In our estimation, that idealized version of French beauty can be summed up as such: hair impeccably colored but never overly styled; a makeup regimen that whispers rather than screams, save for the occasional statement lip; a wardrobe that is both impossibly chic and decidedly unfussy; and lingerie so exquisite that it is begging for a dramatic unveiling. Yasmine Eslami’s simple, provocative creations for her eponymous lingerie line certainly fit the bill. That her underpinnings are often modeled by French style star du jour Jeanne Damas just manages to further boost their sex appeal. Here, Eslami, one-time designer for Vivienne Westwood and regular stylist for publications like GQ, Purple, and Tank, reveals some of her Paris favorites.
THE DAILY CAFÉ: Télescope
“I go there every morning; it’s the best coffee in Paris. They make this incredible coffee with all the perfect ingredients: coffee beans carefully selected, the best machines, special water. And Nicolas, who runs the place, is great. Also, it’s right next to my office and shop on 35 Rue de Richelieu, so it really is perfect!”
5 Rue Villedo; telescopecafe.com
THE LOCAL EATS
“My office is in the middle of the city’s Japanese area, and I love it. There is a very good udon restaurant called Kunitoraya on the corner of Rue Villedo and Rue Richelieu. I also love Thai food, and there is Ya Lamai or Kapunka, which has the best pad Thai.
Kunitoraya, 1 Rue Villedo, kunitoraya.com; Ya Lamai, 16 Rue Dupetit-Thouars,yalamai.com; Kapunka, 59 Rue de Richelieu, kapunka.fr
THE FLOWER POWER: Stéphane Chapelle
“Stéphane Chapelle is an amazing florist very close to my office. I think having fresh flowers is very important; it makes you feel happy and it looks beautiful. My favorites depend on the season, but I love the look and scent of mimosa and all the different colors of dahlias.”
29 Rue de Richelieu
THE HEALER: Koan
“I have regular acupuncture and shiatsu massage with Koan; he has magic hands and is very gentle.”
See koanmichael.com
THE HAIR TEAM
“I get my hair cut by Marc Lopez. I met him when I was in fashion school and he was starting his career—he was doing the hair for the school show and we have been close friends ever since. Now he works with all the good photographers and models. When I’m in London, I will also go see my friend Jimo Salako, who has a great salon. For color, I and many of my friends call Alain Silvani; he will come to you wherever you are.”
See artlistparis.com/hair/marc-lopez; salakolondon.com; for Alain Silvani, call 0614625322
THE LONGTIME SCENT: Guerlain and Cire Trudon
“I’ve been wearing the same perfume since I was 17: L’Heure Bleue from Guerlain. I love the smell, and at this point, it’s basically my comfort zone…I’m lost without it! And at home I love using the Cire Trudon home spray Odalisque. It has orange blossom in it, which is lovely.”
See sephora.com and ciretrudon.com
THE MAKEUP BASICS
“For makeup, the best foundation I’ve found is Armani, and I love the blush and lipsticks from Chanel, and their nail varnish, too…always in a classic red.”
See giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com and chanel.com
THE NATURAL FACIALIST
“Near where I live in the 11th, there is a lovely small beauty salon run by this woman Marie. She only uses Dr. Hauschka products and she does amazing facials.”
Call 0148056790 for an appointment
THE HOME YOGINI
“I have this super-great yoga teacher, Lise de la Brosse, and the best part is she comes to you.”
Call 0603090130 for a session
THE GETAWAY
“For summer holiday, my favorite destinations are Greece and Mallorca/Deia. But really anything near the Mediterranean in August will do because I love the sea there. Usually I will rent a house with some friends, but there is also a hotel I really like in France called the Hotel Le Madrid in Guéthary where there are always lots of surfers.”
See lemadrid.com
