The art of harmonious living is extolled in this volume through twenty bespoke interiors designed by the Axel Vervoordt Company. Each room incorporates natural light as an essential component of design, along with other elementswater, metal, woodblended with a modern aesthetic and punctuated with fine art. The Vervoordt concept of the home is revealed through a refined balance between art and nature to create timeless living spaces. The range of featured properties includes homes by the sea, as well as in urban and rural locations, demonstrating a breadth of styles possible within the essential Vervoordt design principles. Photography by Laziz Hamani brings into focus both the unique design details and the carefullyconstructed interiors that fuse to create each striking setting. These exceptional residences are rich with inspirational ideas to incorporate into your own home so that you can celebrate your living space in the singular Vervoordt style.

James Viaene began his culinary career in the midst of a postwar cultural revival of sumptuous dinners, balls, and galas. He started in some of Pariss greatest restaurants and later was hired at the Parisian residence of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. He then trained under a series of renowned cooks, and became a chef in his own right in the kitchens of eminent public figures such as Georges Wildenstein, Jean de Souza-Lage, and Michel David-Weill, who demanded extremely high standards. In 1970, Viaene entered the British Ambassadors residence in Paris, a unique locale where the chef plays a central role. The historic home, where he carried out the rest of his forty-year career, provided an idyllic setting for serving his best-loved recipes. In this richly illustrated volume, James Viaene recounts his memories, amusing anecdotes, and twenty-four of his favorite recipes from throughout his reign in the prestigious kitchen. From the famous Beef Wellington served to Queen Elizabeth II, to typically English tea, and the pot-au-feu inspired by his childhood memories, each dish is enhanced by the Residences legendary silver service, one of the treasures of the British Embassy in France.

This original, illustrated monograph recounts haute couture designer Jean Patous charmed life and career during the apex of twentieth-century glamour, and is drawn from extensive research into previously unpublished family archives. During the 1920s and 1930s, the French couturier Jean Patou was Chanels main rival: day pyjamas, jersey sportswear, swimwear, and the little black dress were all among the innovative designs marking Patous relatively brief career as the king of Parisian fashion. He died at the age of 49 in 1936, having had only fifteen years to make his mark on the history of couture. Yet in that short time this handsome ladies man made a colossal fortune, employed 1,200 people in his shops and studios in Paris, Deauville, Biarritz, and New York, and invented some of the worlds legendary fragrancesJoy and Que Sais-je among othersonly to die alone and ruined in his hotel room the Hotel Georges V in Paris where he lived to escape creditors. This book recounts the story of Patous charmed life and career during the most glamorous years of the twentieth century. For the first time, the heirs of the Patou family have agreed to open their extensive private archives to a researcher. The author, historian Emmanuelle Polle, spent more than two years opening box after box to choose from thousands of unpublished documents: photographs, diaries, client lists, and original, hand-colored sketches. The photographs of fashion designs, original fabrics, art deco furniture, perfume bottles, and vintage clothing photographed especially for this volume, alongside vintage prints by major names in fashion photography (Baron de Meyer, Laure Albin Guillot, or the Seeberger brothers) retrace the universe of the remarkable aesthete and adept of a certain minimalism that was Jean Patou. This book will be an essential reference for anyone interested in the history of fashion and of the greatest years of Parisian style.

Following the success of Style Book: Fashionable Inspirations , this new volume offers a fresh take on the iconic patterns and prints that are renewed and recycled year after year, from the runways to street wear. Fashion editor Elizabeth Walker draws on eclectic influences from around the world: embroidered kimonos from Japan, batiks from Indonesia, paisley from India and France, animal prints, bold op-art geometrics in black and white, bright kangas from Kenya, Hawaiian print hibiscus, or bold splashes of color combining Schiaparelli pink with tangerine and turquoise. From Grace Jones in a zebra print jumpsuit to a flappers scalloped swimsuit, or from Marc Jacobs in a Mickey Mouse t-shirt to Nicolas Cage in a snakeskin jacket, you can take your cue to liven up the gray workday commute in a jewel-toned ikat print or a jaunty African tribal fabric. The striped mariners pullover that looked great on Picasso is still in style, and hounds-tooth checkered trousers will turn heads and add bounce to your stride. The images selected herefeaturing both celebrities and more proletariat fashionistas spotlight the striking prints and patterns that add panache to any look.

A complete introduction to contemporary gardens, from new innovations, practices, and materials, to the notable designers and their signature creations, to a glossary of key terms. This volume introduces the most important trends and issues in gardening today; defines what constitutes a contemporary garden; and examines the latest innovations, practices, and approaches that have contributed to its development. Talk About Contemporary Gardens makes it easy for novice gardeners to identify different gardening styles and place them in historical context, from the wasteland redevelopments of Simone Kroll, to contemporary Japanese landscaping that embodies the spirit of Zen, to the natural feather gardens of Sylvie and Patrick Quibel. Since the art of landscaping is tied to nature and the elements, a chapter on the relationship between gardening and the seasons looks at the life cycles of plants, the importance of light, rain, and the seasons, and how gardens behave when the sun goes down. The book demonstrates the relationship between landscape gardening and contemporary art, architecture, design, and urbanism, examining the rich influences that tie them all together. From Brancusis sculpture-filled spaces, to Gaudis natural curves and buildings, the text and illustrations highlight how these practices inform each other in the modern world. Entirely pink gardens, the sweet perfume of Arabian jasmine, the tang of lemons and the gentle tinkling of fountains in the Imaginary garden: this book offers readers a sensory journey to some of the worlds most exotic gardens. A list of international gardens to visit, biographies of thirty great landscapers and their signature gardens, a list of key words, and a glossary complete the volume.

Respected interiors specialists Barbara and René Stoel — tie chart the evolution of interior design from the sev — enteenth century to the present day. They introduce thirty-four significant designers from the last four hundred years along with the elements of their legacy that remain relevant in interior design today. Arranged chronologically, the text places the designers in their historical context and details the primary elements that characterized their style or revolutionized taste in their day. The photographs provide a visually evocative overview of the designers key works, illustrating the overall impact of the room and the details that make each space memorable. The clean lines and light-filled interiors of John Saladino contrast with the luxurious, richly colored spaces created by Jacques Garcia. These portraits of the designers and their chefs doeuvres demonstrate the aesthetic principles and creativity that shaped the history of interior design. From eighteenth-century interiors by Dennis Severs, to Billy Baldwins elegant yet liveable home design, or from Madeleine Castaings eclectic creations that blended antiques with art, to the gracious curves and pastel hues of Charles Rennie Mackintoshs art nouveau Hill House, and from Bill Williss interpretation of Orientalism in Marrakesh, to the clean and graphic lines of Andrée Putmans sleek interiors, this volume abounds with inspiration.

In The Paris Gourmet, Trish Deseine serves up a definitive guide to French cuisine, divulging her secrets on all aspects of Gallic food and entertaining. Her extensive black book of foodie addresses in Paris and online is an essential resource for stocking your kitchen with indispensible cooking utensils and table trimmings, procuring the best ingredients, or dining at her most treasured restaurants. Her practical advice covers everything from selecting produce at the market to a sampling of her favorite French recipes. Trish distills tips gleaned over two decades of living in France into lists of rules on all aspects of enjoying food and entertaining tips from hosting a great cocktail party to being the perfect guest. A glossary of French cookery terms completes this handsome book that features a leatherette binding and ribbon page marker. Trish has become one of Frances most celebrated food writers thanks to her unpretentious approach to food. This accessible book provides all the information you need to delight in French culinary traditionsin the style of Patricia Wellss seminal Food Lovers Guide to Paris and to host like a true Parisienne.

«Cet hymne a la volupte detourne le mythe antique pour composer un court roman, en vers et en prose, entre badinerie et satire. Quatrieme de couverture Les Amours de Psyche et de Cupidon Dans Les Amours de Psyche et de Cupidon (1669), La Fontaine deploie un etonnant talent de prosateur, et detourne, en conjuguant galanterie et grivoiserie, un mythe celebre depuis l'Antiquite. Dans ce conte badin ou se melent emotion et plaisanterie, elans precieux et pointes satiriques, affleure un « sens ambigu de fraicheur et de profondeur « (Paul Valery).»

Dans les vastes plaines et les profondes forêts russes, vous croiserez la route de rusés renards et d'ours patauds, mais attention aux rencontres avec la redoutable Baba Yaga! Si des êtres aux pouvoirs mystérieux peuplent ces contes, vous ne trouverez ni fées, ni baguettes magiques. Car face aux difficultés, l'entraide, le courage et l'intelligence restent les armes les plus efficaces.

Une sélection de 32 chansons Issues des plus grands classiques du patrimoine: Gentil coquelicot, Dansons la capucine, Il était un petit navire, Au feu, les pompiers, ou encore Ah ! vous dirai-je Maman. Des chansons illustrées avec beaucoup de tendresse et réunies dans un CD en fin d'ouvrage, pour partager d'agréables moments avec les petits. Un enregistrement musical respectant les compositions originales, connues de certains, dans des arrangements vivants et modernes.

In the same understated, covetable style as her husband's interiors, May Vervoordts recipes bring out the essence of fresh ingredients in simple yet exceptional dishes. The name Vervoordt is synonymous with effortless sophistication and quality. Over the past 25 years, Axel and May Vervoordt have cultivated a reputation for excellence in the fields of art, interior design, and entertaining. Renowned for her prowess as a hostess, May shares 107 seasonal recipes for entertaining in style in this contemporary cookbook. With an emphasis on bringing out the essence of individual ingredients, and cooking in harmony with the seasons for freshness and flavor, Mayin typical Vervoordt fashiondemonstrates that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Her dishes are easy to prepare, original, and healthful, and still allow the home chef time to enjoy the meal with guests. Grouped by season, the recipes offer a broad selection for all occasions, including Pumpkin-Ginger Tapenade Bruschetta with a Hazelnut Crunch, Mango and Sweet Potato Salad, Lemon-Sage Baked Cod, Sesame-Tarragon Chicken, Carrot-Apple-Ginger Juice, and Chocolate Fondant Cake with Pear Sorbet. Close-ups of the recipes are complemented by lifestyle photographs offering an insider's glimpse into the elegant Vervoordt residence. The interiors blend antique pieces with modern art to create harmoniously contemporary spaces, and provide a stunning backdrop for Mays dishes.

An exquisitely photographed introduction to the great French tradition of baking — from the simple croissant to the light and flaky millefeuilles, drawn from the best pastry chefs in Paris. Temptations abound for the sweet tooth in Paris, from the hottest culinary trends to time-honored classics. Patisserie is an integral part of the city's culinary tradition and the source of countless delectable creations that combine fruit, cream fillings, icings, frostings, mousses, and pastry. Readers will yield to sweet temptation as they discover the best pastries and cakes the city has to offer, including macarons, eclairs, baba au rum, tarts, mont blanc, polonaises, and oriental cakes. Twenty pastry chefs show off their artful creations and share their signature recipes, which are described in the context of their historical tradition, composition, and gastronomic properties. The evolution of the pastry art is also explained, focusing in particular on the new generation of Parisian patissiers and chocolatiers, buzzing with the creativity and ingenuity that are redefining their craft. The book includes an address book of the best patisseries and tea rooms in Paris along with twenty recipes from the city's most respected pastry chefs.

Barbara and Rene Stoeltie capture the essence of New York's sophisticated and glamorous elegance, inspiring the reader with profiles of seventeen style setters and their private homes. New York Interiors is an inspirational guide to the eclectic interior style of the Big Apple. The reader is taken on a thrilling exploration of both traditionally designed and strikingly modern interiors, which reflect the city's dynamism and diversity. New York's interior design connoisseurs are experts at balancing elements from different cultures and epochs and have contemplated each facet of their homes down to the minutest detail, creating homes that are true havens from the hustle and bustle of the street below. From a luxury apartment with magnificent paneling hung with old master paintings to a glassed-in eagle's nest perched atop an art deco skyscraper, or a delightful brownstone with a private garden worthy of a picturesque country village, Barbara and Rene Stoeltie take readers on a personalized journey through seventeen interiors that reflect the diversity and eclecticism of the city's inhabitants and provide endless inspiration for contemporary interiors.

This comprehensive, practical, and heavily illustrated reference offers the essential building blocks and recipes for working with chocolate in the home kitchen. This cooking school in book form opens with 100 fundamental step-by-step techniques: chocolate basics (tempering, ganaches, pralines), candy fillings, decorations, doughs, creams and mousses, ice cream and sorbet, sauces, and bakers secrets (marbling, faultless cake, crusts, beating egg whites). Each method is explained in text and photographs; fourteen are further clarified on the accompanying ninety-minute DVD. Organized into nine sections, more than 100 recipes are then simplified for the home cook: Classics (Black Forest cake, Sachertorte, profiteroles, molten chocolate cake), Tarts (chocolate-pear, nut-caramel), Snacks (macaroons, waffles, brownies, choco-ginger churros), Frozen Desserts, Special Occasions (dark chocolate fondue, hazelnut-praline Yule log), and Candy (truffles, lollipops, coconut bars). Each recipe is graded with a three-star rating so the home chef can gauge its complexity and gradually expand their baking abilities through experience. Cross references to techniques, DVD footage, glossary terms, and complementary recipes make navigation easy. The volume includes practical resources: visual dictionaries of kitchen equipment and common ingredients; tips for conserving chocolate; a guide to dark, milk, and white chocolate and the importance of cocoa content; and a detailed index.

Celebrated French chef Pierre Gagnaire, described by Ruth Reichl in The New York Times as The Wizard of Paris, offers 175 classic and yet innovative recipes for everyday and special occasions, from lazy brunches to midnight feasts. Pierre Gagnaire is one of Frances most creative chefs, revered for pushing the boundaries of taste and texture. While he has published several books on food-related subjects, this is his first book of recipes written for the home chef. Organized into four chapters covering mealtimes and entertaining, Gagnaire transforms old favorites by adding a twist of originality via unique flavor combinations or the addition of an unexpected ingredient. Breakfast includes French Toast and Lemon-Rhubarb Marmalade and drinks such as Orange-Cardamom Coffee and Sparkling Melon-Strawberry juice. Lunch options include Shitaki-Gorgonzala Ciabatta or Zucchini Pesto, and dinner ranges from Lamb with Potatoes and Prunes or Grilled Line-Caught Bass. Desserts feature Chocolate Tart or Raspberries with Parmesan, and his cocktail party ideas include recipes for drinks and snacks, such as Bell Pepper Cocktail and Pear with Roquefort and Walnuts on Endive Leaves. The photographs bring into focus the fresh ingredients used in the recipes, with artistic close-up portraits. The creative recipes of this master chef will expand the repertoire of the home cooknovice or accomplishedand provide a fresh new home dining experience.

Provencal houses are true homes. Warm shades of ochre glow from the walls and roofs, weathered floors shine, and reflections dance off glazed ceramics hitting cotton tablecloths. The region of Provence has always produced the right materials for building, painting, furnishing and decorating its homes, and for over two thousand years, local artists have worked to create the authentic Provencal style which reflects their unique way of life. This colorful book explores the world of the local craftsmen and decorators, pinpointing the essential characteristics of any authentic Provencal house. From the building of the first wall to the wood finishes, from garden furniture to weather-worn shutters, kitchen tiles to roofing material, and from the bed linens down to the most subtle choice of kitchenware, this book addresses and illustrates every aesthetic detail and how they can be blended together to make up the characteristic result. Also provided is an extensive address book providing useful sources both in Provence and internationally. With this and its feast of glorious photographs, Provence Style will serve as inspiration for designers and Provence-lovers alike.