This month I’ve been thinking a lot about the women in my life, and how their love, influence, and support lead me to where I am today. Last time I spoke about my grandmother (the first female flight attendant at Air France) and today I want to share a story about my mom, Christiane Darde. Kiki, as we all call her, grew up in a big country house in Chevigne, Burgundy the last of six children. From a young age, she was attracted to all things special: from striking decorations to refined cuisine. She taught me to enjoy beautiful objects and to take pleasure in work done, not just well, but perfectly.Raising three children of her own, she spent all...
My beloved grandmother, Nicole Darde, was the very first female flight attendant at Air France, the national airline. I inherited her love of travel and adventures, as well as the confidence to forge my own path. Her daring to be different has always been a powerful source of courage. She was also an incredibly resourceful woman. She kind of had to be, since she was alone with her three sons much of the time. My grandfather, a flight navigator, was away frequently.After surviving WWII, Nicolo (which was her nickname) kept everything: zippers, buttons, collars, lace embroideries… I’ll always remember the day she led me to her attic and opened an antique chest to reveal these wonderful treasures. Noticing my delight,...
