“You could be at one of the best airports in the world and not be able to find a single brand that you normally shop at in the city you live in. For example, how is it possible that there’s no Aesop or Byredo? These are not niche brands anymore.”
David Fischer, Highsnobiety (more…)
Last week saw Highsnobiety open its concept store, ‘Gatezero’ at Zurich airport. For six months, the bricks-and-mortar location will sell a hypebeast-friendly selection of products and exclusive releases from over 20 brands. Think Acne Studios and Gucci RTW and accessories, Comme wallets and Ambush jewellery. Plus travel essentials like toothbrushes and night masks.
From the pictures it looks perfectly pitched for the emerging new-luxury customer for whom brands and insider status are important. So, the hype fashion brands (Bottega, Balenciaga, Loewe and Saint Laurent) are also part of the buy, as well as beauty favourites Aesop, Byredo and Barbara Sturm. Naturally, there’s also a special Gatezero merch line (also available here). (more…)
Bored of all the hand washing posts yet? Nah me neither. Aesop Reverence Aromatique* is my hand wash of choice, followed by Arket Geranium* and Bjork & Berries White Forest*. M&S Calm hand wash* also has vague Aesop-meets-Austin-Austin vibes, with its amber bottles and essential oils.
But Swedish brand Forgo has a much more modern idea. Its Kickstarter is launching a waterless concept that ships sachets of concentrated powder that you mix with water yourself. No plastic, no additives, and lovely minimalist branding for those who are (for better or worse) suckers for such things (more…)
We’re in the throes of a proper 30-degree sunny and muggy city summer. I’m not complaining one bit though, because I’m not a commuter and frankly I’ll take whatever I can get. But I believe in the power of smell to help temper the heat.
I’m back on the Hermès Eau de Gentiane Blanche this summer, a really great cooling smell (earthy and green with a trail of musk) that’s like an olfactory glass of iced cordial. I think it’s one of Jean-Claude Ellena’s best, but actually all the Hermès colognes are excellent and I love the 15ml spray bottles for when I’m flanneuring about town. (more…)
