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Elisabeth Badintor, philisopher, French, la Femme et la mere, woman, chic, France’s ‘most influential intellectual’: Elisabeth Badinter, is officially the most chic Philosophe I have ever seen. She was fifteen when she read Beauvoir for the first time, dresses in a uniform of cashmere sweaters & the only jewelry she wears is a horseshoe pendent on a gold chain. Being an intellectual in France does have rock star status after all. I love her for piercing through ambiguity in life. Her latest book: Le Conflit: La Femme et la Mere

This is a dedication to my incredible parents who gave me my first insight (without even realizing, I guess) to the world of Modelerism. My mother had her own tailor from the age of 16, as she never liked anything ready made. Her own timeless designs were made to measure, to fit beautifully. She always advised me 'timelessness' is chic, no fuss, minimal jewelry. How very French of her I thought. My dad was in a class of his own: always graceful, impeccable manners and formally dressed, even in the University lecture room he would wear a full suit. In fact, the whole class would. When I look at their pictures I envy their era, that formality, attention to detail and taking the time for the simple things in life. A vanished way of life, delivered so graciously.

Some years ago, during my show at the ‘Salon De La Lingerie’ in Paris, I was having dinner at the ‘Crystal Room’ in the Baccarat Mansion. Walking in felt like entering an exclusive, private Parisian dinner party held amongst all these magnificent crystals. The ambience was overwhelming, in the most refined – only possible- in- Paris kind of way, if you know what I mean. I remember there was a Baccarat perfume bottle exhibition going on at the time - I felt short of breath (as always, when faced with immense beauty). Three years later, having met my beau and been proposed to, I knew it was the only place I would ever have my wedding. Even though they refused: “Mademoiselle this is a museum, we cannot have live music, there has never been a wedding here”….. and so forth. But – “I’m just the kind of girl who needs to get married in a crystal museum, plus, Marie-Laure de Noailles was the former muse of this mansion and she was just the coolest”. As the lovely Raphaelle De Germiny (events organizer at Baccarat)

You saw the packaging, now the bottle... Balmain "Jolie Madame" perfume, introduced 1957

The glory and decadence of a masked ball, in the era of grace and imagination, transported one to another world or another time. It wasn’t just lavish expense, more a sensitivity to beauty and an understanding of cultural context, together with natural elitism, created these theatrical almost museum like balls that the elitist and society swans would attend. Whilst flicking through the beautifully illustrated ‘Bals’ book, I feel a belonging and a yearning for that era. Please click on the tiny ‘i’ for captions.

vintage, perfume bottle, worth, paris

Barazandeh Paris Being in my festive bubble (still celebrating Boxing day here in England) I decided to reveal a sparkly inside story to all my Modelers today... After working for the house of Chanel, Nina Ricci and Sonya Rykiel , my talented and dear friend Barazandeh, has set up her own line of couture accessories, specializing in the land of fantasy and sparkle. Her line of stockings and other accessories incorporate rhinestone applique in the most impossibly chic way imaginable. I will be wearing the sleeve- gloves this season with dresses and jeans…we all need a little sparkle in our wardrobe every day. Launching soon…

N De Samim, Mexico, La Purificadora hotel, Royal Court Theatre, London, Miami, Viceroy, Camilla Franks, Marni, prague, Rio, Brasil,The drama of decadent walls, structures, spaces and architecture has always inspired me

Just released - This deliciously illustrated art book reveals high fashion and design that appeal to the sense of erotic desire. Design behind Desire is truly a beautifully conceived work of art about wanting, longing, yearning , generating and fulfilling of a highly sexual erotic nature blended in with artistry and high end craftsmanship. I am honored to have been published in this objet d'art of a book, amongst maestros; Alexander Mcqueen, Maison Martin Margiela and many other unique designers. N De Samim has been featured in four chapters of this book. Design behind Desire Available from all fine book shops and concept stores.

My first love affair was with a cool 60’s leather trench that I purchased in ‘the’ vintage shop on my way home via Art School when I was 17. It made me feel like Marianne Faithfull, roaming the streets of sixties’ Paris, in search of my own Serge Gainsburg. The fantasy element was everything, despite my mother asking me to take off that ‘second hand’ coat. To me, wearing vintage represented: ‘feeling’ a unique item representative of an era, with the craftsmanship of its time, with a story to tell (or lots of stories to tell). Then, wearing it in the most effortless manner with just a dab of mascara and plenty of joie de vivre. As opposed to now, when you see a Kardashian wearing vintage, the Rachel Zoes of this world commercializing the concept of vintage, and the cookie cutter visions seen on the ‘try hard’ red carpet, in vintage - you know, the romance is dead. So, people like me started staying away. Then again, the fantasy pulled me right back in. Started calling it ‘archive’. Just didn’t help.

Since moving to LA, the city of bling and all things shiny, it has caused me to develop a strict regime of all things matt and anti- bling. I guess I am a great believer in the real ‘person’ shining rather than the accessories. Even with fashion’s metallic trend this season, it was all getting too much for me and even though I appreciated the charm and quirkiness of a lot of designs out there, I wasn’t really moved enough to take part - until I saw these icy beauties by Giambattista Valli. To me they are timeless with all the right ingredients: the shine is just enough, the heels high enough for me to fall over, and yet they are so simple and sophisticated they can almost be matt. Pefect, on ice.

amanda Fatherazi, dolls, couture, embroidery, sculpture, artisan, femme fatale, N De Samim,My kindergarten friend known as Mandy, whom I played with at the age of 4, has grown into the most talented, couture sculpture and embroidery artisan, residing in my hometown Brighton. She is renowned for her figurative costume jewelry and distinctive boudoir dolls worldwide - and her own pretty doll like features, no doubt. A while ago, I commissioned her to make some N De Samim doll brooches wearing the N De Samim Minirobes and a couture doll wearing N De Samim Directoire Knickers . Aptly named Amandine, Miele, Ivoirine and Mademoiselle Clementine of course. http://amandafatherazi.com

LA, Isabel Marant, Goyard, Topshop, Embelishment, After a walk on the beach recently, we were meeting some friends in a Malibu Vintage shack. It felt like walking on the set of Boogie Nights or Pulp Fiction – just loved the dark and moody vintage feel. (My obsession with walls is again evident here). tags isabel marant, topshop,goyard, embelishment, malibu

Haute Couture tattoos by Oscar Y Astiz. Oscar is a true artist; having worked with all the couture houses of Paris as a designer, illustrator & photographer…now, he has expanded his art from paper onto the skin, the ultimate for diehard art collectors. Just being in his chic Parisian tattoo studio is an experience in itself. http://oscaryastiztattoo.com studiowhitebox.com oscaryastiz.com

Photoshoot a la Philippe Stark. Having recently stayed at the Mama Shelter residence in Paris, I only have the coolest, hippest memories to bring back. Not only this ‘designer shelter’ has the most accommodating staff, the family of five who have created it (the Trigano family, Philippe Stark and the philosopher Cyril Aouizerate - whom I had the pleasure to meet and then accidentally deleted my picture with him & still kicking myself for it!) have really thought it out. The photo shoot feature on the Mac/TV in every room was FUN!!

A little sneak peak into Modeler Maison (one of my upcoming lines). I had to share my excitement with you today as my design samples have started arriving! David Lynch once said : When you get a little minnow that's got gold flecks and a violet tail, and when you look at it, it shoots light into you and when you hold it, it makes you vibrate with happiness, that's a special little idea and you start falling in love with it." Well,I have started falling....thats all I will reveal for now.

Monsieur Minetti, Alexandre de Paris, Caludia Cardinale, wedding, Nona De Samim Directeur at Alexandre De Paris For my wedding in Paris, I asked Monsieur Minetti to make my hair into a modern day version of Claudia Cardinale a la film : Il Gattopardo by Visconti (The Leopard). After all, Alexandre himself, was the man responsible for that wild mane on Claudia. The Monsieur is a genius, love him with every cell of my body, he made my day. Alexandre De Paris 3 Avenue Matignon 75008 Paris, France

bouchon, bakery, rebecca taylor, cosabella, beverly hills

Since I fell in love with Karl Lagerfeld’s creations for the Chanel metiers d'Art collection: Byzance-Paris, I knew I had to indulge in one of the headdresses, the craftsmanship by Maison Desrues is exquisite and the jewels, square shaped in the Byzantine tradition actually feel as if they really are from that era . My husband says to me I remind him of a Roman goddess when I wear it (so I guess it can’t be a bad thing, since Nona actually was the Roman goddess of fertility). I haven’t stopped wearing my headdress since I got my hands on it in Paris. For all its Byzantine gilded opulence and Renaissance influences, I like pairing mine down with modern classics, from jeans and Ts to opulent dresses - even been seen wearing it with my PJs (Coco would be proud of me). I decided to take it out to Mr C in Beverly Hills , at the recently opened Cipriani’s. http://www.mrchotels.com Tags :Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel, headdress, Mr C, Cipriani, Beverly Hills, Paris, Byzance, Coco, Carven, Marni, ALC

My Chanel headdress seen out again in The Tarpit bar, on a hot and steamy LA night ...(still in Europe BTW, loving the magic here)

Well, technically, the Pajama set is not Parisien, its by Tommy Hillfiger…but the IT girl in question is. Claire Courtin-Clarins. She studies at the Ecole Speciale d’Architecture and is a graphic designer for Clarins- a family business in fact. She kills it in these PJs with her nonchalant ‘je ne sais quoi’ Parisian quality, complete with the ‘I exist but not in an overpowering way’ Dries Van Noten clutch. I love this ensemble on her. If only I could get away with it.

On the subject of Parisian chic, this literary darling, Virginie Mouzat the fashion director of Le Figaro and a prizewinning novelist wears this Celine shirt and shoes like no other. I love the way she exudes a cold Parisian ‘this old thing’ detachment. As with her Parisian, ‘Asian- meets- mid century’ apartment, I love the understated decadence built with such exacting care.

The Erotic Art of Lingerie Newly released in the US...delighted to announce that N De Samim has been published in this luxurious feast of the creme de la creme of lingerie designers. Second Skin seductively unveils all amazing lingerie and stunning accessories that are purely impractical and just what the heart desires. Sounds just like N De Samim. Second Skin Daab Publications Available from all fine book shops and concept stores.

Nunzia Garofollo based in Rome is a one of a kind - my type of gal ... with "a kind anarchical of Proudhonian memory, the determination of a samurai, curiosity and spontaneity of a child. Deeply Epicurean", as she describes herself. I love her blog 'Fashion beyond Fashion', is a non-place to see and share experiments, dreams, tensions, ideals, fantasies and suggestions about fashion and its intersections...I am always inspired Nunzia. You can read about Le Modeler on her blog Fashion beyond Fashion.

Obsolete : “A Cabinet of Well-Curated curiosities in Venice” Ray Azoulay is the man behind one of my favorite galleries and inspiration hangout spaces: Obsolete. He truly is ‘the’ curator. I recently attended a reception at Obsolete held for Christina Bothwell sculptures & Marianne Kolb paintings. Completely infatuated with the fantastic artwork and complex sculptures. Plus, the ambience and people there are an experience in itself, from the barmen serving in front of an old wool yarn panel from a French rug factory– (observing all the colored wool yarn bobbins kept making me go back for more Chimey :) ) to just watching the crowd – a Modeler’s dream crowd may I add. Two of my favorites were: Jessica Lynn; an actress from NY & in my opinion, a modern version of the haute couture collector: Daphne Guinnesse (she shared the same birdlike ethereal creature qualities) & Derek Klein; a restaurant owner in Tulum/Mexico (who seemed to me the epitome of Gypset, carrying a tall feather on his head just did it for m

Pedro Almodovar Pedro Almodovar is and does, all my favorite things. Breaks all the rules. Creates delicious visual movies, which challenge the mind. And, has made a revolution in the movie industry since he started. Hence, a legend and true Modeler. I had the pleasure of meeting him at his party in Taschen Beverly Hills: a gentle, adorable, camera shy, teddy-bear like man, who is the creator of so many raw, explicit and thought provoking masterpieces - and so huggable. Inspired by pop culture from the sixties, he is the only director who can successfully make his eponymous kitsch style movies, make art out of a housewife and make her character the centre of the universe. ‘The Pedro Almodovar Archives’ is a collaboration with Taschen, includes complete access to his archives, personal on set photographs and texts published for the first time. Don’t miss the 500 numbered and signed art editions. A great conversation starter for your coffee table.Please click on the "i" for captions. tags Maison Michel Paris, Taschen, Almodovar, book, antonio bandares

The textures, shapes and colors, from natural stones to handmade tribal pieces are an inspiration to me...so off to the LA gem show... I took my Marni sac with me with its Marni-esque jewels to keep me company... Tags: Marni, gem, LA

I love Maryam Keyhani's style, probably because we share the same Parisien chic aesthetic obsession and our love for hats. Her bold statement making jewelry line is divine and so powereful they almost don't need any clothes to go with them. All of a sudden I feel the sudden need for a leather-feather hybrid neckpiece. http://maryamkeyhani.com

Kitchen at Pin Up studios, Paris. Enjoy dining in the midst of hurried models and photo assistants running around in this world famous fashion photography studio. I love checking out the sets when touring the studios, and lingering over the cutting edge rotating photography collection. This has to be my favorite ‘kitchen’. http://www.pin-up.com

Massaro – first opened for business in 1894. The most delicious shoe atelier you have ever laid eyes upon, in Paris of course. I am beyond obsessed, each pair of shoes requires up to 40 hours of labor with each of the 10 craftsmen being an expert in each single element of the process. I would be just as happy displaying the beautifully sculpted custom wooden lasts, in my living room, as pieces of art (preferably ones belonging to the iconic Marlene Dietrich). The task of this shoemaker is to achieve perfection. The most coveted, handcrafted shoes in the world. No wonder Chanel bought this maison. shoes

On the subject of wedding nostalgia….this charming picture is such an inspiration…I love the couple’s innocent expressions together with this adorable car. I found this little book, whilst shopping for my wedding dress at Browns Brides, London. It reminds me of my fittings and champagne fueled pre-wedding days at Browns. www.brownsfashion.com/home/bride.aspx

I love this packaging. Chic. Subtle. Refined. So rare to find these qualities today...with all the over the top advertising campaigns, the craft of pure quality has been forgotten.... Balmain "Jolie madame" perfume, introduced 1957