Sustainability Stories: New sustainable initiatives from four luxury brands

Return Recycle Reward with Molton Brown Molton Brown‘s ‘Return. Recycle. Reward.’ scheme was launched nationwide after successfully piloting at select stores in the UK. As Molton Brown bottle caps, pumps and Hair Care collection bottles are not widely recycled in the UK, this scheme ensures that each and every component of your used product is … Read more

Artistic perfumes: Six new niche fragrances of 2021

 

PATCHOULI CANNELLE by La Closerie des Parfums

Patchouli Cannelle fragrance by La Closerie des Parfums.

La Closerie des Parfums takes its name from these secret gardens set up in Paris in the eighteenth century. Trees, plants and flowers created an array of aromatic alcoves: inspiration was everywhere. During each blooming season, essences always mingled into new compositions. The Closerie is a garden of the senses and a door to imagination. When it offered a fragrance, it revealed a new horizon. Patchouli Cannelle by La Closerie des Parfums is a cosy, sensual moment equal to an olfactory caress. On the deep, heady base of patchouli, cinnamon, the queen of spices, emits delicate Oriental wisps. Patchouli Cannelle by La Closerie des Parfums is a comforting fragrance that warms skin and mind.

@La Closerie des Parfums

La Closerie des Parfums Oud Hair & Body Mist.
With their light application and small bottle, the mists create a convenient daily perfume routine. They leave a soft, fresh lingering fragrance and can be reapplied to the hair and skin several times throughout the day. Applied in combination with other La Closerie des Parfums fragrances, they enhance the intensity of the oud.

@Musicology Close To Midnight Perfume

Close to Midnight perfume by Musicology.

For the night-owls, this fragrance mixes mysterious amber and coffee with intense, addictive and amazing inflections. From pressure comes a delightful seduction. The delicate sensuality of jasmine meets the strong addiction to coffee. The sound rises, the temperature too… This unique gourmand combination is magnified by the volcano labdanum and the tonka bean. Finally, musks always bring more modernity to this amber composition.

@Ignacio Figueras Perfume Collection/ @ignaciofiguerascollection.com/

Ignacio Figueras Perfume Collection

Representing the brotherhood of kindred spirits, Ignacio Figueras Perfume Collection is a very exclusive line comprised of six scents inspired by Nacho Figueras lifestyle, emotions and colors of six international polo tournament destinations — Buenos Aires, Palm Beach, Aspen, Windsor, Jaipur and Dubai. Sometimes called the “David Beckham of polo”, Ignacio Figueras an Argentine polo player with a 6-goal handicap.

Each scent has notes and portray the stories connected to these grand exotic polo locations, such as the southern nights in Palm Beach, fiery evenings in Aspen, and the stillness of dawn in Jaipur sharing Nacho’s passion for travel, polo and his family.

Windsor by Ignacio Figueras:
Layer this floral scent with other perfumes from the brand’s arsenal The Windsor eau de parfum is formulated to transport the wearer to a field of wildflowers where serenity peaks. Enriched with bergamot, Saffiano leather, honeysuckle and cedarwood, this aromatic-floral scent will inspire you for years to come. Windsor represents the very best of men and women in their creations.

@Cale Fragranze d’Autore

Sottosopra perfume by Cale Fragranze d’Autore.

This niche fragrance will turn your world upside down. Do not worry about this. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?

Sottosopra was one of the winners of the minority Niche Perfumery Awards (mNPA) 2020. This Cale Fragrance d’Autore perfume has obtained the prestigious award in the Best Independent Niche Perfumes category, the unique fragrance of an Italian brand to have been selected among the finalists of the competition. The minority Niche Perfumery Awards (mNPA) is the only event in China that is in charge of awarding a pize to the best fragrances belonging exclusively to the artistic perfumery sector and are co-sponsored by Firmenich, the largest perfume and aromas company in the world, based in Geneva.

@urbanscents.de/

Gunpowder Cologne by Urban Scents

A modern interpretation of lasting vigor with a refreshing infusion of green tea, Italian bergamot essence and lavender, followed by light wooden notes and a taste of velvet musk.

Chanel announces new N°5 packaging and new makeup and skincare for men

  Chanel Factory 5. N°5 is getting new anniversary packaging. 5 days until the grand opening. N°5 celebrates 100 years of celebrity in 2021. To mark the occasion, the iconic Chanel fragrance will be presented in new packaging as part of a limited edition collection. Called Factory 5 Collection, the re-imagined fragrance will be unveiled … Read more

La Samaritaine reopens with largest beauty space in Europe and Cheval Blanc first urban hotel

 

 

Samaritaine reopens after an exceptional renovation.

La Samaritaine opening photos ©Gabriel de la Chapelle ©Bobby Allin

From Art Nouveau to a new vision of luxury: La Samaritaine luxury department store promises to be the new destination of Parisian elegance.

The new Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf high-end department store once again welcomes the public. The inaugural ceremony on 21 June, 2021 was held in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Bernard Arnault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LVMH.

The extensive restoration and renovation worksite spanning 70,000 square meters in the heart of the French capital mobilized numerous skilled artisans – painters, sculptors, gilders, ironworkers and more. At its peak, 800 craftspeople were working together at the site.

Instantly identifiable by the new undulating glass façade on the rue de Rivoli – designed by the Japanese firm Sanaa,
winner of the prestigious Pritzker Prize for architecture in 2010 – the Samaritaine has regained its stunning fully glass roof with an Eiffel style iron frame. The breathtaking 37-meter by 20-meter structure was designed in 1907 by architect Frantz Jourdain. Equally sumptuous are the Art Nouveau enameled lava stone ceramics, the monumental staircase and a sublime 115-meter-long peacock mural designed by Francis Jourdain.

photo @dfs.com/en/samaritaine

The “Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf” department store was designed and operated by the world’s leading luxury travel
retailer DFS Group (in which LVMH holds a majority stake). Some 600 brands, from iconic names in luxury to exclusive designers, punctuate La Samaritaine portfolio.

“No other department store has such compelling links to the two faces of Paris, one engaged with the historic economic vitality of the recently renovated Les Halles and the other overlooking the Seine, offering the most beautiful view of the world’s most beautiful city. The completion of this project, which both creates jobs and promotes a unique Parisian art de vivre around the world, is also a great source of pride for our Group in France and in Paris. Many of our Maisons were founded in Paris, where we intend to make an active contribution to economic recovery, as well as the worldwide appeal of France,” commented Bernard Arnault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LVMH.

“The renaissance of the Samaritaine is a collective success that has mobilized some 3,000 people. We also feel great pride in restoring access to a historical monument that has always been at the forefront of its times and holds a special place in the hearts of Parisians,” stated Jean-Jacques Guiony, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Samaritaine.

photo @dfs.com/en/samaritaine
photo @dfs.com/en/samaritaine

Visitors will discover, among other things the largest beauty space in continental Europe, “Loulou” and “Rivoli” Concept stores, beauty studio and spa, 12 restaurants featuring exclusive concepts, and a private shopping experience amidst artwork called L’Appartement.

The “Voyage” space, with 1,000 square meters under the building’s iconic Art Nouveau glass roof is proposing a blend of gastronomy, art and memorable experiences.

Beyond its innovative contemporary architecture, the new Samaritaine showcases an eclectic and richly historical
heritage, from Art Nouveau to Art Déco. At the same time, the project is emblematic of the new vision of sustainable luxury championed by LVMH through its LIFE 360 environmental program. All the buildings have been certified to the most demanding environmental standards* and limit energy consumption through the use of cutting-edge materials and low-consumption lighting.

Cheval Blanc Paris

Another essential part of the Samaritaine project is Cheval Blanc Paris, the Maison’s first urban hotel (facing the Quai du Louvre), which will welcome its first guests on September 7, 2021. The interiors of its 72 rooms and suites were created by renowned American architect and designer Peter Marino. He transformed the Art Déco building overlooking the Seine into a celebration of Parisian art de vivre.

The Samaritaine is also an exceptional mixed-use urban project, bringing fresh energy to Paris’ Right Bank.

LVMH’s positive impact on the local economy is further demonstrated by close to 3,000 jobs. Each day 1,700 workers will bring to life the DFS department store.

The buildings – which meet the most demanding environmental standards – also house a nursery with space for 80
children and 96 public housing units (operated by Paris Habitat). Located between the Louvre and Les Halles, the
Samaritaine complex plays a pivotal role in the renaissance of the neighborhood, including a pedestrian square with direct access to the famous Pont Neuf bridge.

©Gabriel de la Chapelle
©Bobby Allin

Effect of Covid-19 on Luxury Brands

  Just like pretty much everything, sales of luxury goods were also affected by Covid-19. However, due to the recent news (Lifting of restrictions, vaccines, etc), an almost 29 percent increase has been noticed in the sales of luxury goods. Especially in luxury handbags. As reported by Bain & Company, who happened to be a … Read more

Valentino’s first Beauty MakeUp totally refillable: All the formulas are experimental, with a couture approach

  Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli delivers his vision of beauty with Valentino’s first Beauty Makeup line. Maison Valentino opens its first Valentino Beauty Make Up line by launching into the Selfridges Corner Shop. Pierpaolo Piccioli, Creative Director of Maison Valentino, delivers his vision of beauty according to the time we are living in, by bringing his … Read more