OBSERVATIONS & OTHER ACCIDENTS

Last Thursday, I returned to Espace Cannelle, a space where fashion and personal stories have intertwined for decades. The evening unfolded gently, with friends gathered, laughter echoing through the rooms, and the quiet thrill of discovering new collections. Among the highlights was a bold London-born brand, its pieces striking and playful, yet effortlessly wearable. And through it all, the ease of conversation with France reminded me once again how rare it is to find a friendship that bridges generations, experience, and a shared love for beauty in all its forms.

We call each other “cherrie”. We met through fashion — I was, at the time, a full-time stylist, often stopping by Espace Cannelle to pick up pieces for shoots. Over time, our relationship evolved from professional to friendship, and from friendship into a unique kind of professional bond — never one excluding the other.

France’s words: “My friendship with you happened as a matter of course! I immediately recognised in you all the qualities — and flaws — that make someone truly worthy of my attention and friendship.” And that is exactly how I feel — a genuine bond built on trust, laughter, and mutual respect that spans generations. “You are beautiful inside and out, with a rare, unique charm. Your life and experiences make you truly yours, and it’s impossible not to be drawn to you. Genuine, generous, adventurous, and effortlessly easy to be around — you deserve the very best.”

(Taking a moment here: completely moved.)

“My friendship with you happened as a matter of course! I immediately recognised in you all the qualities — and flaws — that make someone truly worthy of my attention and friendship.”

A little about France: She arrived from Paris to Portugal in 1982, leaving her career as a lawyer at the Cour de Paris after marrying a Frenchman living in Cascais. In 1988, she opened her first boutique in the Galerias of the Hotel Estoril Sol — a small space that would stay with her for 17 years. She then moved to a much larger store spanning more than 300 m² over three floors at the Arcadas do Parque, where she remained for 22 years, creating an iconic shopping destination in Cascais. Earlier this year, she relocated to the centre of Cascais, in a prime commercial and geographic location, and in April of last year she had opened a second store at the Marina de Cascais.

“I am a free, independent woman. I live my life confident in who I am and where I’m headed. I embrace challenges and the new, and admire women for their strength, stories, and courage to begin again.”

Me & France: We call each other “cherrie”. We met through Fashion — I was, at the time, a full-time stylist, often stopping by Espace Cannelle to pick up pieces for shoots.

Last Thursday, 16 October, we found ourselves together again, surrounded by friends and guests at Espace Cannelle, to celebrate the arrival of the new Fall/Winter 25 collections. Between laughter and that familiar buzz of good energy, France introduced a few fresh names, including Jakke — a London-based brand that instantly won everyone over.

Over the years, many names have graced the rails of Espace Cannelle — and still do today: Etro, Max Mara, Twinset, Lenny Niemeyer, Bash Paris, among others. More recently, one of my favourites: Simkhai, the Los Angeles-born label founded by the Simkhai brothers.

Beyond fashion, Espace Cannelle also offers those small pleasures that elevate the everyday: the exquisite Acqua di Parma perfumes, Etro fragrances, and a thoughtful selection of home pieces — each chosen with the same refined eye and quiet sense of beauty that have always defined the space.

Jakke: France discovered this London-born brand in February this year during Paris Fashion Week. “I thought it was different, original, even disruptive,” she told me. “It has a strong London identity, appealing designs and prices, and sustainable products. With Jakke, I want to reach a younger audience — people who are attentive to fashion, confident, and curious.”

France discovered this London-born brand in February this year during Paris Fashion Week.

In the picture the Milla trench coat in glossy red.

Its arrival marks a new chapter for Espace Cannelle: one that opens the doors to a wider audience, without ever compromising on style or quality. And judging by the reactions last Thursday, the match couldn’t have been more fitting.

“I thought it was different, original, even disruptive. It has a strong London identity, appealing designs and prices, and sustainable products. With Jakke, I want to reach a younger audience — people who are attentive to fashion, confident, and curious.”

The highlight of the night — and undoubtedly the piece everyone wanted to try — was the Milla trench coat in glossy red (also available in black) vegan leather. Striking yet effortless, it caught the light (and the attention) of every guest who walked past it. By the end of the evening, the coat had made its way through many hands — and a few shoulders — confirming what we all suspected from the start: it was the piece of the season.

Amidst the laughter and chatter of the evening, France turned to me with that familiar calm smile and said, “You have this way of seeing things differently — always curious, always searching, and yet so grounded. I admire that about you.”

It’s moments like these — brief, honest, unguarded — that make our friendship feel effortless, despite the years between us. There’s a rhythm in our conversations, a trust that never needs explaining. Working with France, learning from her, laughing with her, it’s all intertwined; professional and personal lives woven together in a way that feels natural, warm, and rare.

And in a way, that’s what evenings like this are really about: the pieces, the laughter, the new discoveries — but above all, the people who make it feel like home.