I have always loved exploring the notions section. Since learning to sew, I have enjoyed the ritual of choosing the perfect thread, the ideal ribbon or emellishment that is the finishing touch. I guess that is why I have always been drawn to the dressmaker’s details and embraced them as my signature.  So when I was  last in Paris, I took some time to discover the wonderful notion stores and ateliers. Armed with Paris Made by Hand – a must -have for a designer traveling in Paris- I found Legeron.

Up three flights on a spiral staircase,  we discovered thousands of floral blossoms being nutured for haute couture. The atelier is on the premise and a peek through the doorway, you’ll see petals being shaped by hand, feathers being dyed and one-of-a-kind headpieces being fashioned.

The coral rose on the corner of the table is part of my purchase. Se it and  the others on my samples in the coming months.

Way too many choices for me!

Much to my delight after returning home I found Nicholas Kniel , purveyor of ribbons, buttons and  If you can’t get to Paris, check out his store, online shop or classes.

A small peek at what he is offering this Spring:

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During our Paris Decor Tour in September our group had the great pleasure of visiting the Creation Baumann showroom.  Creation Baumann is one of the most innovative fabric companies in the world. I am always in awe of their inspirational designs. The showroom visit was no exception. Sophie  gave us a tour of the showroom and then presented the new Fall 2010 fabric collection. We saw the new line before the European sales force did!

Everyone in the group counted seeing Gecko and having Sophie demonstrate it for us as a highlight. Susan and I first saw in in 2007 at imm Cologne and have followed the product since-  most recently at NeoCon.  The silicon coated self adhering textile  caused a small sensation as it can be applied  again and again directly to glass and other  surfaces. Think colorforms of your youth.

Introduced last year, GECKO IN THE BOX – a box with pre cut components for decorative window styling- offers an equally beguiling demonstration of how GECKO can be used as a creative style element in interior design.

Gecko in a Box Grafitio

GECKO DISCO is  mix of sharp and blurred colorful circles that evokes reminiscences of the bright lights of a metropolis which, with the right angle of incoming light, look amazingly real.

 GECKO LISTRA beguiles with an array of gaily colored ribbons that look as if they were fluttering in a breeze. The elegant, haphazard arrangement of overlapping strips in differing widths can be displayed vertically or horizontally. Multi coloring makes combination with other colors easy.

GECKO ILLUSION has the wow factor. The coulisse like motifs from everyday objects such as bowls, vases and books that look amazingly realistic. This is the first time that the textile experts from  Creation Baumann have used images.

Sophie also told us they would be introducing a kids line based on their successful Think Forward competition and inspired by last year’s winner- here’s a sneak peek.

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Have you always dreamed of traveling to Paris?

* to experience the culture (and the food!)

* see the fabulous design shows

* inspire yourself and your clients

 Here’s your chance to experience the ultimate “city of dreams” with a group of like-minded designers, lead by experienced Paris habitués Deb Barrett and Susan Schultz. After 10+ years of visiting Paris regularly for the famed Maison&Objet show, they have compiled an impressive “little black book” of designer resources, information and contacts. Over the course of seven days, you’ll experience Paris like a design insider, with exclusive visits to artisan ateliers, VIP show access and more.

The “special visits” gave us an up close and personal look at the other side of the design world.   

 Here’s a partial peek at what you get in the tour package:

  *Airfare to/from JFK -Overnight flight arriving in Paris Wednesday, January 19,2011. *Hotel d’ Aubusson, Four-star, double-occupancy in the heart of St. Germain (Super-convenient location and we’ve stayed in this hotel and love it!) Five minute walk to the subway, direct line to the show. Walking distance of the Louvre, Orsay, Notre Dame, Sorbonne; surrounded by art galleries, restaurants and shops. )

 *Daily Breakfast at the hotel.  Value of $250.00

*Airport transfers. Value of $225.00

*5 day all zone metro pass.  Value of  $95.00

*Admission to Maison&Objet and Designers Lounge.  Value of  $90.00

*Design destinations and insider access to showrooms and ateliers across Paris. This is worth the price of the trip!

*As-you-wish meet-ups for cocktails or dinner to review the day, compare notes, share stories, etc.

*Pre-travel web session with Deb and Susan to preview locations, M&O planning, travel details, our Paris faves and more

*Cruise on the river Seine.  Value of $30.00

*Free entrance to the Louvre or Orsay.  Value of $30.00

My top takeaway from the trip was that I want to go back…

 

Download our itinerary HERE

More Details HERE

Register HERE 

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