Francis Hammond

An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the stunning estates run by some of Frances most prestigious and long-standing vineyards. Hennessy, Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Mercier, Krug, Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot, Château dYquem, Cheval Blanc; across the world these names are synonymous with prestige, secrets passed down from generation to generation, and above all the genius of French wine production. It is a little known fact that these producers, which together comprise the Moët Hennessy group, were never satisfied with simply striving to make the best Cognac, Champagne, Sauternes, or Saint- Emilion. In reality, ever since they were founded, they have all been committed to creating a marketplace in which French products such as these are regarded as a crowning jewel. And so, in order to entertain in style, these legendary institutions have constructed beautiful estates. Guests are often treated to a meal, comprising dishes which subtly complement and ultimately intensify the experience of tasting the sought-after libations. Stunning countryside surroundings, beautiful interior design, a friendly atmosphere, and often contemporary art all have a role to play in entertaining guests; which means that todays eminent designers and architects also contribute to these exquisite locales. This volume is an invitation to discover the magic of these beautiful retreats, and the institutions behind them.

An illustrated monograph of haute couture designer Jean Patou's life and career during the apex of twentieth-century glamour, drawn from previously unpublished family archives. During the 1920s and 1930s, the French couturier Jean Patou was Chanel's main rival: day pajamas, jersey sportswear, swimwear, and the little black dress were all among the innovative designs marking Patou's remarkable, albeit brief, career as the king of Parisian fashion. With his untimely death at 49, he had only fifteen years to make his mark on the history of couture, yet in that short time he amassed a colossal fortune, opened shops and studios in Paris, Deauville, Biarritz, and New York, and invented some of the world's legendary fragrances, including Joy and Que Sais-Je. This book recounts the story of Patou's charmed life and career during the most glamorous years of the twentieth century. For the first time, the heirs of the Patou family have agreed to share their extensive private archives, and author Emmanuelle Polle spent more than two years reviewing thousands of unpublished documents: photographs, diaries, client lists, and original, hand-colored sketches. Signed by major names in fashion photography (Baron de Meyer, Laure Albin Guillot, or the Seeberger brothers), the vintage photographs--presented alongside fashion designs, original fabric swatches, art deco furniture, perfume bottles, and garments photographed especially for this volume--retrace the universe of this extraordinary aesthete and speak of a certain minimalism. This book is an essential reference for anyone interested in the history of fashion and of the greatest years of Parisian style.