NATHALIE PAILLARSE is the very definition of Parisian Chic. She is the Founder of the luxurious Ex Voto Paris, a niche home fragrance line carried at Barneys and other exclusive retailers. Nathalie is also passionate about Interior Design, a talented aficionado of art and with Masters degrees in both Economics and Politics and also an MBA; she is more than just a beautiful face.
We are excited to learn more about Nathalie, her beloved Paris, and maybe a few secrets of those always-chic Parisian women!
THE LBM: Tell us about Ex Voto Paris!
NATHALIE: Ex Voto Paris is a French, niche perfume House which beautifully combines exclusive fragrances with minimalist design: uncluttered, but aglow with sensuous details. Ex Voto Paris collections include scented candles, room fragrances, perfumes, bath & body care, home accessories and hotel bath amenities. Made in France, all the products bear our signature of elegant minimalism and reflect my passion for creating inspiring perfumes.
THE LBM: Where did you draw your inspiration for Ex Voto Paris?
NATHALIE: Passionate about design, architecture and beauty, I am very sensitive to the minimalist aesthetic. I try to merge purity, sensuality and discrete luxury throughout my products. Also, I am attracted to very pure, sharp lines – design is all about details – and distinctive fragrances with character. The Black Amber fragrance is a very sensual and elegant scent, our signature fragrance. I love also the cleanliness and freshness of the Ginger Lotus or the sophisticated Datura Cedar. From Saint Barth to Tokyo or from Paris to Dubai, I am really happy to know that my customers appreciate my fragrances and design.
THE LBM: With close to 40,000 followers on Pinterest, many look to you for style inspiration. How would you describe your fashion style and who are some of your favorite designers?
NATHALIE: Thank you, this is lovely and my followers are great, we share the same passions! Actually I add photos from what I wear or find beautiful and it seems that many people love it too. My personal style is mainly a “Black Style.” Black stilettos or pointed flats, black slim pants, black top, jacket and coat, always in fitted cuts and with really simple shapes. Otherwise, I love also grey, white and nude-blush tones. I wear a lot of Isabel Marant for the clothes (love her skinny pants, those of Victoria Beckham too), and accessorize with beautiful shoes from Gianvito Rossi, Saint Laurent or Valentino and bags from Chanel or Saint Laurent or Givenchy, add long hair and discreet make-up and that’s it! I have always loved fashion and it is a universe quite close to the design. I also work with beautiful concept stores selling both from fashion houses and Ex Voto candles and perfumes. The same clients finally! Also, lots of my followers also like my photos about Interior Design and Architecture, which are true passions for me. I would have loved to have been an architect and I am really happy to work with some famous architects and interior designers with Ex Voto Paris: we are involved in many luxury residential projects, five star hotels or mega-yachts. It is a mutual aesthetic approach, passion for sleek details and elegant interiors or projects.
THE LBM: Much has been said about the secrets of being a stylish French Woman. Is it an attitude or something more tangible?
NATHALIE: It seems the myth of the Parisian is eternal! Probably an attitude as you say, a kind of cool chic, natural, fashion-friendly, just the wish to look and feel good in pants and heels on the Parisian streets. French women are usually looking for a decontracted, yet elegant fashion. It is all about well-fitted cuts, allure and style.
THE LBM: Please give us your Top 5 as a Paris Insider!
FAVORITE RESTAURANT:
NATHALIE: I often take my guests to the restaurant of the Hotel Costes, 239 rue Saint Honore Paris, near the Place Vendome. It’s always a fashionable place with a lovely courtyard in spring/summer and the food is delicious.
FAVORITE HOTEL:
NATHALIE: More than one! I have had the pleasure to work with a few five star hotels and Paris has a huge offering of luxury hotels. I love the Hotel Le Bristol, elegant and discreet, located on the famous rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and near the Palais de l’Elysée (the President’s palace). The terrace and private garden are amazing! I love The Mandarin Oriental for the very cool lobby and courtyard and the Four Seasons George V for their incredible sense of details; I have worked a long time with their spa. So many beautiful hotels in Paris!
FAVORITE BOUTIQUE:
NATHALIE: There are many beautiful shops in Paris. I would focus on the architecture and for this, the new Saint Laurent stores designed by Hedi Slimane are absolutely beautiful; sleek and minimalist, with stunning details everywhere and noble materials (marble, chrome, leather). Please visit the Saint Laurent store avenue Montaigne if you come to Paris! It’s really amazing. I love their stilettos and bags (Sac du Jour) as well. I am also very fond of Chanel- specially for the Boy bags I have adopted! Also, Gianvito Rossi for the pumps, the style is great and the shoes are always gorgeous. I love Isabel Marant for the slim pants and cool chic style.
FAVORITE PLACE TO SPEND A SUNDAY AFTERNOON:
Paris is really one of the most beautiful cities; I love it. I am a true Parisian, born there and living near the Louvre Museum with amazing views and history under the eyes every day everywhere! For a Sunday afternoon, I love to go to Les Jardins du Palais Royal, just near my home. There are also lots of sunny terraces in Paris where you can enjoy a kind of dolce vita on Sundays.
FAVORITE ART GALLERY:
You can find lots of interesting art galleries in Paris! It’s difficult to choose only one! Kamel Mennour is one of them. Also you have the Fiac every year too, one of the most beautiful contemporary art fairs in the world, usually taking place at the Grand Palais. Pierre Soulages, “the Master of the Black,” is my favorite painter and I always see stunning works at the Fiac. All the paintings of Soulages are truly amazing. I love also Lucio Fontana and Brancusi (the Sleeping Muse). I sometimes buy some works I fall in love with: photographs, paintings or sculptures. Art is a passion, with Architecture and Interior Design too!
Ahh Paris! Thank you Nathalie!
You can find Ex Voto at:
Retailers in the US:
Barneys New York Madison Avenue, www.barneys.com
Luminaire in Coral Gables
Monc XVIII in the Hamptons
Fivestory New York
Babalu in Miami
On request: customer.service@
