While I was in Paris, I had the honour of getting a private tour of the Elle Decoration Suite at the Cité de l'architecture & du Patrimoine building. The suite is the former apartment of Jacques Carlu, the architect behind the Palais Chaillot in the 1930s, and is now currently designed by French avant-garde designer Jean Paul Gautier. Previously, the space had been decorated by Christian Lacroix and one of my ultimate favs, the brilliant Maison Martin Margiela.
When you first enter the suite, it's a burst of navy stripes. The Lycra fabric is stretched over the furniture and on the walls. I love the little “marine morphing” lounge that disappears in the white canvas. It's like entering a chic nautical funhouse.
Leaving the nautical fantasy, I was met with a breathtaking indoor garden with gorgeous greenery everywhere. Ivy weaves into the sofa and moss, like green velvet, carpets the stone, with plants tumbling down the steps.
Next up: THE BOUDOIR... dripping in nude satins. Luxe is an understatement here. Lingerie lace fishnets the carpet and is mirrored on the window panes, while the corset dress of a fairground doll becomes the bed’s giant quilt.
While walking around the Elle Decoration Suite, it is essential to pay a visit to the rooftop terrace which has one of the best views of Paris and the Eiffel tower. It was raining when I visited, but I still got a good look. In the evening, the chequered mirrored tiles on the floor matched with the lights create a stunning jewelled effect.
Thanks to Claire Gayet of cité de l'architecture at du patrimoine for the inspiring tour!
CITÉ DE L'ARCHITECTURE ET DU PATRIMOINE
1, PLACE DU TROCADÉRO ET DU 11 NOVEMBRE
75116 PARIS FRANCE
TEL +33 (0)1 58 51 52 00
While in Paris, I stayed at the cute Mayet hotel located right by the Duroc metro stop. I found a great deal on Tablet (my go-to site when searching for chic boutique hotels), and was impressed with Mayet's friendly staff and clean rooms. Before I ever book a hotel, I always check Trip Advisor first to avoid any hotel nightmares. Believe me, a few extra minutes of research will save you from a horrible experience.