MY LAST DAY IN PARIS
It’s three weeks to the day since we got home from our trip to Paris. Jetlag seems to be getting tougher as I get older, and yes, I am making excuses for the lack of blogging!
I thought I had all the time in the world to see Paris at the beginning of our 12 days in Paris. Isn’t it funny that when there’s only a day left, there’s suddenly so much more to fit in?!
I wanted to make another visit to my friend Alice Vermelin’s store in rue de Verneuil, so I dashed off after breakfast while Michael was dealing with last minute packing and airport transfers etc. Luckily our flight was in the evening. I have blogged about Alice’s gorgeous store before and this time, I was very happy to meet Brigitte, her mother.
Brigitte was very busy getting herself organised for an event the following day. She explained that every two months, she and her daughter Alice, decorate three luncheon tables at the restaurant of the famous French Chef – Guy Savoy. The theme for the lunch was ‘truffles’ and she showed me the delightful items she had sourced for the tablescape. Some photos below are from Alice’s website, linked above, of the event.
Visiting this tiny ‘pop-up was such fun! While I was there, people streamed in and out and lots of sales were made. The girls working there were so friendly and were delighted for me to take photos. Sadly, some of my photos have ‘disappeared’ as I have had endless computer problems. I had to include some on their website.
For those not familiar with this brand, the story is fascinating. Robert Goossens loved mixing fakes with genuine stones. His clients, including Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and especially Coco Chanel who loved the way in which he managed to blend genuine semi-precious stones with artificial gems. Highly regarded as one of the greatest jewelers and goldsmiths in Paris, Robert Goossens used silver and gold-plated metals, to surround his semi-precious stones, pearls and quartz for the House of Chanel, creating their now famous Sautoir necklaces.
Goossens met Coco (Gabrielle ) Chanel in 1953 and she appointed him as the official jewelry supplier for the house. After Coco’s passing, Goossens continued to work with Karl Lagerfeld, creating jewelry for the couture and ready-to-wear collections. When Robert retired, his son Patrick Goossens took over the directorship and, in 2005, Karl Lagerfeld added Goossens to his stable of ateliers (Métiers d’Art) as a way of protecting the brand.
Below are the beautiful pieces I saw in the pop-up. They are unique and unusual and quite affordable.
That’s all from Paris for the moment. Although only three weeks ago, it feels like yesterday..
Now that our flights and all are booked and it's March the time left before we head to Paris will just fly – so was having another look at your delicious Paris photos. Love the ring you bought – do you know what the stone is? So different. Can't wait to visit Goossens. Original, statement rings of size are one of my weaknesses – already have quite a collection. Mostly they're costume and not bank breaking – rather than serious jewellery – but great fun and often designed by artists. Your ring is fabulous – will definitely be visiting this shop. Best wishes, Pammie
The Goossens Pop-up has only been open a year and they are moving soon Pammie – not sure where to. Their pop-up was just over the road from our hotel – it's tiny and one can easily miss it but as we waked past it nearly every day I spotted it just after our arrival! xx
Thanks so much Karen – xx
I've never been to Bordeaux – how divine!!
We'll be in Paris in June and I'm so looking forward to visiting both shops. But now wondering if either will be open then?
Had read about Goossens in rue St Honore on Heidi's blog. Although we've walked along there many times in past years – I don't remember having seen it. Maybe it just wasn't there if it's a pop-up (or ephemere as I think they more romantically call it in French). Hopefully it might still be there but if not will try the mother ship.
Have also walked along the rue de Verneuil (even just last year) and somehow missed your friends' shop. We usually spend quite a while studying all the graffiti on the Serge Gainsbourg house. Must go back. Love the street/boutiques in this area – the rue Jacob and Saints Peres etc.
You're firing my enthusiasm! Thank you for this lovely post. Pammie
There is never enough time to see it all in Paris – truly a great and beautiful city!
It's so easy for you to get there for a day or two Naomi …. You would love this range and store – Lucky you being so near!! xx
I am going to google those crystal flower earrings. Paris does do boutiques the best anywhere! I am thinking of doing a day trip so might check out the store. Lovely to see all these things Jenny x
*sigh*
Such lovely table settings, such lovely photos! Just putting these two places on my ever-longer list of 'need to see' for the next time I'm in Paris.
So many lovely things. I really enjoyed you instagram feed when you were in Paris. thank you for sharing.