I Heart Maman

Friday I went over to BHV to check out the lily of the valley perfume table for more testers/touches

Gone!

Instead everything was la Fête des Mères coming up May 25.

Such pretty pastels

In New York I barely gave perfumes a glance.

In Paris I'm addicted. Yes, please spritz me

There's loads of teal to deck Mom out in.

Every now and then I wonder what my mom would think of me living in Paris...

I lost her when I was 24. Too young. She was just 57. Way too young. At 16 she traveled with her family on a grand tour to the Mediterranean ending up in Paris. When I was about 10, my dad came home and announced at dinner he'd bought them tickets for Paris. My dad adored surprising her, yet I have no memories of their trip or what souvenirs she brought back. I found a lace hanky with my name embroidered on it when I was packing up to come here. Was it from my mother's trip to Paris? Once I hit my teens it was difficult for me to appreciate my very talented mother. She had big plans for me to go to fashion design school and complete her unfulfilled dreams. I wasn't having it. We were at war when I was growing up. Yet after she died I HAD to come to New York, go to Parsons and fulfill her dreams. It was like a compulsion. I worked on 7th Avenue, then moved on to designing shoes in Italy and Spain and so many other things, finally ending up in Paris.

Last night I called my ancient second cousin who lives in Pigalle, to see if she remembered my parents trip to Paris.

She had vivid memories of my mom. How elegant and chic she was (my mother wore hats, gloves and suits she designed and sewed herself)...and her belle silhouette. How they all went out for a grand dinner at la Cafe de la Paix near Opera. Perhaps my Paris Sketch letters are meant for my Mom? I wish I could send her one. Happy Mothers Day dear PBers !