The visits to the flea markets are always very special to me. One of the best ever is the Saint-Ouen flea market for sure. There is something very special about this place where true treasures are spread over the enormous territory.
     This time I was hunting on some new pieces by Lalique for my modest personal collection and for current projects. Simply impossible to make the choice here! But I have to...

Love these portraits of legendary Countess Mona Von Bismarck taken by Cecil Beaton in Hotel Lambert ( which used to belong to the Countess). For me the most amazing part on the photo  is how the Balenciaga gown on Countess Von Bismarck fits the atmosphere of the sitting room of the chateau particulier! Amazing combination of the midcentury elegance with such a traditional detail of the rococo period dresses as the sack back looks so regal and chic!  This is a true timeless elegance! I'm sure you agree with me.

                        

           Robe a la Francaise  with a sack back. Mid XVIII century. 

          Here are some additional photos of the palace. Have to say that the Chateau looks absolutely fabulous without the crowds of tourists. When you walk alone through the galleries and halls the palace still seems inhabited by the courtiers of the XVII or XVIII century. It still keeps ones magic!

                

                             

                  The snow white  swans in the pond look so dramatic in the evening! 

Versailles in winter

  I am a great admirer of french art and history. I was 10 when I started  reading novels by Alexandre Dumas. Still can remember how  much I was impressed by the lifestyle of the mid XVII century court.  When I grew older I began studying memories and documentary researches on the same theme. The main point of my interest has always been the life of Louis XIV and Versailles. The glorious era for interior design and gardening, fashion and etiquette!

   You can imagine how important and overwhelming was for me the first visit to Chateau de Versailles this year!  I'd like to share some photos taken  taken by me there. Most of the photos are in b&w. I'm pretty sure it helps to concentrate on details tha truly Do matter! 

                 

  

The Grand Trianon is much more "cozy" and elegant than the main palace mostly because of its proportions and size. It was built for living without etiquette which completely ruled the lifestyle in the main palace.

                  

             

             

            

                 

                                                    

                                                   

                                                   

There have been taken hundreds of thousands photos of the legendary Hall of Mirrors. But I believe in every single photo this exquisite gallery looks completely different. And it looks very special in gray shades of winter.