Style Trends by

Julia Wong

This winter I headed to Paris for the annual Paris Déco Off event and found myself back in one of my favorite cities for another adventure filled with design, food, and fun. Paris Déco Off is an event I attend every year. It plays host to all the world’s top fabric, wallpaper, and wall-covering designers showcasing their new lines. This year’s highlights were collections by Pierre Frey, Jim Thompson, and Misia. Their bold patterns and natural palettes will work perfectly in a number of my projects in Malibu and Lake Sherwood.

And then, there’s Paris itself—with its regal treelined avenues like no other and its attention to detail that’s present in every aspect of life. From the food, to the clothes, to the decor, it all has a certain joie de vivre. I fall in love all over again every time.

Can we talk food? One standout culinary experience this trip was a meal I had at Girafe, located in Cité de l’Architecture. The restaurant was flooded with light streaming in from the large floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto a panoramic view of the city. Even more stunning was the view of the Eiffel Tower from the outside patio. The high-panelled ceilings and satin-lined walls gave the main atrium a sun-soaked feel. The marble bar, with its art deco accents, added refinement. From the menu, I chose both the cod with seasonal roasted vegetables and the salmon over a bed of hot ceviche and quinoa. There were salads with fresh bundles of lightly toasted lettuce, all of it beautifully arranged on the plate. The presentation along with the taste and the ambience all added to the charm.

For more casual affairs, Paris has so much to offer. I always make time for lunch at Les Deux Magots, which opened in 1885 and is one of Paris’s most iconic places to eat. The salmon salad and escargots are two of my favorites. I also love Brasserie Vagenende, with its organic art-deco interiors, complete with mirrored walls and curling woodwork that create a whimsical atmosphere. On the menu is a wide assortment of oysters, and the poached pears are très délicieux!

The gastronomic experiences of Paris are not restricted to brasseries. The boulangeries and patisseries on every street corner have their own unique flare. I especially enjoyed a lovely patisserie right by my hotel on the West Bank, Marvielleuse Année, with its delectable pastries and dramatic crystal chandelier that adorned the entire ceiling. Au revoir. n