What does the word ‘Paris’ evoke for you?
A (French) window onto the world.
Your first memory of Paris?
When I was nine, I lived in the south of France, but I spent a few days’ vacation at my grandmother’s place near Étoile. There, I discovered an entirely new world. Her apartment (decorated by Jean Prud’homme Béné), with black carpet, plants, and the owls she collected filling it from top to bottom, was like a magic land opening up to me.
Where do you feel most at home?
On the road.
What is the mark of a true Parisian?
Someone from elsewhere who has made Paris their home and vice-versa.
Which famous figure best embodies Paris?
The one and only [interior designer] Jacques Grange, of course.
Your favorite place for breakfast?
The Café de Flore for their ‘café pot’ (white coffee). Or the Café Français, place de la Bastille – the one I designed with M/M (Paris) for the Beaumarly Group.
Where are the best boutiques?
Rue Las Cases. There are two or three I really like there.
Guests at your dream dinner party in Paris?
I only like spur of the moment dinners – with people I’ve just met or lifelong friends.
Where do you go out in Paris?
I love going to Chez Georges, rue du Mail, because it’s a slice of yesteryear’s Paris. I go to Rose Kitchen, at the Marché des Enfants Rouges, for modern Thai cuisine. My favorite haunt is La Laiterie Sainte Clotilde, rue de Bellechasse, around the corner from my place. The Saint-Ouen markets. Sometimes, I leave the city to get out into nature. Recently I went to the magical gardens at Giverny and to the Versailles-Chèvreloup Arboretum, which is like a living museum of trees.
Which artwork best represents Paris?
Pierre Chareau’s Maison de Verre in the 7th arrondissement. I love finding unexpected architectural gems behind austere facades – to me they are real works of art.
What is the craziest thing you have seen or heard in the streets of Paris?
You hear a lot of funny things during Fashion Week. I can’t remember any now, so I’ll give you one of the quotes from Loïc Prigent’s book, I Love to Hate Fashion: ‘She eats at the Café de Flore, it makes her feel like she’s read a book.’
What can you only do in Paris?
Take a walk on a Sunday morning through the organic market on boulevard Raspail, have a coffee at Le Tourne Bouchon, wander round the flea market, then head home, stopping on the way at Action Christine – now known as Christine Cinéma Club – to rewatch Mullholland Drive.
What do you miss most about Paris when you are away?
The level of culture and sophistication amongst Parisians, conversations with grouchy taxi drivers and waiters.
Your best advice for those just visiting?
Imagine you are a Parisian.
All photos and videos by Aliki Christoforou for Paris+ par Art Basel.
English translation: Alice Heathwood