Carouge and its unexpected gardens

Behind the neatly restored façades, an unexpected world is opening in front of us : a small world, which allows us to penetrate its mystery. We push a door and suddenly we take the time to inhale the perfume of the roses, of the old lilac, or to glance with a hint of nostalgia at the old bicycle leaning against the wall. Conviviality being an outstanding feature of the Carougeois, some families warmly open their homes to us, in order to share, during our visit, this privileged atmosphere. Behind the workshop of a craftsman, we can see or guess the shape of a tree, of a bench, those elements which make us dream of hidden courtyards and secret gardens.

Informations et contact:

By Virginie Bosc - 1st April 2008  

If you have a strong sense of humour, then this is an address not to be missed under any circumstances. Originally from Scandinavia, Line looks for humour in everything around her and, 8 years ago, in keeping with this spirit, she launched her boutique. Located on rue de la Rôtisserie, the boutique, decorated in vibrant hues, surfs the world of ready-to-wear and that of small furniture and unusual objects with the same relative ease. Very trendy, Line has followed a resolutely « streetwear » style. The range is deliberately kept limited to prevent the market from being flooded with the same « Tokyo style » T-shirt and this is what makes it so attractive.

Offbeat and trendy at the same time, FAMOUSAPE takes us into a world that oscillates between insolence and derision, even touching the boundaries of ridicule; for, to wear apple green striated plastic glasses that serve no real purpose is no easy task in a world as conventional as ours!  However, if you are wondering what to give your younger 35 year old brother for his birthday, look no further! Choose either an electric Racing Grannies set or a « Cocktail set chemistry » which he can use to make explosive cocktails ! (Preferably in your absence ...).   Anyway, a short visit to FAMOUSAPE: it's a bit like enjoying a break after a long day at school!

FAMOUSAPE 
Rue de la Rôtisserie 17 - 1204 Genève 
T : +41 (0)22 310 71 17
www.famousape.net

Made out of sand, soda and lime, glass becomes a work of art between the skilled hands of Gérard Bertin. This artist, glassmaker and glassblower who settled in Carouge 22 years ago, uses the same ancestral molten glass technique as the Phoenicians and the Egyptians.

Cold formed, the glass is packed together as a paste in moulds before being fired again at 800 degrees Celsius. This stamping technique had become obsolete before being rediscovered and widely used during the art deco period. Gérard Bertin updates this technique in delicate contemporary works. This sensitive and demanding artist will be glad to show you his designs.

Contact and information:

Gérard Bertin
4, rue St-Joseph
1227 Carouge
Tel + 41 (0)22 343 10 43
Text: Swisspassions
Photo: Carougemania www.carougemania.ch.