Vintage Hermès in Saint-Germain, Paris

With the continuing worldwide shortage of leather goods chez Hermès,

entering this tiny little boutique in Saint-Germain almost feels like a mirage...

I even spotted an identical twin to my 32 Kelly in ebene Clemence (middle shelf, 5th from right)

Owned by Catherine B, the 'Les Trois Marches' specialises in vintage Hermès and Chanel. The prices are above retail, but the selection is amazing. You can find rare pieces, classic Kellys and Birkins in discontiued leathers and colours, or bags which have been special ordered by their previous owners

The scarves on display represent just a small part of the available stock

and a specific request might just produce the design you were looking for.

The stock varies from pre-loved items with patina to almost brand new.

Mr Catherine B

It was wonderful to see such an amazing collection of vintage Hermès, and the red croc Kelly in the window display was simply breathtaking!

Les 3 Marches de Catherine B

1 rue Guisarde 

75006 Paris

Tel: +33 (0) 1 43 54 74 18

www.catherine-b.com

 

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Reader's style challenge - how to wear scarves with patterend dresses

After the recent style request on how to mix scarves with patterned tops, a few readers have asked me how to wear scarves with patterned dresses. This presents a more difficult challenge, as the opportunity to create a rapport between the scarf and a pair of trousers is missing.

With just a dress to play with, the focus needs to be so much more on finding a rapport between the various elements of the prints and patternes (their type, size and colors). Further harmony can be created by adding bracelets or necklaces that pick up on the details of the scarf or dress.

When looking through my archives, I found a few examples to illustrate the above. Hope you'll enjoy seeing them in the new context.

De Madras à Zakynthos 90 Carré

The cream swirls of this silk dress remind me of water ripples, and it's turquoise blue color of the ionian sea in Greece. It could not be a more perfect backdrop for the turtle scarf, which refers to the amazing migrating journey of turtles from Madras, who return every year to their breeding grounds on the greek island of Zakynthos.

Scarf tying method: Ascot knot

Belles du Mexique 90 Mousseline

Au Coeur de la Vie 90 Mousseline

I've had this dress for a long time, and it's floral pattern always reminds me of a jungle. The colors of the Au Coeur de la Vie mousseline are not a 100% perfect match to the dress, but the jungle scenery and exotic foliage have such a similar atmosphere that they work beautifully together!

 

Chaînes et Gourmettes 70 Carré

I love this dress, but always felt there was too much of a gap in the pattern at the waist level. The ecru/silver Chaînes et Gourmettes worn as a sash seemed a perfect solution to this, so much that it looks as though it has become part of the dress.

Scarf tying method: in the basic bias fold, then placed around the waist with the ends secured in a double knot behind the back.

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Capsule wardrobe #66 - Crocodile rock

Last Saturday, we went to see an open-air concert in the 'Arènes de Nîmes'. Build around 70 AD, the arena is one the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, and also one the most breathtaking and spectacular open-air concert venues I know. Ever since it had been announced that Elton John would be performing there this summer, I have been greatly looking forward to seeing him in these magnificent surroundings.

The arena consists of two levels of sixty superposed arches

Capsule pieces: dark blue jeans, black tank and black blazer

Shoes: blue patent leather pumps

Accessories: Hermès 'Le Laboratoire du Temps' 90 Carré, Collier du Chien bracelet in black croc

Scarf tying method: basic bias fold worn as a belt with ends secured in a double knot

The arena is ringed by 34 rows of 'cavea' (terraces), which are supported by semi-circular vaults. Under these vaults, five circular galleries and 162 stairwells and “vomitoires” (they are not what you think, but how the corridors leading to the terraces are called) allow spectators (up to 20,000) to quickly access their seats.

The concert started off in the 'l'heure bleue', and the atmosphere was magical,

while Elton gave a fantastic performance

And since it was beautifully balmy and mild, we met with friends on the terrace of the brasserie next door. We were almost the last to leave.. it was a wonderful and fabulous evening.

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MT TV - Le Laboratoire du Temps

The Le Laboratoire du Temps AW2012 carré was love at first sight, the design is such fun and it ties beautifully.

A total of 45 gold rimmed vignettes form the figure '8', the symbol of eternity. The vignettes are filled with references to past events and figures, real and fictional ~ Mozart playing the piano, the Big Bang, the three Musketeers, Columbus discovering America, Emile Hermès inspecting a window at FSH, the first man on the moon and many many more. Some vignettes show imagined glimpses into the future, others have just patterns. The vignettes are surrounded by whimsical time machines, and all kinds of paraphernalia which is needed for a Laboratoire du Temps!

I so much enjoy discovering all it's details. Hope you'll enjoy exploring it too.

Le Laboratoire du Temps AW 2012

Have a wonderful weekend everyone xx


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Cologne part two - the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum

The anthropologic Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum has always been a favourite of mine, and since its move to a stunning new building in 2010, exploring its content has become an even more amazing journey.

With the move, the exhibits have been organised in a fabulous and innovative way: they are no longer divided into major geographical regions, but grouped by themes (living, religion, ritual etc). Ceremonies and the ways of life of different cultures are now portrayed side by side, and finding out what sets them apart or links them together is inspirational and captivating.

The entrance hall with a rice granary from Indonesia

In addition to the comparative cultural approach, there are also exhibits relating to the everyday life of different regions of Earth.

The Tuareg room 

It was a wonderful surprise to discover a 'Cuirs du Désert' scarf in the Tuareg room, honouring the longstanding connection between Hermès and some Tuareg tribes. There have been numerous exchanges and collaborations between artists and craftsmen on both sides (Tuareg silversmiths have produced items for Hermès, while Hermès' scarf designers have drawn inspiration from the Tuareg's way of life). The presentation made the scarf almost look like a headdress, highlighting the centre and one of the corners in a beautiful and dramatic way.

More than 60,000 objects and 100,000 historic photographs provide an insight into the cultures outside Europe - from the American Indians to the Eskimos, and from Central to South America, Oceania, Hawaii, Africa and Asia.

 

The multimedia points and interactive features make the RJM a wonderful place to visit with children, and they are fun and informative for adults too (I thought the mask below was a perfect match to my scarf!)

Enjoying a calm moment on the 'Om' bench  ॐ

In the museum shop, I found these pretty, hand made bracelets from Guatemala. Not only a lovely souvenir, but another perfect match for the new 'Laboratoire du Temps'!

It's been a stimulating, wonderful and memorable experience.

Enjoy a lovely weekend everyone x

Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum

Cäcilienstraße 29-33

D - 50667 Cologne

Tel.+49 (0) 221 236 20