I love Megan Hess illustrations and books, she is an amazing illustrator, her work is just so beautiful and clean, I plan to get all of her books eventually.

I found this article in signature luxury travel here and just had to share it.

Megan Hess in Paris

The illustrator’s new book, Paris: Through a Fashion Eye, brings to life the inimitable style and elegance of the City of Light. We chat with Megan about what to do, where to eat and where to find inspiration.

What is the ideal 24 hours in Paris for you?

I always stay at Le Bristol (I’m Artist in Residence there). I love its French toast and espresso for breakfast. A perfect day would then be wandering the galleries in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and stopping at Café de Flore for coffee, then on to Rue Cambon for a little shopping at Chanel. Just around the corner is Hôtel Costes where I love to have dinner. The people-watching
is second to none, as is its famous Cracker Jack cheesecake. To finish the night, a walk along the River Seine looking at the beautiful lights of the city.

How did you decide upon Paris as the subject for your latest book?

I always knew that I wanted to do a book about both New York and Paris. I created the New York book last year and this year has been all about Paris for me. It’s the architecture, the food, the fashion.

What’s your favourite experience that makes you feel like a local?

I have so many favourite places in Paris. If I had to choose one I would say a long lunch at L’Avenue on the outside terrace restaurant in spring. I love the ambience, the delicious food and,
most of all, the people-watching.

What Paris location/attraction best epitomises luxury in your eyes?

Dining at The Baccarat Cristal Room is an experience not to be missed. It’s so quintessentially French.

Where do you feel most inspired while in Paris?

I always feel like I’m in a movie when I stand at Pont Alexandre III in Paris. The view is magical and I always feel a sense of inspiration.

You loved the city long before you lived there; are the things that made you love Paris from a distance the same today?

I love all the clichés about Paris: the bicycles, the patisseries, the cheese, the tiny flower pots on the balconies… These are the signature things I first fell in love with and they’re still the little
things that make my heart skip a beat.

How would you describe your Paris style?

I think Paris style is the definition of chic. It’s not fussy and yet it’s very polished. It’s the way Parisians carry themselves, the way they gesture, the way they throw a scarf around their neck. Nothing is more exciting than Paris Couture Week, when I love to sketch the fashion at the shows, as well as all the street style.

What aspect of Parisian art de vivre would you like to see Australians embrace more?

I love their way of life. I love that they appreciate quality over quantity. I love that they take time to savour a meal and appreciate good food and good company.

What is the creative process that goes into your illustrations?

If it’s for a client, it starts with a brief and I always give myself a good amount of initial time to dream and get inspired about what I’m going to draw. Sometimes I’ll do initial sketches or create a mood board of concepts and ideas. Then it’s to the physical drawing phase and I’m usually in absolute joy creating the final image. Most of my work can take anywherefrom an hour to several days to complete; it just depends on the complexity of the illustration.

Tell us about Monty. What is the story behind your bespoke fountain pen?

Monty is my secret magic tool! It is a custom Montblanc fountain pen – the pen was created especially for me by Montblanc and he’s my most prized possession. When I first collaborated with the brand they created the custom pen for me. As well as being incredibly special to me, it changes the way I draw.

How long were you working on Paris: Through a Fashion Eye?

A year!

Which artists have most inspired your work?

My favourite artist is the Russian-born French artist Erté. He was an iconic illustrator of the 1920s. His work was so unique and groundbreaking. I often reference his illustrations and it still amazes me how relevant and inspiring they are today. He never followed trends, his work was completely imaginary and it always transports you to another world. Today, I am a collector of his pieces.

What has it been like to be the Artist in Residence for Oetker Collection?

This is probably the most exciting collaboration that I have ever worked on as it brings together all my favourite elements. It involves sketching architectural and interiors scenes, and sprinkling them with the sorts of people you would expect to find there. I get to travel around and experience all these different hotels, too, which is exciting, not least because they’re among the most luxurious in the world.

How do you define luxury?

True luxury is how something makes you feel. It’s the experience.

What has been your best Parisian coffee experience?

My favourite coffee experience is sitting in Angelina having the most delicious coffee with whipped cream, sitting at the very table that Coco Chanel once sat at. It was her favourite cafe and she would sit at the same table every morning on her way to her atelier.

Paris: Through a Fashion Eyeby Megan Hess is published by Hardie Grant Books, RRP $29.99.

This article appeared in volume 28 of Signature Luxury Travel & Style. To subscribe to the latest issue, click here.