After years as Editor-in-Chief of famed fashion magazine Self Service, Claire Thomson-Jonville left to launched her own brand consultancy – CTJ Creative – while serving as Editor-in-Chief at La Nouvelle Mode and designing a recent collaboration with tailoring house Pallas. Each stylish career move has built upon Scottish-born Claire Thomson-Jonville’s own insouciant style; based on a staple uniform of relaxed tuxedos, sexy t-shirts and sneakers that make her an enviable incarnation of Parisian elegance. Invited into her elegant home tucked in on a quiet street in the fashionable 8th arrondissement, we caught up with Claire to discuss her personal taste in flowers, fashion and her home city of Paris.

ASPARAGUS FERN

BLUE WAVE FERN

“I’m very precise with what I like (in florals), which is the same with my personal style. I like bouquets of one single flower, something quite clean and visual.”

CLAIRE THOMSON-JONVILLE

ALABASTER SPRAY ROSE

White or coloured flowers?

It totally depends on my mood or the season, but in general, white flowers and lots  of greenery.

Tell us about the first flowers you ever received and how they made you feel?

Probably a Valentine’s rose when I was really young at school, I must have been about six  or seven.

Is there a significant flower that has played an important role in any of lifeʼs milestone moments?

As I have Scottish heritage, the thistle tends to be part of any family floral design at weddings and christenings.

What do you love most about flowers?

I just feel energised and happy with flowers in my house. Flowers have a zen effect on me.

GREEN PARVIFOLIA EUCALYPTUS FOLIAGE

“... I love a beautiful scented  bouquet and something less structured  with more natural volume.”

CLAIRE THOMSON-JONVILLE

GREEN PARVIFOLIA EUCALYPTUS FOLIAGE

Which flowers do you like to give and why?

I love to offer a gloriously scented bouquet, but the choice of flowers will depend on the person, as everyone has their own, unique style.

Which flowers do you most like to receive?

It depends on my mood; in summer I like white and green, something quite fresh and wild, whereas in the winter I like something more graphic with colours. In both cases, I love a beautiful scented bouquet and something less structured with more natural volume.

How does your flower choice reflect your personal style?

I’m very precise with what I like (in florals), which is the same with my personal style. I like bouquets of one single flower, something quite clean and visual.

What’s your favourite flower season?

Every season!

CLASSIC CREAM TUBEROSE

TUBEROSE SCENTED CANDLE

“As I have Scottish heritage, the thistle  tends to be part of any family floral design at  weddings and christenings.”

CLAIRE THOMSON-JONVILLE

SNOWY WHITE CHRYSANTHEMUM

What are your top tips for hosting a dinner party or any special occasion?

Candles, flowers, wine and chatty guests.

Who would you invite to your own dream dinner party?

I already struggle to find time to invite my friends to dinner at my place, but I would start with them!

Is there an area in your home where you always have flowers?

In the hall next to the front door; usually in the living room or my bedroom.

Describe your interior style?

Clean lines, graphic, contemporary and relaxed.

Who inspires you in either art, design, fashion or music?

Inspiration is everywhere. I’m mainly inspired by the creative people I work with.

SNOWY WHITE CHRYSANTHEMUM

WICKSTEAD VASE COLLECTION

Which designers are you wearing right now?

My collection with Pallas: CTJxPallas, Prada and old Celine.

Tell us about a wardrobe heirloom you cannot live without?

My Rolex.

Where is your perfect escape?

In Paris, I love to take a yoga class, get a great facial or massage at Tata Harper at the Bristol, as that’s my way of taking some time for me when work gets crazy. I also love to check into a hotel for the weekend with my children, and have breakfast in bed and go swimming - the Trianon Palace in Versailles is ideal for a weekend escape, or the Hotel Normandy in Deauville.

How do you begin your day?

Lemon juice, yoga, and Instagram (not necessarily in that order).

How do you end your day?

Herbal tea, a face mask and a to do list.

Where is your favourite Parisian hotspot?

Probably the Hotel Bristol: I love the spa and take a lot of my meetings there, as it’s very old school and uncool, which I love.

Finally, British style or Parisian style?

A bit of both

ASPARAGUS FERN

BLUE WAVE FERN

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