I was recently reminded about my days spent as a catwalk model. Eons ago in the mid 1990’s I was asked to model for Comme Des Garcons. I duly arrived in Paris as instructed, the location escapes me, it was at one of the many Parisian Institut’s, but I do recall the most incredible murals within, the most beautiful ornament as often found in French public buildings. The day was wonderful, fashion and interiors-one could call it heaven.

Not too long ago Ronda Rice Carmen of ‘All the Best Blog’ asked me what my most treasured possession was to which I replied, John Fowlers address book - which it was - or is - or….sometimes is! I mean do YOU actually have ONE consistent most treasured item, because the truth is I fall in love pretty frequently. My most treasured possession du jour for example, comes hot on the heels of my recent trip to Moravia with Nicky; my signed copy of ‘The Journey‘ by Celia Sternberg. Though strangely, MY journey begins much before that, when I posted one of my very first blogs on Diana Phipps. Last fall, deep in the basement of Conde Nast amongst the vintage Vogues I came upon that pink plaid bathroom, designed by Diana Phipps, which appears in Affordable Splendor (an old copy of which rests on my cottage bookshelves). Nicky at the time, and as is often the case, says - ‘of course Diana, wonderful decorator, she is absolute heaven and a great friend of mine‘ - and I posted the blog and that was that.

Months later we plan our trip, and Nicky determines it would be just as easy to fly home via Prague, and we could spend a night at Diana’s (Phipps nee Countess Sternberg) wonderful house. He also tells me I MUST read ‘The Journey’ and I ignore his advice because I believe that sometimes there is merit in approaching an adventure in the mindset of La Farge…that is ‘that we should bring no books, read no books, but come as innocently as we could‘. So having spent a week touring the Czech Republic and surrounded by unspeakable beauty, we arrived, were so warmly welcomed - wonderfully overwhelmed by Castolovice.

Yes SO warmly welcomed despite the magnificent scale and grandeur of Castolovice! I quickly realise my mistake because instantly I want to know EVERYTHING about the house, and the divine Diana (who does not generally go by Countess although she has added Sternberg back to her name).

I am very sweetly lent a copy of the book, (which I am subsequently allowed to steal) written by Diana’s mother, and which I stay up all night reading! ’The Journey‘ is everything I love - history, aristocracy, ancient lineage, castle-owning cousins, eccentricity, humour, poverty, and tragedy written in the most brilliant irreverent prose. From Castlovice (and other family palaces) the Sternberg’s were forcibly removed by the Nazi’s during the war, only to return in ’45, then forced to flee again in ’48 when the house was taken over by the Communists. It was in fact eventually to house a refrigerator repair school until 1989 when Countess Sternberg, almost accidentally, was returned to the home she left when she was 11; the result of various difficult restitution arrangements. She has spent the last 20 years making good the extensive and exhaustive damages the house has suffered.

On a lighter note - this is a typical Diana touch. We dined for example, with all the fine Nymphenberg china…AND a cow dressed as a pink poodle on the table!! A sense of humour I can tell from ‘The Journey’… she has inherited from both her mother and father.

…and just a FEW of the Sternberg 8-sided stars at Castolovice, although surely it is Countess Sternberg’s which shines the brightest. This was a truly magical experience and here are two very poor videos (my fault) which I hope will give you a better taste of it all. Now if you, like me, are hooked…exclusive arrangements can be made to accomondate parties of six to stay. Contact Harriet Landseer at [email protected]

David Patrick Columbia recently wrote in the New York Social Diary about a Peter Greenaway event on in New York right now. I’ve long been a fan and it prompted me to post in brief about one of my favourite movies, ‘The Draughtsman’s Contract’.

I can’t even begin on the complexities of this movie so will keep to a few visuals.

In many ways this movie is a tableaux vivant. It is largely ‘wrong’ in terms of historic evocation but it’s a visual feast, and his use of entirely white costumes is one I wholly condone, naturally.

It’s old but absolutely classic and was filmed in the gardens at Groombridge, Kent, which also featured as the home of the Bennets in the recent Pride and Prejudice film.

Have you seen ‘The Draughtsman’s Contract’? Let me know what you think!

Chiswick House Gardens have recently been renovated and they have installed drawing frames around the grounds to allow visitors to place themselves in the exact viewpoint of various artists who painted the house. Charming and successful idea.

This image comes courtesy of the V&A and shows Dürer using a drawing frame. Apparently Constable was a fan of these instruments also.

Christopher Simon Sykes is a very old friend of mine - and the producer of some wonderful YouTube videos in my honour.

It all started two years ago when he didn’t receive his invitation to a party I was hosting at Bessborough House (he was traveling and wouldn’t have been able to attend anyway).

I hosted another one in November 2008 and dared not invite him. This was cause for a second video.

Finally, I invited Christopher to my cabaret performance at The Savoy last week and he came. He sings very well himself and did a new song on my cabaret.

Christopher, if by chance you read this blog, I love the new song - it’s better than any Christmas gift and the world will be playing it instead of Christmas carols! You’re a genius…thank you!

Last week Tuesday I attended the launch of Bryan Ferry‘s brilliant new album ‘Olympia’ - his first solo album in eight years. It’s a wonderful display of his talent and I’ve been playing it on repeat to everyone in the office - and my car - ever since.

At a private dinner at Dean Street Townhouse in Soho that Bryan and Haper’s Bazaar gave in celebration of this magnificent album I was seated next to the breathtaking Kate Moss. She’s a true siren and a modern day, timeless beauty. Sitting beside her, as usual, she gave me whiplash.

I can’t remember exactly what she said but it was just completely brilliant and I just went for it…Snogging my personal Olympia…Thank you darling. You are too sweet, really!