Silent Witness

If there was ever a site that best represents the definition of silent witness, I can’t think of a better place than Versailles. Famous not only for its design and decadence, but as the one of the key sites in the demise of the royal family and the coming of the French Revolution. Having observed the rise and fall of the monarch, this magnificent building couldn’t even save Marie Antoinette. Having developed a fascination with the ill-fated Queen and her taste for the finer things in life after first watching Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette film, I couldn’t resist visiting the palace while in Paris.

As a symbol of power and indescribably luxury, you can’t help but treat Versailles as a place of reverence – like the kind one would bestow on Karl Lagerfeld. Even just walking around the grounds, you get a real sense of marvel, wonder and beauty. You can really see why fashion designers like John Galliano, Donatella Versace and Alexander McQueen have been enchanted by the romanticism and decadence of Château de Versailles.

While I may not have been adorned in gold, brocade or satins, I did try to embody my own take on luxury – a Givenchy print sweatshirt, Celine two tone Shadow sunglasses, a cracked leather Balenciaga tote bag and a Paul Smith wool duffle coat. All topped off with a new find from German fashion designer Steffen Schraut in the form of a colour blocked raccoon fur scarf – perfect for walking around the palace gardens of a winter’s day. I think Versailles might just be my spirit animal…