With a CV that reads like a who’s who of the magazine world, Marian McEvoy is a legend among a certain set. The Los Angeles native decamped to France in the 1980’s and became the European Fashion Editor of Women’s Wear Daily and W magazine in Paris. A whirlwind of writing ensued landing her bylines in French Vogue, Harpers & Queen, The International Herald Tribune and The Sunday Times of London after which McEvoy ultimately returned to the US. She spent the 1990’s in Manhattan as the influential Editor of Elle Décor and then House Beautiful followed by a spell contributing to the short-lived but much loved Domino magazine (my own alma matter). McEvoy is also famously crafty and made DIY chic with her first book, Glue Gun Décor, published in 2005. These days, having just wrapped her latest book project, she can be found at home in New York’s Hudson Valley and penning the occasional column for the Wall Street Journal.

It’s no surprise then that someone who’s traveled in such fashionable circles has amassed quite a collection of renderings of herself - from glamorous portraits to quirky illustrations to snapshots with friends like Yves St Laurent. Not one to take herself too seriously, the refreshingly affable doyenne chose the powder room to display her storied collection. With a wink, her likeness watches over guests while providing an almost guaranteed talking point for first time visitors. It’s an ingenious way to display self-portraits without the frills of vanity!

Speaking of Yves St Laurent, McEvoy’s latest book is en homage to legendary decorator Bill Willis. The American ex-pat took up residence in Morocco and designed many of Marrakech’s most fabled interiors. Published by the YSL Foundation, it’s available exclusively through the boutique at Majorelle Gardens though rumor has it we’ll see it at the Foundation’s Paris boutique in the coming months.

Photograph © Justin Bernhaut, Éditions Jardin Majorelle