ON THE AGENDA. | emma de pourtales

Deboutonner la mode!

July 5, 2015 by emmadepourtales

This exhibition is taking place at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and is on until July 19, 2015 and is worth a little detour. Why? First because this collection of over 3,000 button is unique in the world and has been classified as a Work of Major Heritage Interest by the Consultative Commission on National Treasures. Second, this collection will take you through the 18th, 19th and 20th century in a very interesting and unusual manner. Moreover, it highlights a very often […]

Categories: CRAFTS., IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN PARIS., ON THE AGENDA., Uncategorized • Tags: heritage, Loïc Allio, musée des arts décoratifs, museum, Paris

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What is luxury?

May 25, 2015 by emmadepourtales

If you have the chance, try and view the latest exhibition at the V&A Museum in London. It is entitled “What is luxury?”. It is indeed a very good question, as this word has been used for so many things that it has become meaningless. Luxury definitely involves the mastery of a craft . But it goes further than that. Lately, we have seen so many brands putting forward a “brand heritage” to gain some legitimacy but in a way that sounds a bit dusty […]

Categories: CRAFTS., ON THE AGENDA., Uncategorized • Tags: exhibition, true luxury, what is luxury; Victoria&Albert Museum; Museum

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Nakaniwa Gallery: the utmost japanese refinement

January 31, 2015 by emmadepourtales

Nakaniwa is a gallery based in Paris 6th arrondissement, which promotes the Honmono, a japanese concept. It is about the authenticity which rests with an object thanks to the sincerity of the work of all people involved in its creation as well as the technics and the tradition embroiled in the process. It is about the connectivity between people using the object and people creating it. I cannot imagine more delicate, meaningful concept. It is both refined and simple. In […]

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS., ON THE AGENDA. • Tags: craftsmanship, japan, little prince, nakaniwa, philosophy, saint exupery, tradition

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Phoebe Rudomino. The Girl in a Room.

April 7, 2014 by emmadepourtales

Phoebe Rudomino is a young artist specialised in underwater filming and photography. I came across her work at the Out of Focus exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery. I find this photograph quite magical and poetic really. I love the shades, the composition, the angle and the depth – everything just feels right.

Categories: CRAFTS., ON THE AGENDA. • Tags: Art, Phoebe Rudomino, Photography

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Weightlessness store in Tokyo

February 13, 2014 by emmadepourtales

The Japanese design studio Nendo has styled the Compolux store in the Shibuya district in Tokyo. The big wide open space has been visually divided by white iron fences. Both the fences and the mannequin are attached to rails in the ceiling, so they can be easily rearranged. It seems that gravity has been taken off the space, the lightness is palpable and the whole space seems to be floating, giving strong visual impact to the herringbone pattern of the […]

Categories: DESIGN & INTERIORS., ON THE AGENDA. • Tags: compolux, design, nendo, seibu departement store, shibuya, store design, tokyo

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Chinese fairtrade and exquisite cushions.

December 4, 2013 by emmadepourtales

We all be prejudiced against any material produced and/or sourced from China and sometimes, we should not. Tù Textiles is a design company, founded by an American architect and Australian designer, both based in Beijing, which demonstrates that the Chinese textile industry is able to supply material produced in a way which is both environmentally and socially responsible. That is for the philosophy. As for the result, judge by yourself: I find these cushions made of 100% organic cotton, reproducing […]

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS., ON THE AGENDA. • Tags: Beijing, China, Fair Trade, TùTextiles

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Black Kimono Exhibition.

September 29, 2013 by emmadepourtales

I would recommend to go to the flagship store of the “Compagnie Francaise de L’Orient et de la Chine” (CFOC) in Boulevard Haussmann, Paris. The shop has been newly redesign by Sarah Lavoine as well as the YOKO exquisite restaurant (book your lunch in advance). From September 2nd 2013 to November 9, 2013, it will be exhibiting work from Hiroko Takahashi which mixes tradition and provocation. The kimonos and fabrics are incredibly delicate, using the finest and most traditional craftsmanship, […]

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS., IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN PARIS., ON THE AGENDA., PARIS • Tags: Compagnie française de l'Orient et de la Chine, Hiroko Takahashi, japan, kimono, Paris, Sarah Lavoine, Yoko

Design and Philosophy. Unto this last.

March 7, 2013 by emmadepourtales

Unto this last is originally an essay on economy published in 1860 by John Ruskin. Broadly speaking, Ruskin advocates for the importance of moral values in the economy and criticises the industrial revolution. Although published in the 19th century, this essay sounds quite contemporary in some respects as it shows concerns about the impact of the industrialisation process on our footprint and promotes the return to local craftsmanship. Unto this last is also a shop in East London. Well, more […]

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS., IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN LONDON., LONDON, ON THE AGENDA. • Tags: craftsmanship, design, London, Unto this last

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The Broken Arm concept store.

January 18, 2013 by emmadepourtales

To me “The Broken Arm” sounded more like the perfect place to have a Sunday roast than like a trendy concept store in Paris… and yet. Concept store it is. Located in a quite street in the Marais overlooking the square du Temple, this bright, clean and aerial space has a definite scandinavian feel. A glass door divides the café from the retail space, which is on two floors. It was founded by the defintely very creative Guillaume Steinmetz, Anaïs Lafarge, and Romain […]

Categories: DESIGN & INTERIORS., IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN PARIS., ON THE AGENDA., PARIS, Uncategorized • Tags: Concept Store, de jeunes gens modernes, Guillaume Steinmetz, Marais Paris, the broken arm

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Merci Concept Store.

January 2, 2013 by emmadepourtales

If you happen to be in Paris, please by all means allow yourself some time to visit the Merci concept store. Many MANY reasons for that. For example, this shop, created by the Founders of the children brand Bonpoint, offers contemporary eco-friendly furniture as well as some nice picks of vintage items. You will find nice pieces of well-established designers as well as discover creations of upcoming ones. The space comprises a clothing section where you will find beautifully picked designers clothing. Merci […]

Categories: DESIGN & INTERIORS., IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN PARIS., ON THE AGENDA., PARIS • Tags: Concept Store, Marais, Merci Shop, Paris

emma de pourtales

Art de vivre & Craftsmanship

Category Archives: ON THE AGENDA.

Deboutonner la mode!

What is luxury?

Nakaniwa Gallery: the utmost japanese refinement

Phoebe Rudomino. The Girl in a Room.

Weightlessness store in Tokyo

Chinese fairtrade and exquisite cushions.

Black Kimono Exhibition.

Design and Philosophy. Unto this last.

The Broken Arm concept store.

Merci Concept Store.