THE MF TIMES | Marie France Van Damme

Room with a view: The Caryle Hotel

Unfortunately, I was not staying in suite 3001 during my last visit in NY; perhaps one of the prettiest suite … facing Central Park South, looking to one side ‘Downtown’, and looking to the other side ‘Uptown‘…but if one does not have the means to stay in such a great suite, the Carlyle has many nice rooms facing Central Park and Downtown, you must ask for the higher floors. My room had this beautiful Steinway grand piano, somewhat useless for a person like me with no musical talent, but oh so romantic ….I came in late on a Monday evening from Hong Kong , and was told I had just missed Woody Allen playing with the jazz band at The... Read More

NY Bound! What to pack ?

The pilot was happy to announce a 14 hour flight, 2 hours ahead of schedule…from Hong Kong to New York. The week before, everyone was on the streets, showing off arms and legs in 27 degree weather. I checked the weather report, not sure if I read correctly … 3 degrees upon arrival…. What to pack in March - April in the States or Europe or almost anywhere in the world!: ‘’LAYERS” I start with a white T shirt, then go on to a black short cardigan, to a black longer cardigan, to black shawl/scarf or both, to a small black fur vest, and a big black short coat …over black pants. With flat heel black leather boots ( to walk comfortably... Read More

What to pack for Thailand, your "April getaway"

I would like to say…nothing. Pack & wear nothing! I have never been so hot this last week, in the 100 degrees weather, blue skies, sunshine and HEAT of Thailand. Perhaps not the best time of the year to travel to the land of smiles, but then, if you are looking for HOT, after being so cold…you will not be disappointed. Bring tank tops, no sleeves! (you will sweat in a basic short sleeve t-shirt) and flowy skirts or pants. No jeans, no skinny pants. Nothing close to the body. The way I dress morning, lunch and dinner...a bustier one piece swimsuit and a pareo wrapped around the neck as a dress, with bangles or necklace, and lots of them at night.... Read More

La liste de mes envies

D’habitude , la liste de mes envies , je la garde pour moi.. mais celle ci, je ne peux faire autrement que de la partager tant j’ai eu du plaisir a lire ce nouveau roman français. Outre le fait que la lecture soit aisée et divertissante, le sujet assez proche de l”Elegance du hérisson’’, autre roman magique de Muriel Barbery, je suis impressionnée par le fait que le narrateur soit une femme mure, amoureuse, sensée, objective … et que l’auteur soit un homme! Et si le coeur vous en dit, après lecture, partageons la liste de nos envies!!! Read More

The Chic Beach Clutch

From freezing Montreal to sunny St.Barth you want one featherweight bag for all occasions. From chic morning to glamorous night. Read More

Similan Rocks

Off the coast of Phuket, The Similan Islands is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the world – If you get your timing right (4pm – 9am), beach 8 is yours ALONE to enjoy. After a hectic Fashion Week, nothing is better than this. Read More

My Fashion Week in Paris

L’Hotel Ritz has been my Parisian home for 20 years; unfortunately it will close for renovation in July for probably 2 to 3 years. The Chanel Suite has always been my favorite. I was lucky to spend Fashion Week in Coco's 302 – 303 magic suite! There were buyers from all over the world... Sak’s, Neiman’s, Bergdorf’s, Harrod’s, David Jones, Moda Operandi, the One & Only, just to name a few… We met with great ladies from the French Press (merci Helene pour l’editorial MFVD/Loulou de la Falaise dans le magazine Marie France Avril 2012). I was invited to the Chanel defile Pret-a-Porter AW 2012 (merci Sylvia), to a fabulous lunch at Chanel Joallerie Place Vendome (merci Marie Christine) and... Read More

Bergdorf Swim Event

Bergdorf Goodman’s swimwear event took place December 10, in New York City. I am standing with Bergdorf’s pretty model wearing our Cache Coeur old palm print caftan with a bronze bandeau bikini bathing suit. Read More

Michel Klein

We left the Hotel Ritz Place Vendome Rive Droite and took a walk to Michel's store on 9 rue Jacob Rive Gauche. Through 'Les Jardins Des Tuileries' under a beautiful blue sky (unusual for the 1st of December) and crossed 'Le Pont du Carrousel'. To la rue Bonaparte, there, on the left hand side corner of Rue Jacob, was a Laduree. We went in, to smell and see this beautiful shop. At the back was a gorgeous dining room which belonged to a famous interior designer Madeleine Castaing (1894-1992). We arrived at the Michel Klein's boutique, on the mannequin we can see the back of our Beaded Dress, and the Halter Dress. Read More

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Life à la MF