Vogue World, 23 Juin 2024, La Terrasse des Roses - Hotel Westin

Sunday night, the fashion world took over Place Vendôme in Paris for the 3rd edition of Vogue World, a runway experience so extravagant it boasts 100s of looks & multiple performances.

I was not there on Sunday…too busy painting roses 🌹

Le 68 Guy Martin Tea Time

On Wednesday I took my Angel of Paris, OK one of many, Rosemary Flannery to tea

At the newish Le 68 Guy Martin at Guerlain 68, Champs-Elysees

While upstairs they're creating all kinds of beauty magique

Downstairs at Le 68 you can taste magique

The restaurant and tea area is fashioned in the style of fabulous 40s artist Christian Berard.

He painted the doors up on the second floor

Plus his fashion sketches are well represented at the 50s Galliera exhibit.

The dining salon is elegant

But first do stop for a look in the pastry case.

To make a big study.

Of what's on for the day.

Decisions do not come easy here

Miam Miam (yum yum)

It was so hot out I got the terrific bubbly water you can only find in Paris' best restaurants, Chateldon.

Here Rosemary demonstrates how to drink it. Her divine shirt is from Anne Fonataine by the way. She got the Shalimar tea from the Guerlain perfumed tea menu.

Choices, choices.I decided, being the dessert expert, we should share three pastries and a few caramels.

The 'Petite robe noir' was the most intensely chocolatey dessert I've tasted in a long time. Again, as in most of the best Paris desserts, sugar was barely noticable.

The tarte citron was right up there with all the top prize winners in my opinion. Love the Italian meringue topping that is practically melted marshmallow.

You're surrounded by wonderful 50s artwork At Guerlain. A good place to come after visiting the 50s show at Palais Galliera and only one Metro station away on the No.9 to Franklin Roosevelt.

Post-tea you can buy a 50s arty postcards to send to a friend or yourself at Guerlain's own postbox and with Guerlain's own signature stamp for all of 3,50 euros and perfumed before sending out. Our tea cost all of 32 euros for two. A terrific bargain in this town. A well-kept secret. No reservations required for tea time at Le 68 Guy Martin, though lunch and dinner are packed.
All around a delicious and arty experience. Do visit.

Guerlain Creations

There are dozens more Guerlain photos to show you from my visit on Tuesday. A lovely thing was to leave with these surprise gifts. I tried to match the strawberry red of the lipstick #68 in watercolor...

Strawberries/fraises are out in full force in Paris starting with the 'Stonehenge'-sized Gariguettes in the Metro. Honestly have you ever seen fresh strawberries advertised in the New York subway?

It's probably too early to taste but they look so pretty and a sure sign of Spring.

Yesterday I spotted the first Frasier gateau in Storer's window on rue Montorgeuil.

Back to Tuesday's visit. Who knew Guerlain invented the stick dispenser? Before Jacques Guerlain came up with the idea everyone carried around little pots of color. We must indeed give thanks.

Our guide on Tuesday was Guerlain's inhouse historian. This fabulous large black onyx tortoise perfume bottle was recreated for the new opening.

If you can't afford the 45k price tag you could buy a somewhat similar chocolate tortoise at La Mere de Famille for a mere 13,50€.

Another heavenly special creation - this bejeweled giant bottle of Shalimar

For another whiff of exquisite gems go to the new exhibit at Musee Maillol of Le Tresor de Naples. I'll report on it soon...

I got more detailed photos of the Guerlain bee bottles in Galeries Lafayette yesterday

Looking up, the Belle Epoch ceiling is the perfect setting for bottles with the scalloped 'hive' pattern don't you think?

More hive pattern on fans from the new Créations collections.

Designed by the girls at La Maison Duvelleroy.

Another addition, silk scarves made of the heaviest gauge silk from Italy.

The Shalimar/Taj Mahal story is beautifully illustrated in this pattern.

Yesterday I was feeling brave or maybe just fed up with gathering papers for my upcoming visa appointment so I returned to 68 Champs-Élysées for a Flash makeup session to match my new gift 68 lipstick.

Head Makeup director, Olivier Eschaudemaison is world renown for his innovations and artistry. Why not get a little renovation myself..?

I was lucky to get one of Olivier's personal team members/equipe, Maxime to do me over.

And it took every brush in his makeup case.

*WARNING! ALERT!
Pictures of yours truly coming up. You may want to scroll fast.

Ooopla

Maxime did wonders with my eyebrows. I was advised to spend future Sundays practicing. Will do!

 Scented fine leather gloves (first brought to France by Catherine de Medici from Italy. Her italian chefs are responsible for introducing macarons to France) are in the Créations Collection.  Top nez/nose/perfumer of the house, Thierry Wasser chose 2 perfumes for the glove linings: his La Petite Robe Noire and Mitsouko. I drew his portrait here and here. You can return in 6 months to refresh the scent.

By the way there are still some Guerlain #68 scented touches (paper perfume testers) and labels you can sew into your coat or dress available, if you hurry up and buy a subscription of PB monthly Paris letters on Etsy. And THANK YOU La Table de Nana for the lovely post on the sketch letters!

Last night while walking over the bridge, along came a bateau mouche lit up in #68 strawberry red! ❤️❤️💋

Guerlain du 68 Champs-ELysees

Yesterday was one of those floating-on-air days even though it was raining cats and dogs and grey as can be in Paris. We got invited to see all the new changes at 68 Champs-Élysées, Guerlain's flagship store and 4 years in the making. You really must visit if you come to Paris. It's like an aromatherapy treatment from the moment you enter the door.

"Luxe, calme et volupte".

We got a tour from top to bottom