Julián chair in red | rotational-moulded polyethylene | Javier Mariscal | Magis “Me Too” collection | 2005

Hermès twilly in silk | “L’Arbre de Vie” |  5 x 86 cm (2 x 32 in)

Glo-Ball Wall lamp | Jasper Morrison | Flos | 1999

Model | JFMG | René OG Canvas Trainers | Lacoste | Cotton Shirt | NANOS

Photography | Creatives duMonde

Story | TMG

Like many Europeans, my triumphs and trials are often multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-national.

I’m quarantining in Switzerland during the pandemic. The French side. Romandie. Naturally I start my days by reading a French newspaper, from France. Yes, it makes sense. Nothing happens in Switzerland. That’s the reason anyone has ever loved it here. However, the French French, in France, are always in revolt over something. I take my excitement where I can get it.

The unfortunate truth is that happiness in 2020 is not reading the news. To be informed is to be content to be unhappy. ¡Soy un tipo muy listo!

A pandemic is for learning. This is a great time to take up something difficult that one wouldn’t ordinarily pursue. I spend an hour or so each day studying Chinese. Picture it: Barcelona, spring 2021. She’s looking for Casa Batlló. She’s a photographer and is worried that she’s kept the crew waiting. ¿Hablas chino? 是的! My directions are perfect. The photos win the 2022 Sony World Photography Awards. Youth category. A promising career is launched. My advanced language skills and kindness toward a young artist change her life forever. Julián – the Spanish caballero that could!

I wonder if delusions of grandeur are a symptom of social distancing for too long?

I spend afternoons in the garden. It’s important to keep my vitamin D levels up. Also, I work on perfecting my angles. Poise. Stamina. Elegance. I’m naturally graceful, of course, but one mustn’t lose one’s work ethic. When I finally get back to the studio, I’ll be modeling in all the chicest home collections. ¡Gracias Mariscal! I’m a modern classic.

Every Sunday, we dress for dinner. It’s a family ritual we’ve honed since mid-April. With nowhere to go, it gives everyone something to look forward to. A reason to manicure your paws, polish your smile and start the week looking and feeling your best. Champagne is promptly served at sunset. Sparkling water for the young teen, of course.

Today is the last Sunday of summer. I have a beautiful, bright orange, floral twilly that’s perfect to wear to the apéritif. Appropriately celebratory. After careful reflection, I’ve decided to keep it for another time. I’m feeling especially proud in my own skin today. No adornment. Simple. I am enough.

TMG