Foreign, Technically- Repetition, Recognition

Sometimes answers only appear through repetition.

A 90-carat flawless diamond, Al Thani Collection.

Where I Went

A spontaneous trip to Chantilly, known for its lace, porcelain, and cream. The château is considered second in importance only to the Palace of Versailles, and its gardens alone justified doubling my daily steps.

I learned its final owner, the Duke of Aumale, left the château to the Institute of France to be used as a museum with one slick caveat: none of the collections could ever be lent out. A true flex, locked in.

I was impressed to see works by Delacroix and Bartolomeo, but my favorite piece was a power portrait of Catherine de’ Medici from 1548. Seeing it in person may have been the push I needed to finally finish her biography, which I’ve been reading since last summer.

My first moat: Château de Chantilly

What I Did

It became a museum week. Not mad about it.

I made it just in time to see the Al Thani Collection of Dynastic Jewels before it closes, which includes a 90-carat flawless diamond. Best seen in person.

I also returned to Palais Galliera for hair research ahead of the famous Versailles Masked Ball I’ll attend in June, this time with my incredibly talented hairstylist friend. Walking through the eighteenth-century styles with a more practical lens made them feel less like costume and more like construction.

What I Ate

Fattoush and grape leaves at Noura, a Lebanese staple in the 8ème; asparagus with caviar entrée at The Winter Garden in Chantilly.

A one-hour walk to the 6ème with my neighbor for her birthday ended with my first smash burger at Spécimen Burger. I ordered the portobello version— worth the commute, no question. 10/10.

Spécimen Burger, 3 Rue Guisarde, Paris

What I Keep Thinking About

I’ve been noticing Lover’s Eye miniatures lately — tiny portraits of a single eye, exchanged as jewelry and tokens of affection in the eighteenth century. They’re surprisingly intimate and sometimes scandalous for such cute, tiny keepsakes. Once you notice one, it’s hard not to imagine the story it carries.

Seeing several in one week began to feel like a pattern, especially as I’ve been researching nail art ideas for my upcoming trip to Tokyo…

Eye contact, but make it eighteenth century. From left: Lover's Eye pendant, Château de Chantilly; Lover's Eye brooch surrounded by pearls with diamond tears on view at the Al Thani Collection; Lover's Eye locket, Château de Chantilly

What My Dogs Did

My little dog joined me for a pajama party in Chantilly, while my big dog enjoyed the week playing in the countryside with his usual crew.

My poodle wearing poodle jammies (yes I have a matching pair) at Auberge du Jeu de Paume Hotel, 4 Rue du Connétable, Chantilly.

Notes from Paris, to follow.