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  • The Handmade Porcelain Jewellery in Paris

    There are a few reasons that we name one of our collections “Life Pieces”. We believe fashion accessories or some life necessities are essential to give life a bit of glow. But more importantly, we want to offer quality assured things made in France that last for a lifetime. After all, if a product is not well-designed or durable, it’s just not gonna last. So we are extremely careful of what we put at Maison Evelyn. Yolaine Giret (or the previously introduced tout simplements,) is just the brand that shares the same value, and how we love it! YOLAINE GIRET THE ARTIST Yolaine Giret is a visual artist and a jewellery lover, so much so that she dreamed of making fine jewellery her own. As a child, she enjoyed creating things with little pieces of wood, strings, and the treasures (ferns, branches etc.) that she collected. When she grew up, this dream wasn’t let go. Having trained in porcelain work, she launched her own jewellery design brand in 2012 which shares the same name. Her speciality can be seen in the creations of porcelain and gold plated metals jewellery that evokes the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. These unique designs have become her trademark and quickly established her name in both Europe and Japan. Her jewellery can be found in a Parisian boutique called “Rose Durantin” in the heart of Montmartre, the 18th arrondissement in Paris. But her brand didn’t just stop there, her gold jewellery is also adored by several Parisian museum boutiques, including the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Versailles etc. TIMELESS AND POETIC CREATIONS THAT ARE HANDMADE IN PARIS At her Parisian workshop managed by several designers, they make each piece of the jewellery by hand. Yolaine Giret makes the porcelain prints herself, including creating the mould, stamping, sanding, enamelling, and firing. The Parisian craftsmen in her workshop help her weld and gild the metal pieces. She then assembles them and gives them a final touch. Her custom jewellery set becomes enchanting when she combines the creamy white colour porcelain with her floral and vegetal designs that are often regarded as romantic. Through her creations, the influence of Art Nouveau and Art Deco is also distinctly noticeable in her use of undulating shapes or geometric and graphic patterns. By playing with shapes and rays of light radiated from the porcelain, she has created her own fashion jewellery universe that is timeless and poetic. The patience and time spent on each of the pieces are what makes them different and artisanal. They are works of art that are designed to be valued for a lifetime and it is exactly this quality that we believe in.

  • These Vegan Gummies are as Healthy as They are Yummy. Why Not?

    Let’s have a gummy state of mind and forget about the conventional vitamin supplements in the shape of pills, because these drug-like pills and capsules are NOT your only option. SO WHAT IS THE ALTERNATIVE? It all started when David Gueunoun had quit his job in a beverage company and went to Paris to study vitamins and food supplements. There, he realised food supplements in the form of sweet gummies can be just as tasty as they are healthy. That’s how he has found the French brand Mium Lab (previously called Les Miraculeux). Mium Lab specialise in making healthy vegan gummies that serve as food supplements to our daily diet. Unlike capsules and tablets that many of us don’t have the pleasure to take, these innovative gummies are yummy and full of natural flavours. Isn’t it more desirable to finish a nutritional treatment? HEALTHY, NATURAL, VEGAN, AND GLUTEN FREE! We love the fact that their multivitamin gummies are made of fruit pectin instead of animal gelatin and we can receive sufficient nutrients just by taking them like chewing sweets. To guarantee optimal quality, these gummies are created in a French laboratory certified with ISO 9001, 22000, and 22716. What’s more? They are made of plants and vitamins, so they are vegan and gluten free. But they can do much more for our health … BEAUTY, SLEEP, VEGAN VITAMIN GUMMIES The Beauty Gummies contain a complex of biotin, vitamin A, B6, C, E, and hyaluronic acid. They strengthen the hair and nails, stimulate the synthesis of collagen, and hydrate the skin epidermis, which help fight against premature ageing. The Sleep Gummies have active ingredients like Melatonin, Lemon balm, and L-theanine to fight insomnia and improve your sleep quality. They regulate your body and relax your mind, but you will not be dependant on them. Vegan Gummies are for vegans and vegetarians to avoid any potential nutritional deficiencies. They contain a complex of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iodine, and selenium to supplement their diets with essential nutrients to keep the body running. Plus, they all have different natural fruity flavours, which surely are better than the drug-like food supplements for healthy living, don’t you think? You can read this article about using food supplements to cure lots of health problems.

  • Take Food Supplements and Give the Body the Nutrients It Needs

    The constant stress in life, unbalanced diet, trouble sleeping, there are many reasons a body might not be functioning the way it normally should. When sleep problems arise, some people go straight to sleeping pills for medical remedies, without realising the quality of sleep depends on several factors. Or when their hair, nails, and skin start to become lifeless and dull, there is a high chance that (instead of having an illness) it is caused by nutritional deficiencies. This is why food supplements come in handy; they are in fact a natural, non-medical solution to restore our bodies back to normal. FOOD SUPPLEMENTS OVER PILLS AND CAPSULES First of all, nutrient deficiencies can be the cause of various body malfunctions, and food supplements, compared with medical pills, are natural, non-addictive substances to solve these problems. Sleep deprivation In case you have sleep disorders or insomnia, Sleep Gummies can be an alternative way to relax your mind and body. Unlike any sleeping pills, Sleep Gummies don’t have any therapeutic effects. Hence, there will not be any side effects like withdrawal or rebound symptoms when stopped. At the same time, they are natural and effective. They contain vitamins and minerals that might just be what you lack to fall asleep. For example, Melatonin, also known as the sleep hormone, is essential to our sleep-wake cycle. It is a natural hormone that is produced at night by the pineal gland in the brain to help us fall asleep. Combining with L-Theanine, an amino acid that reduces mental and physical stress, it calms the mind and makes it easier to fall asleep. Do some research, you will be amazed how a natural nutritional boost can help you deal with insomnia. Dry skin, rippled nails, hair loss Same goes for having soft skin, smooth nails, and shiny hair. Makeup, nail polish, and hair colouring can be damaging and make fibre fragile. Having sufficient minerals and vitamins is the key. Beauty gummies are food supplements that contain different types of vitamins B, which is essential for skin, nails, and hair renewal. For example, vitamin B8, also called biotin, helps our body produce keratin, which is a protein that forms skin cells and keeps our nails and hair healthy. Together with Vitamin B6 which boosts the production of keratin and protects our hair, these two types of Vitamin B act to prevent hair damage and hair loss. What’s more, the gummies contain Zinc, a powerful antioxidant from which our body can benefit. Not only does it contribute to hair growth, it also alleviates skin problems like acne. Remember, we are what we eat. If you are not having a balanced diet, your body will give you signs. These gummies are 100% plant-based created by nutrition experts. They are vegan and gluten-free, which means they are suitable for all. So if it is about nutritional deficiencies, before taking any medical approaches, try the natural way by giving your body the nutrients it needs first. There are food supplements that can help you. P.s. if you want, you can learn more about Mium Lab (previously called Les Miraculeux), the French brand that makes yummy food supplements.

  • Distillerie Saint-Hilaire: Organic Floral Waters (Hydrosols)

    You may have noticed, we have made a little change recently. Our Maison Evelyn homepage just got revamped! We are very excited. The new design will not only give a refreshing look before Christmas, it will also highlight our three collections (Refreshment, Skincare & Health, and Life Pieces) and the new arrivals, making them easier to catch. Of all the recent new arrivals, we’d like to focus on Distillerie Saint-Hilaire’s. The French brand has changed its name from De Saint Hilaire to Distillerie Saint-Hilaire and redesigned their product packaging, focusing its image on its own distillery. Their products (Organic Anti-ageing Serum & Organic Roman Camomile Floral Water) that we introduced this time have expanded our skincare collection. Naturally we want to talk more about them. MORE FLORAL WATERS ON MAISON EVELYN Before diving into floral waters (also called hydrolates), we want to first talk about the Anti-ageing Serum. This is the first time we put their serum on our shelf. One of the reasons we love it is that it contains a lot of natural active ingredients, especially St. John's wort extract. It is the type of ingredient that can rejuvenate the skin and show the benefits of natural ingredients. That's why It is one of the sought-after items of Distillerie Saint-Hilaire. On the other hand, Organic Roman Chamomile is the third Distillerie Saint-Hilaire floral water we have at Maison Evelyn. It is completely different from Rose Floral Water and Cornflower Floral Water. Cornflower takes care of tired eyes, making them less puffy and more refreshing, while Rose Floral Water tightens our pores and invigorates dry or mature skin. Camomile, however, calms and soothes skin irritations as well as helps the skin adjust to the changing seasons. The floral waters of Distillerie Saint-Hilaire have always been 100% natural. This organic Roman Camomile Floral Water is also 98% organic and certified by the Cosmo organic label, guaranteeing its naturalness and organic quality. FLORAL WATER: WIDE VARIETY OF USES Each floral water has its own speciality, but their gentle nature also makes them versatile. For example, we can spray floral water on our hair every day to provide natural nourishment to the hair and give it a sweet floral fragrance. If you use floral water before applying face cream, it will also help the skin absorb the cream, making the skin much more moisturised. We can also soak the paper mask with floral water and apply it on the face for ten to fifteen minutes for daily skincare. Distillerie Saint-Hilaire's skincare products can be seen in a lot of stores in France. Their popularity can not only be explained by the brand's policy on naturalness, but also by their seriousness towards environmental protection. The bottles used by Distillerie Saint-Hilaire are 100% recycled materials and can also be recycled. They will not cause harm to the environment, which is another reason we love the brand so much. P.s. wanna learn how to choose the floral water that suits you most?

  • Bordeaux Offers More Than Just Red Wines

    More than 20 years ago, there was a young couple who talked with Prof. Vercauteren, a lab director. It was that talk that let us know grapes could do more than just making red wines. THE BENEFITS OF GRAPES TO OUR SKIN It’s Caudalie that I am talking about. The skincare brand is relatively young but very popular in France and the rest of the world. Some digging has let me unveil the story behind the French skincare brand. In 1993, founder Mathilde and her husband were studying the benefits of grapes to our skin. The talk with Prof. Vercauteren had them realise that polyphenols contained in grape seeds are an excellent antioxidant, which is a key characteristic to slow down the skin from ageing. They kept on researching and experimenting. In two years, they were able to launch their first three polyphenol-made products, laying down the foundation as a natural skincare company. I LOVE THAT THEY ARE NATURAL Their hand and nail cream, lip conditioner, and moisturizing sorbet are definitely my favourites. Not overpriced yet excellent in moisturising, not only do they replenish our dry skin, they are also not greasy at all, which is so convenient for daily uses. I love the fact that Caudalie do not use any preservatives nor do they apply any mineral oils or animal-derived ingredients. Their plant-based products are so natural that I have no trouble using them on my sensitive skin, and this is why they are no ordinary skincare products. Because of that talk, Bordeaux now offers more than just red wines!

  • A Peculiar Experience at the French Prime Minister's Residence

    Hôtel de Matignon itself carries a history of over three hundred years. Until the French Revolution, it was originally a residence for nobles like princesses and princes. After the revolution, it changed hands several times. In 1935, it became officially the residence of important government officials. Currently, it serves as the Prime Minister's residence. Earlier, we had captured the interior design of the Hôtel de Matignon on Instagram, so this time we won't dwell on it. Instead, what we want to emphasise and what left the deepest impression on us is the French’s support for local manufacturers. IN AWE OF A ROW OF ANTIQUES It was the open day of the Prime Minister's residence when we paid our visit. Expectedly, there were many curious visitors who wanted to take a close look inside. We had to follow the queue and slowly make our way, but being patient had its perk. Having passed through the security check of the Prime Minister's residence, we had to cross the gate of the front courtyard. As soon as we crossed it, we were immediately in awe of a row of antique cars. They were neatly parked behind the gate, with their shining black exuding a feeling of grandeur. As we approached the display signs, we realised that all these cars had been used to carry France’s former prime ministers and were also local French brands. The display signs not only mentioned which car each prime minister had ridden in but also meticulously presented the stories and histories of the car manufacturers Citroën and Panhard et Levassor, giving everyone the opportunity to learn more about these local car manufacturers. THE BEES AT HÔTEL DE MATIGNON Upon leaving the front courtyard, we visited the PM official residence and eventually arrived at its two-hectare backyard, which is the largest private garden in Paris. General de Gaulle himself once received Winston Churchill in this garden in 1958, so we are truly fortunate to have visited such historic place. In the residence’s garden, we came across a unique honey stall. It turns out that the Prime Minister's residence decided to install several beehives in the garden to conserve the bees. This not only helps maintain the ecological balance of nature but also provides honey for the Prime Minister's residence. As they opened jars of honey, numerous bees smelled the honey smell and were naturally attracted to dance nearby. The person in charge offered some honey to us, and it resulted in a swarm of bees gathering around her hand. HOW THE FRENCH EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN In addition to the honey stall, there were other stalls as well showcasing colourful glass and stone products. They set up booths on-site and we were often encouraged to play with their tools to try crafting something out. Children were even invited to pick up hammers and screwdrivers to try carving stones for themselves. They were unbelievably excited and eager to try their hands at it, just like the adults. This is actually the way French people educate children - they don't underestimate their abilities or fear that they won't be able to learn or might get hurt. It took us some time to do a full circle around the garden, trying to learn about the craftsmanship and interact with the artisans on-site. It actually made a more profound impression than visiting the Prime Minister's residence. On this open day, they could have simply allowed visitors to explore the interior and then leave after strolling through its lush green garden. However, the French government chose to make use of the garden space, giving everyone the opportunity to get to know these French companies. It’s in these moments that we truly felt the respect the French people have for their local brands and how they proudly cherished their artisans. P.s. Fancy a trip to the Petit Palais, where you can enjoy its remarkable architecture?

  • Le Moly: the expert in transforming butters and oils into soaps

    “La transformation des beurres et des huiles en savon me fascine.” said the founder Jennifer Bayemi of Le Moly. She has a degree in management. Logistically, she should have joined the business world working for corporates. Only that she found herself really into transforming butters and oils into soaps, the most natural way possible of course. She turned her interest into hard work. Her over 200 attempts of creating cold process soap helped her lay down the foundation she needed to create Le Moly, an organic handmade skincare brand situated in Pau, France since 2014. WHAT IS LE MOLY ABOUT? Le Moly is above all an artisanal soaper that works on raw materials offered by nature. The company is in constant quest for natural and authentic skincare products, be it the most natural soaps at the start of the company or organic cream deodorants now. The goal is simple, to create skincare products that are gentle to our delicate skin, yet without sacrificing the effectiveness of the products. COMMITMENT TO ORGANIC RAW MATERIALS It’s not just natural ingredients that Le Moly seek; they have to be from organic farming as well. That tells you their standard and commitment. Their ingredients are certified by Nature et Progrès, an organic label that is known to be demanding and transparent in the market. The label approves and recognises the natural benefits of the ingredients on our skin. Therefore, from sourcing the ingredients to formulation, each step is monitored to ensure the quality and effectiveness of their products. For example, only cold-pressed oils, raw and unrefined vegetable butters, as well as excellent quality essential oils are chosen to be the ingredients of their products. By upholding this rigorously high standard, their ingredients are 100% organic while Nature et Progrès’ request is 95%. That is why at Le Moly, parabens, synthetic dyes, perfumes, paraffin, silicones, GMOs, phosphates, solvents are all prohibited. The label also demands traceability, which guarantees the origin of the materials used. Le Moly is about preserving the natural benefits of the ingredients used. Through years of research and tests, the French skincare brand gets to create various formulas that guarantee each active ingredient used is maintained (and in good conditions). When ingredients like vegetable oils and butters are not heated or processed, the softness and effectiveness provided are expected. P.s. You can read more about the differences between an organic deodorant and an antiperspirant.

  • Guides to Finding a Good Organic Deodorant

    Winter or summer, we all need to keep our armpits free of germs. That’s the way to keep us from having body odour and maintain a good standard of personal hygiene. If you are still using an antiperspirant, this article will tell you the differences between an antiperspirant and an organic deodorant. However, if you are determined to make a switch and join the organic deodorant family, here are some tips for finding the right one for you. GO ORGANIC & BE HEALTHY Armpit skin is naturally sensitive, especially after shaving or waxing. So you need to be careful of the ingredients that will likely provoke skin irritation. It means choosing a deodorant that is made of 100% natural ingredients, such as hydrolates (hydrosols), vegetable oils and butters, clays. It also means you need to stay out of chemical ingredients such as aluminium salts, parabens, silicones, triclosan, alcohol, and perfume etc. These are endocrine disruptors and can cause skin allergy and dryness, especially alcohol which is effective in killing skin germs but also irritates sensitive skin. Remember, an organic deodorant would not have any of those. AVOID BAKING SODA, ALUMINIUM & SPRAY If you have sensitive skin, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) will most likely cause irritation, itchiness, or even inflammation to your fragile armpits. Being a powerful deodorising agent, it is widely used to get rid of the smell of perspiration. However, with a pH of 8, it will change the acidity of your epidermis. Your epidermis is your first protection against bacteria and pathogens, so a slightest variation in pH on your skin will leave you exposed to more skin problems. Aluminium salts (aluminium chlorohydrate, aluminium chloride, aluminium citrate) are widely used in antiperspirants, which will clog your sweat glands and prevent perspiration. However, that is not a natural way to keep odour away. Also, body spray contains propellant gases which have nothing to do with deodorising but present a risk of skin irritation. So, use other formats like roll-on or cream. WHAT IS AN IDEAL DEODORANT? SURPRISE SURPRISE! The ideal way to keep odour away is to forget antiperspirant. Find an organic deodorant instead. These are the ones that contain no preservatives, endocrine disruptors, alcohols, nor any synthetic fragrances that can be harmful to our skin health. Also, they are the ones that use zinc oxide (without nanoparticles) instead of aluminium salts. Zinc oxide is as effective as aluminium salts and is renowned for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It is gentle to our skin and therefore can be used on all skin types. It absorbs moisture and can purify our armpits, hence ideal to be used in a natural deodorant.

  • Why You Should Always Use an Organic Deodorant but Not an Antiperspirant

    With Hong Kong’s hot and humid climate, a deodorant or an antiperspirant is understandably a must-have. But first thing first, there is a conceptual difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant. A deodorant won't stop you from sweating while an antiperspirant will. And sweating is good! This natural bodily function regulates our body temperature and helps us detox. Fun fact: sweat itself doesn’t smell. It is the bacteria on our skin that generate chemical compounds with sweat, which causes odour, and this is when an organic deodorant does its magic. WHY ORGANIC DEODORANT IS A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE Antiperspirants, because of the presence of controversial aluminium salts, stop the perspiration by clogging your sweat glands. However, a good organic deodorant acts by neutralising odour associated with perspiration, without the presence of aluminium salts or other irritating chemicals. This is why an organic underarm deodorant is a healthy alternative. LE MOLY, THE NATURAL CREAM DEODORANT SPECIALIST At Maison Evelyn, we have been looking for an artisanal brand that makes natural deodorant to effectively get rid of body odour ... and we’ve found one! Le Moly specialise in handcrafting hygienic and cosmetic products. The founder, Jennifer Bayemi, has always been fascinated by the transformation of scents, colours, and textures, so she dedicated her time to creating natural soaps and cream deodorants that are gentle to our delicate skin. ORGANIC COCONUT DEODORANT CREAM Her passion has led her to the opening of Le Moly, where this Organic Coconut Deodorant Cream is handcrafted. As it is a cream, it is smoothly pleasing and easy to apply. Its natural ingredients guarantee a real care for all skin types, suitable for both sexes. While preventing unpleasant smells, it also nourishes and softens the armpits, so this deodorant for both men and women can be used right after waxing or shaving without any burning sensation. GO FOR ORGANIC DEODORANT Really, there is nothing harmful and everything beneficial. Once you stop using conventional antiperspirants, you will feel you sweat slightly more than usual. This is because pores are finally open again, but your body will regulate itself to normal. Remember, you are making the right choice for your health by using organic and natural deodorant. P.s. Interested in learning how to find a good organic deodorant?

  • The northern Paris: Auvers-sur-Oise & Vincent van Gogh

    Hopping on the train and commuting for just an hour or so, you will find yourself in Auvers-sur-Oise, in the northwestern part of Paris. This little commune is nothing like Paris, without the glamour and extravagance of the city yet guarding its own serenity and spectacular scenery waiting for you to discover. The 19th century painters certainly discovered a lot there. Paul Cézanne, Camille Pissarro, Camille Corot etc. all lived and worked here (Vincent van Gogh too, who chose to end his life in this little village in 1890). Coming here, during summertime especially, will make you never want to go back to Paris. WHAT MADE AUVERS-SUR-OISE SO SPECIAL THEN? Why did lots of artists abandon Paris and choose this village at some point of their life? The picturesque town with well-preserved historic buildings certainly was one of the reasons. It was their source of inspiration for their Impressionist paintings, which required painting en plein air (outdoors) to capture the subtle differences of sunlight. Situated in this charming hamlet is the Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption d'Auvers-sur-Oise. It was built between 1137 and 1227 by the order of Philippe I. Its primitive Gothic style and harmony did make it an exemplary subject matter for the Impressionists who preferred outdoor scenes rather than still lifes and portraits. But it wasn’t just the church that seduced them; the beauty of the whole town is non-negligible. White and red blossoms as well as green leaves ornamenting the façade of houses (which were constructed using blocks of stone), the limitless wheatfields, the tranquil mountain trails, the long and twisted pathways that lead to the mountain, they all add up to form the charming rural landscapes that characterise this relatively “unrenowned” village. WHAT MAKES AUVERS-SUR-OISE SO SPECIAL NOW? Following the Impressionist route The footsteps of the Impressionist painters are certainly the focal point nowadays. That is why when you visit Auvers-sur-Oise, the Chemin des Peintres is a must-walk route. This is both a historical and cultural journey that allows you to relish the landscape heritage of the town and, at the same time, the works of the 19th century painters. Info panels can be found during the two-hour walk. Through them, you get to live in the memories of Cézanne, Henri Rousseau, Camille Pissarro’s etc and fathom what inspired them to live in this town. While visiting, traces of van Gogh are hard to miss. That’s because Auvers-sur-Oise is also where he chose to commit suicide. Vincent van Gogh It is said that at l’Auberge Ravoux Vincent van Gogh had his last breath. It is also where van Gogh lived in Auvers-sur-Oise during his last two months. The 7m2 attic room of his has remained unchanged ever since his death, which means you can see the decoration (not his paintings though) and the furniture like what they were in 1890. When you finish paying the painter's room a visit, it might just be the time to pay him a homage in his final resting place. The wheatfield is where van Gogh shot himself in the chest on 27 July. Originally, his brother Theo wanted Vincent to be buried in the Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption. He was rejected on the ground that Vincent committed suicide, which is forbidden in the eyes of Catholicism. Today, van Gogh lies, together with his dearest brother Theo, in the nearby cemetery. Their tombs are covered with ivy (planted by the son of Dr. Gachet) and sunflowers (the flowers that he loved so much) to symbolise the brotherhood and loyalty that they had for each other. Vincent’s wheatfield is a beautiful place to paint and an even picturesque one to admire. Proximate to the cemetery, the wheatfield is the location van Gogh drew his Champ de blé aux corbeaux (Wheatfield with Crows). Though often claimed to be his last masterpiece, this painting actually is one of his last few ones. The sky covered with darkness, with crows flying on this vast and endless field, seems to convey a sense of loneliness and isolation of what the painter must have felt during his last few weeks. If your stamina allows, Dr Gachet’s house is an unmissable stop as well in Auvers-sur-Oise. Both an art lover and painter, Dr. Gachet was the Impressionists’ preference whenever they didn’t feel well. That’s one of the reasons van Gogh chose Auvers-sur-Oise, to be close with him and his brother so as to better take care of himself. We often see Dr Gachet’s portrait in van Gogh artwork; his house and his garden are a sight too. The house is now a museum where you will get to look closely at his pharmaceutical objects that he used to heal his fellow painters at the time. Like Vincent’s room, the original décor of Dr. Gachet’s house has stayed the same and is now part of the village’s charm that convinces you to spend a day there during your next visit to Paris. P.s. Live an Impressionist Day in the Musée d'Orsay :)

  • LV DREAM: 160 Years of Journey of Louis Vuitton

    How many really know that Louis Vuitton have been here for over 160 years? We didn’t, but we do now after having visited its exhibition “LV DREAM”. A few days ago, LVMH officially opened “LV DREAM” to all. Originally scheduled to open in November, the exhibition was postponed to 15 December 2022, which was also the day we paid our visit. “LV DREAM” is an exhibition of Louis Vuitton’s creative evolution in the past 160 years. It shows us not only their history, there are also emblematic designs created in the hands of well-known artists of the world. In the 9 rooms of the exhibition (each room having its own theme), we got to immerse in the world of luggage and leather goods that demonstrate LV’s heritage and savoir-faire. Room 1: Mr. Louis by Cao Fei Room 2: Louis Vuitton: As Seen By... Room 3: Origins Room 4: Art on Silk Room 5: The World of Louis Vuitton According to Rei Room 6: Reinterpreting Icons Room 7: Leather Goods in Fashion Room 8: Bags as Blank Canvas Room 9: Art Meets Fashion THE WORLD OF TRAVEL TRUNKS At the entry, we were immediately greeted by the digitalised version of Louis Vuitton himself. Though out of touch, we still sensed the spirit of the young Louis Vuitton trying to make a name for himself as a trunk-maker at 4 Rue Neuve-des-Capucines in Paris. His creations are what we want to focus on. One of which is the Wardrobe Trunk in Monogram Canvas. Sold by Louis Vuitton in 1875, the trunk was designed to be placed in a traveller’s cabin and allow the traveller to access directly his clothes without the need to unfold them, hence the vertical shape. Though a bit colossal in today’s standard, this Wardrobe Trunk was very popular in conjunction with the growth of international travel in the 1910s/1920s. There are also the Alzer Suitcases in Nomade Leather. Do you find them familiar? These suitcases have had their fair share of screen time in the film “The Darjeeling Limited”. I still remember (and was surprised) the brothers leaving these suitcases behind at the end in order to catch the train. I wouldn’t do that XD. Notice the zebras, the elephants, the rhinos, the tigers and all these wildlife animals? It is quite different from what we are used to seeing in LV, but somehow we recognise its signature on first sight. Maybe it is Louis Vuitton’s magic. Another work of art that caught our attention was this Neverfull Night Bag. The letters E.P.L are the initials of the bag’s owner. The bag’s made of supple leather between 1892 and 1900. It was designed to be used when travelling by train. See the resemblance to today’s hand luggage? We also have this chef-d'oeuvre Picnic Trunk in Vuittonite Canvas. This elegant Picnic Trunk, created in 1913, contains everything you need for a picnic, with specially designed compartments to protect the plates and cups and utensils. OTHER EXCEPTIONAL ROOMS Room 4 being the “Art on Silk”, there displays the talented works of carré de soie (silk scarf). Through the square scarfs, we got to appreciate the daring designs in the late 1980s. Other Rooms feature 3 Japanese artists Rei Kawakubo, Takashi Murakami, and Yayoi Kusama, paying homage to their contributions to LV. On display in Room 5 is the Monogram collection created by Rei in 2014, with unimaginable shapes and holes that invite visitors to experience the inside of a bag. Room 7 showcases the Multicolore Collection created by Murakami in 2003 that once stunned the world and the trademarks of polka dots and pumpkins that Yayoi Kusama is renowned for. There are gems in the other Rooms too. You can watch them on our YouTube. By the way, the exhibition will last until 15 November 2023. If you happen to be visiting Paris, you can also go to their site to reserve a place yourself :) Gift store, café, and a chocolate store in partnership with Cheval Blanc Paris pastry chef Maxime Frédéric will be at the end of the exhibition. Don’t miss them! P.s. Chaumet “Végétal – L’École de la beauté” at the Beaux-Arts de Paris or this Parisian department store bought by LVMH and gone through 16 years of renovation might just interest you too :)

  • What We were Doing after Launching Maison Evelyn

    Ever since we have started Maison Evelyn, we have received many support and comments from you. One of them is about the product variety. Well, we heard you. So while we have been busy delivering orders (THANK YOU BTW FOR BELIEVING IN US!!) and posting on Instagram, we were also sourcing for more healthy artisanal products made in France. And yes, they will be available the coming week. Might some of these pique your interest? BEAUTY, SLEEP, VEGAN VITAMIN GUMMIES The French brand Mium Lab (previously called Les Miraculeux) specialise in making healthy vegan gummies that serve as food supplements to our daily diet. It all started when the founder David Gueunoun had quit his job in a beverage company and went to Paris to study vitamins and food supplements. There, he realised food supplements in the form of sweet gummies can be just as tasty as they are healthy. That’s how Mium Lab were started. 🏠: We love the fact that their gummies are made of fruit pectin instead of animal gelatin and we can receive sufficient nutrients just by taking them like chewing sweets. Isn’t it a more enjoyable way than taking traditional supplements? We are launching three types of gummies: Beauty, Sleep, and Vegan. Come check them out next week to find out their benefits. ORGANIC DEODORANT (NOT ANTIPERSPIRANTS) The adventure of Le Moly began on a small French island called Réunion in the Indian Ocean. Having grown up in nature, the founder Jennifer Bayemi has always been interested in handcrafted products made of natural materials. The transformation of scents, colours, and textures is a fascination to her, so she dedicated her time to creating natural soaps and cream deodorants that are gentle to our delicate skin. 🏠: We have been looking for an organic deodorant (not an antiperspirant) that won’t stop us from sweating, because sweating is good. It regulates our body temperature and helps us detox. Antiperspirants, because of the presence of controversial aluminium salts, stop the perspiration by clogging your sweat glands. We don’t want that. This is why this Coconut cream deodorant is what we have been looking for: 100% natural ingredients, no aluminium salts or other irritating chemicals. It is easy to apply and suitable to even sensitive skin or after waxing or shaving. We will be talking more about its usage and benefits over the coming weeks. ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OILS AND HYDROLATS AND VOLCANIC BALM Distillerie Saint-Hilaire (previously called De Saint Hilaire) have settled themselves in the heart of Auvergne in France for more than 30 years. This is a region with unpolluted nature and great floral diversity, where the brand cultivates and distilled medicinal and aromatic plants. In their own distillery, they have developed a unique distillation process to harvest the essential oils and floral waters (hydrolats) without denaturing the plants. 🏠: What we like about this brand is their commitment to organic products. We touch or consume so much every day; it is so important that what we are in contact with do not harm us. That is what makes their essential oils and floral waters special. The environment is key: the volcanic soil and the altitude. It makes their essential oils and floral waters (hydrolats) exceptionally pure and natural. We will be offering their popular volcanic balm too, one of its features is to calm and soothe naturally your joint or muscle pain after sport. Tempting, are they not?

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