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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.

On my factory visits to Italy (for making my N De Samim collections), I used to stay at the Ca Sagredo palazzo in the little village of Conselve. A gem of a bed and breakfast, founded by the fabulous Toderini family in the right wing of their own home. And lots of cool happenings to keep you intrigued behind these decadent walls. One great palazzo (with a 3 acre park) and one great restaurant - down the only road in this village. All that is needed for a memorable factory experience. Baci Baci to you Toderinis! www.ca-sagredo.it, la dolce vita

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.

I have just arrived in London to spend Christmas with my family and attend my friend's wedding. I had forgotten how cold it was when I lived here! Its got me dreaming of my Maui days... Tags: Maui, London, Christmas

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

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!!

Interior look of the day...a cinematic antique gilded French mirror, in the coolest 'Laduree' coloring. Nonchalantly left on the mantel piece....

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

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.

One of Richard Dorso’s favorite pastimes was to walk from his apartment to the Monday night gallery openings on La Cienega Boulevard (LA). Before he passed away, the retired producer confessed he only likes happy art. Absolutely I thought. I visited his collection for sale at the LAMA (Los Angeles Modern Auctions) showroom, more than 400 pieces from artists like John Baldessari, Ed Ruscha , Picasso and …every inch of Dorso’s residence was filled with art. I love the modern colors and compositions . Above all I found the memorabilia so utterly charming. LAMA www.lamodern.com

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

Enter: Todd Cooper & Guiseppe Sironi, my dear friends. This couple truly capture the esstheir refined & exquisite taste has resulted in them making/building everything in their life from scratch.ence of Modelerism to the max: an immense sense of adventure, together with, And importantly, delivered in such an effortless & nonchalant manner. They are world travelers with bases in Rio Brasil & Brighton England. From buying fabrics from the queen of Burma, designing & building Modernist architectures on the beach, to hosting lavish dinner parties with Guiseppe’s Michelin star cuisine. Their recent venture is a travel agency offering unique experiences, aimed at other Modelers, no doubt. Needless to say I am their No 1 fan. Love. Love. www.hermestravel.com.br

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

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

This picture says it all...Steve Mcqueen, companion, a bottle and a smoke...

Evident here again, is my love for unmade beds and decadent walls ....loved this room complete with the antique bed and objet d'art sitting quietly in the corner.... I think it was a hotel in Rome.

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