Rigaud Candles

I was reading the life of late Diana Vreeland, who was a legendary fashion editor for magazines Harper's Bazaar and Vogue. While I was reading something caught my eye, a brand which I had not heard of before, Rigaud Candles. Vreeland's husband Thomas Reed Vreeland was working in banking but also for Rigaud Candles.

Apparently, Parfums Rigaud is one of the oldest perfumers and dates back to the early 19th century. What's so special about Rigaud is that the candle is hand-poured, which insures a premium quality as opposed to being machine-made. The candle burns evenly, doesn't leave any residue unlike hard wax candles. I think the biggest advantage is that Rigaud Candles last very long- the Standard burns upto 50 hours and the Mini burns for 12 hours. The success starts by King Louis XVIII of France giving the sole rights to the Rigaud family for the manufacturing of a scented Macassar oil. The candles were created in 1950 by Madame Rigaud. What's more interesting is that Rigaud Candles were recalled in the 1990 because of the problem in the combustion but thankfully no deaths or injuries were reported!

The candles are being sold again, check out their website http://www.rigaud-paris.com/

Enjoy!

Hello again after 2 years

Hello to all my readers,

I have decided to continue my blog, which I had launched 2 years ago for my graduation thesis project. The reason why I'm back is simple, I love to explore anything that has come out of the precious hands of skilled artisans. And if you feel the same then I would be more than happy to share my posts with you.

Nice to be back!

With all my best,

M.

Fulco di Verdura, master of jewels

Elegant and distinctly original, Verdura jewelry has been coveted by royalty and high society for nearly 70 years. More than any other designer of the 20th century, Duke Fulco di Verdura elevated jewelry to the status of an art form. His creation were inspired by classical patterns and natural forms, brightened with intense colors and infused with a sophisticated wit that Verdura displayed throughout his intensely creative life. 

Louvre buys Empress Eugénie's brooch

The Louvre museum in Paris has bought the diamond brooch that is among the few exquisite pieces of the French crown jewels. The diamond-encrusted brooch was made in 19th century by Parisian jeweler Francois Kramer, who designed it specially for the Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. Shaped like a bow, the elegant brooch features two dangling tassels and 2,634 pink and white diamonds, weighing more than 140 carats. The piece will be soon displayed in Louvre's Apollon Gallery.

Ilias Lalaounis - 5 generations of joaillerie

Ilias Lalaounis has a jewelry tradition that spans five generations. Lalaounis creations represent a synthesis of past and present, a unique interpretation of ancient civilization. Influences as diverse as the Neolithic Age, Mycenaean Art, the Byzantine as well as the nature have all inspired the Lalaounis collections. Age-old techniques such as granulation, filigree, hand-hammering and repousse are used in creating the exquisite and distinctive hand-crafted Lalaounis jewelry.

William Yeoward - the tradition of handcrafting

The design inspiration of William Yeoward is drawn from antique pieces originally made in England and Ireland during the 18th-19th centuries. Each piece is entirely made by hand using the same traditional methods employed over 100 years ago. Unusual hand cutting and engraving are distinctive elements of William Yeoward. This fabulous Isadora Pineapple centerpiece is a true masterpiece made of crystal.

Bebek Badem Ezmecisi - Istanbul's sweetest tradition

Founded in 1904, Bebek Badem Ezmecisi is recognized for being the one and only name in marzipan. The store is located in Istanbul, the state of Bebek and has a historical ambience inside where you feel like you've entered a room belonging to an Ottoman pasha. There are two delicious flavours the store specializes in, almond and pistachio marzipan. The boutique has only one location, which they intend to keep it that way because the production process of the marzipan is very detailed, requiring great care and talent. The prices range from $200 for 2lbs of marzipan to more, according to the weight. 

Chocolat de H. in Tokyo

Chocolat-pencils as seen above, is the product of a collaboration pairing Japanese architect and designer Oki Sato and Tsujiguchi Hironobu the man behind Tokyo's boutique dessert show Mont St. Claire and Chocolate de H. Subtle tableware effectively displays the gourmet chocolate and includes a special pencil sharpener for grating over dessert. Chocolate-pencils come in a number of different blends with varying levels of cocoa. 

Jean Boggio for Franz

A talented artists, Jean Boggio is best known in France for his fantastical, magical jewelry creations. Originally trained as a gold and silversmith, Boggio has been working for prestigious tableware names like Baccarat and Les Hèritiers. Now Boggio has joined forces with the porcelain manufacturer Franz to create a thoroughly modern collection at the very forefront of the latest trends. The ambiance at the Paris showroom is divided into two different inspirations; pop art where the power of bold colors is visible and black+white, a pairing that is as tieless as it is resolutely fashionable. 

Da Vinci of Cannes

Da Vinci is a place for those who appreciate the finer things in life. As the name suggests Leonardo Da Vinci was the primary inspiration for this fien store. Customers are able to try the variety of pens from prominent brands as MontBlanc, Montegrappa and Visonti. Pens, ink, and special paper of the finest quality are kept in the intriguing pen cellars. Fine leather goods, cigars and cigar accessories are also available in this chic store located on 8, rue d' Antibes, Cannes. 

Le Caviar Volga from Cannes

Le Caviar Volga is an elite shop offering a selection of the finest caviar; from osetra to sevruga and beluga. Luxe serving dishes, mother of pearl spoons - to preserve the fragile flavor of the caviar, and blinis, which are small Russian pancakes,  are also available. Located on, 5, rue Marjof, Cannes.

Rondini - sandales Tropéziennes

Since 1927, Rondini has forged a well-earned reputation for its mastery of the classic Saint Tropez sandal. In a small workshop at the back of the store, a craftsman still makes each of the sandal by hand using only the finest leather and the best sewing techniques. 

La Campanina of Alberto e Lina - jewelers of Capri

Founded in 1950, La Campanina follows a tradition which had been passed down from father to son. The boutique located in Capri is famous for its interesting window displays where beautiful jewelry pieces decorate the windows in the most unique and exciting way. La Campanina of Alberto and Lina still remains the preferred venue where the Italian and International jet set choose to meet, constituting a veritable symbol of Caprian savoir faire.

Carthusia Profumi

Legend has it that in 1380 the father prior of the Carthusian Monastery of St. Giacomo made a flower arrangement to Queen Giovanna D'Angio' s arrival to Capri , Italy with the most beautiful flowers available. After three days, while throwing the flowers away, the prior noticed that the water had a distinct smell to it. That smell or the water then became the 1st perfume of Capri. The tradition is now being continued and the limited production means being able to use the same methods as the Carthusian monks. The essence derived from rosemary picked on Monte Solaro is used in men's products, while the essence of Capri wild carnation is used in women's fragrances. All the preparations are made from genuine products of high quality where even the end product is hand-wrapped. 

Boucheron' s 150th anniversary

To commemorate its 150th anniversary, the mastermind of fine jewelry Boucheron has designed a beautiful collection. The Gourmand necklace, as shown above, depicts the glimmer of coloring and the fine geometry of fruits. The white-gold piece is composed of shiny sapphires, which play the lead role in the necklace, and is accompanied with a mix of pink, mauve, yellow-orange stones that add more glamour to the fabulous necklace.

Repossi - jewelry for the royalty

Founded in 1920 by G. Pietro Repossi, Repossi Joailliers is known as the official supplier for the Prince Rainier III of Monaco. The Italian atelier uses the traditional techniques of the goldsmith's trade of Renaissance in order to preserve the majesty of the pieces. As well as designing truly spectacular and glamorous pieces geared towards the royalty, Repossi also provides a more younger and trendy line designed by Gaia Repossi, the 4th generation of the jewelry house. The collection Ere Repossi, designed by Gaia Repossi and Eugénie Niarchos, has a more younger taste when compared to Repossi's traditional designs of haute jewelry. Prices for these eclectic pieces of hand-made jewelry range from $500 for gold lace studs to $50,000 for a gold and rose-cut diamond bracelet.

Antica Farmacista - luxury fragrances

Antica Farmacista captures old-world European charm and mystery with its collection of unique signature scents of the Mediteranean Sea and Tuscany. Each fragrance is formulated with only the world's finest essential oils and natural ingredients, and every product is meticulously produced and presented in an antique inspired apothecary bottle. Antica Farmacista's standard are unmatched and represent luxury fragrance at its best.

D.R. Harris & Co - the British court's chemists and perfumers

D.R. Harris&Co is one of London's oldest pharmacies, which has been in London's James street for over 200 years. They are renowned for their high quality products, soaps, colognes, skin care and oils. Still being packaged exquisitely in their London premises, products are being crafted by traditional methods, hand-made. The pharmacy has been serving the Queen of England and the British court since their foundation.

Potter & Moore of England

John Potter and William Moore founded Potter&Moore in 1749. They were known at that time as physic gardeners where their daily tasks included cultivation of herbs and flowers. Taking their knowledge and expertise in working with natural ingredients they apply it to creating fine bath, body and beauty products. 

Borsalino - luxury hats since 1857

Founded in 1857, Borsalino is famous for its fedora style hat, which is associated with an elegance and style that is purely southern European. The story of the company's success started in Alessandria when Giuseppe Borsalino (1834-1900), a true pioneer of the hat industry, after visiting Italy and France to learn the secrets of the trade, set up the first artisan workshop for the production of felt hats. Relying in old techniques has worked for Borsalino, which has made hats for people from Emperors and Sephardic Jews to Canadian Mounties. Wood-encased tools from the 19th century cranks out fluffy sheets of beaver and rabbit-felt and artisans use antique wooden forms to shape crowns the same way their predecessors did for headgear that has graced Kings and Popes. 

Francis Kurkdjian - créateur parfumeur

Being one of the the bests in bespoke parfumery, Francis Kurkdjian is recognized for his true talent in his great works like the perfume MA Sillage de la Reine, which is a re-creation of French Queen Marie Antoinette's perfume. Kurkdjian's latest masterpiece is the Indult perfume being presented in three different smells; Isvaraya, Manakara and Tihota. Indult , from Medieval Latin indultum means a special privilege granted by a high ranking Catholic Church authority or a King. Each of these fragrances is limited production of only 999 bottles and comes in a beautiful palissander wood box. 

Czech & Speake - luxurious bathing

Established in 1978, Czech&Speake's founder Frank Sawkins' goal was to create a company that combined bathroom fittings of supreme quality with a genuine bespoke appeal. Sawkins wanted to sell the idea of the bathrooms as sanctuary, combined with a modern Englishness, to convey a sense of history, elegance and craft. Bathroom fittings accompanied by fragrances and accessories, Czech&Speake is recognized as a genuine English luxury brand and a rare success of quality and style, vision and tradition.

Besselink and Jones - all things bright and beautiful

Since 1969, Besselink and Jones' exquisite designs and attention to detail have ensured an enviable reputation for decorative lightning of every description. All shades are made in traditional ways by Besselink and Jones' own dedicated shademakers. They use time-honored methods passed down from generations - so everything is handmade with no machines involved. The skills and techniques required to make lightning at their level of quality are drawn directly from English craftsmen of old. Located at 99 Walton street, service of bespoke shades are also available.

Pierre Hermé - Pastry chef who hates perfection

World renowned and award winning French pastry chef Pierre Hermé creates spectacular seasonal desserts and pastries for all to enjoy. Everything inside the shop from the interior show cases to gift boxes are designed in France, creating a unique and stylish pastry boutique. In addition to the Paris boutiques, there is one in Japan as well. Hermé prefers to work with taste instead of the decoration, which is why his desserts are designed to be eaten in full bites for the flavor impact. 

J&R Lobmeyr - royalty's preference for decoration

When it came to decorating the royal palaces with glass, crystal and chandeliers there was only J&R Lobmeyr to fulfill the requirements. Since 1828, J&R Lobmeyr has been creating masterpieces large and small, by skilled artist like Adolf Loos and Joseph Hoffman. Today their creations are being ordered by the Queen Elizabeth II, Sultan of Brunei. J&R Lobmeyr masterpieces can also be found at Russia's Kremlin Palace and the King's Palace in Saudi Arabia.

Köechert Jewellers of Vienna

Retailer to royalty, A.E. Köechert was the jeweller to the Habsburgs, the Austrian royal family, from 1814. Housed in a 16th century building, it is now run by the 6th generation of the founding family. In the creation of Köechert jewelry, only the selected materials that fully meet their many high quality standards are used. Each individual piece of jewelry that leaves the Köechert goldsmiths' workshop bears this mark of quality in the form of AEK - an assurance that the piece conforms with the strict demands of the house Köechert has placed on masterful craftsmanship and stylistic clarity for nearly 200 years.

Aubercy Bootmakers - tradition of shoemaking

Created in 1935 by Reneé and André Aubercy, Aubercy Bootmakers was at first a shop for men's shoes. For Aubercy, the numerous gestures that shoe artisans had executed never changed. After selecting the nicest calf skins, the leather goes into the tanning process held in the French tanneries. Hand-made assembly is the key component of Aubercy, where the uppers of the shoe, the plate, the pinholes, hard ends and the stiffenings are all constructed by hand, not machine punched, in order to give the absolute guaranty of strength and to keep he aesthetic quality. More than 390 processes are spread over at least one month of work which is necessary to realize a pair of shoe as Aubercy Bootmakers think it must be done.

Dammann Frères - the pleasure of drinking tea

Damman Frères started the tea business in 1692, under the Sun King Louis XIV' s reign, through which they became the exclusive distributors of fine tea in France. The uniqueness of Damman Frères is that they use silk bags, a distinct taste experience that promises to revolutionize the drinker's tea drinking. The strength of Dammann Frères resides in its exceptional blends and the cristal sachet, which the tea is presented in. The fine grid and the transparency of this sachet allows teas to be conditioned with all the same qualities appreciated in loose teas. Since it does not shrink in water, the sachets allows the leaf free movement to steep in the cup with out any constraint. The cristal sachet provides the tea-drinker the exceptional taste and the aesthetic pleasure with the practicality of the sachet. 

Paris' Marie Papier

For 30 years Marie-Paule Orluc's boutique, Marie Papier has been serving the finest collections of artisan paper, hand-made luxurious stationary which has supplied fashion houses from Hermès to Lanvin. Where traditional stationary techniques and materials are used; cardboard, glue muslin, bookmarks, paper, linen, leather, each article is hand-made which allows to maintain a high level of quality.

Versailles' Patisserie - Stohrer

Dating back to 1730, Stohrer is recognized with creating the Baba au Rhum pastry. When Marie Leszczynska, daughter of King Stanislas de Pologne, married Louis XV in 1725 she asked her father to allow his pastry chef Nicolas Stohrer to come to France with her. By the King's permission, Stohrer went to France where soon he became the patisserie for the court at Versailles. Stohrer created the famous threat Baba au Rhum by soaking brioche in màlaga wine and filling it with crème påtissière, which had been scented with saffron and raisins. Another Stohrer original creation is the èclair au chocolat, with the choux (dough) being shaped like the large dresses women wore during the 18th century.

Pierre Marcolini Chocolatier

Every year Pierre Marcolini travels the world to find the best of cocoa beans and invent unique flavors. Marcolini makes the chocolate by himself using natural cocoa beans, which he selects personally. He is among the last 5 craftsmen working this way in Europe. The manufacturing of the chocolates starts by roasting the beans to remove the dry residual humidity, which also helps to increase the aroma. The beans are then crushed to start the chocolate making process: mixing cocoa, cocoa beans, butter, sugar and fresh Tahitian vanilla. The mixing results in new inventions of delicious and exquisite flavors of chocolate. 

Il Papiro - fine artistic stationary of Florence

Founded in 1976 in Florence, Il Papiro was first in Italy to rediscover the fine taste for materials and techniques in stationary. Il Papiro produces objects in hand decorated paper with methods inspired by the traditional Tuscan craftsmanship. From paper to leather bound journals, boxes, ink, was seals, stamps and many more products of high Italian quality can be found here.

Wiener Werkståtte Jewelry - must visit at Neue Gallery

The Wiener Werkståtte Jewelry was established in 1903 by Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser, who shared a belief that jewelry should be valued for its artistic merit. On march 26th, Manhattan's Neue Gallery, opened the exhibition for the Wiener Werkståtte Jewelry and will be on view through June 30, 2008. The exhibition highlights masterpieces created by the Wiener Werkståtte between 1903-1920. It features significant pieces by Josef Hoffmann, Koloman Moser, Carl Otto Czeschka, Dagobert Peche and other prominent artists. 

Stéphane Kélian - master in luxury shoes

Its been 30 years since Stéphane Kélian launched his first women's shoe collection - a line of colorful woven shoes that were destined to make a lasting impression on the footwear industry. Established in 1978, three brothers, who were the sons of an Armenian tanner who fled the massacres of the Ottoman Empire, used to run the luxury shoes company. Plaiting on boards, machines or lasts: all of these techniques were used for great craftsmanship without cutting or even seams. As the press raved, the sales boomed and Kélian shoes began to be seen on almost every French mesdames. 

Steiff - button in ear

Steiff toys were founded by Margarete and Richard Steiff in 1880 with the elephant - first soft-filled toy animal. Richard Steiff's drawings of animals, which were inspired by his countless visits to Stuttgart's Nill Zoo served as the basis for new Steiff articles. Production of Steiff toys are done by hand through traditional methods. Once the pattern is drawn, the cutting of individual pieces are done by hand. Traditional means are used at Steiff to dye products by hand using a template in order to optimize the plush structure. Once the cut-out pieces are sewn together on the wrong side, the sewn body is then turn to the right way round. The filling process requires great care and strength from the person filling. The "button in ear" symbolizes Steiff Toys' high-quality, good design, perfect workmanship and promises that all Steiff pieces are safe for children. 

Hilat - Jewelry that speaks the ancient times

Istanbul's Hilat Jewelry is created by people who are deeply in love with the ancient art of Anatolia. Valued goldsmiths craft each piece with the admiration they have towards utilizing historical remains left by ancient empires such as the Byzantium and the great Ottoman Empire. Hilat Jewelry differs from other ancient/antique looking jewelry because goldsmiths use solid gold by hand, which they believe it to be the best material to carry out the beauty of the Classical world to the present time. Established in 1971, Hilat exhibits its collections in the historic peninsula of Istanbul, a city full of beautiful remains from the 7th century B.C. onwards.

Chic hair accessories by Alexandre de Paris

Handmade right from the start, Alexandre de Paris makes truly unique hair accessories. All pieces are made using traditional production methods that are over a hundred years old. Where two collections are being designed for one year, the design team spends long hours on creativity and achieving high-quality because durability plays an important role in hair accessories as they are known to break easily. 

Art of enamelling

The art of enamelling is defined as a vitreous glass like coating fused onto a metallic base. Enamelling is recognized as a truly artisan's work where the use of hand are always in action. The earliest known enamelled objects were made in Cyprus around the 13th century. Until the 18th century nearly all enamelling involved the production of works of art and religious artefacts. As newer techniques were being explored, the art of enamelling began to be applied in precious luxury objects targeted towards the royalty and the wealthy. France became the main center for manufactured enamels in the 12th century where French artisans pioneered in enamelling throughout Europe. Above is a beautiful Limoges enamel piece, used as a snuffbox during the 18th-19th centuries.

Antique silverware from Dabbene

The family Dabbene has been long established in silverware and their shop offers a vast choice of antique Italian pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries. The beautiful silver boxes are a must see. The store is located at Milan's 2 Largo Claudio Treves.

Dyptique's 40th anniversary of L'eau

Founded in 1961, Dyptique has followed its mission to produce goods like candles, soaps and fragrances based on their ancient recipes. As part of the 40th anniversary of L'eau, the first collection of eau-de-toilette is being released in May. Three perfumes will be produced, L'eau de l'eau, L'eau de Néroli and L'eau des Hesperides, each having a different, mesmerizing scent.

Luxury papers since 1776

Founded in 1776, Raimondi di Pettinaroli is one of the oldest shops in Milan. The store sells antique and modern luxury papers, printed material guaranteeing the highest quality and best craftsmanship ever. The beautiful store is located in Milan's 6 Corso Venezia.

Garbagnati - choice of the Milanese

A well known bakery by the Italians, Garbagnati offers fresh bread as well as delicious pastries. The 'panettoni' which is a special of the bakery has been a favorite of the Milanese. Located on 3 Via Victor Hugo.

All men's accessories - G. Lorenzi

From a small grinding shop in 1929 to one of the most finest names in men's accessories today, G. Lorenzi has come a long way. They scan the world for the best materials, craftsmen and designs. Lorenzi is the perfect place to pick up a small yet special gift.

The art of hat making

The art of hat making is an ancient artisanal tradition that has now lost the importance it once enjoyed in the early decades of the last century. There was a time when elegant ladies would not leave their homes without their hats on. Mutinelli has been in Milan since 1888, where it has been selling al kinds of hats made in different materials and designs.

Les Parfums de Rosine

Established in 1991, Les Parfums de Rosine is a niche perfume house located at the Palais Royal in Paris. The philosophy of the parfumerie is to combine the magical smell of the flower rose with the art of perfume making where an infinite variety of perfumes have been crafted. Presentation and using only the natural essences are the two main concerns of the parfumerie. All bottles are beautifully wrapped in colored tissue paper and each bottle is decorated with a silky tassel around it, which makes it hard to throw away the bottle because its so chic!

Luxe stationary

Founded in 1929 New York, Mrs John L Strong had immediately set the standard for exquisite hand-engraved stationary. Mrs John L Strong stationary has been a choice of world leaders, American presidents, royal families, celebrities and many others. As luxury papers and fine stationary goods are provided, unique gifts are available as well for those appreciate one-of-a-kind accessories. The stationary's atelier is located at 699 Madison Avenue, 5th floor.

Marinella - ties of history

Occupying a small area of 20 square meters, Marinella has become the 'it' place to buy the best tie in the world. The shop has passed through important historical events, the two world wars, decline of the nobility, appearance of the middle class, but still has thrived in its art of making ties. Where all the sewing is done by hand, the shop still opens at 6:30 am to get customers stop by on their way to work.

A true shoe - Massaro

For the Countess of Bismark, the Duchess of Windsor, Elizabeth Taylor, Marlena Dietrich and many more, shoes were not merely another accessory; they were an expression of their desire to set themselves apart - a mark of prestige and elegance. For over 60 years Raymond Massaro designs and produces shoes for important fashion houses like Chanel, Christian Lacroix, John Galliano and many more. With truly beautiful design and advanced skills in crafting the shoes, Paris' Massaro has become the address for the prestigious clientele who appreciates artisan work. 

Oldest wonderland - Au Nain Bleu

This world famous toystore has been a favorite among Parisian children since mid 19th century. The store happens to be the largest and the oldest in Paris. A Nain Bleu has a breathtaking atmosphere, resembling to a high-priced wonderland of elaborate dollhouses, miniature sportcars and hand-made rocking horses.

Auer - a tradition of chocolate making

Established since 1939 in Geneva, the Auer family has continued a tradition of 5 generations as chocolate makers. All of the chocolates are deliciously handmade in a traditional manner, but doubtlessly the 'pavé glacé of Geneva' is recognized as one of Auer's prides. A professional team working by hand and following the recipes of Mr. Henri Auer, produce an irreproachable quality and matchless taste.

Russia's Gzhel

Gzhel happens to be the name of a major ceramics center in Moscow. Though the secrets of the craft were handed down from generation to generation long before, Gzhel rose to fame as a large center of ceramics in the 18th century when local potters mastered the making of ceramics. Still it serves one of the best ceramic pieces in the world.