Chic at Work: Jeanne Lanvin

I've seen fashion designer Jeanne Lanvin's former apartment in the Musée des Arts Decoratifs but I didn't realize her office had also been preserved for posterity. Lanvin has opened the usually closed off space in honor of the house's 125th anniversary. As you can see, it hasn't changed much since she was painted in it by Edouard Vuillard in 1933. Jeanne Lanvin began her career 1889 as a milliner as many fashion designer have but parlayed that into a full blown brand that still bears her name today. With the revolving door at most fashion houses, I can't imagine that anyone's office will remain intact ever again.  Such a shame. 

New photos via Vogue

Chic Ile Saint-Louis Collection

A sure sign of the change of season is when Ralph Lauren Home installs the new collections of the Ladies Mansion. The Ile Saint-Louis collection is an ode to the bohemian elegance of the City of Light with a mix of vintage and industrial inspired pieces mixed with muted color palette.  Time to lighten up for spring. Now if the weather would just cooperate. 

Chic in New York: Ladurée Soho

One of the best things about Paris, besides Paris itself, is Ladurée.  While they did open a Ladurée uptown in New York, we did not have a Ladurée tea salon until this week.  It is located on West Broadway in Soho in the space formally occupied by the restaurant Barolo who had a large patio.  I couldn't quite see past the chic opening party crowd Tuesday night, but it does look like there might be some trees and outdoor space beyond the French doors in the back. Many French friends of Ladurée also came out to fete the new space including Frederic Fekkai and Giles Bensimon, as well as Jenna Lyons of J.Crew.  I highly recommend a visit the next time you're downtown.

Ladurée Soho

398 West Broadway

New York, NY 10012

646-392-7868

All photos via instagram

Cartier: Le Style et L'Histoire

One of the biggest treats during my last trip to Paris was attending the preview of Cartier: Le Style et L'Histoire exhibition at the Grand Palais. I think we all know Cartier for their Love bracelets and chic watches but you will be amazed at the breadth of the 600 pieces of jewelry, objects, watches, clocks that are displayed in context with dresses, advertisements, photos, engravings, and even magazines. I was especially proud to see many American patrons represented such as Marjorie Merriweather Post, Barbara Hutton, and Elizabeth Taylor mixed in among the queens and princesses. You may think that I've shown you everything in the exhibit in this post but this is just the tip of the iceberg.  Every time I thought I saw the most beautiful and glittering piece possible, I would turn a corner and see something even more breathtaking.  I encourage those of you in Paris to attend Maison & Objet and Paris Deco Off and even the couture shows to make time for this once in a lifetime exhibition. 

Cartier: Le Style et L'Histoire

Grand Palais

Salon d'Honneur

21 Avenue Franklin Delano Roosevelt

75008 Paris, France

On view until 16 February 2014

The beautiful Queen Maria of Romania and her Cartier tiara.

The chicest sewing accessories I've ever seen! 

The wall of watches. 

The necklace that made my jaw drop!

Make sure you look up at the light show. 

Marlene Dietrich and her chic gold Cartier jewelry. 

Majorie Merriweather Post

Marjorie and Deenie

Loved this video of Elizabeth Taylor receiving a diamond and ruby Cartier necklace next to a pool. The actual necklace is below. 

Ac Cartier broach lent to the exhibition by Queen Elizabeth II.

Cartier jewels belonging to Princess Grace of Monaco. 

Sword designed by Jean Cocteau and fabricated by Cartier. 

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chcic