In conversation with Interviews

Pierre Hermé, the “Picasso of Pastry”, on the Art of Macaroons

Nicknamed “The Picasso of Pastry” by Vogue magazine, Pierre Hermé (51), whose delicate cakes, chocolates and macaroons are often compared to works of art, has today become the most revered chef pâtissier in France. The heir to four generations of Alsatian bakery tradition, he started his career at the age of 14 as apprentice to legendary pastry master Gaston Lenôtre, before opening his first eponymous shop in 1996, followed by 13 other stand alone boutiques, including one in Belgravia. Combining flavours just as a master perfumer combines fragrances, his bold approach to macaroons -white truffle & hazelnut and chocolate & foie gras amongst others- has inspired a new legion of fans around the world (and a special mention in the American series Gossip Girls), and made the traditional biscuits trendy again. Here, he talks to Chic-Londres about the art of macaroons.

When did the macaroons first appear in the culinary scene? The macaroon as we know it today -two biscuits joined together with buttercream- was invented by the confectioner Camille Studer, who brought the recipe from his native Luxemburg to the Confiserie Sprungli in Zürich at the end of the 1950s, where they’ve since been sold under the name Luxemburgerli. Parisian pastry chefs such as Lenôtre took inspiration from this recipe to create their own modern macaroons, made with traditional flavours such as chocolate, vanilla, coffee and raspberries, with just a little bit of cream in between the biscuits. A read more

In conversation with

Felix Buxton: Basement Jaxx’s Leader on a Blind Date

Ever wondered how life would be if you were blind? If so, London Without Limits, a new festival of sensory and sociable blindfolds events taking place from September to November 2014, might give you an insight into how people with sight loss experience some of London’s top pastimes. Working with the like of fashion designer Giles Deacon, musicians Felix Buxton from Basement Jaxx and beatboxing phenomenon Shlomo, and taking places in venues such as Novikov, Dans Le Noir and Gordon’s Gin Bar, the festival aims to raise awareness of the challenges blind young people face and to raise money for the Royal London Society for Blind People. Here, Felix Buxton, one half of electronic dance music chart topper Basement Jaxx, talks to Chic-Londres about his involvement in the charity. read more

Home

How to make the perfect bouquet, by Nikki Tibbles

Since she opened her iconic shop in 1993 in Westbourne Grove’s Turquoise Island, a very chic public loo designed by architect Piers Gough that now doubles up as a shop, Nikki Tibbles has become one of the most famous florists in London, and a firm favourite to the stars and fashion houses (Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc.). The most glamorous flower girl, who also owns a decoration shop in Pimlico Road and a concession in Liberty’s, gives us a few insiders secrets on how to choose and maintain your flowers.

A Wild at Heart bouquet

Which is your favourite flower and why? I guess it would have to be a rose -because of its colour, its scent, its texture and the way it opens, blossoms and then dies- and a peony because for me, both these flowers quintessentially represent the English summer.

What advice would you give to compose a perfect bouquet? I would never use too much foliage. I would keep to one colour palette: white and cream, blue and lilac, shades of green, pink and deep red for example. I would never use more than three or four types of flowers and would use the same shape of flowers: a rose with a tulip with a peony will give you more of a rounded feel. read more

My Style By

Jade Parfitt, the Original Cool Brit Supermodel

As one of the original “Cool Britannia” supermodels who emerged at the end of the 90s, alongside Erin O’ Connor, Liberty Ross, Jasmine Guiness, Stella Tennant and Karen Elson, Jade Parfitt (35) remains one of the most recognisable faces -and bodies- of British fashion. Sought after by designers for her classical blonde beauty and very long legs (she’s 6 feet 1), she’s walked shows for Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Hermès and Alexander McQueen -amongst others- and appeared as the bride in Jean Paul Gaultier’s shows three times. Jade’s career also includes campaigns for Moschino, Givenchy and Clinique (as the face of perfume Happy) and posing for top photographers Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, Irving Penn and Richard Avedon, including on the covers of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Nowadays, she divides her time between modelling, TV presenting, charity work and looking after her six-year old son Jackson, who lives with her in West London. Here, the ultimate leggy blonde and yummy mummy talks to Chic-Londres about her personal style.

When did you discover fashion and how important is it to you? I used to be a real tomboy growing up so wasn’t that interested in fashion until I started modelling aged 15- before then I wanted a pony, not clothes! But as I did my first shows, I started enjoying the process of getting dressed up: when you’re wearing really beautiful clothes, you start noticing how different they make you feel and how they can positively alter your attitude.

How would you describe your style and how much has it evolved over the years? I would say my style is both relaxed and changeable, as I am equally happy to wear tracksuit pants at home and designers clothes when out. Also I’m braver with my choices now that I’m in my 30s- I was quite conservative and shy when I was younger, but I find myself having much more fun with clothes today. read more

Proust Questionnaire

Roland Mouret, the French London Designer Beloved by Hollywood

Roland Mouret (51) moved from Paris to London in 1991, where he has become one of the most talented fashion designers around, with a glamorous fan base that includes Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Scarlett Johansson, Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman, Demi Moore and Carla Bruni-Sarlozy. The Frenchman reveals to Chic-Londres some of his personality traits.

My main character trait I always say « No » at first.

My worst trait Control freak.

My best quality Control freak.

If I could change something to the way I look I wouldn’t lose my hair.

The quality I appreciate most in a man His feminity.

The quality I appreciate most in a woman Her masculinity.

The quality I value most in my friends Their honesty.

Faults in others that I am most likely to forgive All the ones that I used to have.

My favourite hobby An afternoon nap.

My most beautiful memory My father. read more

Outings

Ten Expert Tips To Host the Best Dinner Party

Organising the perfect dinner party can seem daunting, especially for the inexperienced. Which is why Chic-Londres has asked hospitality expert Fred Sirieix -manager of Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows, co-host of Michel Roux’ Service show on BBC2 and now London’s first dedicated dinner party “concierge”- to give us his top 10 tips.

1. Choose elegant but plain crockery – patterns on your plates will only distract from your delicious food! A trick from the restaurant trade is to choose big white plates and ensure that they aren’t overfilled, to make food look its most appetising. read more

Beauty

The Drawing Room, a Very Chic Hair Salon

Fancy having your hair done in a gorgeous listed Georgian house by a celebrity hairdresser who’s tended to the likes of Cara Delevingne, Florence Welch or George Michael, while sipping a beautifully executed espresso Martini (or cappuccino for the more reasonable amongst you), in an intimate atmosphere that feels much more like a friend’s house than a hairdresser? Then, you’ll love newly opened -and very different- salon The Drawing Room, between the City and Shoreditch. Chic-Londres tried it and loved it. read more

Chef's Addresses

Yotam Ottolenghi, the Chef Who’s Sexed Up Veggies

More than a celebrity chef, Yotam Ottolengi (45) is a phenomenon: known as the man who “sexed up” vegetarian food -despite not being a vegetarian himself- he is also according to The New Yorker Magazine responsible for changing the way Londoners eat. His impact on the London culinary scene since the opening in 2002 of the first Ottolenghi deli, followed by two other branches and restaurant Nopi, is deemed so big that the Financial Times recently suggested that a new verb -“to ottolengh”- should be introduced in dictionaries to reflect his influence. Not bad for an ex-journalist who only started his career as a chef aged 30… Here, the Israeli-born delis supremo tells to Chic-Londres about his favourite foodie places in London.

When and where did you start your career? I did a six month cooking course at Le Cordon Bleu in London in 1997. Following this, I worked as a pastry chef in various restaurants before Sami and I met in the kitchen of Baker and Spice in 1999. Our paths had never crossed before but our backgrounds, palates and plans had a huge amount in common. Together with Noam Bar, we wanted to set up the best sweet and savoury take away food deli in London. The scope of the delis and restaurants has evolved and grown since then but, really, we haven’t looked back. read more

London by

Robert Pirès, Arsenal Legend and French Champion

To Arsenal fans, he’s a legend: the man who won three FA Cups and two FA Premier League titles, and was voted one of the club’s greatest players in History. To his fellow Frenchmen, he’s a hero, having won both the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000, two of the greatest moments in Gallic football history. And to anyone who gets to meet him, he’s one of the nicest men in sport: friendly, humble and approachable -not to mention easy on the eye- which has earned him legions of fans, both male and female. And while Robert Pirès (40) officially retired from competitive football two years ago, the Reims-born, London-based champion is still busy. The father of three (Naïa, Theo and Alessio, respectively 7,5 and 2) has not only become an ambassador for Arsenal, he is also a prolific charity worker: as ambassador of Grassroots Soccer, an association who helps fighting HIV in South Africa, and as patron of Le Rêve de Clara, his wife Jessica’s charity that helps deprived children from the Indian Ocean countries. Here, Robert Pirès reveals to Chic-Londres his favourite addresses in London.

What is your earliest London memory and what were your first impressions of the city? I first arrived in July 2000 and was struck by how respectful drivers were towards pedestrians- a very different experience from Paris, which shows how much more relaxed Londoners tend to be.

Where do you live and why? I’ve lived in Hampstead since 2002, after two years in Marylebone. I love Hampstead because it looks and feels like a village, yet offers the best choice in terms of shops, restaurants, parks and schools. Its’ like living in the countryside, while being at the same time in a big city. read more

In conversation with

Mireille Guiliano: On Why French Women Do It Better

Dubbed “the high priestess of French lady wisdom” by USA Today, the New York-based -but quintessentially French- Mireille Guiliano (67) gave up a successful career at luxury group LVMH in 2004 to publish French Women Don’t Get Fat, an immediate bestseller which reached No 1 in the New York times List and was translated in 39 countries. More has success followed since with other books extolling the virtues of French women’s lifestyle. Her latest, French Women Don’t Get Facelifts: The Secret of Aging with Style & Attitude, offers non-nonsense advice on how to look after oneself while enjoying life’s pleasures. Chic-Londres met with the delightful Mireille on her latest visit to London this January, to talk diet (or lack of), style and why she won’t have Botox.

What made you give up a successful career at Veuve Clicquot to write books? It all happened by chance, really. I often gave fashion and nutrition advice to my friends and one husband whose wife I helped suggested I should write a book. He put me in touch with an agent, who loved the idea and found a publisher straight away. For a few months, I combined writing with managing Veuve Clicquot in the states but quickly realised I couldn’t do both, so decided to switch career and concentrate on writing. read more

Outings

Best of Halloween Parties on Saturday 26 October

Dark Circus’ Halloween Special This should be a really good one… Dark Circus -a costumed party mixing the themes of Belle Epoque and Circus- is already brilliant fun, and a bit of Halloween madness thrown into it should only help to make it even better. Taking place at the Grand Hall in St Pancras, this Halloween Special promises to take you to a dark, dreamy and depraved world of unbridled spectacle, with acts such as the burlesque trapeze temptress Empress Stah and the belly-dancing-sword-show fusion performances of Leah Debrincat. plus the usual DJs mix of electro-swing and old classics. Dress code: done your best circus and Belle Epoque inspired gowns, with a touch of scary thrown in. Tickets £20 at www.darkcircusparty.com read more

Other things

Lazarides New Exhibition: Morphing Brutality into Beauty

Frieze is upon us again, with its hordes of collecting millionaires, luxurious sponsors, glamorous parties and society beauties. For those seeking an antidote to what is arguably the best contemporary art fair in the world but also the most polished, Steve Lazarides -the man who brought Banksy to the world- has joined forces with the Vinyl Factory to present “Brutal”, where 16 of the most talented UK and US-based contemporary artists showcase dynamic installations, murals, film, animation, sound and dance interventions in a cavernous space below 180 The Strand. A not-for-the-faint-hearted exhibition that manages to transform the gruesome and the chilling into beautiful pieces of art. read more

Proust Questionnaire

Robert Pirès: Arsenal Legend, French Hero and All Round Nice Man

To Arsenal fans, he’s a legend: the man who won three FA Cups and two FA Premier League titles, and was voted one of the club’s greatest players in History. To his fellow Frenchmen, he’s a hero, having won both the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000, two of the greatest moments in Gallic football history. And to anyone who gets to meet him, he’s one of the nicest men in sport: friendly, humble and approachable -not to mention easy on the eye- which has earned him legions of fans, both male and female. And while he officially retired from competitive football two years ago, the Reims-born, London-based champion is still busy. The father of three (Naïa, Theo and Alessio, respectively 7,5 and 2) has not only become an ambassador for Arsenal, he is also a prolific charity worker: as ambassador of Grassroots Soccer, an association who helps fighting HIV in South Africa, and as patron of Le Rêve de Clara, his wife Jessica’s charity that helps deprived children from the Indian Ocean countries. Here, Robert Pirès, who’ll turn 40 in one month, reveals to Chic-Londres some of his personality traits.

Your main character trait Optimism

The trait you most deplore in yourself People say I tend to be too nice…

The trait you are most proud of in yourself Generosity

If you could change something in the way you look I’d like my hair to stop falling! I still have quite a lot of them, but with my 40th birthday fast approaching, I’ve started to notice a difference.

The quality you most appreciate in a man Honesty

And in a woman Strength of character

What you value most in your friends Straightforwardness read more

Beauty

The Great Nail Detox: The Japanese Manicure and Pedicure at Nailberry

Located in the heart of Frog Valley, a short walk away from the Lycée Charles de Gaulle and the French Institute, Nailberry is in many ways the quintessential French neighbourhood salon, with a clientele that includes elegant mamans being pampered in between school runs and A-listers like Cathy Guetta, the vivacious wife of star DJ David Guetta. So far, so Gallic, although one of Nailberry’s star treatments is actually the Japanese manicure (and pedicure), a hard-to-find detox treatment that uses only natural products and leave your nails not only shiny like pearls, but also stronger. Pretty impressive… read more

Outings

Bar Chocolat: a Multi-Sensory Experimental Supperclub 11-16 September

It might not appeal to the hordes of skinny supermodels descending upon London for London Fashion Week, but Bar Chocolat should delight all chocolate lovers. A pop up space combining art installation, bar and restaurant, it opens for five days only in Covent Garden, with installation by Bompas & Parr and all kinds of lovely little details to please the eyes as well as taste buds.

Created by the new Belgian chocolate liquor Bailey’s Chocolat Luxe, the pop up art exhibition/bar/restaurant coincides with London Fashion Week to offer sophisticated londoners a week-long immersive experience in Covent Garden. Fashionable names like food architects (a category onto themselves) Bompas & Parr and stylist Petra Storrs, who has created costumes for Lady Gaga and Paloma Faith, have been drawn in to create a multi-sensory space which is chic and rather fun. read more

Outings

Dark Circus Party: Belle Epoque Joins the Dark Side

Fancy a masked ball which is a little bit risqué? Then Dark Circus might appeal to your taste. This new lavish party invites its guests to step over the dark side, with provocative acts provided by Torture Garden, the world’s biggest fetish club, but without becoming completely engulfed in the shadows. A perfect balance between mainstream and niche, for those who might enjoy something fun and a bit different, between Belle Epoque and the Dark Side…

The Concept A collaboration between Bourne & Hollingsworth -purveyors of the Blitz and Prohibition parties- and Torture Garden -the world’s largest fetish club. Mixing the themes of Belle Epoque and Circus -in the vein of Tod Browning’s Hollywood classic Freaks (for the film buffs amongst you), it offers a heady combination of glamour and subversion. Not dissimilar from The Box, the famous New York and London nightclub famous for its provocative acts, the idea behind Dark Circus is to bridge the gap between mainstream and niche, by offering an experience that is surreal and subversive, but without being scary or strange. As a masked ball, it indulges the thrill of disguise with sequins and inventive costumes rather than rubber, latex and chains: very Eyes Wide Shut, but without the sex! read more

Chic-Londres Loves...

Great Mobile Massage Services

There’s no shortage of massage therapists in London. However, like hairdressers, there might be plenty, but it’s sometimes difficult to find the right one: experts in massages that relieve stress but are also really efficient at fighting muscle or joints pain, who present well, are on time and don’t feel compelled to chat the whole time. Chic-Londres has tested some of those mobile services offering massages and lists below its two favourites. Ultimate luxury: no need to go to them, as they will come to your house to dispense their therapy. read more

Outings

Polo Goes Electro: Groove Armada and Pete Tong at the Westchester Cup

It might well be the after party of the season: Groove Armada and Pete Tong will play headline DJ sets at the Boujis after-party, following the Audi International Polo at Guards Polo Club, near Windsor, on Sunday 28 July 2013. Superstylin!

What A party organised by South Ken’s private club Boujis, featuring sets by Groove Armada, one of the most commercially successful act of the London’s electro scene, and by DJ legend and Radio 1 presenter Pete Tong, who brought house music to the Ibiza and London party scene.

When and where On Sunday 28 July, from 6pm to 11pm, following the challenge between England and the USA on the field for the Westchester Cup, polo’s oldest international trophy, which will take place on the manicured ground of the Guards Polo Club, near Windsor. read more

Chic-Londres Loves...

Märta Larsson: Raw -but Sophisticated- Jewellery that Rocks

I first fall in love with my friend Märta’s jewellery last summer, when I noticed her wearing one of the most extraordinary rings I ever saw: a huge raw amethyst encaged in dainty wired gold. At the time, Märta -a former ballet dancer from Lapland who also composes and sings for her band Streetly Electrix- was contemplating creating her own line. One year on, she has just done that, with the very recent launch of her own eponymous brand, a stunning collection of earrings, necklaces and bracelets which combine unpolished, raw stones with delicate silver and gold.

The stones Märta uses might be raw and unpolished, but it doesn’t prevent her creations from being highly sophisticated.

She sources pyrite, calcite, amethyst, black tourmaline, clear quartz and red agate from South Africa, Brazil and Uruguay, and encases them with gold plated brass, silver and gold filled wires, which give them a delicate, feminine edge.

They are all made to order in London and hand crafted by Märta herself, with the added benefit that they are all unique, as no stones are ever completely similar. read more

In conversation with

Christian Clavier: the French Cult Comedian at the Soho Theatre

He might not be as well known to non French audiences as his co-stars Gérard Depardieu (Obelix and Asterix) and Jean Reno (Les Visiteurs), but in France, actor Christian Clavier (61) is a bit of a legend. The only French actor -alongside actor Bourvil- to have featured in more than three films reaching over ten millions entries each at the French box office, he is famous for his cult roles in some of the most popular comedies in his country. A London resident for the past year, he is playing at the Soho Theatre from 13th to 22nd of June, in Address Unknown, a stage adaptation of the text published in 1938 by Kathrine Kressman Taylor. This call to arms against nazism takes the form of an exchange of letters dated 1932 to 1934 between an American Jew and his German friend. Chic-Londres met Christain Clavier in May at the French Institute to discuss his career and latest project.

What has attracted you in this play? It broaches some very tragic events, and is full of suspense and intrigue, which makes it very pleasant to watch, despite its rather dramatic subject. I also like the fact that this book was written by an FBI agent, who knew a lot about what was actually happening in Germany at the time of the events she relates. And while her book was successful enough to be adapted on screen in 1944, it then fall into oblivion, until it was recently adapted on stage in France, where it has been very successful. The fact that I produced this play in collaboration with an English theatre also gives the audience the possibility to see it both in French with French actors and in English with English actors, which I think is an interesting experiment. read more