fragrance

Dries van Noten has sold to Puig



Dries van Noten AW18 by Sonny Vandevelde

My WhatsApp has been abuzz with the news that Dries van Noten has sold a majority share of his company to Spanish luxury group, Puig.

Dries has famously said that he loves the size of his company, having independent control and isn’t interested in vast expansion. He is respected for not pandering to the fast cycle of fashion and arguably, the appeal of his clothes is that they’re designed with an individual point of view, they age with you and become part of your look. (more…)



Personalised scent at Ormonde Jayne



Ormonde Jayne personalised fragrance

I had my first Ormonde Jayne scent experience a few weeks ago, in the newly refurbished boutique in Royal Arcade, off Old Bond Street. The store has been in this little arcade for 17 years and founder Linda Pilkington told me that most of the arcade neighbours (think Paul Smith, Meyrowitz eyewear and Charbonnel & Walker) have been there just as long. Not only that, but there’s a community of other longstanding ‘residents’ of this part of Old Bond Street, who she has seen grow older up over the years. (more…)



Louis Vuitton fragrance for men is coming



Louis Vuitton fragrance for men

When Louis Vuitton launched its very ‘feminine’ floral and oriental Les Parfums line in 2016, it swerved the trend of the moment by marketing it strictly to women and not as gender-neutral.

As I expected, it has now brought out a men’s collection.

Gender-neutral fragrances are great (I prefer them as they usually feature either clean, green and citrusy notes, or smoky woods and leathers), but for a brand they have fewer marketing opportunities. (more…)



Spring things: Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Blush



Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Blush

As Britain basks in its first heatwave of the year, it’s time to put the saturated matte lipsticks aside and bust out something lighter and fresher.

I’ve been wearing my Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Blush lipsticks for a few weeks and I love them. They’re not all-day-long lip products, they’re light and sheer and double up as a gentle wash of colour for cheeks too. (more…)