Winter is coming and with it, the icy chill of solitude takes on a morbid cast. As one friend recalls in a quasi Proustian reverie, he always thinks of the death of Mimi in La Bohème, (source of the sentence awkwardly paraphrased in the beginning of this text) as the saddest event of his life. And how can we blame him?

Winter is coming again. And although it seems impossible that more than five years have gone by since Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazon drove the opera world wild with their memorable performance as Violetta Valery and Alfredo Germont in a bold staging of La Traviata, masterfully directed by Willy Decker at the Salzburg Festival, they have indeed gone by. No one seemed to remember ever having seen a couple with so much chemistry and sexual attraction in an opera performance. No one seemed to remember having ever seen, a couple so involved. Their agile, passionate and vibrant performance, accompanied by two young, beautiful bodies quickly earned them comparisons to the most glamorous film stars of yesteryear.

Of course in opera, the focus is always the singing, and they certainly did not leave us under-whelmed in this respect. They sang with a delivery which gave the impression that they would be able to attract younger generations to the opera. They thus set out to make a film version of the opera, reprising their roles en La Bohème, of course. For what other opera, could offer more poignant story of youth, love, friendship, passion and fate? Cased on the celebrated novel by Henry Murger “Scenes of Bohemian Life” (1849), the opera “La boheme” is a merciless description of Parisian bohemian life. The music exudes a momentum and overwhelming beauty that disarms and represents a sublime example of the unique way that Puccini played with our feelings.

That there is something timeless about La Bohème means that its echoes can be found in contemporary culture, is works such as the musical “Rent” to Baz Luhrmann´s  at the Moulin Rouge or  “La vie de bohème” by Aki Kaurismaki. Not to mention “Rayuela” (Cortazar’s novel is another story of bohemians in Paris) and specifically how much of Maga echoes the mythical character of Mimi.

La Bohème by Anna Netrebko and Villazon can still be seen in many European cinemas. Watch it and escape the morbid thoughts of winter solitude.

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Paul Oilzum

Though far from being the artistic success that might have been expected and despite the fact that the Latin Quarter looks significantly different than it did 120 years ago,  it still evokes images that make us want to rent apartments in Paris and get lost in its cafes and on  its streets. ?

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Translated by: salome antigone
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That technology is now part of the lives of virtually everyone in the world is a fact no one can deny it and, little by little, technology has also crept into the realm of art. This time, artist David Hockney has demonstrated this technological penetration and adopted, among other devices, the new Apple iPad as a support for his works.

The artist’s recent collection of paintings of different L.A.  Pools involve sketches made on an iphone using the brushes application. He has said that new technologies will have a transformative effect on the art world. In an interview with him in the British newspaper Times, he said the new tablets can be used for many things but are, above all, a new and useful visual tool.

Hockney is 72 and ensures that new technologies will change the world in regards to art and politics. He said that as more and more people can easily distribute their works, the hegemony of image providers will also weaken.

It is interesting to see this master of traditional painting techniques employ 21^st century technologies. Still to admire the full impact of his work, the best thing is to see it up close. The artist revealed that in 2009 made no less than 300 pictures on his iPhone and unfortunately sketches made on the device can be viewed one by one and not fully exposed, for example, in a gallery for comparison.  Also, he pointed out that the nature of the format is such that they loose quality when printed, as the iPad is a light based medium similar to stained glass.

More information: http://www.fondation-pb-ysl.net/

Foundation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent: 1 rue Léonce Reynaud – 75116 Paris

MiLK

The exhibition, which offers Hockney fans a chance to forget about the canvas, will be held at the Foundation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent in Paris from October 20th until January 30^th 2011. If you want to attend, you can rent apartments in Paris and enjoy the show.?

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Translated by: salome antigone
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Everyone likes to look good look good and have a sense style that enhances their authentic and unique characteristics. The problem is that it is not always easy to know which outfit is the one that looks good or will highlight our more attractive side. Here are some style tips from heralded fashion icons known for their neat and original style. As the legendary Coco Chanel says: Fashion is temporary, only style remains.

1. Jane Birkin, British model and actress, exudes a natural style and, in turn sexy, that since the 70′s has been a symbol of an unattainable, effortless perfection. Her status as fashion icon was confirmed when the brand Hermes named one of his very elegant designs after her. One of the most important rules of Birkin to feel comfortable in your clothes, not follow the trends, and opt for generous cuts, preferably male, to complete the look. Her example shows that confidence is irresistible.

2. Carine Roitfeldt, the legendary director of Vogue Paris, is 55 years old and remains one of the most attractive and stylish women  in the fashion industry. Her advice to anyone who feels unsafe in sartorial matters is that we always emphasize and highlight the best parts. If you have long and defined legs, wear miniskirts. If you like your eyes make sure your hair does not hide and them and make them stand out whit makeup.

3. Audrey Hepburn in her role as star of the legendary film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” has been without a doubt one of the biggest influences with regard to fashion. Her advice was that every woman should have basic pieces, classics like the famous little black dress, which always give you that stylish touch to which we all aspire.  Elegance is always in style.

Heloise Battista

If you want to learn more about style, we encourage you to rent apartments in Paris, one of the world’s finest cities.

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Translated by: salome antigone
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Marina Lambrini Diamandis, better known in the media world as Marina & The Diamonds, has been trying to break into the world of music since 2007 but just released her first album, The Family Jewels, in 2010. She is 25 years old and grew up in Wales. Thanks to songs like “I am not a robot” or “Hollywood” she is quickly making a place for herself around world stages.  With a voice that has led not only to shows around the world but  also allowed her to take the stages of festivals such as Glastonbury or Reading & Leeds,  this young lady is going places, and fast.

The second part of her name “& The Diamonds” is often  misunderstood. At times it has been said that this is the band that accompanies her in live performances, but she has stated in interviews that it is not in reference to her band, but rather,  her fans or, as she says, diamonds.

This rising welsh star is no prepackaged Barbie doll; despite singing accessible, poppy tunes, she has been quite outspoken in interviews and her blog about her feminist ideals and commitment to a DIY ethic.  This in turn has attracted the attention of critics, who are always looking for the real deal, and are ready to turn her into a rising star of contemporary music.  She has prompted comparisons to Regina Spektor, Lily Allen and Florence and the Machine.

Currently the artist is giving concerts throughout the world to get her music out there, and as part of his tour will come to Paris on  November 30th. If you want to be one of her diamonds, you can rent apartments in Paris and listen to one of the most important artists of 2010.

As we enjoy our apartments in Paris, it impossible to escape the glorious shadow of Edith Piaf as we tour the streets where she began singing when she was only 15 years old.

Born in one of those narrow Parisian backstreets into abject poverty at the beginning of the last century, she was raised by her alcoholic grandmother who ran a brothel. Edith Giovanna Gaisson, her real name, did not go onto repeat family history on the streets because she was discovered as a singer when she was barely into her teens.

His life took a dramatic change in 1935 when Luis Leplée, a nightclub owner, found her singing in the street and renamed her Môme Piaf, the “little sparrow,” alluding to his physical appearance contrasts with the expressiveness of her voice and accent.

The emotional relationship between Leplée and Piaf was interrupted by the strange death of her employer. She was quite affected by his deaths, began her tragic descent into alcohol, drugs and sexual debauchery.

When you listen to her songs, it is important to keep in mind that their unique power does indeed derive from her life experiences.

Her renowned lovers include figures such as Charles Aznavour, Georges Moustaki, Yves Montand and Eddie Constantine, but in many cases, these relationships were often tumultuous.

However, her great love was the Moroccan boxer Marcel Cerdan, whom she met in 1945 at a club where she sang. Cerdan, was married yet became the object of Piaf´s unrequited love. His boxing career faltered in 1948, when he lost a fight, and critics accused Piaf  bringing him bad luck. Cerdan died in a plane crash while traveling to meet with Edith Piaf.  As a response, Piaf wrote: “La belle histoire d’amour”.

After her death, thousands of Parisians walked in silence through the cobblestone streets to the Pere Lachaise cemetery,  to pay their respects to the singer, whose spirit still rings through Paris.

French artist Olivier Goulet has taken the old saying “like a second skin” to new heights.  After years of experimentation with different materials that imitate human skin, he has released a line of fashions for collectors that are not for the faint of heart, including the aptly named “Skin Bag”.

Of note are the tote bags, which at first sight perfectly emulate the feel and texture of human skin. Emblazoned with logos of multinational companies, these bags give us goose bumps and beg the question, are they real?

This groundbreaking work was conceived for an exhibition that took place in Paris in 2001. However, Goulet, began to think big and wanted to integrate this exciting concept in our everyday lives by encouraging consumer thoughts on the exploitation of man by man, and thus propel, more effectively, a change of mentality. Therefore, the artist decided to manufacture his idea on a larger scale and started to compile a collection of objects and accessories which are affordable for anyone who wants to wear this macabre but unique look.

Each piece is as authentic as possible and Goulet gives every buyer the option to customize their object or garment with logos or images that emulate a tattoo on the skin.  His techniques have been used to create masks, backpacks, sweatshirts and pants, all a la Frankenstein. Who knows, maybe this the beginning of a new fetish movement?

If you want to check out these strange garments and perhaps design a custom version for yourself, we suggest you visit the French capital and stop by the OUT shop, where they sell these curious creations. Trends come and go, so you should rent apartments in Paris today to soak in the incredible Parisian style that is sure to inspire you to be the most fashionable guy or gal around, with a wardrobe complete with the darkest sensual proposals by Goulet.

OUT shop: 9 rue Tiquetonne, 75 002 Paris

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Last night I was cooking an omelet, and when I opened the fridge, the butter gave me flashback to the film “Last Tango in Paris.” I saw it years ago, but the image of Marlon Brando when he was a male sex symbol having relations with the young Maria Schneider while using butter as a lubricant stuck with me.

While it may be one of the most memorable images of the classic film, the value of this film goes far deeper. The plot follows a man and a young man who meet by chance one cold winter morning while looking to rent an apartment in Paris. Passion overtakes them and they make love wildly in the empty apartment. When they leave the building they make a pact to meet there again, alone, without ever knowing each other’s names.

While at first glance he plot is very simple, thanks to the talents of director Bernardo Bertolucci the film becomes a moving and poetic ode to our baser instincts.

Nobody has managed to capture sex and madness on film with the skill of the Italian director. Last Tango in Paris not only speaks of animal nature inherent in the human condition it speaks of lust, loneliness, life … A sadly beautiful Paris sets the stage for this romantic and shocking film.

This sometimes offensive yet passionate film delves into our emotional world,  and explores themes such as repression, sanity, satisfaction and the power of the libido: in short, the pleasure of pleasure.

It is a film that delves into the anxiety and how to find an escape valve, perhaps in a very elementary, but effective way.  In its day, it was one of the few times a film had approached the area of personal relationships with such rawness. It seems that the protagonist looks for anything but love, rather a relationship in which the names do not matter as the intensity.  Here Brando can find an outlet for his deep depression over the suicide of his wife. Why not rent apartments in Paris to live out your own unforgettable own tango?

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