NEWSLETTER 11
February 2025: Parisian vintage, an Art Deco villa and a Japanese pancake recipe
Hello dear readers,
It’s been a minute; or rather a busy few months for us where we’ve been quiet on the newsletter front. This stops now. Since then, we bought a flat - in a 1960s modernist (dare I say Corbusier inspired?) block in Highgate (North London). Living the International Style dream, complete with post-war insulation (or lack thereof) levels.
While we count ourselves lucky that, all in all, the house purchase was a pretty speedy experience for us, it definitely left our brains full at the end of 2024! Now we enter 2025 a bit more refreshed and preparing for our next chapter of renovation and houseworks (as yes, it’s certainly not ‘turnkey’). We’re writing this surrounded by boxes, papers and random bits as we unpack.
Now without further ado, let’s get back to regular programming!
STYLE: VINTAGE IN PARIS
We had planned a trip to Georgia in December, which we ended up postponing as the political situation left us nervous. So we spent longer in France, and on the flip side this afforded us time to dig a little deeper in a city we frequent often but end up circling back to a well-trodden path each time we return. The good news for you is that this means recent vintage store discoveries we’re now able to share:
Emma curates and sells from her little boutique in the Xth, open only on Saturdays. Her selection of 1980s Issey Miyake, 90s Jil Sander and Prada with some French classics like Agnès B button-downs had me panic grabbing everything with my eyesight and being unable to pick what I wanted to try on first.
Perfectly located amongst some of our favourite galleries in the VIth, this boutique focuses on designer finds that you can only imagine Tilda Swinton’s character from A Bigger Splash or the likes of Andrée Putman wearing. From 90s Alaïa to an Old Celine leather dress, I fell in love with a cashmere Giorgio Armani overcoat that I regret leaving behind (I also saw it when I was on a caffeine low - my excuse for letting it slip by). On top of the flawless curation, I also particularly admire their focus on natural materials - with 90% of their pieces being made from cotton, silk, wool, or cashmere.
Technically not in Paris, but a recent online stumble, this France-based vintage store has an impeccable selection of cult French brands hard to find elsewhere, from JM Weston to Chapal, John Lobb or Arnys. For a lucky man, there is an incredible Hermès by Cifonelli bespoke double breasted jacket there for the taking. They ship worldwide; find them also on Instagram and eBay.
KITCHEN: OKONOMIYAKI
Okono-what I hear you say? Okonomi (“to your liking”) - yaki (“grilled”) is a comforting Japanese savoury pancake, which we love and find ourselves craving sometimes even more than sushi in terms of Japanese food.
If you are interested in making your own, continue reading. If you are interested in being fed this delicacy, we recommend Abeno in London - Europe's first specialist Okonomiyaki restaurant since 1993. Just off the British Museum, the small and family-run (still) restaurant simply never disappoints.
Ok, you have stuck with us! Huzzah. Here for the recipe. We use this surefire recipe from BBC Food, first made during lockdown and which has now become a staple.
The part about it being to your liking is about customisation: batter aside, you can then fill the pancake with your preferred choice of filling, from seafood, meat and/or veggies. We promise the hardest bit is finding the bonito flakes (fish shavings) that you dust on top at the end and make the effect of your food waving at you. The rest is pretty smooth sailing and makes for a delicious meal.
ART: VILLA CAVROIS
It can feel hard to be wowed these days; but wowed we were visiting Villa Cavrois in January. If you are any kind of Art Deco fan, this villa outside of Lille (North of France) is worth the pilgrimage.
Designed by French architect and designer Robert Mallet-Stevens for textile magnate Paul Cavrois and his family, the mansion responded to remarkably forward-thinking principles: the main pillars of the architectural programme were “air, light, work, sports, hygiene, comfort, economical” - which wouldn’t be out of place in the mouth of today’s health gurus.
Opened in 1932 and spread over 1,840 m2, the villa is a stunning example of gesamtkunswerk, or total work of art where every element, from built-in furniture, lighting fixtures, radiator covers and external landscape are integral parts of the architectural vision.
Faithful to the modernist movement, Mallet-Stevens eschewed ornate decoration, instead expressing luxury through premium materials like marble and exotic woods, while incorporating the latest technology of the time - like electric appliances, hot, filtered water, and a telephone in every room.
Sadly the Cavrois family didn’t get to enjoy the villa for long - the story takes a dark turn with the advent of WWII, when the Cavrois had to flee and Nazi forces occupied the property. Later, in the 1980s, it narrowly escaped demolition after being sold to developers who subsequently went bankrupt, leaving this architectural jewel temporarily abandoned and squatted – a fate similar to Mallet-Stevens' other masterwork, Villa Noailles in Hyères (South of France).
Now brought back to its former grandeur thanks to an impeccable restoration process of 14 years and over 20 million euros, the house still felt almost modern with its white tiled kitchen and chrome details. The ebony wood furniture of the main bedroom and lacquered dining table contracted with marble left us with gaping mouths.
TRAVEL: BRUSSELS
The city gets a bit of a bad rap due to its bureaucratic vibe and in comparison to its “cooler” Flemish sister, Antwerp (our guide for that can be found here). But every time we have visited we have been impressed by the art and architecture in this city.
Some recent finds:
Museum David & Alice van Buuren - an Art Deco private house set on beautiful gardens.
Horta Museum - full-on Belgian Art Nouveau, the workshop and family home of architect Victor Horta.
Paul Cauchie House - a nice alternative to Horta for a different example of Art Nouveau. Geometric Art Nouveau evolved gradually from the initial floral and convoluted style; a preamble to Art Deco. Some obvious overlaps with Charles Rennie Mackintosh in terms of style and inspiration.
Villa Empain - we actually went to this house last time we were in Brussels and loved it. Very Art Deco with rotating art exhibits.
Flamme Restaurant - Bruno Rey’s colourful chairs dot the dining room around the open kitchen, focused on giving seasonal fares the fire treatment: there’s flames, charcoal and even a smoker oven. To top it up - cool speakers & playlist and friendly staff.
Au Repos de la Montagne - a very cozy local spot serving some French classics and clean wines. Don’t skip the ‘American’ tartare that is served with the most generous bowl of salty chips and crisp green salad.
Maniera - Brussels-based architect furniture label and gallery space that commissions artists and architects for rotating exhibits.
Xavier Hufkens - Contemporary art gallery, currently showcasing Lynda Benglis.
Hôtel Espérance - Go for the Art Deco hotel bar.