Merry Christmas

You don't feel like destroying the planet while wishing a Merry Christmas to your loved ones ? Good. You're not sure they really need more stuff ? Remember anyone can enjoy a massage or treatment in a spa, a cooking class or concert ticket for a change. Spending time together is sometimes the most precious gift. Be with them instead of just being there. There's no way you won't do any shopping ? Hugh. Indulge at Alter Mundi Beaurepaire*, the new outlet for ethical purchases. That's where I bought a striped organic cotton scarf by Seyes for 49 euros. In this newly opened shop, mother and daughter also selected French brand Bluebretzel for its color palette : grey as Beluga's caviar, electric green as the 2CV by Citroën in 1976... This Christmas, think fair trade. *25, rue Beaurepaire 75010 Paris

Titouan Lamazou's beautiful women

I must confess that I love being a journalist. I get to review great stuff and meet incredible people. My latest craze is sailor-turned-artist Titouan Lamazou. Just look at him pose for me at the Festival International du Film d'Environnement. He is now showing 6 years of work (meaning travels, paintings and photos) at the Musée de l'Homme in Paris. I first watched the 4 minutes mixed media portraits he compiled on 2 DVDs and finally went to see the exhibition "Zoé Zoé" at the Trocadero. As an Artist for Peace, the Frenchman met women from all over the world : from the sexy anti war activist in the US to the committed fashion designer in Bangladesh. Even Lucy, mother for us all, is part of the project. Titouan not only sees the beauty in every woman, he is not afraid to denounce excision and sexual exploitation. In this (quite chilly) studio atmosphere you are inivited to grab a colour pencil and draw...on wood tables. Thank you, Mr. Lamazou.

Learn some "green" French

Sorry I did'nt publish posts recently. I must say life has been quite hectic lately.
I had this great job : Editor in Chief for online magazines, both in English and in French. I managed a dozen freelance writers. I interviewed women committed to make this planet a better world. One day in October I was told : "Sorry, no more outside collaborations". And then they were none... as Agatha Christie's famous murder story goes. My own permanent vacation started last Friday.
JE SUIS VERTE* is the way I feel tonight. *I am upset

Human nature with Aigle

The crowd packed on the sidewalk of rue du Faubourg-Saint Martin surprised all. French outdoor brand Aigle invited 1300 guests to the launch of its new ad campaign on November 8. We were then asked to trade our shoes for rain boots by Aigle. A limited edition for this very special cocktail "les pieds dans l'eau" as the flyer said. Indeed ! We had to step ankle deep into a puddle to get to the open bar. Fresh grass, autumn leaves and a lonely tree added a sense of nature to the room surrounded by giant photographs. Creative Director Remy Babinet and Paul Wakefield signed the new campaign and Aigle's Gideon Day is behind this hot (and wet) party. My friend freaked for her Prada high heels but it seems that Aigle achieved fashion credibility that night.

Warm and green

Now that it is cold and grey, it is time to remind you that plastic bottles can have a second life. 14 of them can be transformed into a warm jacket. Look for "Ecosensor" fibre for hands and head gear, available at Nature & Découvertes. A new technique makes it possible to recycle this high quality textile for ever.

Good deeds at Arcat

Well, sorry it took so long for me to get back to you about the Arcat charity sale. Here is what you could have purchased : André shoes designed by Antik Batik's hype stylist. My friend Stéphanie left with a Chanel brooch for 70 euros. My own shopping included Veja baby sneakers, Ideo baby stuff (both made from organic cotton) and fairtrade & organic tea from Sri Lanka in a tin box designed by Atelier LZC. I didn't even know they did that. As Vips, we had the chance to drink Champagne and have a bite thanks to ethical "Traiteur Té". It's a hard life for some of us.

SHOPPING AND FUCKING

I know you're not used to that kind of header on this blog. But please consider 2 things. First, it's actually the title of a play written by Mark Ravenhill (so it's culture, right). Second, it's related to an event in Paris I want you to spread the word about.

ARCAT's fashion and design sale will benefit people with Aids. The "braderie" will take place at the Espace Catherine Max (17, avenue Raymond Poincaré 75016 Paris) from October 31 to November 2.

You will not only find designer clothes at discount prices (-30% to -70%) but also design pieces to redecorate your home. AND YOU WILL SUPPORT AN IMPORTANT CAUSE. Entrance fee is 2 euros.

I will go to the press preview (the day before) and tell you more about it. Please consider doing your Christmas shopping earlier this year.

Follow the link on the title for more info.