The French art-de-vivre

Fashion, design, gastronomy, art of living... Katherina Marx, a passionate ambassador of French chic, meets the who’s who a lifestyle pundits.

In each episode, a significant guest and reports shine a light on France and its young creators as well as on swanky and trendy places.

Romancing the stones

Stones have always made people dream, even fantasize. They have even driven some crazy at times.

Three unusual gemologists, passionate about precious stones, travel around the world in search of the most beautiful ones. They take us behind the scenes of one of the most cutthroat industry, from the mines of Asia to the most famous jewellers.

The sky has no limits

Three-stars meals, expensive wines, flat beds and even showers.

Airline companies will stop at nothing to attract wealthy customers willing to spend 10,000 € on a Paris-New York flight.

Beyond shoemaking

The Bata corporation needs no introduction, this popular footwear brand can be found all around the world.

Shot in France, Brazil, India, Kenya, Zlín and Bratislava, this film tells the story of Tomáš Baťa, how he upended this industry and built an empire.

Beyond the shoe company, he used his fame and fortune to build towns and villages in many countries.

The story of a myth

Chanel's first outlet, established in 1910, was a hat shop. Indeed, Coco Chanel was forbidden to sell clothes there because a seamstress had her business at that same address.

Today, Chanel is one of the world's most famous luxury brands. Emblematic of high-end French fashion, its international appeal has not wavered for more than a century.

How did this woman, born at the end of the 19th century into a destitute family, become this mythical figure?

An unparalleled service

Standing tall amongst the very few palaces in Paris is the Bristol.

It has 200 rooms and suites and a 3-star restaurant headed by chef Eric Fréchon. Its 600 employees offer an unparalleled service for customers willing to pay up to 24,000 euros per night.

One of the jewels of the Croisette

The famous Martinez hotel, renowned for hosting stars and jet-setters, one of the jewels of the Croisette in Cannes, has been completely renovated. Everything has been rebuilt: piping, air conditioning, spa, kitchens, bars and restaurants. Even the pool has been taken down and transform into an "extraordinary" garden. The 409 rooms have been redecorated in the art-deco spirit. The hotel's uniforms have also been redesigned, as well as the graphic charter and menu of the gourmet restaurant, which has 2 Michelin stars.

We followed Samia from her job interview to her first days in the restaurant and Alessandro Cresta, the dashing director of the establishment for whom the stakes are high to be ready for the Cannes Film Festival.

Backstage and unknown places

You think you know everything about the Champs-Elysées, the ultimate symbol of Paris?

Think again. This series unveils the backstage and unknown places of the most famous avenue in the world, showing the Champs Elysées as we have never seen it before.

The creator of the New Look

In 1947, an unknown becomes famous overnight in the fashion world.

Christian Dior has just invented the "New Look", a clothing line that gives a new shape to women. Within a decade, the designer will not only revolutionize fashion but also defines it up to today: the globalization of brands, supermodels...

For Christian Dior, everything is linked to his childhood in Granville, France. A lost paradise found in the garden and the house of his parents’ villa.

The foot dresser

This film retraces the path of Christian Louboutin from his childhood to present day and portrays a passionate, innovative and modern man.

From Paris to Milan, London and New York, we follow the red sole man during shoe manufacturing, the readying of a show, an exhibition opening, a book release…

The foot dresser shares with us the mysteries of his designs.

The magical appeal of window displays

The department store Le Printemps was created more than 150 years ago and is considered an institution in Paris. It is, of course, a temple for shopping but also a real attraction thanks to its spectacular window displays.

However, to keep its seductive power, Le Printemps must reinvent its window dressing every year for Christmas. Indeed, the stakes are high since, during this period, sales reach 1/5 of its annual turnover.

This film immerses us in one of the greatest actors in Christmas shopping.

A complete overhaul to offer the ultimate in luxury

On the Place de la Concorde in Paris, the Crillon is one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. The palace celebrates French civility and welcomes superstars such as Madonna or Mick Jagger.

Closed for 4 years for a complete overhaul, the establishment had lost ground to other Parisian palaces.

To return to the forefront, the Crillon 400 employees are working really hard to make it a home away from home for its very demanding customers.

Also available as a 93'

Women's liberation through hosiery

The story of Dim is not only an incredible industrial adventure, it’s also about how glamour made its way in advertising, the evolution of fashion, dress codes and women’s liberation.

Beyond the pictures of gorgeous legs wearing Dim hosiery, this film also tells the moving story of Bernard Giberstein, the founder of the brand.

French luxury

One of the most glamorous events on the planet is probably the Dior show during Fashion Week in Paris.

But before the D-DAY (Dior Day), hundreds of people work their hardest for 2 months to prepare the event.

Models, dressmakers, technicians, all have a hand in perpetuating the tradition of French luxury.

A rare look behind the scenes

Drouot has been the Parisian auction temple for 150 years. 16 rooms, 2,000 m2, 5,000 visitors daily, 600,000 items sold each year, all this under the hammer of the auctioneers.

Here one can meet the millionaires looking for the unique and costly object to enrich their collections, or the individual seller who comes to part with a piece of family heirloom.

The place offers a permanent ballet of objects changing hands under the eyes of regulars who come here as if they were at a show.

Welcome into my world

In Brazil, every city has its own atmosphere, style and charm. You can visit all the landmarks you want but how often are you allowed to enter private homes? Who wouldn’t want to push open some of these closed doors to peek inside and discover firsthand what’s behind the façades?

HOMES of BRAZIL is your key to these places. This beautifully shot series is a memorable encounter with passionate owners, talented architects and creative craftsmen.

From modernist houses to colonial mansions, from the favellas to luxurious beach houses, from futurist Rio and Sao Paulo to laidback sea resort Paraty and the legendary Gold Route, this series is an unique mix of travel and architecture.

An iconic object

Dangling on women’s arms, ubiquitous in magazines and on catwalks, the handbag has come to define elegance. It also reflects the personality of its owner through what it holds and hides.

Through encounters with anonymous people or celebrities, this film attempts to pierce the souls of all those who loudly proclaim "I love my bag".

It also tells how, over the centuries, the handbag has become this iconic object arousing an unreasonable, even irresistible, desire.

Rated n.1 by Condé Nast Traveller

Located at 42 avenue Gabriel, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, halfway between rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne, is a small jewel nestled in the swankiest part of the city.

The imposing scarlet red carriage door open on the smallest Parisian Palace. With only 46 rooms, including 26 suites that are like private apartments, Hotel La Réserve is the best kept secret in the capital.

Although it only opened its doors in January 2015, the establishment has been named Best Hotel in the World by readers of Condé Nast Traveller.

The cult of cute

This fashion & entertainment show, hosted by popular models, including Kumiko Funayama (a cover model for fashion magazines such as Popteen and With), brings you the latest news on Japan's "kawaii" culture.

Secrets from the old trunk

50 years after Marilyn Monroe's death, a new and unexpected element surface: secrets locked in an old trunk.

UNCLAIMED BAGGAGE takes us from Tokyo to Paris, via New York and Los Angeles, in the footsteps of this mysterious trunk that would have belonged to Marilyn.

Through this chest, we delve into the intimacy of the most famous blonde in the history of cinema.

Human beings have always forged, blown, moulded, sculpted, shaped or fashioned, from raw materials such as sand, clay, wood and all kinds of other compounds, for the sole purpose of inventing and creating and to reach that moment when passion for a piece well crafted is combined with the love of beauty.

Traditional or innovative techniques, and most importantly a taste for excellence, have been passed down from generation to generation.

Technical mastery, know-how, audacity, high standards: this series is devoted to the art of the gesture through the eyes of its creator.

A highly creative designer

During Paris Fashion Week, the Balmain show is the one not to be missed under any circumstances.

For the past 6 years, it has been orchestrated and designed by the young prodigy Olivier Rousteing. This highly talented and sensitive designer has succeeded in rejuvenating the old French fashion house.

For the first time, Olivier Rousteing allowed cameras to film his life at its most dramatic moment.

From Bangkok to Singapore in ultimate luxury

It is one of the most beautiful trains in the world.

The restored interior is decorated with superb teak marquetry and woodwork. The cabins, rather suites, compare favorably to those of the most luxurious palaces. The staff is ready to satisfy every need. A steward is at the disposal of a high-end clientele, 24 hours a day, throughout the duration of the trip. The refined menu is the work of a French chef.

An exceptional journey from Bangkok to Singapore into a world of luxury and comfort through breathtaking landscapes.

A metallurgist for some and a visionary for others

Paco Rabanne has been labelled a metallurgist by some and a visionary by others. The fact is that he never left anyone indifferent. He retired from the fashion scene in 1999 after more than 30 years of creativity.

The fashion house that bears his name celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Between extravagance and heritage, this film tells the incredible story of its creator.

The power of social networks

This year, the stars are not necessarily those you would expect. Indeed, today a new generation is gaining more and more influence in the fashion industry.

Celebrities are now bloggers who owe their fame to social networks.

Security is an obsession

For nearly 200 years, Place Vendôme has been the sanctuary of the greatest jewellers. The luxury pieces that have made its reputation are made in places that are kept confidential, precious stones of inestimable value are handled here. Understandably, craftsmen work in the greatest secrecy.

Wealthy customers like the conveniency of nearby palaces with their exceptional service.

With such fortunes in the area, security on Place Vendôme is paramount. After several robberies, it has become an obsession. An anti-hold-up plan has been put in place, and the neighbourhood is under close surveillance.

The matters of luxury

This series is a sensual tribute to these noble materials which, once worked and shaped by craftsmen of genius, give birth to unique objects that define luxury.

A journey to the heart of the matter and its sumptuous metamorphoses from materials as diverse as leather, silk, crystal, chocolate, flowers or precious stones.

The world's largest concept store

25 years after its creation, Who's Next is the leading international women's fashion event in Europe. Twice a year, in Paris, this 4 days show brings together nearly 50,000 visitors and about 1,500 brands.

More than just a trade fair, Who's Next is a source of inspiration on market trends, offering ready-to-wear, accessories, beauty and lifestyle. For young creators, influencers and managers of major brands, this is the event not to be missed.

Get behind the scenes at the world's largest concept store.

The most elegant ski resort in the world

Nicknamed the "Monaco of Snow", the resort of St. Moritz, nestled at an altitude of 1800 metres in the Swiss Alps, is the most elegant in the world and one of the oldest.

With its emphasis on style and elegance, the resort is a regular haunt for stars, big money and tourists attracted by the gentle way of life, the luxury shops and the prestigious events organised on site.

To serve this elite clientele, men and women are trained to offer exceptional service from the moment they arrive at the airport, the highest in Europe.

Relax in style

With its exquisite taste and dedication to service, Asia has made spas an art form.

So when model and actress Jaymee Ong and her sister Lindsay start a quest to find the best spas in Asia, you know they’re in for a quite a challenge.

This series go to great length, from Indonesia to Maldives and from Thailand to Taiwan, with only one goal in mind: to find and present you the best spas in Asia.

Asia's winding roads

Today, everything goes fast, including our travelling and visiting. But there is no substitute for discovering a country with a “go slow” approach, journeying at a leisurely pace. And when such an endeavor is undertaken by Nikki Muller, a Swiss-Phillipino model, the viewer is in for a beautiful and graceful experience.

Starting in Myanmar, travelling all the way down to Vietnam, through 3 more countries known for their rich history and ethnic diversity, she's riding past luscious landscapes, encountering some of the most amazing cultures and people.

A new showcase in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris

In July 2018, the Lutetia hotel reopened its doors after 4 years of renovation while remaining faithful to the Art Deco style of this mythical establishment.

Built in 1910, the hotel enjoyed its hour of glory between the two world wars by welcoming painters and writers. In 1940, the German army made it its counter-intelligence headquarters. But after the Liberation, the hotel, to show its commitment to the Resistance, became the reception centre for deportees returning from the concentration camps.

This film takes us behind the scenes to admire, amongst other things, the restoration of the original frescoes, mosaics and stained glass windows. A major endeavour for an establishment which ambition is to be ranked a Palace. It would then be the only one on the left bank of Paris.

An Empress summer residence

Biarritz is home to the only palace bordering the Atlantic.

Built in 1855 at the behest of Napoleon III, this imposing building is part of France's historical heritage. Empress Eugénie made it her summer residence.

Today, craftsmen such as cabinetmakers, decorators, upholsterers and painters renovate using traditional techniques.

Access restricted

Japan is the land of hot springs and this series focuses on spas that are definitely not ordinary, like no changing rooms, or you have to clear the shrub, even having to build your own tub.

With these spas, access might be difficult but then the greater the joy of the soak where all aches and pains are washed away.

V.I.P. access

For the first time, the most popular French luxury brand gave access to its workshops, where its famous handbags are laser-cut, its flagship store on the Champs-Elysées (a historical monument dedicated to conspicuous consumption), the repair department (a kind of leather clinic) and the ultra-chic store in Tokyo.

This dazzling film offers a rare peek inside an institution in the luxury industry.

Creativity, excellence and know-how

In the secret world of art workshops, creativity combines with excellence and know-how while still respecting traditions.

Master craftsmen, working for the most famous French luxury companies such as Louis Vuitton, Chaumet in the Place Vendôme or the Manufacture de Sèvres, use wood, glass, leather or other exceptional materials.

They share with us their passion and secrets of their art.