AT HOME WITH

CHRISTOPHE & GABRIELLE CHOO

Recently returned from Paris where they attended the international and aristocratically star-studded Bal de Crillon dbutantes ball, Beverly Hills real estate agent Christophe Choo and his sublimely charming wife Gabrielle-Duchess von Schoeneberg, graciously invited Beverly Hills Resident Magazine for a quiet moment At Home to discover why Beverly Hills remains one of their favourite cities in the world.

BY DAVID DE LA MARCA AUTO-PORTRAITS BY CHRISTOPHE CHOO

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Although born and raised Angelenos, Christophe and Gabrielle Choo have the unique ability to leave friends and newly met acquaintances completely smitten by their hallmark European charm and nobility- a sort of elegant and natural glamour which is both down to earth and inspiring. They are the quintessential modern Beverly Hills couple who work hard and take pride in giving back to the community in which they live. Despite a bevy of charitable and philanthropic activities as well as business meetings and international social networking, Christophe and Gabrielle still take time to be veritable ambassadors for the city that Christophe refers to as one of the greatest little cities in the world. Whether dining in one of their favourite local restaurants like Villa Blanca, Spago, or Mr. Chow, filming the latest installment of Christophes insiders video reports of the Platinum Triangles finest homes and shopping experiences, or attending fashionable local events, the Choos are dyed in-the-wool advocates for the simple and almost hometown pleasures that can be discovered here in Beverly Hills. But what truly characterizes their dedication to the local area is their combined passion for charitable causes like Christophes Covenant House of California which assists local homeless youth. For long-time advocate of the healing and restorative properties of Chinese medicine, Gabrielle leverages her vast knowledge and international network to provide support to Yo San University which, in collaboration with Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, offers acupuncture treatments to children that are experiencing severe pain. She is also involved with Being Alive which provides a comprehensive set of peer-based social services delivered by and for people living with HIV as well as the Venice Family Clinic to help provide free, quality health care services to the under-served and uninsured population.

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I forget sometimes how blessed I am to be in Beverly Hills. I think people would be shocked to know Beverly Hills is a very small, close-knit community. ..There is not a day that goes by that someone in the community is not raising money for a wonderful cause. That makes me feel good, states Gabrielle. What must also make the Choos feel good is their lovely home which is filled with an eclectic and chic mix of French antiques, portrait paintings, 18th Century Gustavian pieces and a bevy of freshly cut flowers that would make Londons Chelsea Flower Show green with envy. Their home is one filled with bright, natural light-accented by Gabrielles hand selected shade of celery green which fills the entire space. The decor is approachable and comfortable, but refined and detailed, conveying the couples rich and diverse European heritage. Gabrielles use of classic French trumeaux and deftly sculpted topiaries add yet another touch of floral detail which renders their surroundings as if in a perpetual state of Versailles-like spring. Having sold real estate for over 24 years here in Beverly Hills, Christophe has an intimate knowledge of the not only the areas best homes in the super luxurious communities of Beverly Hills, Bel Air and his personal favourite, Holmby Hills, but also is somewhat of a style maven, reporting often on the very best in shopping, dining, and entertaining that 90210 has to offer. With a 1930s edgy glamour sourced from the citys finest including Ralph Lauren and Gucci, Christophe is often seen strolling down Rodeo taking in the beauty of its iconic Southern California palms, sunshine, and fabulous world-class shopping. Yet it is Gabrielles undeniable chic, filled by couture selections of Chanel, Dior, Oscar de la Renta and equally impressive fetish for the bold jewelry creations of Iradj Moini, which capture the spirit of this couple- a vibrant colourful homage to grace and elegance. This holiday the Choos plan on staying local, spending time with close friends and enjoying the citys bounty of little luxuries like chocolates from Teuscher and caviar from Petrossian, amazing cocktails at the Polo Lounge, and quiet fireside evenings with their three adorable chihuahuas Alexander, Rosebud, and Colette.

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C H R I S TO P H E & GABRIELLES BEVERLY HILLS

Villa Blanca 9601 Brighton Way Spago 176 North Caon Drive

Restaurants

The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel

For Cocktails

Teuschers Chocolates 9548 Brighton Way Petrossian Caviar 321 North Robertson Blvd.

Little Luxuries

Gucci 347 North Rodeo Drive Chanel 400 North Rodeo Drive Herms 428 North Rodeo Drive

Shopping Therapy

Covenant House of California Yo San University Venice Family Clinic Being Alive
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Charitable Causes