St. Tropez... again.

My very dear readers,
This past week of June has been so intense that I've had no time to write my posts with the calm and peace that I like...
This afternoon I've arrived to St. Tropez for a few days. As soon as I can, I'll sit down to write.
Good week-end to you all!

Joana Vasconcelos, queen of Versailles...

After my days in Capri, I returned to Paris and on Monday 18th I was invited to a private visit (and an afterwards Gala dinner) to Joana Vasconcelos' exhibition in Versailles. This young French-Portuguese artist has been invited to show her works at the Chateau, on the very same salons Louis XIV used to walk. She's not the first... Jeff Koons, Bernar Venet and Takashi Murakami, among others, have been previously invited. 

It's a way of showing how the French are open to the newer talents and not afraid of contrasts... And, oh, such contrasts!!

For instance, this piece is made of red plastic knives and forks as those used, for example, on pic-nics.

Or the huge shoes evoking Marilyn's, made of aluminum pans and pots...

This work, made of wigs, is exhibited on Queen Marie-Antoinette's room...

As it was an exclusive and private visit, I had the privilege of walking those incredible salons, including the Salon des Glaces (newly renovated), almost on my own, before the other guests arrived. That's why I was able to take the pictures I wanted... something usually forbidden!

The most important work, and the last of the exhibition, is the "already" famous pink-feathers-and-Swarosky crystals helicopter... As if conceived for Marie-Antoinette to escape the Revolution...

After the visit, together with the other 450 guests, we had a special dinner at L'Orangerie's Pavillion, catered specially by a chef from Lisboa, called José Avillez...

Among the guests, many members of the Government (past and present) as, for example, the new Minister of Culture, Aurélie Filippetti, young and beautiful. Patrons, journalists, socialités... and in the middle, Joanna Vasconcelos, the artist, dressed with a look inspired in the 18th Century, very appropriate.

I must not forget to mention that she also designed the decorations and center pieces of the tables.

All in all, I liked it very much. I was moved by her audacity (she did not do what she's done at Venezia's Bienale in 2007) and by the constrast between those absurd and fascinating pieces, mingling with one of the most beautiful and meaningful places in the world.

Week-end in Capri...

Finally back home! Rested and calm, here I am in my library and Parisian desk, watching my two Genovesis I brought from Buenos Aires...

After a week-end in Capri, full of sun and joy, and a Gala at Versailles, nothing better to rest and recharge my energies than the grey skies of Paris.

I had been to Capri a few years ago, but somehow I wasn't quite moved then. Can't explain why. However I accepted with joy an invitation from my sister to spend a few days there and celebrate her birthday, on June 15th.

And to my great surprise... I loved Capri this time!

I guess it was a bit because of the splendid company: a mixture of Argentine and Italian people (yes, Susana was there... but can't tell you more), all so charming. And then because of the Tiberio Palace Hotel, which was simply outstanding, with an incredible view, fabulously decorated rooms and a very nice and helpful staff.

Ok, must stop with the adjectives... but it is hard.

The sun, the sea, the landscape... What more can I say?

Oh, indeed, the food: the tastiest tomatoes, "i fiori di zucca" on pasta sauces, the fish...

Capri is about 50 minutes from Naples by boat and it's a volcanic island of 6 by 3 km. 

The ancient Romans loved the site, but it was Tiberius, the Emperor who followed Augustus, who commissioned several residences. The most popular one is Villa Jovis, opened for visitors. You can also go see the Grotta Azzurra, which is where he used to swim.

Many artists throughout History have spend some time in Capri: from Curzio Malaparte, who left the amazing Villa Malaparte (a house on a rock and in the middle of the sea) to the Swedish Axel Munthe (who made Villa San Michele), Oscar Wilde, Jean Cocteau, Pablo Picasso and many more, all of whom wanted to get in touch with the local beauty of a place blessed by the Gods.

There's much to do in Capri... Walk along the small streets that overlook the sea to reach Punta Tragara and its Belvedere. And then faint in front of I Faraglioni, overwhelmed by such splendor.

Circle the island by boat and swim till Grotta Bianca or enter Grotta Azzurra.

At dusk, go to the Piazzetta, to have a drink at one of the two bars with tables and chairs outside, and watch everyone pass by. Then check out the boutiques near by, which offer from flat sandals with local stones to white lace dresses as those of l'Antica Sartoria.

Have dinner at Aurora or Paolino (my two favorite spots). I loved Paolino best. It's also known as "the one with the lemons," because it can be found right in the middle of a garden full of lemon trees.

Da Paolino you can bump into Peter Gabriel, Adrien Brody or Nicolas Cage (as it happened to me) or a nonna from Naples. All share the pleasure of the food and the table of exquisite antipasti, with the best parmesan eggplants I've ever had. A note: I've met one of the chefs, and it was an Argentine from Buenos Aires.

Aurora is a bit more chic, it's downtown and equally exquisite.

For those you enjoy the night, singing and dancing, nothing better than "Anema e Core" or Number One, where Peppino di Capri played music...

I went straight to bed... Too many "beautiful" emotions...

The lemons of Paolino...

Visiting Capri...

I Faraglioni...

And the winners are...

Here are the winners of Biologique Recherche's prizes!

First Prize:

- An exclusive facial treatment, with Biologique Recherche's products.

Winner: Message N° 92, by Sofía, whose e-mail address begins with sofiacle@...

Second Prize:

- One kit with a bottle of Lait Vip O2 and a bottle of Lotion P50v.

Winner: Message N° 44, by Barby, whose e-mail address begins with barbybusso@...

Third Prize:

- One kit with a small bottle of L'Eauxygénante (multifunction facial mist) and a BioKiss (lip balm).

Winner: Message N°21, by Alberto Francisco Miri, whose e-mail address begins with albertomiri@...

Congratulations to all the winners and enjoy your prizes! Carla will send you an e-mail shortly so you can give us your full name and ID number and receive your prizes.

To all the rest... Thank you so much for participating!

We will think of new prizes soon!

Sunset...

Birthday in Capri...

The only press that will be doing the coverage of my unique and beloved sister will be my blog and myself... And today, June 15th, I wish her the best of birthdays from the bottom of my heart and lots of love and peace... Anti auguri, Rossella!!

Prada... by Roman Polanski.

Watch this masterpiece by a great director... Absolutely wonderful, with two amazing actors: Helena Bonham-Carter and Ben Kingsley. Enjoy!...

New prizes!!

Dear readers,

I have the immense joy of announcing our new giveaway, which involves one of the brands I cherish the most: Biologique Recherche. I've mentioned to you this exclusive and exquisite French brand many times before, responsible for some of the most desired beauty products in the world. Guided by the wit of its creator, Yvan Allouche, the firm has been obsessed for more than 30 years with one aim: RESULTS. And they've been achieving them basing their essence in two concepts...

- Biologique (Biology): products based in botanical and marine extracts, through which process of elaboration they can preserve their original structure, thus obtaining high concentration of active principles. No artificial fragrance. 

- Recherche (Investigation): they are pioneers in the Industry of face care and are constantly looking for groundbreaking innovations. 

Allouche's wife, Josette, physiotherapist and one of France's first osteopath, developed a unique technique for applying the products, which boost the results of the treatments and are in itself a true pleasure. I've been many times to Biologique Recherche's Institute in Paris (Ambassade de la Beauté) and I can guarantee you that "Biologique's hands" are mythical!

Biologique Recherche has reached Argentina and to celebrate the launch of its products here, we've organized this spectacular giveaway!

Which prizes? This time there will be three. The first one will be an exclusive facial treatment, with the brand's products and by the hands of a specialist technician. The second prize is a kit with a bottle of Lait Vip 02 (cleansing milk) and a bottle of Lotion P50V, a true treasure that does it all: hydrate, exfoliates, tones and cleanses. The third prize is a kit with a small bottle of L'Eauxygénante (multifunction face mist) and a BioKiss (lip balm).

What to do? Send us a comment with your name and e-mail address, so we can contact you if you happen to win. Bear in mind that the treatment must be appointed in Capital Federal. We'll find ways to ship the other prizes should the winners be from a different city. Please, do not leave comments not related to the giveaway here.

Till when? You have time till Friday June 15th inclusive. We'll use the services of random.org and publish the names of the winners on Saturday 16th.

Let me tell you that Biologique's products are not easily available. In fact, you can not find them in pharmacies, department stores or duty frees. You can only find them through the best doctors and dermatologists. This is why I'm so thrilled to be able to offer you these prizes.

Good luck to you all!

For more information...

Biologique Recherche

4 811-8254

Somewhere... at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles...