In these festive days ahead, we’ve prepared two special posts to keep you company while we’re all wrapped in the gentle chaos of December. This first one unfolds like a winter morning’s diary—a collection of moments both considered and spontaneous, of discoveries that caught our eye and thoughts that wouldn’t let go. From wandering through hushed museum halls to exploring the ancient stones of a Loire Valley château, from contemplating the psychology of our spaces to discovering a perfume that opens like a secret. Here are the threads we’ve been following, the stories that have captured us, and the beauty we’ve found along the way…
At the start of December, I wrote a Life Update for our weekly newsletter, which included a wander around the museum on a frosty Thursday morning; bad hair days and the smell of books; learning how to manifest and become the architect of my own life, and more. (You can read it here.) There is also an accompanying slideshow on Instagram, here.
Shortly after, I published the third instalment of Moments and Musings, including the fascinating psychology behind messy versus clean workspaces; why the real world is making a comeback; a beautiful décor trend that I can’t wait to try, and more.
I’ve been testing a new fragrance from Vyrao, a three-year-old brand that interweaves scent with emotional wellness. Made from organic, ethically sourced plant extracts, their fragrances are designed to engage the brain’s emotional centres, promising a subtle lift in mood. I chose Witchy Woo, drawn to its similarity to my longtime favourite, Black Orchid. Its complex composition features Moroccan Orris and rose at the top, with a heart of nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper, grounded by base notes of frankincense, opoponax, and musk. Fragrances are inherently personal, transforming uniquely on each wearer’s skin; on me, Witchy Woo unfolds as a sexy blend—light, powdery, with a provocative spiciness that feels distinctly sensual.
more updates below…
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In the second instalment of Screenshots and Saves, I shared a wonderful French bistro in Borough Market, and a recipe for matcha cocktails for holiday soirées; beautiful tablescape inspiration in shades of red, and more.
P wrote a wonderfully interesting article about The Metrics of Attention and the Dark Architecture of Platform Capitalism, which discusses the documentary about OnlyFans creator Lily Phillips’s grim 100-man challenge, and a discussion about the attention economy’s double-edged sword. (You can read it here.)
We created chic a Holiday Mood Board a week ago, and sent out a beautiful Christmas letter on Sunday,which you can view here and here.
more below…
In 2016, we explored the history of Le Jonchet, a magnificent Renaissance château nestled in the Loire Valley, dating from the early 17th century. Originally conceived by architect Gabriel de Lestrade, the castle had fallen into disrepair by the 1950s before being meticulously restored by the renowned architect Fernand Pouillon (1912–1986). After passing through the hands of Roger Bellon, a pharmaceutical magnate, the property found its most celebrated chapter as the beautiful country retreat of legendary fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy. Here, Givenchy lived with his partner of over 50 years, Philippe Venet, until his death in 2018. We have since revisited our original article, adding an extensive collection of photographs and rare archival details for a deeper glimpse into Givenchy’s extraordinary taste. (You can find it here.)
