Monthly Archives: October 2007

Some days I think I have a an interesting life. On Saturday, I attended a perfume seminar. It was set in the cafe at Fred Segal (I’m sure they have a fun name for the shop like Fred Segal caffeinated), with tons of tables and coffee, juices and glamorous looking ladies squashed into a tiny room. But the real fun started when Ron Robinson, the owner of Apothia, a beauty store within Fred Segal, got up and talked about his inspirations while designing perfume, followed by Gary McNatton who designed fragrances for GAP. McNatton spoke eloquently about what scents inspired him–he has a thing for mangoes. Then the head of marketing for Givaudan spoke about the coming fragrances for the new year and they passed around five scent sticks to sniff. Givaudan is French company where most designer fragrances are conceptualized and created.

www.givaudan.com What I found most cool about the company is that they have a perfume school were students can attend–for free!–and learn the ropes of making perfume. On the downside you have to be invited, so I’m guessing that my fleeting dream of becoming a perfumer is totally out in left field. Pierre Negrin, a perfumer for Givaudan spoke about each fragrance and explained what ingredients made up the top notes, the middle and the "Dry out."  Negrin made scents like Calvin Klein’s Truth for Men, Ralph Lauren’s, Polo Black, and Estee Lauders’s Unforgivable and Estee Lauders’s Tom Ford Black Orchid. My favorite was a scent tentatively called (all these were still in production) Rare liExir, a floral scent (I don’t normally like floral scents), that made me think of a chic woman from France. It was riotous and flower, complicated and heady–whatever that means.
Without further ado, these are the five trends they presented:
1. Green Power–It smelled green but had kind of a nutty kick.
2. Intoxicating Remedies–This is the only one that I didn’t like as much.
3. True Luxe–The floral scent that made me think of France.
4. Cybereality–My mother kept saying coconut oil! Coconut oil! when she sniffed this. There was no coconut oil. It smelled youthful to me. 
5. Whiteness of Being–Very clean, made me think of New York.

One other super cool thing that they showed us was a video they used as inspirational tool. Check out this link. It’s worth it, I promise!

Dove Video about Beauty

My childhood idol Punky Brewster (and I’m thinking of dressing as Punky for Halloween), has just opened a brand new store filled chock a block eco-friendly baby products called Little Seed. It’s a little strange to think that your childhood idols–perhaps peers–I think she’s a bit older than me–are on their second, third and fourth children.

Another funny thing about L.A., all the former child-stars have boutiques. It’s like the pasture land for ex-actors. I’ve written about former Baywatch babes, people from the Facts of Life, Different Strokes and The Office launching new boutiques. It’s a refugee ground for former workers in the Industry.

That reminds me, Tara Reid’s brother used to have a boutique a couple of blocks away from my apartment. I used to go by and check out his merchandise. He was always in there, manning his shop. No hired help for him. Sadly, I think it moved or went out of business. Running a store for the long haul is not something for the meek. A really nice guy though.

www.thelittleseed.com

Okay so today I started my research about Fall trends and of course, what comes up all over the place? Feathers. W Magazine even has an entire spread filled with swans and other grouchy birds as props. For me, what’s more interesting is the detailing and structures that are popping up on dresses by Jeremy laing and the backs of pieces by Lanvin.

www.jeremylaing.com

www.lanvin.fr

Other delicious news…Christian Louboutin is coming to Saks Fifth Avenue for a personal appearance. He does a collaborative line with Rodarte. I’ve never owned a pair of his shoes, but I admire his ability to create a beautiful object.

WHO:             Saks Fifth Avenue will welcome legendary designer Christian Louboutin to mingle with some of Beverly Hills most well-heeled customers.

WHAT:            To kick-off the highly-anticipated West Coast arrival of Mr. Louboutin, Saks Fifth Avenue Beverly Hills will host an in-store PA for the artist behind today’s chicest footwear.  Mr. Louboutin will be on hand to greet his devoted fans, as well as sign a pair of their favorite pumps.

WHEN:            Thursday, October 18, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

WHERE:           Saks Fifth Avenue

9600 Wilshire Blvd.

Beverly Hills, CA

Whats up with feathers? They go in and out at least once a year. I just received a promo saying that Sarah Jessica Parker is going to tote around a pheasant feather clutch in the new Sex and the City movie. I just feel so ambivalent about this. Feathers. Yeah, they were in "like three seasons ago" when those peacock colors were popular for shoes and accessories. It just doesn’t seem that fresh, yet. Regardless, I’m passing on the posting, just to give you a preview.