The story of Maxim's de Paris, George Goursat, Pamela Friedman and Peachy Deegan's Fabulous Gift Idea
In 1893, a seductive courtesan, Irma de Montigny, opened the door of a coachman's little meeting house owned by a waiter named Maxime Gaillard. She created the meeting house into one of the most celebrated romantic meeting places in Europe.
However, it was Eugene Cornuche, Maxime's magician, that endowed the house with its world-wide reputation ...one after the other ...hundreds of celebrated personalities - Marcel Proust, Edouard VII, The Belle Otero, Maria Callas, Marlene Dietrich, Sacha Guitry, Mistinguett, Rita Hayworth, Aga Khan, and then Brigitte Bardot, Jeanne Moreau, The Prince of Venice, and so on...... Maxim's has long been regarded as one of the world's great restaurants.
Maxim's decor is influenced by the Parisian Belle Epoque flora and fauna ornamentation of the the turn of the century.
The famed artist, George Goursat, also known as Sem, frequented the Maxim's restaurant where he sat for hours drawing caricatures of the society patrons. Sem attained a level of success with his wonderfully imaginative portrayals of Paris.
By capturing the spirit of the subject, rather than the exact physical traits. Sem produced images that were probably truer to life than formal portraits. His skill as a caricacaturist was outstanding. His works offer us glimpses into Parisian high society at the turn of the Century.
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Pamela Friedman is the quintessential tastemaker and trendsetter, encompassing beauty and holistic remedies with luxury and tradition. She is the creator of this lovely line!
Maxim’s de Paris creates products that help people enjoy, relax and take a break from their busy schedules. Light one of Maxim’s scented soy candles, draw a hot bath, or take an invigorating shower and prepare to be pampered.
Rich in history, style and scent, Maxim’s products were inspired by the Parisian Belle Epoque period and the famed artist George Goursat, also known as Sem. Maxim’s de Paris restaurant – a high society atmosphere of pleasure – champagne flowing, music playing, culinary delights abundant – flourishing with celebrity.
Each candle is adorned with the wonderful imaginative and whimsical artwork from the artist’s collection.
The Maxim’s Sem collection showcase chic and charming modern versions of the artist’s playful interpretation of the restaurant happenings. Sem frequented the Maxim’s restaurant in Paris where he sat for hours drawing the comings and goings of the glittering crowd, offering humorous glimpses of Parisian high society.
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FRAGRANCES & INGREDIENTS
The multi-layered complex fragrances are of superb quality for those who appreciate the fine French art of harmonizing the natural essences of herbs, florals, fruits, woods and spices.
The candles are made from superior high quality, creamy soy wax blend, highest quality natural essential oils, and 100% cotton wicks for a luxuriously fragrant, clean and long burning candle.
All products are free of parabens, phthalates, artificial colors and formulated with up to 90% natural ingredients. Inspired by the daily grooming rituals of French women, well-known for their natural beauty, Maxim’s products are formulated with nature’s most nourishing and effective natural ingredients, combining effectiveness and sensory pleasure. The bath & body collection of natural botanicals, minerals, and essentials oils pamper your body and nourish your skin. Gentle cleansing enhance calming and relaxing beauty and bath routines. They produce in small batches to guarantee absolute freshness and do not test on animals.
www.maximscandles.com
MAXIM’S SEM
CANDLES - 60 Hours Burn time
For the recessionista, they re-introduced a more affordable Maxim’s de Paris candle!!!
The hand-poured candles in glass containers with a distinctive decorative element are of the same same high-quality natural soy wax blends and essences for a cleaner, longer and luxurious continuous fragrance.
Glass Candle: retail $26.00
Porcelain candle: retail $45.00
Fragrances include:
Violette & Lavande -A perfect combination of florals - violet, lilac and jasmine - blended with fresh herbs of classic lavender, basil and mint - infused with subtle hints of spicy clove and ylang. This is a lovely floral scent.
Bergamot Eclat -A sophisticated blend of sparkling bergamot, lush and juicy mandarin, grapefruit and zesty lemon. Infused with subtle hints of dewy green grass notes, amber and ylang, this is a very fresh and delightful scent - sure to be a year round favorite.
Jardin Fruitier -A unique sophisticated fruity floral blend of plum and apricot with notes of lemon and orange peels, laced with jasmine, tamarind and sweet musk. A highly addictive scent!
Fruit Glace - One our a favorites - a delectable melange of sweet and tart fruit essences of pomegranate, mouth watering cantaloupe, plum and laced with a watery floral accord.
Figuier Blossoms - A delightful blend of fig tree leaves, bark and blossoms, layered with dewy grass notes, sheer jasmine petals, and subtle hints of warm amber and sandalwood. This is a sophisticated green fig scent, sure to delight the senses.
SEM’s BIOGRAPHY
Sem (Georges Goursat)
1863-1934
Born in the Dordogne region of France, Georges Gourset – who worked under the name “Sem” was attracted to the glamour of the big city and studied art in Paris.
Sem attained a level of success with his wonderfully imaginative portrayals of Paris at the turn of the Century. By capturing the spirit of the subject rather than exact physical traits, Sem produced images that were probably truer to life than formal portraits. His skill as a caricaturist is outstanding. His works offer us glimpses into Parisian high society at the turn of the Century.
He was invited to Paris in March 1900 by Jean Lorrain, mainly to work in the studio of Cherat. In Paris, Sem lived on the Rue de Vaugirard. He became associated with Parisian high society, where he was able to observe the privileged, at the Restaurant Maxim’s – where he sat frequently.
Sem’s unique talent made his work very identifiable, particularly because of the essential sobriety of his composition, in which his characters usually emerge from a white or plain background rather than being more obvious caricatures. His work is particularly associated with the Belle Epoque and, during this period, he wrote numerous articles chronicling theatre shows, fashion, travel and artistic review. He also created a number of very beautiful posters illustrating subjects like the clowns Footit and Chocolat, the tourist towns of Deauville, Cannes and Monte Carlo, and a number of businesses including Benedictine.
Sem contributed to many newspapers and journals and created several folios of imaginative looks at members of society and their amusements. With abundant good humor, Sem depicted everyone from society matrons to famous entertainers to bookmakers at Longchamp.
Sem was a member of the Salon des Humoristes and an officer of the Legion of Honor. His caricatures offer revealing glimpses into Parisian high society around 1900.
After a long and rewarding life, Sem died peacefully on November 26, 1934, in his armchair with a book in his hand. He drew in a personal way, with great success, and was rewarded during his lifetime with both fame and fortune.
Maxim’s de Paris: www.maximscandles.com
