Tarte Chocolat Ganache Cuite Haute Couture
My regular International city breaks, are my therapy, when I can enjoy total artistic immersion, in the widest sense.
Not just art and couture but great cuisine is always on the agenda. This time, a 4hr masterclass at the Ritz Escoffier, led by chef Martin Millouet, produced an haute couture chocolate tart, which tasted even better than how impressive it already looked. First time, I had chocolate tart for a birthday Parisienne breakfast.
Le Fleur, seems to be a popular motif which has inspired not just fabrics, and but has been hugely prominent in jewellery design. I noted an exhibition of frocks at YSL, all floral, which I was too late to see this trip.
My increased interest and awareness of jewellery design, has been elevated, after my recent fantatic V&A jewellery course. Post Ritz tart, I visited the Louvre bijoux gallery to appreciate breath taking pieces. Alas, my next stop was Place Vendome, to the exhibition at Van Cleef and Arpels. Sadly, no photos allowed to share, but showed how flowers inspired many of their pieces over the years. On show, were illustrations, plaster moulds, high end brooches, rings and pendants and an old invoice ledger. Walking through the shop from the back gallery, unofficially, I could discreetly observe the imminent purchases on the counter costing many thousands of Euros, while the clients enjoyed luxe hospitality. I figured you are vetted before entering the shop and have to express serious interest in a piece. It's not for everyone.
The Antiques Road Show jewellery specialist was recently presented with beautiful pink and silver Faberge cufflinks to value, and I recognised that I had a very similar charm style ornament, of silver with enamel, identical in surface design and colour. It is called guilloche. Turns out, my flea market find, is an art deco cigarette holder from the 20’s. It is not unlike a thimble with a hinged lid and a ring for a chain. Inside is a telescope of fittings, but mine has the bakelite mouth piece missing. It is a pendant, thanks to Google, and I bought a silver chain in the Louvre shop, to wear when I fancy. For sure, I won’t be smoking!
Paris is such fun, if your eyes and ears are open to all of its glories. Spearheaded by Napoleon 111, I can see how it’s Grands Magasins still continue to be temples of consumption. Au revoir, till the next trip.