Can you introduce yourself?
Born in Bordeaux and adopted by Biarritz for 11 years, I am curious about everything, passionate about fashion, design, architecture, decoration and floral art.
After my art studies, I worked in different fields such as events, scenography and then I specialized in visual merchandising and graphic design. Lover of beautiful things, I draw my inspiration from my many trips to Morocco, England, the Netherlands, New York and Paris where I am lucky to be regularly invited to Fashion Weeks, as well as to numerous exhibitions.
I created the lifestyle magazine B², which earned me coverage in the New York Times, WAD, Vogue, AD, etc.
For more than 8 years, after a year in Madrid, Javier De La Rica, my mentor, chose me to put my know-how at the service of an exceptional place a few minutes from Biarritz, the Gaztelur estate .
©Carlos Martinez - DOMAINE DE GAZTELUR - Chemin de Gastelhur - 64200 Arcangues
In this former 15th-century mansion transformed into a veritable cabinet of curiosities, where everything is for sale, there is a gourmet restaurant, antiques, and a florist, with the incredible artisan florist Mar Lopez, with whom I learned the trade for a year in Spain.
I highlight designers, both well-known and up-and-coming, and organize numerous events: weddings - around fifteen per season, including celebrities, I had the honor of being cited in Vogue Novias as one of the 5 wedding planners to follow - collection launches, product presentations (e.g.: Gabrielle Chanel), seminars (e.g.: Hermès), galas, flower workshops (e.g.: for Chanel Cosmétique), lunches and dinners for personalities or companies, decoration, arrangements for private homes or for events outside the field.
©Carlos Martinez
What was your background before joining Gaztelur?
I have a Baccalaureate in Applied Arts in Bordeaux, a BTS in Space Design, and numerous internships, including a year in Madrid, in events, decoration, and fashion (Vogue, AD, Elle Déco, etc.). I created an online lifestyle and fashion magazine recognized by the New York Times' T.
Why did you choose the Basque Country?
I came on vacation when I was little (only 2 hours from Bordeaux), my second mother Jojo, My mom's best friend lives here. I simply love the spirit of the people, the landscapes, the way of life and the environment.
A typical day?
I get up very early. I check my emails in bed. I establish the schedule and the daily schedule for all my teams (catering, events, florist or decoration) and I take care of all the administrative work. In general, in the morning I make my external appointments, or I make important phone calls and in the afternoon I am at the Gaztelur estate with the teams. I always spend part of the day (on the phone or in the office) with Javier, my boss, my mentor to share my ideas, for advice or to summarize current affairs, and also with Gaëlle, my collaborator who assists me in all my work, to take stock. I go home. If it's not too late and if I have time, I cook for my darling (who also often finishes late) and if not, we meet up for a drink near Les Halles to have a tapas aperitif at Arnoa, and/or finish at the restaurant. After Gaztelur our favorite restaurants are Caroe for all their creations, Saline for the tuna tataki, Joie for a pizza and in the summer Carlos ( which he decorated ) for the view and the atmosphere.
©Carlos Martinez - LE CARLOS - 7 Boulevard du Prince de Galles - 64200 Biarritz
Where do you find inspiration?
A bit everywhere, but especially during my travels (especially in Morocco), my trips and the meetings I have, so many beautiful people and universes.
My family, my brothers, my friends, also inspire me, they support me and push me to be more creative and to push my limits.
A professional encounter that left a lasting impression on you/inspired you?
My boss Javier who taught me a lot and helped me grow, my friend Laurence from the LRNCE brand, my creative friends and so many others.
What place does Beauty (beauty ritual, massage) have in your life?
Very important (ask Geoffrey, my partner, or my friends!). Every morning and evening, it's a serum and cream ritual... I often do scrubs and masks at home, whenever I have time. I also treat myself, whenever I can, to massages at the Alaena Spa .
What is your favorite Alaena product?
I like several, but the All Apricot Scrub and the Fruit Acid Peel are the best for me!
Where are you going to recharge your batteries?
Facing the ocean, at home (I really like my house, but I'm not there often with my travels and my work), so staying quiet in my cocoon with Geoffrey and Mauricette (our cat) is a good way for me to recharge my batteries. Otherwise, I like to escape to Marrakech, more particularly in a lodge in the middle of the Agafay desert or in the inland Basque Country, with friends... I appreciate the simple things!
What are your upcoming projects?
I will be releasing my city guide "6 days in Marrakech" very soon. I have several projects to decorate private homes, as well as a hotel in Biarritz, but also my furniture collection in collaboration with the publishing house Mika Goods which should soon see the light of day (we are in the final phase of the prototypes) and always Gaztelur with many beautiful project events.
What is your mantra?
Do your best and remember to be happy.
Portrait of Olivier Granet ©Guille Fonte