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"Insights" : Ross Lovegrove - "A potted history" of the Reverso watch - "Rising trends" : Chambre d'hôtes in Paris - "What to do with" an eel? - "Insights" : Kimonos, Berlin-style.

"Insights" : Ross Lovegrove
Ross Lovegrove is one of the most original designers in the world. Born in Manchester, he trained in France under Jean Nouvel, then left for the United States, before going back to London, where he has set up. He takes inspiration for his work from nature, the beauty of which fascinates him. He creates a universe of organic forms, in which each piece resembles a sculpture. His work is of interest to furniture producers like Knoll, stylists like Issey Miyake, or major companies, like Apple, Japan Airlines, Airbus and Peugeot.

"A potted history" of the Reverso watch
Inventing a reversible watch face, now that's an original idea. It all started in British India in 1931 during a polo match. In the heat of the action, one of the officers broke his watch. He asked Swiss businessman César de Trey to create a watch that could withstand a sport like polo. Back in Switzerland, De Trey entrusted his project to Jaeger-Lecoultre. The Jaeger-Lecoultre factory came up with the first watch to pivot 180°, thus protecting its dial. While keeping its original character - a rectangular watchcase surrounded by fine grooves, the Reverso gradually became a precious item of jewellery. It is bought by those used to luxury. Starting at 2,450 ?, its price can rocket according to the finishing touches put to it. The watch face is decorated with eclipses, while the back is decorated with engravings or miniature enamelling. But the Reverso is above all a gem of watch making technicality, in constant evolution.

"Rising trends" : Chambre d'hôtes in Paris
The Parisians are reputed to be grumpy, always in a hurry and not very helpful. But they are actually more welcoming than you might think. In recent years, an increasing number of them have been opening their doors to travellers, transforming their apartments into chambres d'hôtes. Their chambers d'hôtes are often atypical places that contrast with the impersonal nature of hotels, and the clichéd postcards of the Eiffel Tower. A good way for inquisitive tourists to get to know the city better, and to take a plunge into Parisian living.

"What to do with" an eel?
We asked a top chef what to do with a product typical of Japan - the eel.
There's only one address to sample the cooking of this top chef!

"Insights" : Kimonos, Berlin-style
The kimono is getting a makeover! Sai So, a young design company in Berlin, founded by Austrian Martin Brem, uses the traditional kimono as its raw material, to create Japanese-style objects and fashion items!