to Monaco and even to other cosmopolitan cities like Geneva, London and our very own Miami. Again without mentioning names, most of her clients are on the Forbes list. Due to the high priced residential properties, the savvy and sophisticated Alekseeva chooses to represent only the distinguished to be able to give them her full attention in the process. Alekseeva has built relationships within each location for an irreproachable experience for the sale and purchase of her client’s properties. Currently, Alekseeva’s listings range from a 1 million Euro pied-à-terre in Paris to a 100 million Euros mansion near Monaco she calls “a piece of art.” Gasp!  

These pictures can try, but do not do the lavish villa the justice it deserves. Often purchased as a secondary home, Alekseeva explains of the properties on the French Riviera, “it is not only the villa you buy; you buy your social position and a security which is the best in the world.” The down or volatile global economy does not affect her listings much at all. “Monaco is the most secure place in the world for you and your finances, and for the life of your family,” Alekseeva confidently states. “The highest level of education for your children, great climate, entertainment all year round from the Grand Prix to the best restaurants, art galleries and events,” boasts Alekseeva.

If the best location is key in real estate, then the French Riviera is the place to be. However, if you are already fortunate enough to have a villa there, no worries as Alekseeva has more to offer at www.sadakarealty.com. By: Slavica Monczka

L'idée du jour - Louis Vuitton Trunks

Photographe

Provencal ”Hameau” in Ménerbes

Magnificent Provencal ”Hameau” dating back to the last century, facing the beautiful Village of Ménerbes, the Luberon Mountains and the Valley, surrounded by well designed and fully landscaped private gardens of 16 hectares. You will find the main Mansion, an independent Villa plus a beautiful Pavilion for guests, an independent caretaker’s accommodation. 

The property offers in addition a large swimming-Pool, a pool-house, a tennis court and a private 9 whole golf court. You will find lots of charm, 9 bedrooms and their bathroom, a large living-room with antique fireplaces, several suites and wooden paneled salons, a fully equipped family kitchen and formal dining room with vaulted ceilings. 

You may fall in love with the shady terraces, the cozy Patio, the rose garden, the cherry tree field, the english gardens and the path leading through a little oak wood to the waterfall and fountain.  Such a beautiful piece of heaven on earth.

By: RDuJour

24 hours in Paris!

What do you do when you have 24 hours in Paris?  What are the places you have to go and see, appreciate and soak in, meet the locals and dine?  What times are the best?  The video below shows some of the popular must-go places in Paris to note.  The majestic Le Meurice, as well as cute arrondissements you can discover.  Travel with an open mind, and you'll have nothing but a good time and life's greatest lesson.

By: concierge.com

Le Meurice; The Hotel of Kings

A five star hotel is no longer fit for a king when visiting Paris, bien sûr! In France, they have a one-up on the hotel ratings called the Palace Distinction. It is earned after achieving the five stars requirements, and then some. Le Meurice Hotel in Paris was the first to achieve the discerning distinction, although this emblematic avant-garde Parisian hotel seduced me in other ways. My stay at the paramount Le Meurice was nothing less than a palatial experience, while I desperately tried to coax Meurice into divulging some of his stories of famous personalities, past and present, who have left their notch on his bedposts.

Le Meurice is known as “The Hotel of Kings” for three reasons. The obvious being that it has been the preferred place to stay in Paris for international royalty since the beginning of its establishment in the nineteenth century. Secondly, because the hotel has earned this reputation as the king of all Parisian hotels for its incomparable service, style and savoir-faire in hospitality. Lastly, Le Meurice has been blessed with the official Palace Distinction in hotel establishments by the French government; in the luxury world, that is a step above the blasé five star ones.

If only these walls of Le Meurice could talk, they would whisper to me the secrets I so desperately want to know! The visits from the King of Spain, the Shah of Iran, the Grand Duchess of Russia and a slew of other aristocrats from all over the world. The stories of patron Mata Hari, the exotic dancer executed for espionage during World War I. I wonder how Ginger Rogers and Elizabeth Taylor would spend their time in Paris while at Le Meurice? Rockefeller, Roosevelt, Coco Chanel, and Picasso are yet a few other majestic names worth mentioning frequently seen at the reputable hotel.

And then, there is Dali! Artist Salvador Dali would take up residence at Le Meurice for an entire month every year, for over thirty years. For this, permanent tributes to Dali grace Le Meurice throughout; starting from the moment you enter the lobby. “The 18th century mirror is an old evocation of Le Meurice history,” Anne Vogt-Bordure, Director of Communications, explains of the large frozen mirror leaning against the wall upon entrance to the palace. Coolness emanates from the mirror with no reflection. “Frozen because Mr. Dali didn’t drink alcohol at all. He used to drink water, so it is like a historic tribute to the hotel and to Dali.” People often come up and draw their names with their finger in the frost, as did I. 

Suite Dali

The emphasis at Le Meurice during its renovation in 2007 was in “trying to create some bridges from past to present,” states Vogt-Bordure, “to keep the history, but also to move forward.” I believe the same can be said of Paris as a whole.

“We thought Dali was the right person to give a little bit more fun and glamour and humorous image of Le Meurice, to make it a little less serious,” explains Franka Holtmann, General Manager of the palace hotel since 2007. “I still have members of my team that know all the anecdotes of his visits here,” she says of Dali with a sheepish grin. 

It was Holtmann who commissioned renowned designer Philippe Starck during Meurice’s make over as, “I thought he (Starck) was the only one who could conserve the heritage of Le Meurice, and at the same time make it more modern and glamorous.” The innovative and daring French designer Starck has once again accomplished remarkable work. He recreated Dali’s Leda chair and a Dali lamp you cannot miss when you enter the restaurant appropriated named Restaurant Le Dali. Almost immediately, your eyes are captivated by the art draped high above. Ara Starck, the designer’s own daughter, is the artist of the theatrical scene painted on canvas over the entire ceiling in the room. 

Near the ancient symbolic mirror frozen in time, prominently stands another piece of art in the lobby. However, this one is contemporary. “The Kiss” by Zoulikha Bouabdellah was the first recipient of the Meurice Prize for contemporary art 2008, a competition established by Holtmann to support today’s French artists. Holtmann also headed the revamping of the hotel in 2007, where, “in only 5 days and 5 nights,” the main areas of the first floor were renovated. “My goal was, in a way, to wake up the sleeping beauty,” Holtmann says of the hotel, which took a total of two years work of renovations. “Le Meurice was always anchored in art and culture. I wanted a timeless hotel but at the same time really create a liaison with the past and to wake it up!” The Kiss has awakened this sleeping beauty.

Royal patrons and stargazing is not only a thing of the past at Le Meurice. During my stay I recognized the Olson Twins, royalty in the world of fashion, seated next to me at Restaurant Le Dali. Visitors are still as eclectic and diverse as the hotel itself. One escorted entourage of well-known hip-hop rappers, made their way through the hotel as confidently as sophisticated nobility.

I must mention that this palace is perfectly located across the picturesque Tuileries Garden, and flanked by Place de la Concorde, The Louvre and Place Vendôme. The rooms and suites are extraordinary, as you would expect of a palace hotel, flaunting marble and the finest of all furniture and fabrics from only the very best craftsman and designers in France to Italy. Head Chef Yannick Alleno, a three star Michelin award winner, of Restaurant Le Meurice states, “my cuisine is like my city, and my city is Paris.” The opulent restaurant houses a wine cellar with over 600 of the worlds finest wines,” Vogt-Bordure boasts. 

Restaurant Le Dali

My stay at Le Meurice came to an unfortunate end, however with an appropriate farewell gift from Vogt-Bordure. A book titled French Genius for the Art of Living (published by Le Meurice Hotel, 2009), which romantically describes the rich fascinating history of the hotel. “To recall the history of Le Meurice is akin to telling the story of Paris,” author Sabine Roux states. “The years and even centuries have passed, and crowned heads, captains of industry and the iconic figures of art and culture from around the world have come and gone at Le Meurice,” Roux illustrates, “adding new legends to its History each time.” And that, my friends, is the art of living à la française at Le Meurice!

Thank you Anne Vogt-Bordure and Franka Holtmann for their grand hospitality, personal tour of Le Meurice and for my gifts!

By Slavica Monczka