Sandra‘s Closet

Are you good at gifting? Come in! Frédéric Malle grew up immersed in the world of perfumery, and has a deep knowledge of raw materials, fragrance structure and accords. His ‘Editions’ collection includes scents by distinguished noses including Dominique Ropion, Jean-Claude Ellena and Pierre Bourdon.

This holiday season, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle offers a truly kaleidoscopic range from which to select the perfect gift. The gift that says I was thinking of you, I care, I remember…, or perhaps just, I hope this brings you joy.

Find a gift that is as unique as its owner, a gift that is a perfect match, a gift that will wrap him, or her in luxury, and will be the perfect reflection of the person wearing it. So many original perfumes, but also home scents: candles, rubber incense, perfume guns, linen sprays, hand creams and soaps…. As well as many other items that will dazzle and enchant you.

Perfume is a powerful thing. Whether it’s your signature scent as you kiss someone good bye, your exquisite trail as you leave a room, or the particular mood that evaporates throughout your home to change its atmosphere, or even the lingering whiff of perfume on sheets.

Choosing a perfume for oneself is a deeply personal experience. But choosing one for someone else can be a way to say what is often left unsaid. It needs care and attention. Taking the time to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, to imagine their desires, is an intimate act. An attention that requires empathy and often affection.

In addition to a curated selection of perfumes, scented objects, and other gifts, this year’s holiday season is wrapped with the homely design of Konstantin Kakanias.
The L.A based artist, and friend of Frédéric Malle is not only a celebrated artist holding shows regularly in the US and Europe. He is also the author of the Mrs Tependris albums, and collaborated with T Magazine, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Yves Saint Laurent, and Christian Lacroix.

TO SHOP FREDERIC MALLE ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Luxurious, happy, mistake-free gifting.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Frédéric Malle

Matching your lips and nails is old fashioned. Now it is about matching your lipstick to your scent with the newest launch M·A·C. Shadescents are six new perfumes inspired by the baeuty brand’s most iconic lipstick shades.

LIPSTICKS (CHF 28.00) – FRAGRANCES (CHF 65.00)

Ruby Woo Very matte, vivid blue-red (Retro Matte) – Ruby Woo Woody floral with hints of deep red leather

Candy Yum Yum Neon pink (Matte)- Candy Yum Yum Fruity floral gourmand with notes of tropical fruit and cotton candy

Lady Danger Vivid bright coral-red (Matte) – Lady Danger Woody floriental with notes of wild cherry 

Heroine Bright purple (Matte) – My Heroine Woody leather with notes of saffron, incense smoke, and cordovan leather 

Creme d’Nude Pale muted peach beige (Cremesheen) – Creme d’Nude Amber musk evoking the vibrant sexiness of naked skin

Velvet Teddy Deep-tone beige (Matte) – Velvet Teddy Wild honey and creamy musk

The fragrances are available in Switzerland from February 2017, in other countries like the US they have launched already. Which Shadescent are you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Today, I would like to take you on an aromachological journey with Roger & Gallet. Recently, I attended their press conference n Zurich at the beautifully decorated Pflanzbar that provided the perfect ambiance to experience this olfactory adventure. Personally speaking, it has been one of the most breathtaking presentations in a very long time. Roger & Gallet offers a natural touch of emotion and luxury everyday with their know-how of a perfumer-apothecary since 1862.

Inspired by the original Eau de Cologne Jean Marie Farina, official supplier to Napoleon I, the creations of Roger & Gallet result from an authentic know-how of distillation of rare natural ingredients. At the Pflanzbar, we were able to go on a perfumer’s journey to the heart of some of the most beautiful gardens in the world.

Let me share with you the secret of a wonderful and unique daily beauty regime. Perfumes that are composed with natural essential oils, soaps perfumed to their ‘heart’ using the traditional cauldron method and body care with exceptional textures.

GINGER
Stimulating

Succumb to the exuberance of Indian gardens, allow yourself to be aroused by the magic of maharajahs’ palaces, the sensual swish of silk saris and savour a sparkling bouquet of ginger flowers and precious wood mingled with the sensual spices.

GREEN TEA
Soothing

Allow yourself to be carried away by the radiant, sacred atmosphere of Mount Fuji rising among the tea fields. The senses are aroused, the mind is stimulated under a natural waterfall of green tea and citrus fruit blended with the subtle sensuality of the precious wood, inspired by the wisdom and harmony of the oriental tradition. The balancing of body and mind.

BOIS D’ORANGER
Invigorating

An olfactive journey into the Andalucian gardens of the Alhambra in Grenada under the orange trees of the Generalife Palace.  Capture the vibrant sunshine, as well as the freshness of the leaf and the fruit, the softness of the flower and the fresh sensuality of orange wood.

ROSE
Relaxing

The exquisite refinement of a mythical flower with a bewitching perfume and silky  petals. A magical walk through the splendour of the palaces of Bengal and their delectable gardens, it celebrates its union with the mystery of amber.

FLEUR D’OSMANTHUS
Euphoric

This beautiful fragrance transports you into a Chinese Garden of Eden, in quest of the rare and mysterious flower of happiness.

And here is the newest addition to the Roger & Gallet fragrance family:

FLEUR DE FIGUIER
Delightful

Imagined during a trip to the Mediterranean garden of Esterel, this new fresh and indulgent scent radiates light and opulence. The sensual accord of fig pulp is first enhanced by a hint of caraway and the freshness of grapefruit. The fragrance notes of crisp fig leaves then reveal themselves as they blend with those of mandarin blossom. Finally, the sensuality of musk and fig wood provides a sensation of relaxing wellbeing. A truly amazing new scent!

Available from April 2013 in pharmacies.
Eau Fraîche CHF 59.70 (100ml) 
Crème Douche CHF 16.00 (200ml), Soap CHF 9.60 (100g) and Body Milk CHF 20.60 (200ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For F/W 2011, many new fragrances will or have already hit the market just recently. Today, I would like to give you a brief summary of what is worth getting your nose on. Enjoy!

SENSOUS NUDE – Oriental Floral

Sensuous Nude is a new version of the original perfume Sensuous from 2008 and a fragrance reminiscent of the summer due its beautiful coconut accord.

Top Notes: Bergamot, pink and black pepper and mandarin

Middle Notes: Lily of the Valley, jasmine, coconut water, white honey and musk

Base Notes: Sandalwood, vanilla, amber, helioptrope and woody notes (that were created with a new technology, so-called Melted Wood Nature Print, for a more natural scent experience)

Sensuous Nude EDP, 30ml (CHF 60), 50ml (CHF80), 100ml (CHF114)
Sensuous Nude Body Veil – rich body cream 200ml (CHF 60)
Sensuous Nude Touch On Fragrance – light silky serum 10ml (CHF 54).

Advertising campaign was designed and executed by photographer Craig McDean, and advertising face is Brazilian model Isabeli Fontana, who posed on Californian beaches for this campaign (first photo on top). The fragrance is in stores now.

VIOLET BLONDE – Floral Woody Musk

Tom Ford has launched a new fragrance, named Violet Blonde which is based on powdery notes of violet and iris.

Top Notes: Violet leaf, pink pepper and Italian mandarin

Middle Notes: Tuscan iris absolute, Tuscan orris butter and jasmine

Base Notes: Musk, vetiver, suede, cedar and benzoin.

Tom Ford Violet Blonde EDP, 30ml (CHF 90), 50ml (CHF132), 100ml (CHF200)

Lara Stone was chosen to feature the campaign of the whole line that was shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. In stores in Switzerland Mid September 2011, in the US already available.

BURBERRY BODY – Chypre Fruity

Burberry Body is a feminine and effortlessly sensual fragrance with an eclectic combination of refined ingredients.

Top Notes: Green absinthe, peach and freesia

Middle Notes: Rose absolute, iris and sandalwood

Base Notes: Woody cashmeran, creamy vanilla, amber and musk.

Burberry Body is available in a wide range, featuring EdP Intense in different sizes, EdP in different sizes, Body Oil and Body Milk.

Supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley features in the new campaign shot by Mario Testino to promote the range, wearing nothing but a gold trench – and a few drops of the scent of course that is in stores now. 
The scent has so far been featured on Facebook, giving fans a chance to preview the scent. The page has had a staggering 8 million ‘likes’ as the brand continues to push the boundaries of digital media. The new fragrance is available since beginning of September.

PRADA CANDY – Oriental Vanilla

Prada has launched a new feminine perfume called Candy. As for me, this is the most surprising new scent on the market, very sweet , very girly and very unusual for the Italian brand.

Top Notes: Musk

Middle Notes: Benzoin

Base Notes: Caramel and vanilla.

Prada Candy EDP is available in three different sizes (30,50 and 80ml), with shower gel, body lotion and peeling.

The face is young French actress Léa Seydoux known for her role in The Beautiful Person (La Belle Personne) shot by Jean Paul Goud. Prada Candy is in stores now.

VERSACE YELLOW DIAMOND – Floral

Versace started its perfume line inspired by crystals in 2004 with Crystal Noir, and then launched the lighter and fruitier Bright Crystal in 2006. In 2011, a new addition is presented, “a crystal that turns into a diamond”: Yellow Diamond, a transparent and airy floral scent.

Top Notes: Neroli, lmon, bergamot and pear sorbet

Middle Notes: Orange blossom, freesia, mimosa and water lily

Base Notes: Amber, musk and guaiac wood.

Versace Yellow Diamond is available as 50 and 90 ml EdT, with deodorant and body lotion.

The face of the campaign is Australian model Abbey Lee Kershaw, shot by Mario Testino in Paris.

TOMMY HILFIGER EAU DE PREP TOMMY GIRL – Floral Fruity

The Tommy Hilfiger Group is launching two new fragrances – Eau de Prep Tommy Girl and Eau de Prep Tommy (for men). The fragrances reflect the preppy lifestyle which means sporty yet elegant. Let me give you more facts about Eau de Prep Tommy Girl:

Top Notes: Pink peppercorn, green apple and pear

Middle Notes: White roses, violet and hawthorn

Base Notes: Sandalwood, patchouli and musk.

Eau de Prep Tommy Girl EdT, 30ml (CHF46), 50ml (CHF76), 100ml (CHF96)

The fragrances will launch in Switzerland starting October 24, 2011.

SISLEY EAU D’IKAR  for Men – Woody Aromatic

Let me introduce you to the first ever masculine fragrance from Sisley named Eau d’Ikar. The composition is based on the note of mastic, a Mediterranean tree that grows in Corsica where the d’Ordano family’s origins are. A wonderful new composition for men.

Top Notes: Mastic, bitter orange, bergamot, lemon and carrot seeds

Middle Notes: Mastic absolute, iris, jasmine, orange pekoe tea, reeds, leather, wood and spices

Base Notes: Green cistus, sandalwood and vetiver.

Eau d’Ikar EdT, 50ml (CHF90), 100ml (CHF145)

The artwork bottle, symbol of a myth revisited, was designed by Polish sculptor Bronislaw Krzysztof. The new fragrance will be available from October, 1, 2011.

Have fun exploring those new fragrances in real and stay tuned for more releases to come! My personal favourites are Sensous Nude and Eau de Prep Tommy Girl!

LoL, Sandra

As you might already know, I love perfume, especially extraordinary fragrances.
In the beginning of September, I was very lucky to visit one of the most outstanding perfumers worldwide in his studio overlooking the rooftops of Florence: Lorenzo Villoresi.

This view is truly inspiring, as well as his laboratory is where you are only guided by your senses. „I wanted to realize a dream. Spices and essences have always fascinated me. Perfumery became my passion and later on my profession“.

His talent is not the fruit of specialised schools or master perfumers, but one which developed gradually thanks to his university studies in Biblical Philology and Ancient Philosophy, which in turn led him to travel extensively in the Middle East.

The experiences he gained there combined with the natural products  of his native Tuscany make his creations so special.

In 1990, he fulfilled his vision and founded his Maison of Perfume in an ancient palace in Via dei Bardi in Florence where he focuses on the great traditions of Florentine perfumery and the original methods which have been used in this craft for many years.

In 2006, he won as the first Italian and independent creator of fragrances, the prestigious Prix Coty, which can only be awarded once in a perfumer’s lifetime.

Donna and Uomo were the names given to Lorenzo Villoresi’s first collection, after which he focused on the creation of monothematic fragrances which included his own personal interpretations of classic themes such as Musk, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Incenses, Spices, Vetiver and Wild Lavender.  Those classic fragrances come in the blue bottles.

The green packaging stands for the Olea Europaea collection that is based on olive-oil offering products for the body, bath and hair.

His so-called fantasy fragrances currently draw inspiration from actual „olfactory visions“ which conjure up exotic and mystical worlds, moods and settings, including among others:

the suggestive Piper Nigrum (fresh, aromatic, spicy and peppery with reminiscences of oriental and arab markets),

the warm Alamut (rich, opulent and velvety flowers of a Thousand and One Nights, a sensual journey to the Orient),

and my absolut favourite, the sophisticated Teint de Neige, „the colour of snow“.

Teint de Neige consists of  powdery and sweet notes of jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang on a base of musk, Tonka beans and heliotrope. The  aroma is delicately permeated by the richness of the natural extracts of precious flowers, recalling the light, images and atmosphere of the belle-époque.

A whole range of products is available from shower gel to body cream, from scented candles to room fragrances featuring this wonderful scent.

If you have always dreamt of having your own custom-made fragrance, Lorenzo Villoresi’ s atelier would be the place to go. During your appointment, you are spending 2-3 hours approximately with the artist himself. Your „tailor-made“ fragrance is then the result of a direct exchange between you and him; desires, words and feelings are processed together and transformed into a perfume.
Villoresi becomes a sort of Demiurge who, through his intellectual capacity and technical skills, can translate the essence of an ambition, dream or adventure into a fragrant product.

At the end of your appointment the personalised fragrance will be consigned to you. The price starts from €3600.-.
You have different options to choose from. One could be for example that you get the following:

1 Perfume 30ml in a crystal bottel with sterling silver top and label
1 Perfume 30ml in a glass bottle
1 blown glass funnel
1 velvet pouch
1 Exclusive fragrance certificate
1 Eau de Toilette 100ml in an extra bottle, with silver plated top and label
1 Eau de Toilette 100ml in  a glass bottle

Villoresi describes his Haute Couture of the Senses like this: „ A perfume should provide a privileged insight into your own personal essence, a clue to your innermost thoughts and journeys of the soul; a door which can either be kept locked or left wide open, leading to opportunities, games and seduction.“
The genius could probably use a perfume rather than words to describe how he feels and also mentiones: „Perfumery is an unlimited world. In the creation of a scent it is possible to recall a feeling or a place, to move to an imaginary space or to invent new emotional dimensions“.

Lorenzo Villoresi also offers a wide range of wonderful home products from pot pourris and scented sachets to jars and dishes to exalt the beauty of your chosen fragranced leaves and woods. Scented candles are also available along with aromitizers and room fragrances with reed diffusers (launched last month).

Two new creations were introduced last year: the incense and perfumed crystals. Conceived from a deep knowledge and love for the Orient, they have been created for perfuming living spaces in a sophisticated way.

Interesting to know is that the term “perfume” comes from Per-Fumum: through smoke, referring to the sacred fumigations to offer thanks to the gods. The incense has always been linked to the world of perfume and can create a magical atmosphere in any room.

 

The maestro is recently in the process of building the Academy of the Art of Perfume, the world’s first interactive atelier, dedicated to essences and perfumes.

In the ancient family Palace in Via dei Bardi, Villoresi realizes his long-life dream: a centre, split on three floors with an internal garden, aromatic terraces and botanical trails, divided according different themes and study areas, where visitors can discover and delve into the ancient secrets of the art of perfumery and spice hunting.

The “wunderkammer” is said to open next year. I cannot wait to go there on a journey to stimulate my inner senses and to indulge in one of my biggest passions: perfumes!

If you are interested, Lorenzo Villoresi products are available through his online shop and in Zurich at Perfumery Osswald.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lorenzo Villoresi and © Sandra Bauknecht