Although Mexico is quite literally at the center of the globe, sometimes it can feel separate, floating between the US and Latin America, between the Old World and the New. So when someone from the outside is interested in the country and its culture, Mexicans shower them with gratitude. When someone is as passionate about it as Emmanuel Picault, he becomes a native son.
By starting the gallery and design studio Chic by Accident, the Frenchman has shed light on the uniqueness of design and architecture in Mexico — especially that from the ‘50s all the way through to the much-maligned ‘80s and ‘90s. Picault sees the inherent Mexicanness in it and recognizes how cool it is. He understands that there is beauty in the unexpected, even the misunderstood. He embraces the sometimes “cuckoo” quirkiness of Mexico — one of his highest terms of praise.
Having lived extensively in Mexico for the last 20 years, he should know. His quest for the unexpected has led him to places that no tourist would ever venture into. Picault is as animated by a prehispanic temple hidden in the jungle as he is by an Acapulco suspension bridge. And he has an incredible knack for finding just the right pieces of furniture and art to bring back to his Mexico City gallery — a must visit, no matter the size of one’s suitcase.
“Mexico is always about surprises,” Picault says. “It’s an amazing territory if you’re open-minded and curious and enjoy people, places, colors and sometimes difficult moments.” Here, he shares some of his favorites.
Yucatán
Aké | “Located just 40 minutes from Mérida, this archaeological site isn’t difficult to find. What’s interesting for me is that it’s totally unknown and abandoned. Maybe 800 people visit a year; you have to ask a man to open it for you. Here they have the most amazing stairs. They’re always an inspiration to me whenever I have to build something. You could imagine an incredible orchestra playing in this arena, set up on the stairs — it is the beginning of a real dream.”
Apoala | “This is a wonderful restaurant in Merida, where an amazing woman makes Oaxacan food in an interesting, modern way. It’s set in one of the most beautiful old places with arches, and the service is perfect. It’s where you go with someone you love well.”
Estado de Queretaro
Mission Bucareli and Mirador de Cuatro Palos | “In a canyon at the bottom of a mountain, you’ll find the abandoned convent from the late 1700s.
At the top is Cuatro Palos, which has the most powerful view above the clouds. (You can drive or hike.) It’s two very different sensations that are worth experiencing on the way from the charming town of Bernal to the popular Xilitla in San Luis Potosí. They’re not easy to get to, but there’s a sensation: something very special, very unknown, always very interesting.”
