Fashionista Videos: Avery London Makes Shopping for Fragrance a Pleasure, Not a Scent-Bomb” y 2 mas

martes, 6 de julio de 2010

Avery London Makes Shopping for Fragrance a Pleasure, Not a Scent-Bomb” y 2 mas

Avery London Makes Shopping for Fragrance a Pleasure, Not a Scent-Bomb
Fashion News Roundup: Valentino Goes on Display, Couture Flourishes, and Anime Eyes Scare People
Get Inspired: Soviet Spies

Avery London Makes Shopping for Fragrance a Pleasure, Not a Scent-Bomb

Posted: 05 Jul 2010 08:39 AM PDT

For those of us obsessed with signature scents, our ultimate fragrance should be one that few others possess. While I adore Marc Jacobs (the original), I’d prefer to wear something on a daily basis that’s a bit more unique to me.

A long-time contender has been Histoires de Parfums 1969, but after a visit to Avery London’s outpost in New York’s new Limelight Marketplace, I’ve got a slew of new options.

Avery, which opened in central London in May, is the first retail store from Intertrade Europe, a company that deals in niche perfumes, as well as slightly bigger brands like Miller Harris and Bond No. 9. I’d heard of some of the scents previously–particularly the Nasomatto series, distinguished by its carved wood toppers–but I had smelled only a few.

So last week I popped by Limelight to get an idea of what Avery has on offer. Along with the perfect Nasomatto scents–I fell for Narcotic Venus early on–I also obsessed over Carthusia’s Mediterraneo. (What was in the Nasomatto’s no one knows–he keeps his formulas secret–but I can tell you that Mediterraneo blends lemon and green tea.)

There was plenty else to see and smell. For instance, Hype Noses candles in such delicious scents as Pain de Vienne (smells like a French bakery, seriously) and Banana Kiss were irresistible.

The London outpost promises to be even more enchanting, with the proprietors playing on the word Avery and creating an aviary theme for the store. You’ll find scents hidden under antique cages and bird figurines peppered around the stations. (We’ve included some images below.)

But beyond the decor and the lovely scents is the authenticity that comes with buying niche. Stepping into a store filled with big-name fragrances can be overwhelming for both your mind and your nose. In contrast, there’s nothing synthetic-smelling about Avery’s flavors. And with prices just slightly above those of department store brands ($68-$300, with most hitting near the $140 mark), the costs aren’t prohibitive. Especially if you’re going to actually wear the fragrance, rather than letting it while away on your dresser.

Fashion News Roundup: Valentino Goes on Display, Couture Flourishes, and Anime Eyes Scare People

Posted: 05 Jul 2010 07:32 AM PDT

Je t’aime: Think Paris can’t be shot uniquely? Not so. Aldona Karczmarczyk does it with Iza Olak for Polish pub Twój Styl. {Fashion Gone Rogue}

Freaky Monday: A hilarious dude has kidnapped Jezebel for a day. We can’t wait to read his take on airbrushing. {Jezebel}

Seeing Red: A new museum holding over 10,000 sketches (and a selection of 12,000 dresses) by Valentino Garavani will open to a select group on Wednesday night. {WWD, subscription required}

Surefire Couture: The niche industry has seen a hefty increase in sales over the last year. {Vogue UK}

Behind Those Anime Eyes: Circle contact lenses, which make your eyes look bigger, might be hazardous to your health. {NY Times}

Get Inspired: Soviet Spies

Posted: 05 Jul 2010 06:32 AM PDT

The Cold War might be over, but Russian spies are pretty hot right now. The FBI rounded up a ring of 11 Russian spies living undercover in New York City this past week. The alleged spies used tactic straight out of a thriller–code words, switching bags, burying money, and using invisible ink. And there’s no denying Anna Chapman is one foxy spy.

While the charges are serious, the theatricality of it all got us daydreaming. We even watched Gorky Park twice this week and swooned over Joanna Pacula’s style and beauty.

Check out our favorite Russian spy-inspired looks.