The French word bastide means “a traditional country house in the south of France,” one which is likely dolled up in dainty garden blooms that waltz in a fresh spring breeze fragranced by butter (because, France) and homemade ratatouille – or so we would imagine. Bastide is also the name of the non-toxic, natural heritage beauty brand from beauty guru Frédéric Fekkai and his wife, fashion veteran Shirin von Wulffen.

Originally founded 25-years ago in Frederic’s hometown of Aix-en-Provence, Bastide has taken on a new (highly stylish) identity since Frédéric and Shirin acquired and re-booted the brand. This likely has much to do with Shirin’s influence and the aesthetic sensibility she’s developed through years of working in fashion and beauty. First as a PR pro, then as a fashion director and brand consultant, Shirin has worked alongside such illustrious brands as YSL and Tom Ford.

Bastide is the couple’s love letter to life in Provence, directly inspired by their healthy, seasonal way of eating and living in the Mediterranean paradise that is their own personal bastide. We asked Shirin to paint a picture of what it looks like to live well in Provence and we’re swooning over every fairy-dusted detail, most of which brings us right back to the kitchen…