A passion for beautiful things
A passion for fashion, food, family, friends, travels, objects, art, animals, a passion for life.
The Party.
In the heady era of the 70s, I wore my caftans lounging by the beaches on Fire Island to dancing on the streets of New York en route for yet another star filled night at Studio 54. I still dream of the bright lights of the city and nights with Warhol and Dali. The impossible glamour of the bygone days when innocence and joyous hope reigned. Read More
SCMP - MFVD STYLE
Beyoncé swears by it: Marie France Van Damme designs luxury resort wear that celebrities flock to buy After working with fashion retailers Marks & Spencer and Saks Fifth Avenue, then hoteliers Aman Resorts and One & Only, Van Damme struck out alone – now she boasts 13 boutiques across the world in LA, Miami, Bangkok, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong. Tracey Furniss “I opened stores in my favourite cities,” says the designer, who moved to Hong Kong in the mid-1980s. We are chatting at Tirpse, a new French-Japanese fine dining eatery at K11 Musea. I notice Van Damme has a keen eye for styling when she starts readjusting some of the dishes for our photographer, who is taking food shots... Read More
Conversations with MF
Get to know what truly inspires Marie France by watching ‘Conversations with MF’ on where she opens up with our customers.
Conversations with MF
Get to know what truly inspires Marie France by watching ‘Conversations with MF’ on where she opens up with our customers.
Marrakech
I long for the days when I was able to visit Marrakech, our store in La Mamounia, and our wonderful team there – which of course, was always just an excuse to spend time in one of my favourite cities.
Escape at Home
One phrase from our new world of Covid 19, that I have already learned to hate is: “Shelter in Place “ That ....is what you do at a bus stop ...when it’s raining. I prefer the words Cocooning or Cloistering . Why? Because they’re romantic. Being asked to stay at home is not the end of the world. Instead, try to think of it as something new and different. When did you last have all the time in the world?The answer, for most of us is ...never. So, Carpe that damn Diem! Now is the moment when you should use that silver coffee pot- that’s been sitting in a forgotten closet - together with your best porcelain – that you haven’t used since your wedding - and make your morning... Read More
Marrakech’s Hidden Gems
Marrakech is a magical, exotic place. Marrakech has always been a fashion hot spot for designers, artists, and the modern-day jet set. With the recent opening of the city’s new Musée Yves Saint Laurent, its allure continues to grow. The glamour in Marrakech is unsurpassed, as a result of its extraordinary culture and history. Although Marrakech is only a three-hour flight from London or Paris, it can feel like you are arriving on another planet when you get there. It’s a complete disconnect with the rest of the world, it’s a cultural shock.
Hong Kong As A Hub - The Monocle Feature
FASHION Marie France Van Damme Owner, Marie France Van Damme Marie France Van Damme describes the birth of her namesake fashion label as a “new adventure”. The French Canadian designer created samples in 2011 that were picked up by Harrods in London and Bergdorf Goodman in New York. “When Harrods’ chief merchant saw my samples she said, ‘This is what I want to wear on holiday,’” says Van Damme, while surrounded by clothing racks at her showroom in Kwun Tong, Hong Kong’s former textile hub. Van Damme has 35 years of experience. Arriving in Hong Kong from New York in the 1980s, she started manufacturing womenswear for US and European high-street retailers before moving production to mainland China. As fast... Read More
Interview with Blaise Mautin
When you walk into the Park Hyatt Hotel in Paris, there is a scent in the lobby that is just …unforgettable. Let me introduce Blaise Mautin. Blaise, when I first met you, you said you were "a nose." Please tell us what is a "nose" and how it all started, how did you become one? It is true that we call people who design fragrances “un Nez” a nose in English, in other words, I would describe my craft as a fragrance designer I think is more «chic». To create various fragrances it takes a lot of time, passion, work and convictions. Put these 4 elements together and you have a chance to become "a nose" Your perfumes are most... Read More
Interview with Elad - L'Objet
I first met Elad in the late 90’s in Paris, then again in Los Angeles a few years later at the time he founded L’Objet, an exquisite collection of luxurious objects, tableware, and home accessories. Each piece is created by master craftsmen in the finest materials. ‘The world does not need more product, the world needs better products.’ We both share the same philosophy and the same passion for beautiful things. Did you wake up one morning with the idea that you wanted to make - create beautiful objects? In Design School I studied Interior Design and when I moved to LA at the age of 22 I started working at a design firm where I got my first experience.... Read More