Buy it now: Hot summer, cool scents

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…)

Disneyrollergirl 1 Comment Beauty, News, Shopping, Trends Aesop, Estee Lauder, fragrance, Gucci, Hermes, Lalique, Perfumer H, shopping, Vanessa Jackman

2 July, 2018

Long read: What I saw at the Lalique factory and museum

Lalique factory cold working workshop

While the business of luxury has flung open its damask curtains in recent years, there’s one area that remains a relatively closed affair; the inner workings of the factory.

Factory, atelier, workshop, call it what you will, luxury brands like to reveal a limited, curated view (as witnessed by the craftsmanship porn videos flooding their social media feeds). But it’s rare that they open their doors to outside visitors. Which is precisely why a posh factory tour is one of my favourite perks of the job (more…)