May’s Paris Diary

Meeting Madame

This day was dedicated to Madame d’Ornano. The wife of Hubert d’Ornano, founder of Sisley, would receive us for lunch at her house on Quai d’Orsay. That’s across the Seine by the Grand Palais, you can’t find anything more beautiful. I’ve been positively fidgety about it all morning. In my suitcase are two stunning dresses by Claes, my golden skirt from Odeeh, but as I research her house, I think my Dolce & Gabbana dress with Gobelin print will fit best. My rose gold Portofino will surely charm Madame and my golden Chanel bracelet can go on my right wrist. I use Eau du Soir as my fragrance. It’s definitely my favorite as the days get shorter, but now it fits perfectly.

I write some pieces on my beautiful balcony at Le Bristol and am way too early downstairs where we meet for the taxi. It stops in front of the most beautiful apartment complex in Paris. The word apartment is an understatement, as a place measures quickly ten thousand square meters. The housekeeper opens the door in a green uniform and white gloves. Yes, we may enter. Art wherever I look. And books. And photos. Madame is a collector of everything beautiful. Then she comes in. Eighty and gorgeous. Elegant as only Parisian princesses can be. She talks about the art. She just bought a fresh Anselm Kiefer that he drew on an iPad. When I point out a piece of art that I find stunning, she takes me to her bedroom where a work by the same artist hangs.

Then it’s time for lunch. With vegetables from Madame’s own garden. The perfectly poached egg, the most divine ratatouille, and rustic coarse bread. For dessert, tarte tatin with red fruits and an ice cream whipped cream sauce. There’s a glass, there’s coffee and chocolate. Madame doesn’t eat desserts, but chocolate on the other hand, she does. That’s also good for the skin. She settles on the couch and is ready for our questions. But more on that later.