Le Grand musee du Parfum, Nov Paris letter, Miss Dior

Last Sunday I finally went to the new Le Grand musee du Parfum at 73, rue faubourg St.-Honoré.

Definitely a don't-miss visit if you love French perfume.

A sensory immersion discovering how and why we love perfume

Displays of celebrities from the past who influenced perfume makers and trends.

My fav, the old graphics from past French brands and bottles.

Historic illustrations of 18th century miniature perfume flacons

Currently on a show of legendary perfume bottles by designer Pierre Dinard plus the stories/sketches behind each bottle. Who knew that the red inari bottle specially designed (and rejected by Kenzo) would become the adored and celebrated Opium perfume bottle of YSL? Many secrets of the perfume trade revealed.

On the main floor two glorious shops, one for perfume books

The other a splendid cornucopia of the best French perfumes

You can test out

As you wish.

For men too...try out Boucheron's famous and costly Jar scent.

Your ticket to Le Grand musee du Parfum includes a chance to partake of atelier classes. Book online.

Leaving the museum, I waltzed down rue Saint Homoré, a string of perfume shops looking for ideas for the November Paris letter.

Inside Galignani book store, inspiration and the solution. Why not focus on Miss Dior perfume, this year celebrating its 70th anniversary?

Just across rue de Rivoli and a few blocks down a quickish run back into the Dior exhibit at musee des arts Decoratifs, (still madly mobbed and free on the first Sunday of the month).

A look again at the 'Miss Dior' flowered dress.

More Paris letter inspiration from Dior's favorite illustrator, Rene Gruau...(and mine too) with his wonderfully fluid, black ink lines.

Miss Dior perfume first appeared in 1947, capturing othe essence of maison Dior and became the fragrance of haute couture. It was named after Dior's beloved sister, Catherine, a representative of cut flowers at les Halles (mandataire en fleurs coupée) flowers she grew in Provence. Legend has it when Catherine burst into the salon unexpectedly, Dior's muse called out,

"Ah, here's Miss Dior!"

Chrisitan replied,"Miss Dior, now there's a name for my perfume!" 

FYI Miss Dior is sprinkled daily in the 30 Avenue Montaigne salon.

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There's a new bonus watercolor - a Miss Dior bottle with your name on it!

Bonne week-end PBers.

Miss Dior Grand Palais

The announcements were up in the bus shelters, one of my best source of what's on in Paris.

 

An exposition of works by 15 women artists, an homage to Miss Dior perfume at the Grand Palais from 13 to 25 November. Don't ask me why just 12 days and such an elaborate exhibit. I hope they extend it.

Dior's gorgeous textures and patterns.

The source of much inspiration.

First day visitor combs her hair and arranges sunglasses on top of head in the mirrors. Look at the painting by Liang Yuanwei, silly!

 

Dior's sculpted gowns. He longed to be an architect.

 

Close up, the tiniest of flowers.

 

A mutual love affair between screen stars and celebrities and Dior.

 

Bows and ribbons.

Everywhere.

The exhibit is in the back, in the rotunda of the Grand Palais. The restaurant is there as well.

This massive bow by Joana Vasconcelos lorded it over the others.

 

The mirror placed behind helped spread its message.

 

Lights placed inside perfume bottles of J'adore. Meanwhile on the audio tape we hear Dior pronounce his great love for bows in any material.

 

So be it. A bow chair you can sit in, in A Room of One's Own by Nika Zupanc, honoring both Virginia Wolf and Dior.

 

The Dior pied-de-poule/hounds tooth pattern of the cage-like room is repeated on a tapis on the floor by Polly Apfelbaum.

 

Design sketches of the original perfume bottle.

 

The bow again worn aft.

 

And at the waist by Dovima with the elephants famously shot by Avedon.

 

I'm a big fan of illustrator Rene Gruau, perfectly suited to get out Dior's message of grace and elegance. Note the bow.

 

Rene Grau painting swans for Dior

Swanlike Natalie Portman is Dior's face of the brand. She stars in a film especially made by Shirin Neshat. 

Along with other artworks there is Dior's own private collection of Picassos, Dalis, Buffets on a landing up his signature filligree staircase. 

The Miss Dior exhibit is FREE.
Bon Chance!

Dior and La fête des Mères

 And for maman this weekend. What are you planning?

 Why not run over to Eric Chauvin for some pretty fleurs?

 22, rue Jean Nicot 75007

 Pick out exactly the rose you want in the courtyard.

 Ah, the perfect pale pink bouquet pour maman tres rafinee.

 A quick Metro up to Printemps to get maman.

 Miss Dior Cherie by Christian Dior.

Pourquoi pas?

 You'll be so inspired by the windows.

 The perfect grosgrain pale pink ribbow.

 Pink ribbons everywhere.

 As if you were stepping into Christian Dior's atelier..

 Imagine you're the sorcerer's apprentice checking the new designs.

 For Miss Dior Cherie new bottle...dring...dring

It's Natalie Portman...she wants to come by.

 Would maman like perfect pink suede slippers to go with her bouquet?

 Plus Pierre Herme's newest macaron, Jardin Parfume

I ate mine yesterday...exquise

 Une aquarelle pour maman?

 et une petite chien aussi.

Mais maman will NEVER eat Carte D'Or ice cream!

What were you thinking chouchou?

Call Amorino for a 'tulip' gelato delivered a la porte.

Nice to dream a little isn't it?

Bon Week-End all Parisbreakfast mamans et enfants!