Cosmopolitan and highly educated by culture and lineage. She was born in Warsaw, daughter of a count and a princess, she married Hubert d'Ornano, a descendant of Napoleon, with whom she created the family business. Patron of art, perfect hostess, extremely elegant and discreet, Isabelle d'Ornano's appearance and vitality are the best example of well aging. L'Eau de Soir, Queen Letizia's favorite scent, was a declaration of love from Hubert: she created it from the aroma of celinda so that she would remember her childhood in Andalusia. Every Christmas, perfume dresses up as art in one of the most anticipated limited editions of the year.
Was it difficult for you to share L’Eau de Soir after wearing it exclusively for years?
No, I was delighted to share it because when I wore it, both women and men admired it a lot.
Is it still your favorite?
I alternate it. Now I reserve it more for the night; For the day I really like Izia, who has my name and is very easy to get along with today's active life.
For the limited edition this Christmas, you have chosen the French painter, winner of the Sisley Award for Young Talent in Fine Arts 2021. What has attracted you to her?
I love his work in itself, not because of any special peculiarity. I have realized that, in general, his works are very great. He had exhibited a few very small paintings, about 30 cm x 20, and I was attracted by the fact that his talent, which is figurative but very modern, can also be interpreted in small format, something that is not always possible. . When he won the prize we organized an exhibition with his works and it was a resounding success. Thanks to her he became part of one of the most important art galleries in the country.
What role does art play in your life, beyond being a collector and patron?
The great pleasure of life, one of its luxuries, is to see beautiful things. We should educate children when they are young to appreciate beauty, because it is what makes our world unique and it is something that always brings you. It is not necessary to own great works of art, because we can contemplate and admire them in exhibitions and museums.
Has any work of art stolen your heart?
I really like the Pre-Raphaelites. There is a tapestry of the Three Wise Men that I saw at Yves Saint Laurent's house. I would have loved to have it, but when it went up for auction the Musée d'Orsay claimed it, where it can now be visited. In Yves' house it was on the ground floor, sheltered from the light, and it has preserved the color divinely. I remember that work perfectly, although tapestries are not my favorite support in art. But that one was beautiful and Saint Laurent, who had great taste, displayed it in a white modern bookcase. In front was a large marble of a Roman emperor. I thought it was very appropriate that the emperor was in front of the Three Wise Men. It was like an intuition.
Sisley is a family business in which three generations already coexist. It's not always easy. How have they done it?
Launching a brand is very difficult, but we liked working together. With the second generation there is no problem, because they would not work in the company if they were not capable. We can judge, we would not impose on the company any family member who was not up to the task. The third generation knows each other, they have spent holidays together, they get along very well... By the fourth or fifth, I don't know... There will have to be a regulation.
In his book What a wonderful world! (Abrams) opens the doors of his houses to us. Where do you start to build a home?
From the relationship with the person who is going to create it, is what gives it character. You can tell if the people who live there are comfortable. I really like the way my grandchildren's generation lives, who have the kitchen almost in the living room. In decoration I like unexpected things, like having a sofa in the kitchen.
I think she personally embroiders messages on the cushions in her house. Which one would she embroider now?
Peace. I have made several cushions with it, it is something that I am obsessed with.
He has met very relevant personalities throughout his life. Who do you admire?
To Saint John Paul II, because he has always defended the human being. To Jackie Kennedy, full of charm and intelligence... And to Nelson Mandela, although I did not meet him in person, I find that pursuing peace after more than 20 years in prison is an example that we should copy.
What defines Sisley?
First of all, the quality of the products. When launching a brand you have to take marketing into account, but the product is the one that always wins, because there is a lot of competition and you have to contribute something more than the others.
