If ever there were a cure for window washing blues, the recent Orient-Hermes exhibit at the Institute of the Arab World and Culture would be the perfect antidote.
Tunisian-born Leila Menchari captures her childhood and travel memories in splendiforous window dressings. No wonder that Hermes chose her as their Faubourg-St. Honore window dresser for a number of years.
I have to confess that I've been lazy about getting to the Institute of the Arab World and Culture - but finally,thanks to the prodding of a charming esthetician of Sicilian/Tunisian heritage, our weekend visitors were treated to an exceptional exhibit.
Sadly, the institute itself was closed for renovation. But, good chance was with us because the 9th floor restaurant and stupendous view of Paris was most definitely open for visitors (at no charge - for the view). A ride up the elevators allowed us to marvel at architect Jean Nouvel's unique geometric 'light prisms' which double as decor and light filters opening and closing like camera apertures according to the intensity of sunlight.
I've yet to meet a Nouvel building in Paris that I don't love. And the Institute du Monde Arabe is no exception. Of course, how lucky that it should also enjoy one of the best vantage points to appreciate two other fine examples of architecture - Notre Dame's flying buttresses and the far-off domes of Sacre Coeur.
What I admire about Paris is the ability of the city to embrace creative brilliance in all its facets - it is a window on the the world.
During our visit of the Orient-Hermes show, we met a couturier from Fez who regaled us with her handstitched dreamy dresses - perfect for a gala! Helas! The prices were just out of reach for a summer budget in Paris, but maybe a trip to Fez is in our future?
One can dream - and sometimes dreams come true.
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