Favourite: Elise Pioch, Maison Balzac
May 26 2014
Favourite: Elise Pioch, Maison Balzac
Favourite: Elise Pioch, Maison Balzac
I found my way to Elise Pioch’s home studio in the botany district of Sydney. I rode a bus snaking down to this southern neighbourhood and walked with my google map guide until I stood outside what looked like a garage. I had made it. Enter the Maison Balzac studio Pioch shares with her husband Pablo Chappell and their newest addition beautiful baby Loulou.
In her newly constructed outdoor cube, Pioch’s husband is quite the handyman, Maison Balzac candles line the walls ready to run out the door. Her candles are carried world wide, making waves in Toronto and New York this year. Finally, a new fashion candle with scents that bring you to the Australian outback, Hollywood’s golden age and the south of France.
le sud.
Pioch welcomed me her green eyes lit up in the early morning sun. Wearing a simple black dress and the most wonderful pom pom Alpha 60 flats Pioch strives for simplicity and like most French women succeeds at making it oh so effortless.
She left Paris on a three week vacay to Melbourne, but never ended up taking her return ticket. Instead Pioch reinvented herself in sunny Australia, became buyer for the coolest luxury boutique and then taught herself to make candles. I was so fortunate to meet Pioch shooting for The Stone Set and she walked me through her bits and baubles collection. From vintage Moroccan jewellery, to Sydney designers 2 by Lyn and Tony, and Marni necklaces every piece told a story.
Moroccan belt cuff her grandfather had bought her grandmother during his travels.
2 by Lyn and Tony, one of Sydney’s best kept secrets.
Marni necklace, “I never wear make up when I wear this necklace, I think it’s decoration enough,” said Pioch.
Zoe Lee shoes, custom made when Pioch stumbled into Lee’s Parisian boutique. Oh and Lee’s a Toronto kid what what!
More posts from Stefania Yarhi
