Enchanted with a beautiful architecture and mysterious vibe that this city has (let’s not forget that neo-gothic style is just what it’s name says – a new Gothic), soon we found ourselves completely wrapped in a magic of centuries old buildings and alleys, as well as in hospitality of its inhabitants. (Gothic or not, we must say that we haven’t encountered any creature from “Underworld” movie series, so I must assume that at least some of it must be a fiction…maybe?) But let’s just stop right there, or this will be just another (semi-boring) travelogue. Let’s talk business!

So we were there, in Budapest, to shoot some nice editorials and stuff (and to have fun in the process, of course) …and then we saw IT. Remember last year’s semi-classic, Wes Anderson’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel”? Well, we stayed in it! Ok, maybe NOT exactly in IT (hotel from the movie is a fictional place after all), but definitely in a closest thing possible to the place skillfully managed by Ralph Fiennes in this year`s multiple Oscar winner.

With rich history that is ridiculously similar to the one pictured in a movie, Corinthia Hotel Budapest has a magic of its own.. This luxury hotel survived a lot – two World Wars, occupation of Budapest and years (and years, and years…) of communist rule in this beautiful country. Severely damaged in all possible (bad) events that befell Budapest, this hotel managed to rise from its own ashes, just like that famous bird from a legend.

Now owned and managed by prestigious Corinthia Group, this hotel finally shines in all its glory and presents one of the must-see places in this part of Europe.

Now, let’s back to the movies for a minute. No, I don’t want to bore you to death with all Hollywood pictures that are filmed in Budapest, nor shall I continue to drone on about “The Grand Budapest Hotel”. I just want to share what made the biggest impression on me and what (maybe) inspired me the most. For writing and stuff, you know…artistic kind of thing…. You see, Corinthia Hotel Budapest (then known under the name “Grand Hotel Royal”) was the most important place for the art of filmmaking (almost) from its very inception. In Corinthia’s magnificent Grand Ballroom, Lumière brothers held their first projection outside of Paris, way back in 1896! And soon, that same ballroom became the very FIRST cinema in all Europe! So you can imagine the feeling that a guy (who foolishly considers himself a screenwriter) had, while walking in the place that literally MADE movie history. And not just that! My team and I decided that opulent (and completely renovated) Grand Ballroom would be a perfect spot for shooting an editorial, so I put on my fantastic Valter Beko velvet jacket, as well as Police shades and…dreams became a reality, at least for a while!

Shooting in a place like that, where European nobility watched first motion pictures ever made and where crowned heads enjoyed themselves in lavish parties more than century ago, makes you feel so small, yet very proud at the same time. Somehow, just being in that place feels like you’re part of something important, something larger than life. Corinthia’s magic, that’s what it is. So we shot that editorial and truly enjoyed ourselves while doing it. Soon it was all over and we returned to exploring beautiful Budapest, with its Gargoyle-adorned buildings and strong reminiscence of times past. Actually, It occurs to me that the past meets the present here in Budapest. In a way, two ethereal planes are somehow interconnected under its cloudy sky, with only a glimpse into the third one, the future. This city went through the times of glory and the times of gloom and became one of the historically most important cities in Europe, only with better architecture! And with hidden legions of vampires and werewolves, who rarely (if ever) mingle in human’s business. Ok. I made that up. Definitely.

Walking these colorful streets, we kinda felt like a part of this place, which I think we’ll be visiting on regular basis. And what about Corinthia and its Grand Ballroom? Well, if it’s good for numerous celebrities and crème de la crème of European society, is it possible not to be impressed and enchanted for life with this magical place? For yours truly, a passionate movie buff and true conformist, the answer is definitely rhetoric.

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Lounge and bar area

Reception

My Couture room

Magnificent view from my room

Picture of my favorite singer graces the wall at MonHotel spa

Address: 1-5 Rue d’Argentine
75116 Paris, France
Phone:+33 1 45 02 76 76
Email: contact@monhotel.fr
Website: www.monhotel.fr

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And, like a curse or a blessing, I’m obviously destined to discover new (at least to me) parts of the city, always in awe and amazement. So, my time in Paris is usually divided between endless walks through more or less known neighborhoods and enjoying lovely French brasseries and their amazing cuisine. For the second time I stayed at MonHotel Paris that is ideally located near Arc de Triomphe. There are places that I consider home away from home and MonHotel Paris is one of them. First, it has pretty cool vibe and modern design with a influence of POP art and rock’n’roll culture. Second, they have a gym and a new spa that is absolutely perfect for relaxation. Hotel is situated in a quiet and elegant Rue d’Argentine, in the prestigious 16th arrondissement, which is to Paris what the Upper East Side is to New York – a very affluent, chic and well-known section of town. So, waking up here and later having breakfast in their Michelin-starred restaurant Le Daniel’s gives you relaxed and peaceful feeling, especially because of its darker interior. You begin a new day with ease, ready for a daily dose of necessary city-exploring.

One of the places that I managed to visit this time was the magnificent Fondation Louis Vuitton, that happens to be in a walking distance (like basically everything else) from MonHotel Paris. Dedicated to contemporary art exhibitions, this monumental place is created at the initiative of Bernard Arnault and officially opened in 2014. With a design by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry, one of the most influential figures in modern architecture, Fondation‘s building in some way emulates the setting of the Jardin d’Acclimatation, evoking the tradition of 19th-century glass gardens. The Fondation Louis Vuitton continues to support French and international contemporary artistic creation, while making it accessible to as many people as possible.

And my endless walks included: Avenue Foch, Avenue Victor Hugo, Rue Boissière, Avenue Kléber, Avenue du Président Wilson, Boulevard Flandrin, Rue Saint-Didier, Rue de Longchamp, Fondation Louis Vuitton, Jardins du Trocadéro… in no special order. I just just decided to get lost in the City of lights, what I suggest you to do.

Websites: www.monhotel.fr
www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr

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On the hotel tour, I was able to check out the other room-types and suites: Lost Mouldings Suite, Gilded Lounge Suite, White Cover Suite, Curiosity Case Suite, Junior Couture Suite, Junior Couture Suite and Deluxe Couture suite. While I must say that literally everything within La Maison is worth of one’s attention, and that this is definitely a hotel like no other, one particular suite caught my attention a little bit more than the others. Curiosity Case Suit is a sight to behold, with its black-painted walls, black lackquered parquet and mushroom-like details scattered in the corners of the suite. It takes a bold designer to create a marvel like this, a room that is both very luxurious and somewhat disturbing, but definitely in a strange, sexy way. Although I was absolutely thrilled with my own suite with it’s Margiela DNA all around, next time when I check in – there is no doubt that I’ll book this black wonder of Curiosity Case Suit.

Hotel La Maison Champs Elysées is perhaps the most fashionable hotel in the City of lights, and a must-see and visit place for anyone with a soft spot for the works of the iconic Belgian designer.

The display of an encased flamingo and cockatoo

White Cover Suite

White Cover Suite

White Cover Suite

White Cover Suite

White Cover Suite

Curiosity Case Suite

Curiosity Case Suite

Curiosity Case Suite

Curiosity Case Suite

Empire Reception Room
Address: Maison des Centraliens, 8 Rue Jean Goujon, 75008 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 40 74 64 64
Website: lamaisonchampselysees.com

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Lobby

Villa Belrose is set in the sun kissed hills of Gassin, a few minutes drive from the center of St Tropez and 8 km from iconic Pampelonne Beach. There are many villas in Gassin, all built in a Mediterranean style with swimming pools and surrounded by palms, but Villa Belrose is one of the most elegant and definitely the most beautiful. It is ideal place for the romantic weekend or the escape from the hectic realities of everyday life.

Exterior view of the Althoff Hotel Villa Belrose

We were charmed by its exterior, inspired by a Florence villa, as much as the interior. Welcomed by very pleasant and professional staff with the glass of champagne, we decided to sit by the pool for awhile and enjoy the magnificent view of the Bay of St Tropez. We were simply blown away by the surroundings. At that same moment we understood why St Tropez is the most fashionable place in the French Riviera and why Brigitte Bardot still owns two houses in it.

Terrace

Villa Belrose has luxurious design, with warm touches of beige walls and wooden panels in corridors. The 40 rooms and suites are newly decorated in a soft contemporary style. All rooms are the epitome of luxury, spacious and furnished with stylish furniture and all amenities, including fine marble bathrooms and private terraces from which guests can enjoy a spectacular view of the bay or the garden of the hotel. We stayed at the deluxe room with a sea view.

Prestige Deluxe room with a sea view

During the day we enjoyed the 200sqm heated swimming pool, the largest on the peninsula. Its turquoise blue water and the indigo sunshades are in perfect harmony with the colors of the Bay. There is also a chic spa and a well-equipped gym that has the same spectacular view of the sea. Around the pool is set restaurant Le Petit Belrose. Every morning we had breakfast at the restaurant’s terrace that overlooks the bay of St Tropez. It is an oasis of tranquility, but because of its beauty often serves as a perfect setting for parties and society events.

Restaurant Le Petit Belrose

As it happens, many of the top places to stay are also the best places to dine. We suggest making it to the hotel’s restaurant Le Belrose at least once or twice, to experience Chef Pietro Volontè’s impressive Mediterranean cuisine, shaped by Italian influences. He received a Michelin star earlier this year and his specialties include Risotto Pietro Volontè, served in a parmesan wheel. We couldn’t resist trying our favorite pastas Carbonara and alla Genovese that were equally delicious. The restaurant is proud to offer the largest wine list in the region featuring over 500 exclusively French wines. Le Belrose also complements the sea views from its terrace.

Restaurant Le Belrose

During the second day of our stay we went to explore the city. We decided to take a walk from the hotel and enjoy the wonderful nature of Gassin and magical villas. St Tropez has nature and modernity. As fashionable destination as it is, St Tropez is also the home of the most prestigious fashion brands starting from Armani, Chanel, Dior, Roberto Cavalli, to Louis Vuitton and Hermès. A real Mecca for all fashionistas!

Bay view at the Althoff Hotel Villa Belrose

Since the opening in 1997, many guests have been attracted by the discreet luxury of the Villa Belrose as well as by the extreme devotion of its General Manager, Mr. Robert-Jan van Straaten, who personally welcomed us. In this fairytale hotel, a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World, whether you are taken by the majestic view or the luxurious service answering all your wishes, your visit will be a unique experience. Hotel Villa Belrose was an excellent choice and we dream everyday of returning!

Address: Boulevard des Crêtes, 83580 Gassin, France
Phone:+33 4 94 55 97 97
Website: www.villa-belrose.com

Vesna Filipovic

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Two decades later, Les Bains was shut down, but not for long. Its current owner, well known movie producer and director Jean-Pierre Marois, saw the fantastic opportunity to make something slightly different, but also very lucrative and completely in the vein of the original place. And after four years of meticulous restoration, from the ashes of the old iconic nightclub, an exclusive boutique hotel had arisen. Last August I had a chance to stay at Les Bains and I got to say that it is a hotel unlike any other, and so much more.

Just a few days before the reopening in March, Les Bains opened its doors to Dior and Raf Simons that came to celebrate the presentation of the Autumn-Winter 2015-2016 collection. Over a dinner followed by the first party of Les Bains 2015, the guests could enjoy music and feel the well known vibe of this iconic place. After the opening, the old regulars like Roman Polanski and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac started coming back again, and Les Bains already became one of the hottest spots in town.

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Located at the corner of Boulevard Saint-Germain and Rue Saint-Benoît, in Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th arrondissement, this place is a big celebrity hub and has been a hub for celebrities all over the globe. Sartre, de Beauvoir, and Hemingway used to linger over espressos as they penned their novels and pondered the meaning of life. Albert Camus and Pablo Picasso rubbed elbows in this very spot, Karl Lagerfeld shot the black and white campaign for Chanel, positioning Gisele Bundchen in front of it. Every year, the Flore welcomes the Prix de Flore (created by Frederic Beigbeder), rewarding a new young talent in literature.

I enjoyed sitting here, in the amazing atmosphere of Café de Flore, always busy, always interesting, just drinking coffee and watching the world go by.

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With Gary Moore’s timeless tune in my mind and dressed in absolutely fantastic brand new Adidas jacket, Parisian walkways looked inviting as never before. The romance of the city really comes out after dark.

Frequently described as ‘the world’s most beautiful avenue’, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées is a must-see for all visitors of the City of Light. It represents a pulsating lifeblood of the city, which leads right to its heart – the magnificent Arc de Triomphe.

The Arc de Triomphe is perhaps the most iconic of all French monuments.

Paris is the city with incomparable history and breathtaking architecture, and it exudes joie de vivre on every corner. From Arc de Triomphe to the Montmartre Hill, from Les Invalides to the bohemian Latin Quarter, this city’s distinctive vibe is present everywhere and is simply overwhelming.

After spending three weeks in Paris, I came to a conclusion that this is the city where I want to live in. Until that happen, I am looking forward to my next visit and never ending walks, glass of wine while watching people passing by or just having coffee at Café de Flore.

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Founded in 2009 by Travis Kalanick and Garret Camp, Uber company is a perfect choice for anyone in a search for safe and comfortable transportation. Operating in 67 countries and more than 300 cities, with 4500 employees, it’s easy to conclude that Uber is an extremely successful company, with constant tendency of growth. Its concept is both modern and very clever. By developing the Uber mobile application (the first one of its kind), company offered its customers the unique possibility of submitting a trip request. Whether you’re headed to work, the airport, or out of town, the Uber app connects you with a reliable ride – from low-cost to premium – in minutes. Payment is automatic through the app and fares are usually cheaper than a taxi.

How does it works? First you need to download the app and register yourself and your credit / debit card. Then you need to enter your position (pick up location) and destination, and you can order a car. You can also see on the map where the car will pick you up and get an estimate on how long it will take. When you come to desired location there is no need to do anything more than to go out and say thank you to the driver. The payment for the trip is automatically charged from the registered card and a receipt sent via e-mail.

Uber offers three service: Uber X, Uber Black and Uber Lux. What distinguishes services apart is the type of car that you order. Uber X mainly uses cars like the Toyota Prius. Black is typically the Mercedes E-Class, Lux is equivalent to an S-Class. The simpler car, the cheaper the trip.

Uber X has been launched in Paris, London, and major cities around the world, and Stockholm was among the first to get the service.

With the code FASHIONELA you get your first trip free in Stockholm, up to 150 SEK.

Do this:
1. Download the Uber app and sign up
2. Enter the code FASHIONELA when you register your account
3. You are now ready to go!

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This iconic Parisian neighborhood, known for its vineyards, Sacré Cœur Basilica and, above all, a bohemian atmosphere with former residents that earned their places in the history books, is still vibrant place as it was before. Only with less artists, but significantly more tourists, which may not be all that bad for Parisian economy.

The list of artists that inhabited Montmartre seems like a handbook from the Art History subject. Because the rents were low and overall atmosphere hospitable and friendly during the Belle Epoque period (1872 – 1914), Montmartre attracted numerous artists that either already were famous and appreciated, or will become like that in the years to come. The building that is now Musee de Montmartre housed a host of legendary painters: Pierre-Auguste Renoir first rented now iconic space at 12 rue Cartot in 1876 to paint Bal du moulin de la Galette, Maurice Utrillo lived at the same address from 1906 to 1914, and Raoul Dufy shared an atelier there from 1901 to 1911. During the years 1904–1909, giants like Pablo Picasso and Amedeo Modigliani lived and worked in a building called Le Bateau-Lavoir, where Picasso painted one of his most important masterpieces, Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. List of the artists who worked in this quarter is no-less impressive: Vincent van Gogh, Pierre Brissaud, Alfred Jarry, Jacques Villon, Raymond Duchamp-Villon, Henri Matisse, André Derain, Suzanne Valadon, Edgar Degas, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Théophile Steinlen and many, many more.

The Sacré Cœur Basilica is the symbol of the Montmartre since 1914

The most prominent landmark in the Montmartre is the impressive Sacré Cœur Basilica. Located at the highest point of the city, “Basilica of the Sacred Heart” has dominated the Parisian skyline since 1914 and it was dedicated to the 58,000 who lost their lives in the Franco-Prussian War. Totally different type of landmark is Montmartre’s one and only Moulin Rouge. Located in the Pigalle Quartier, at the foot of the Montmartre hill, this legendary cabaret is considered a birthplace of modern can-can dance, and was immortalized by the paintings of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

Montmartre of today remains a bit of a mystery to me. It is still vivid and seductive in its own, characteristic way. The very ground that you walk contains so much history that you simply must be overwhelmed with various sensations. You feel proud because you walk the same streets that drew inspiration from Picasso and Vincent van Gogh, Herni Matisse and Maurice Utrillo, but you also feel a bit of nostalgia because those days of great artistry are long gone. Gone but not forgotten, yes, but gone nevertheless.

Nostalgic feelings aside, the best thing you can do is to blend in the colorful mix of the visitors from all meridians and to immerse in the unique magic of the Montmartre while enjoying the walk through the steep and cobbled streets of one of the most historic and interesting neighborhoods in Paris, with its stunning vistas and breathtaking views of the city. And the best thing you can do right now is to pour up a glass of wine, play Charles Aznavour’s signature song “La Bohème” and simply enjoy in these pictures of Paris. According to Aznavour, this song is a farewell to the last days of bohemian Montmartre.

The Église de la Sainte-Trinité is only 1.5 km away and a must-see on a way to Montmartre

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