Latest news with #JeanCocteau
Wall Street Journal
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
‘The Woman With Fifty Faces' Review: Painted Like a French Girl
The French author and artist Jean Cocteau was enthralled by a mysterious woman named Maria Lani, but his attempts to capture her likeness during a 1928 sitting were agonizing. 'Every time you take your eyes off her she changes,' he wrote. 'How do you expect me to draw her?' Cocteau was far from the only one to try. 'The Woman With Fifty Faces,' a graphic novel by Jonathan Lackman and Zachary J. Pinson, is based on the riveting true story of Lani, who, with her husband, Max Ilyin, persuaded some 50 artists in Parisian society to paint, draw or sculpt her. The remarkable roster included Georges Braque, Marc Chagall, Fernand Léger, Henri Matisse and Chaim Soutine. Only Pablo Picasso, it seems, turned them down. The couple claimed that Lani was a silent-film actress from Berlin and that the artwork would be featured in a Hollywood film. But there was no such film, and Lani was not, in fact, a movie star. She was born Maria Geleniewicz in 1895 in Poland, where her Jewish family escaped violent pogroms. At age 24 she met Ilyin and the two hatched a plan to reinvent themselves in France. They succeeded wildly: Lani achieved fame as an artists' muse, and by the end of 1930 she and Ilyin had mounted exhibitions, in Europe and the United States, of the various portraits of her. Afterward, Lani and Ilyin disappeared from high society. In the run-up to World War II, they helped Jewish refugees in Paris obtain immigration papers before fleeing the Nazis themselves. The pair settled in America, where they nearly willed their fake movie into spectacular existence—Greta Garbo was to play the lead—before the project collapsed due to lack of financing.
Times
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
The Dolli at Acropolis hotel review: an exuberant, arty abode in Athens
Take an immaculately restored former shipping magnate's mansion at the epicentre of the most fun and photogenic pocket of Athens; fill it with an extravagant trove of eclectic works from artists including Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau; then cap it all off with a fabulous rooftop pool commanding Acropolis views — and you've got the Dolli, a sybaritic stay that nails the modern essence of this cultured and captivating metropolis. From the curvy sirens flanking the ornate 1920s façade, to the lofty lobby with its colossal crystals and avant-garde art haul, it's clear that the Dolli was built to be admired. Since its 2023debut in the historic, pedestrianised Plaka neighbourhood, this spirited neoclassical diva from Grecotel — one of the country's largest hotel groups — has moved the needle for what you might expect from a high-end boutique hotel in the Greek capital. These are flamboyant lodgings that will appeal most to the culturati, the design-mad and anyone who appreciates the finer things in life and doesn't mind forking out for the privilege. Service is great (although the front desk can appear overstretched at peak times, especially during check-in). In the luminous white marble lobby, guests survey original moulded ceilings and whimsical animal sculptures by Les Lalanne from shapely bouclé sofas, or help themselves to dainty petit fours from the complimentary patisserie. However, the true magic unfolds on the rooftop, where you can paddle in a shimmering infinity pool in which the Parthenon appears to hover on the surface, enjoy masterly European eats at the panoramic restaurant or play spot the landmark at sunset (hello, Acropolis, Roman Agora and National Observatory of Athens) with cocktail in hand. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Score 7/10Of the 46 rooms in this five-storey listed hotel, only ten will get you that coveted Parthenon view (you have to be on the third floor or higher). However, no matter where your budget lands you there will be soaring ceilings, gleaming marble bathrooms — some with high-tech Japanese toilets — and a restful cream decor as a welcome counterpoint to the roar of Athens. Accommodation options are many and varied, from bijou doubles facing the atrium (best suited to solo travellers) and roomy junior suites with Juliet balconies overlooking the city, to arty pied-à-terre apartments with spacious sitting and dining areas, plus the chance to lap up Acropolis views from your vast walk-in rain shower. Some suites can also be combined with other rooms to accommodate larger families or groups. Light sleepers might want to avoid the rooms fronting buzzy Mitropoleos Street. The welcome treat of a whole traditional Bundt cake is a classy touch. While the Dolli doesn't scream 'family-friendly', it's not entirely off limits to those travelling with children, as cots, highchairs and a babysitting service are all available on request. But let's be honest, the main game here is grown-up indulgence rather than catering to little ones — save this one for a romantic getaway or sophisticated girls' trip. Score 9/10The Dolli's all-day rooftop restaurant could just dine out on its view over classical Athens, but it backs this up with a polished (and pricey) continental and Greek medley: sushi or chargrilled octopus salad for lunch; lobster linguine or rosemary lamb for dinner; strawberry tart or baklavas for dessert. The included breakfast spread is also served on the rooftop and is laden with temptation: berry-topped cheesecakes, rice puddings, warm spanakopita, champagne and bloody mary stations and pots of Cretan thyme honey or fig marmalade to slather over fresh bread, pastries and cheeses brought to your table on a tiered stand. You can also choose one à la carte option. Our picks? The traditional breakfast dish of strapatsada (scrambled eggs, tomato, feta and oregano) and eggs benny with salmon and black truffle. Downstairs a decadent afternoon tea is rolled out daily for a mostly international crowd (it isn't really a thing for late-lunching Greeks), in either the grand Palm Court-style lobby or the more intimate wood-panelled library. Must-tries are the sea bass and green apple canapés, the galaktopoureko (essentially, a Greek custard slice) and the bitter chocolate infusion. • More of the best hotels in Athens• Discover our full guide to Athens Score 7/10Guests generally make a beeline for that spectacular pool deck, which can make things a bit tricky come high season. There are no sunloungers, only a compact lounge area that is more suited to coffee and cocktails than daylong hanging at the pool. Art buffs can ask staff for a private tour of the hotel's rich collection, and if you haven't already smashed your daily step tally exploring the city's relics there's a state-of-the-art basement gym kitted out with Netflix and air conditioning. Score 10/10Ruins, museums, flea markets, Byzantine cathedrals and picture-perfect Anafiotika — a hilly enclave of whitewashed houses, dozing cats and painted doors — are all nearby. Leafy squares lined with touristy tavernas and lively side streets with authentic wine bars humming with off-duty Athenians are all on tap thanks to the Dolli's location right at the mouth of vibrant Plaka. Into shopping? Ermou Street, Athens's answer to Oxford Street, is just a block away. From there, brand hunters can stroll five minutes to the upmarket Voukourestiou and Stadiou streets in Kolonaki, and stay on to see the slow-motion Evzones perform their hourly changing-the-guard ceremony outside the Greek parliament. On day one get your bearings by walking down nearby Adrianou Street, the central artery of Plaka where contemporary designers and concept stores share space with souvenir hawkers, leather and jewellery merchants and gelato bars. Then tick off the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum from your list (a 15-minute walk will get you to both) — they're popular for a reason. Price B&B doubles from £424 Restaurant mains from £37Family-friendly Y Accessible Y Amanda Dardanis was a guest of the Dolli at Acropolis ( • Best affordable hotels in Athens under £150• Best things to do in Athens
Times
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Inside Coco Chanel's Riviera holiday hideaway
T he year is 1938 and Salvador Dalí is in full artistic flow, painting on the balcony of the west wing of Coco Chanel's villa La Pausa, where the shadow-eliminating north light is best. In the evening he would roll back the salon rugs and beckon guests to dance while the renowned pianist Misia Sert played, before retiring to the guesthouse with his wife, Gala. In total he completed 11 paintings at La Pausa, one time staying there for four months. 'The vibe was chilled, guests could do as they pleased,' says Yana Peel, Chanel's president of arts, culture and heritage. For the likes of Dalí, Jean Cocteau and Igor Stravinsky there were no schedules; Chanel herself rarely emerged until 1pm, and there was no dress code — the designer found comfort in stripy tops, wool trousers and cork-soled espadrilles. Meals were served buffet style (platters of pasta, French potatoes and roast beef), and staff appeared frequently to replenish champagne and pour fine wine. There were Easter parties, masked balls and tennis tournaments, views of a glittering Mediterranean sea under an enormous sky.
The Age
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Near-perfect hotel overlooks one of the most remarkable ancient sites
The place The Dolli at Acropolis, Athens Check-in Despite the extravagance of Le Salon (the lobby), the concept is to make guests feel like they're entering a living room, and check-in is informal, albeit deeply curated. I sink into a sofa among expensive art and am soon presented with an iPad, alongside a silver tray containing a glass of sparkling wine and two colour-coordinated mocktails. The look Entering this 1925-era neoclassical mansion-turned-boutique hotel is like stepping inside a jewellery box containing the most prized treasures of a modern Aphrodite. Soft mirrored panels reflect sumptuous salt-and-pepper marbled floors, brass accents, plump furnishings, soaring stucco ceilings and tiered silver trays of Greek sweets such as loukoumi and chocolate almonds. A high-gloss patisserie spread in the lounge is complimentary for guests. Owned by Grecotel, run by second-generation hotelier Mari Sifounakis, the historic property features 46 rooms and suites over five floors and embodies a feminine energy, with curvy details, circular furniture and natural materials. The art collection is astounding: ancient Greek vases date back to the 4th century BC, there are chairs by 20th-century French artist Jean Cocteau, an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus mask from the 6th century BC and a ceramic work by Picasso. But it's the submersible installation on level five that earns this property one-of-a-kind kudos. The rooftop infinity pool all but laps at the Parthenon. It feels so close you could flick it off the Acropolis with your finger.
Sydney Morning Herald
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Near-perfect hotel overlooks one of the most remarkable ancient sites
The place The Dolli at Acropolis, Athens Check-in Despite the extravagance of Le Salon (the lobby), the concept is to make guests feel like they're entering a living room, and check-in is informal, albeit deeply curated. I sink into a sofa among expensive art and am soon presented with an iPad, alongside a silver tray containing a glass of sparkling wine and two colour-coordinated mocktails. The look Entering this 1925-era neoclassical mansion-turned-boutique hotel is like stepping inside a jewellery box containing the most prized treasures of a modern Aphrodite. Soft mirrored panels reflect sumptuous salt-and-pepper marbled floors, brass accents, plump furnishings, soaring stucco ceilings and tiered silver trays of Greek sweets such as loukoumi and chocolate almonds. A high-gloss patisserie spread in the lounge is complimentary for guests. Owned by Grecotel, run by second-generation hotelier Mari Sifounakis, the historic property features 46 rooms and suites over five floors and embodies a feminine energy, with curvy details, circular furniture and natural materials. The art collection is astounding: ancient Greek vases date back to the 4th century BC, there are chairs by 20th-century French artist Jean Cocteau, an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus mask from the 6th century BC and a ceramic work by Picasso. But it's the submersible installation on level five that earns this property one-of-a-kind kudos. The rooftop infinity pool all but laps at the Parthenon. It feels so close you could flick it off the Acropolis with your finger.
