WHY DO YOU LIKE AND COLLECT MATCHES?
I don’t see it as collecting matches but as collecting memories. I am an old-school gentleman, I always have matches with me because I think that it is elegant to light my partner's cigarettes, my better half is a heavy smoker! Matches are reminders of the places I have been, they are places that I hold dear, they are my ‘madeleine de proust’, that are full of memories and shared moments with friends and people I love. And I see them as not only functional and emotional but also as mini works of art. I also love the retro and nostalgic idea of matches, nowadays less and less establishments offer them.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ONES AND WHY?
My favorite ones are:\r\n@pierluigiroma where I celebrated my 50th birthday surrounded by some of my favorite people. Their matchbox is a flap over one, but much bigger than the normal size which makes them great to use.\r\n@lebilboquetny, one of my favorite places in NY where I lived and studied acting many moons ago and where I met some of my closest friends.\r\n@lecafedeflore, which is my second office in Paris, near my studio. I love going there, to people watch, meet up with friends, go for a very early morning coffee and read the paper. The waiters are all so friendly and although it is very touristic it still remains quintessentially Parisian.\r\n@cafedelesplanade, somewhere that I go to for business meetings and where I used to spend many Sunday morning brunches while my stepson played football.
WHEN AND HOW DO YOU LIKE TO ENJOY YOUR MATCHES?
With my better half who is a big smoker. And in my Parisian studio to light candles and sticks of Palo Santo Holy Wood incense.
