Issey Miyake

Issey Miyake (三宅 一生, Miyake Issei?, b. 22 April 1938) is a Japanese fashion designer. He is known for his technology-driven clothing designs, exhibitions and fragrances.

Miyake was born 22 April 1938 in Hiroshima, Japan, and studied graphic design at the Tama Art University in Tokyo, graduating in 1964. After graduation, he worked in Paris and New York City. Returning to Tokyo in 1970, he founded the Miyake Design Studio.

In the late 80s, he began to experiment with new methods of pleating that would allow both flexibility of movement for the wearer as well as ease of care and production. This eventually resulted in a new technique called garment pleating and in 1993's Pleats Please in which the garments are cut and sewn first, then sandwiched between layers of paper and fed into a heat press, where they are pleated. The fabric's 'memory' holds the pleats and when the garments are liberated from their paper cocoon, they are ready-to wear. He did the costume for Ballett Frankfurt with pleats in a piece named 'the Loss of Small Detail " William Forsythe and also work on ballet " Garden in the setting ".

In 1994 and 1999, Miyake turned over the design of the men's and women's collections respectively, to his associate, Naoki Takizawa, so that he could return to research full-time. In 2007, Naoki Takizawa opened his own brand, supported by the Issey Miyake Group and was replaced, as a Creative Director of the House of Issey Miyake, by Dai Fujiwara.

Source : Wikipedia

Giorgio Armani

Elegance and Simplicity, The Ingredients For a Stunning Fragrance Line.

Armani. The name is synonymous with high fashion. Elegant, understated and timeless garments sought after by Hollywood glitterati and anyone else who values a little luxury. When you wear Armani, you become a part of fashion royalty.

The king of this remarkale empire is Giorgio Armani. He was born in Piacenza, 40 mile south of Milan, in 1934. He credits his mother with being a major influence in his fashion leanings. He recalls her as always dressing elegantly and favouring soft, humble tones such as black, grey, cream, white and taupe. During his childhood Hollywood films were a major form of entertainment, and the fashion displayed in these left a lasting impression. He admired the “elegant simplicity” of the garments in these films from the 30’s and 40’s and it is this ethos that motivated and inspired his work in the years to come.

He entered the fashion industry at the ground floor as a window dresser in 1954. In the 1960s he began working as a designer, and in the early 70’s he met architecture student Sergio Galeotti, with whom he launched his own collection. Armed with serious textile and manufacturing techniques knowledge is hired as a designer for a man fashion line 'Nino Cerruti'. Later on he works for Ungaro Zenga but in 1974 Giorgio Armani is setting on his own brand.

Starting with 1975 Armani is more like an ensemble of brands, Junior, Underwear, Swimwear, accessories and glasses. In 1981 are created Emporio Armani & Armani Jeans and in 2000 the Armani empire is launching a new make-up line special created by McGrath. Today this empire is counting over 2000 shops and every year selling of over 1 billion US dollars. Armani presentations gather together countless stars and world class celebrities. Because of the many people coming at these presentations, protection services are double paid to keep the order. Today Armani is the most financially successful fashion house in Italian history.

Perfume was added to the Armani repertoire in 1981 when ‘Beverly Hills ’ was released on to the market. It was revolutionary for its immediate effect that remained constant for many hours. Today there are over a dozen fragrances available under the Armani brand. They adhere to the same trademark simplicity intrinsic in the Armani mantra. Each fragrance contains no more than 15 ingredients. Armani shuns large scale mass marketing campaigns for many of his perfumes, preferring to generate interest through word of mouth. They are usually only available in Armani boutiques and specialty stores, ensuring they retain the air of exclusiveness Armani products rightly deserve. As Giorgio himself once said, “Perfume is really what makes you remember someone, but if that perfume is used by many people, then it loses that effect”.

Armani’s fragrances are consistently amongst the most popular in the world. In 2006 three of the top five men’s colognes were Armani products, and women’s perfumes are equally in demand.

The perfumes launched over the years are just a drop in the Armani ocean but the perfumes are special creations in which the designer's genius is involved from the conception of perfume mixes. Armani's perfumes are referential, well defined, undeniably successful. For example, Armani Mania pour Homme was Armani's masterpiece in man perfumes line in 1995. The unique combination of mandarin, saffron and cedar flavor was outstanding and left everyone astonished. The successful masculine creation has been continued with Armani Black Code in which can be found lemon, bergamot, olive flower tonka wood and guaiac flavors.

Armani new perfume Emporio Armani City Glam was launched in a duo variant: one for women and one dedicated to men. Annick Menardo in City Glam for Her has mixed flavors of wild fruits, plum, coriander, bulgarian rose, white Indian paciuli, musk and white moss. The masculine version has tunisian bitter orange, meant, ginger, chinese plants, musk and white moss flavors.

Three decades after taking the fashion world by storm, Armani is now a household name. Giorgio Armani says his work is his life. It is this ethic that has lead to a brand that is the epitome of quality and consistency.

Website: http://www.giorgioarmani.com/

Boucheron

Over 150 years of luxury

Boucheron has been serving the world for almost 150 years. Founded in 1858 by Frederic Boucheron as Place Vendome Jewelery House, the brand was an immediate hit with fashionable women, actresses and even royalty.

Frederic Boucheron began working as an apprentice from the age of 14, then later opened his own shop at the age of 28. He died in 1902 but the business remain in family hands. A golden belt buckle set with cornelian stone, made in this era by Boucheron is stored at the British Museum.

Fast forward a century and a half later, the brand is still going strong, supplying amazing high-end jewelry, timepieces and fragrances. Parfums Boucheron's first fragrance was released 1988. It was named Boucheron and the scent and packaging were a worldwide phenomenon. With a bottle shaped like a ring, it was designed to lie on one's dressing table, like any other piece of jewelery. The first four perfumes all had saphire-blue cabochon tops, remeniscent of their Place Vendome heritage. The idea was the brainchild of Alain Boucheron, Frederic's grandson who is the company's former president. Most perfume houses of the time attempted to partner with as many stores as possible. But to the contrary, Boucheron limited its distribution channels to maintain the same air of exclusivity as Place Vendome. The strategy was a success and the perfume was a winner at the Fragrance Foundation Awards, taking two awards in 1989. One for 'Most Successful Women's Fragrance Introduction' and the other for 'Best Women's Package of the Year'. Boucheron became a trend setter with many other perfume houses following suit.

Eight more fragrances have been added to the Boucheron range since then. The additions include Jaipur, Jaipur Saphir, Boucheron Pour Homme, Initial and Trouble. Recent releases include Trouble Eau Legere, Jaipur Homme Fraicheur in 2006. The latest is Miss Boucheron, released in 2007.

When Alain Boucheron became president he aimed to make the lines of jewelery and perfumes more accessible and affordable. Although the brand had built its name on exclusivity, reaching a wider audience became its mission. It was no longer just to be flaunted by maharajahs and kings. Boucheron perfumes now debut all over the world, in over 35 countries and 6000 stores.

The Gucci Group acquired Parfums Boucheron in 2000. The Boucheron workshop is still on the fourth floor at 26 Place Vendome, and those that work there continue to work their magic, producing ' luxury in a bottle.' The tradition and elegance, that is Boucheron, remains.

Website: http://www.boucheron-parfums.com/

Burberry

Burberry's Touch in the Perfume Industry is More Than Just Garbadine

That check pattern is recognizable from anywhere! is la crème de la of luxury designer brands. It was founded by Thomas Burberry at the young age of 21, in 1856. It is well known for its intelligent clothing designs and sophisticated perfumes.

Thomas Burberry partnered with his sons, Thomans Newman Burberry and Arthur Michael Burberry, to open their first shop. In 1888 they patented a method of making yarn waterproof, thus giving birth to gabardine which has become the iconic symbol of Burberry. The brand continued to grow in popularity, and due to the increase in demand, another shop in London's West End was opened at 30 Haymarket. Mills were also opened to support production. The company remained a family business until 1955 when it was acquired by Great Universal Stores Limited.

Inter Parfums acquired the Burberry fragrance license in 1993. Burberry Touch was launched in September 2000. It was designed by Burberry's CEO Rosie Marie Bravo, Roberto Menichetti and Fabien Baron. The packaging includes a garbadine pouch that is reminiscent of the iconic Burberry checkered trenchcoats. The women's version is an oriental fragrance with notes of black current, dewberry, pink peppercorn, jasmine, madonna lily, tuberose, cedarwood, oak moss and vanilla. The men's version is a fusion of artemisia, mandarin tree leaves, violet leaves, white pepper, nutmeg, cedar wood, skin musk, tonka beans and vetiver.

Burberry Brit was added by the perfume house, launching in 2003 . It was designed by Dominique Ropion and evokes modern British style. Both men and women's versions were released. The fragrance was such a hit that it won 2005 Fragrance of the Year and Advertising Campaign of the Year. Brit Gold, a limited edition fragrance was then released, and had an “ambery oriental” scent.

The perfume house released Burberry London and Burberry Weekend. Burberry London was made as a celebration of London and it's unique sense of style. That is, “stylish without effort, outrageous but unpredictable, eccentric and witty.” Burberry Weekend, to celebrate the “spirit of outdoor escapes.” Both perfumes were released in men's and women's versions.

Burberrycontinues to produce quality and innovative products. Its style, that is modern elegance and glamour, resonates with both young and old. Burberry strives to keep its sophisticated image and before designing the next project they say, “we go down to the DNA and the true values of the Burberry brand as it has an incredible history and culture.”

Website: http://www.burberry.com/

Bvlgari

Of Greek and Roman Inspiration, But of Worldwide Acclamation

A mouthful to say if you've never encountered it, but Bvlgari is a one of the classiest perfume houses around. The brand is named after its Greek Sotirio Bulgari but the spelling 'Bvulgari' has ancient Roman roots. The company was officially registered in 1884. Its first store attracted wealthy socialites from all over the world for its Greek and Roman inspired jewelery, with a modern twist. The brand has now extended its repertoire to hotels, watches, handbags, and accessories.

Sotirio is a descendant of a family of Greek silversmiths. Thus even before birth, working with precious metals was his calling. Sotirio moved to Rome, Italy and together with his two sons, Giorgio and Constantino, opened his first store on 10, Via Condotti. This remains the company's flagship store to date. In 1970 the company began to cross international borders and established a store in New York. Stores in Paris, Geneva and Monte Carlo were also opened.

1992 saw the establishment of Parfums Bvalgari in Switzerland with the launch of Eau The Vert. Absolute Bvl and Pour Femme were also released withing the same year. The perfume house now has more than 20 fragrances under its belt. Bvlgari Omnia, a female fragrance was released in 2004. It's creator, Robert Morillas. It includes oriental spices such as saffron, black pepper, cardamom and ginger. In 1994 Blvgari Pour Femme was released which was "a tribute to women, as an answer to their desire to rediscover luxury and find it renewed and different, characterized by understatement and absolute quality."

One of the most recent additions include Rose Essentielle, which includes notes of rose ottomane, blackberry, rose prelude and patchouli. Voile de Jasmine and Bvlgari Soir Pour Homme have also been added, but Omnia Amethyste is the latest addition, launched in February 2007. Omnia Amethyste was inspired by Asian women and quickly took the place of number one in Japan and Korea. It has been described as an “elegant play of purple iridescences.” It exudes scents of pink grapefruit, Bulgarian rose bud, solar woods, heliotrope and green sap.

Bvlagari says “quality and excellence are the basis of its culture.” Throughout their range of products, luxury is a re-occuring theme. In both keeping the memory of their heritage alive and producing quality products, for 123 years, Blvgari have always over-delivered.

Givenchy

French Elegance and American Glamour

The House of Givenchy was founded in 1952 and was the brainchild of Hubert de Givenchy . A friendship forged with Hollywood sweetheart, Audrey Hepburn would spur the fashion house into the limelight of the world. The house dubs the “Givenchy style” as a fusion of two cultures, “French elegance and American glamour.” Its perfume house, Les Parfums Givenchy was launched in 1957.

Hubert came from a wealthy family and was intrgued by all aspects of fashion from a very young age. He studied fashion at the prestigious Ecole de Beaux Arts in Paris and released his first designs in 1945 for fashion legend, Jacques Fath, who was a family friend. By 1952, at the age of 25, Hubert opened his own design house and became one of Paris' youngest designers.

The first perfumes launched by Les Parfums Givenchy debuted in 1957. They include Le De Givenchy and L'Interdit for which Audrey Hepburn was a muse. The perfume was discontinued in the USA and reintroduced in 2002. The original fragrance included notes of bergamont, aldehydes, fruit, jasmine, iris, rose and amber. The reformulated version was designed by Jean Guichard and Olivier Gillotin. It retains the original's fruity-floral side.

In 1981 The House of Givenchy was sold. The fashion house going to Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LMVH) and Les Parfums Givenchy going to Veuve Clicquot. Today, LMVH also owns that perfume house.

Givenchy's first fragrance for men was released in 1959, Monsieur de Givenchy. Givenchy Pour Homme, released in 2002 was another addition to the masculine range. In 2005 Very Irresistable for Men was launched following the release of its women's counterpart, Very Irresistable, in 2003 for which Liv Tyler was the poster girl. The men's version was designed by Pierre Wargnye and includes notes of mocha, mint, grapefruit, sesame seed, cedar and hazel wood.

More recently Givenchy has continued to add to the Very Irresistable range. In 2006 Very Irresistable Summer was released and 2007 Givenchy Very Irresistable Soleil D'Ete and Very Irresistable Attitude made their debut. Other recent releases include Givency Les Millesimes and Absolutely Givenchy.

Givenchy was born from a wealthy background, it is no wonder that it has continued to be associated with socialites such as Audrey Hepburn and Liv Taylor. It is a classy brand whose primary concern was to provide the world with luxury. The fashion and perfume house's vision has been realized as it is nothing less than the perfect blend of “French elegance and American glamour.”

Website: http://www.parfumsgivenchy.com/

Gucci

The Fragrance of Glamour

Gucci is perhaps the most frequently dropped fashion name in popular culture. In a 2003 study, it was revealed that Gucci was mentioned in 47 different songs that featured in the Billboard top 20 that year. Why? Because the name Gucci is quick to impress. It is the name to drop to convey luxury status. In its one hundred year plus history many fashion trends have come and gone, as have many fashion labels, but Gucci has so successfully adapted and evolved with the times that has become so much more than a fashion house, it has become an institution.

The label was founded by Guccio Gucci in Florence, Italy, in 1906. It began its existence as an outlet for leather goods to horsemen. He quickly earned a reputation for quality, and as his business expanded he only hired the best craftsmen he could find to work for him. In 1938 he opened his first boutique in Rome. Guccio Gucci designed many of the labels trademark products, such as the bamboo handle handbag in 1947, a design that remains popular to this day. Guccio passed away in 1953 and the company was left to be helmed by his sons. Guccio and his wife Aida Cavelli had six children but it was sons Aldo and Rodolfo that were endowed with the greatest influence. Under their guidance the company expanded throughout the globe. During the 60's Gucci forged its long lasting love affair with celebrity glamor; icons such as Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy endorsed the brand by making Gucci accessories a part of their public image.

In the 1990's, under the guidance of new Gucci executive Tom Ford, the fashion house began to diversify its product catalogue to include items such as watches, shoes, luggage, consmetics, jewlery, eyewear, and most notably, fragrances.

One of the most popular in the Gucci collection is Envy, created in 1997. It is defined as a romantic and captivating fragrance. It includes magnolia, jasmine, violet, sandalwood, vetiver, musk, moss, and iris. This was followed in 1999 by Gucci Rush, a distinctive floral and spice blend consisting of gardenia, sandalwood, vanilla, and patchouli. Its companion is the cologne, Gucci Rush for Men. It is a cologne that lavishes the senses with hints of lavender, cedar, musk, incense, sandalwood, vanilla and patchouli.

Gucci continues to add diversity to their fragrance line and as a consequence their perfumes and colognes have become a significant contributor to the company's multi billion dollar revenue.

Website: http://www.gucci.com/

Chacarel

The House of Beauty, Elegance and Grace

Cacharel was founded in 1962 by Jean Bousquet in La Marais, Paris. Bousquet was born in 1932 to a father who was a sewing machine salesman. At the age of 15 he became an apprentice to a tailor. In 1958 he opened his own shop which tailored men's shirts, but by 1962, he had decided to specialize in women's fashion. Cacharel is the namesake of a bird mostly found in the south of France.

The first perfume, Anais Anais, was released in in 1978. It was named after the Persian goddess of love. Its top notes include lily of the valley, jasmine, rose iris, orange blossoms, gardenia and ylang ylang. It has heart notes of vitvier, cedar, patchouli, and oak moss. Its base notes, musk and leather.

Voile de Parfum made its debut in 1990. This perfume pioneered a new technology which used liposomes. The liposomes help to soften the skin while the perfume fragrances the body, earning it the title 'moisturizing perfume.' The use of alcohol is avoided when using this technology, and the perfume can be absorbed more rapidly by the skin. Tiare flower is its topnote. By 1990 Voile de Parfum ranked number four, while Anais Anais lead the way at number one.

1999 Noa for women, was released. The fragrance is a calm, floral musk blend. It was designed by Olivier Cresp. It includes white musk, coffee, white peony, coriander, and incense notes. The male companion to Noa is Nemo, which was released in 2000, a follow up to Cacharel's signature male scent, Cacharel Pour Homme which was released in 1981.

One of the latest releases is Liberte, lauched in 2007. Liberte was inspired by the bohemian woman whose freedom is the key to life. Gisele Bundchen was the face of Liberte, a chypre orange juice. It was designed by world renowned perfumers Olivier Polge and Domitille Bertier. It includes top notes of bitter orange and zests of mandarin, bergamont and citrus, heart notes of white flowers and base notes of vanilla, Indonesian patchouli and vetiver.

Cacharel has many more luxurious perfumes in its line, including Eden, Gloria, Loulou and Loulou Blue, Amor Amor, Amour Pour Homme, and Promesse. The line is distributed through about 1000 stores and 79 Cacharel boutiques. The brand has also extended into shampoos, body oils and hair products and aftershaves. The brand truly embodies the spirit of the bird it is named after, beatiful, elegant and graceful.

Website: http://www.cacharel.com/

Chanel

Chanel is No. 1

The House of Chanel is designer to some of the most coveted high-end clothes, accessories and perfumes. Its founder, Jeanne Gabrielle Chanel was born on August 19, 1883. Somewhere in between, she became a singer at La Rotunde where she crooned the likes of “Ko Ko Ko Ri Ko” and “Who's Seen Coco in the Trocadero.” From then she was lovingly dubbed “Coco,” a nickname that she would be known by, for the rest of her life.

Chanel began her designing carrier in millinery. She had set up her own workshop by the age of 26 and had a workforce of three by the time she was 27. By 1901 she had out grown her small workshop, and obtained a loan to open her first shop at 21 Rue Cambon. In 1914 she opened yet another shop at Rue Gautaute, this time a boutique that carried both hats and clothes. It was not until 1915, when Chanel extended her business ventures to Biarritz that the brand really took off, her dresses priced and 3000 francs and employing over sixty workers.

Chanel entered the perfume industry by releasing the timeless Chanel No.5 in 1921. Chanel No. 5 was born out of a collaboration between Coco Chanel and Ernest Beaux, a Russian perfumer. The result was the first of its kind, an artificial perfume that smelled of itself and did not imitate any floral scents. The perfume immediately became a bestseller and continues to be, almost a century later.

The technique used to formulate Chanel No. 5, involved incorporating findings from painstaking experiments that Beaux had done in earlier years. He experimented with aldehydes, strong smelling organic compounds that had not been used in perfumes before. The difficult formula was a combination of about eighty ingredients. The bottle used for Chanel No.5 mimicked the simplistic style of Chanel's clothing designs. It moved away from the elaborate style that most perfume houses settled on. It resembled a cube with rounded corners, the words Chanel No. 5 elegantly placed on the back of the bottle.

L'eau de Chanel followed. In the period 1925 – 1927 three more perfumes were added to the range. Gardenia, Bois des iles and Cuir de Russie. After the death of Coco Chanel in 1971, Gaston Berhelot, from Christian Dior, was appointed to fill her shoes. Under his leadership, the House of Chanel released a ready-to-wear clothing collection, and Parfums Chanel released Cristalle in 1974.

In 1966, Parfums Chanel decided to tackle the challenge of adding men's fragrances to their range, and released Pour Monsieur, Antaeus in 1981 and Bois Noir in 1987. The perfume house continued to shake off its feminine connotations in 1991, and Egoiste debuted. In 1994 its alter-ego, Egoiste Platinum was released.

The success of Parfums Chanel continues to soar to new heights. Elegant fragrances continue to be added to their range, and continue to grace the dressing tables and purses of many women. Their sensational recent releases include No. 18, Eau de Cologne, 31 Rue Cambon, Bel Respiro, Coromandel and 28 La Pausa. These recently released perfumes, perfectly embody the reason Chanel is so revered by the industry: It is consistent and willing to stand out from the crowd.

Website: http://www.chanel.com

Christian Dior

King of Fashion, King of Perfumes

Christian Dior was crowned the “Kind of Fashion” in 1947 when he launch his first collection. At this time, Paris was struggling to emerge from the devastation caused by war. Christian Dior gave women a renewed sense of freedom and femininity. To date he has dressed aristocrats, Hollywood's glitterati and the artistic elite. His fragrances too have graced the bodies of these socialites, and continued to be savoured by those who truly know the magic that is Parfums Christian Dior.

The perfume house, Christian Dior Perfumes Ltd was launched on March 4, 1948. The idea, surprisingly was not Dior's, but his good friend Serge Heftler-Louiche's. Dior was on an outing with his godson, Heftler-Louiche's son at Patisserie Penny on Place de la Madeleine. It was on this occasion that Helftler-Louiche, manager of Coty perfumes, decided to approach Dior about breaking into the the perfume industry. Before his godson had finished devouring Penny's famous sticky, coconut pancakes, the deal was closed and a strategic plan laid out. The perfume was named Miss Dior and formulated by the Vacher perfumery. It is said that Dior held the perfume under the nose of every woman he new and apparently they all hated it. Despite the negative feedback, Dior believed in the scent and gave it the 'go-ahead.'

He followed Miss Dior's success with another female fragrance the following year, Diorama. In 1986, Dior released what would become one of its biggest hits, Poison. The famous packaging is instantly recognizable to anyone who knows their perfumes. A pear shaped, amethyst glass bottle with a clear stopper. The box, green and it's pattern reminiscent of snake-like material. And of the unique name, Maurice Roger (former Christian Dior Perfumes president) said “in French we say, Elle est un poison. She's a character.”

In 1994 Dior expanded its Poison range, adding Tendre Poison. Created by Edouard Flechier, it was considered a lighter scent and aimed at a younger market than it predecessor . The mission to build a Poison franchise continued with the release of Pure Poison in 2004 and Pure Poison Exilir in September 2006. Also released in 2006 was Miss Dior Chérie Eau de Toilette and Midnight Charm. More recently, Parfums Christian Dior released Dior Addict 2 Summer Peonies, Dior Homme Cologne, Eau Sauvage Fraicheur Cuir, Farenheit, J'Adore L'Absolu. Many of these, sequels to already available perfumes.

Finding the perfect perfume can be hard, but really, it's all about finding you in that special bottle of scent. With well over 50 perfumes in their range, it's a breeze finding you somewhere in the Parfums Christian Dior range.

Website: http://www.dior.com

Dolce and Gabbana

Unparalled Italian Fashion and Fragrances

Dolce and Gabbana, a fashion and perfume house known for its sexy but chic garments and fragrances.

Dolce and Gabbana was founded in 1985 by Italian couple Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. The company is divided into two main divisions- D&G and Dolce and Gabbana. D&G is a casual line with seasonal changes whereas Dolce and Gabbana is aimed at more luxury items. Both lines feature underwear, beachwear, eyewear and fragrances.

Dolce was born on September 13, 1958 in a small village near Palermo, Sicily, and Gabana on the 14th of November 1962 in Venice, Italy. Dolce studied fashion design and worked in his family’s small clothing factory. Gabana had no formal fashion education, he had studied graphic design. They met in 1980 while both were working as assistants at an atelier in Milan. They started designing together in 1982, doing freelance work for various labels. In 1986 their first collection won international acclaim, and today their designs adorn some of the most fashionable people in the world- David and Victoria Beckham, Madonna, and Kylie Minogue, to name but a few.

Dolce and Gabana’s approach to fashion design is simply to create the best quality clothes they can rather than be preoccupied with trends. They have carried this philosophy over to their fragrance range. Their most popular fragrances include and Dolce and Gabana for Her, Dolce Gabana Masculine, Dolce Gabana Feminine, and the extremely popular Dolce Gabana Light Blue and Light Blue Pour Homme.

Dolce Gabana Light Blue's top notes are Sicily Cedar, granny smith apples, and bluebells. Middle notes of jasmine, bamboo, and white rose. The end notes reveal hints of cedar wood, amber, and musk. Dolce Gabana Light Blue Pour Homme has top notes of Sicilian mandarin, fozen grapefruit peel, bergamont and juniper. Middle notes consist of rosemary, szechuan pepper, and rosewood. Base notes are musk wood, incense and oak moss.

Dolce and Gabana's two decades plus of creative collaboration has resulted in a fashion house renowned for sexy, provocative, and characteristically Italian designs as well as outrageous advertising campaigns. Nothing about the pair is subtle; their fragrances, like their personalities, are bold and extroverted.

Website: http://www.dolcegabbana.it/

DKNY

New York in a Bottle

DKNY aims embody New York both in its fashion and fragrances. The perfume house has taken the world by storm, and their high quality fragrances can be found the world over.

DKNY is the trend setting fashion house that has become entwined with modern popular culture. DKNY represents more than cutting edge fashion, it represents a lifestyle, an image, an attitude. DKNY has been embraced by a generation that rejects the pompous air of pretension that pervades amongst the orthodoxy of the fashion world. It is for good reason the initials NY are present in the labels name. New York is where the fashion house is based, a city that is constantly on the go. New York represents the spirit DKNY brings to its designs. A spirit that is all about fun, energy, and adventure. DKNY is New York.

DK stands for Donna Karan, who founded the company in 1984 with her late husband, Stephen Weiss. Karan says that “designing is an expression of who I am as a woman, with all the complications, feelings and emotions”. She sees her designs as a constant challenge to marry the practical with the beautiful, a challenge she has met with great success be it with a simple bodysuit or the extravagance of a hand painted devore dress. Her artistic sensibilities extend to her line of fragrances which today number almost two dozen. Her most popular fragrances in recent years include the Be Delicious line. Be Delicious was released in 2004, and is a veritable feast for the senses. Presented in an elegant metal and glass apple shaped bottle, this fragrance combines apple with floral and woody undertones. Like the city from which Karan draws inspiration, Be Delicious celebrates individuality and is an ecclectic mix of flavors. Notes include magnolia, apple sandalwood, grapefruit, white amber, cucumber, tuberose, white muguet, rose, violet and blonde woods. DKNY Be Delicious For Men, released the same year, is described as a masculine cologne for the modern man, with dynamic and uplifting notes of citrus, woods, coffee and apples. These fragrances were followed by DKNY Red Delicious Women and DKNY Red Delicious Men in 2006, both limited editions, described as more sensual and tempting than their predecessors.

DKNY describes its mission as being to represent the heartbeat of New York in their attire, accessories and fragrances. They aim to deliver a complete lifestyle to a global customer, with the highest standards of creativity, quality and innovation.

Website: http://www.dkny.com/

Celine Dion

Celine Dion Conquers the World With Song and Scent

Her songs are beloved the world over. She has a voice that is instantly recognizable as it is unforgettable. In the 1990’s her powerful ballads centring on love, life and longing became the soundtrack to a generation. Today she is making waves as a successful entrepreneur in the world of fashion. Her trademark perfume exudes elegant sophistication, much like the diva herself.

Celine Dion was born on March 30 1968 in Charlemange, Quebec, Canada. She was the youngest of 14 children. Her family was poor but her childhood was a happy one by her own accounts. Music was a part of her life from the beginning, as she spent much of her time singing with her siblings in her parent’s small piano bar. At the tender age of 12 she composed her first song with the help of her mother and brother Jacques. The song was called “Ce n’etait qu’un reve” (“It Was Only a Dream“). Her brother Michel sent the recording to a local producer by the name of Rene Angelil, who was destined not only to become Dion’s manager, but her husband. Angelil was so moved by the prodigal 12 year old’s haunting tones that he mortgaged his house in order to finance her first album. This extraordinary faith bore fruit almost immediately- the album became a huge hit locally and her career snowballed from there. International recognition soon followed when she won several international singing competitions including the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest. In 1990 she released her first English language album, entitled “Unison”. It won strong critical acclaim and helped to forge a relationship with American audiences, a relationship that would grow ever stronger. Throughout the 90’s she had numerous worldwide hits including “the Power of Love” (1993), “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” “because You Loved Me” (1996) and her signature song, “My Heart Will Go On” (1997) from the movie “Titanic”. Today she has sold over 200 million albums, making her one of the most successful recording artists of all time.

Celine Dion has diversified into many different fields. She has long been active in various charities; she has been the public face of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CCFF)since 1982. She is also a successful entrepreneur, having established the restaurant franchise “Nikels” in 1990, and a line of perfume and beauty products.

Her perfumes include Celine, Celine Dion Notes, and Celine Dion Always Belong”. In 2003 her perfumes were amongst the top ten in the world. Always Belong, currently her most popular, is described as combing “uplifting notes of mimosa, fresh violets and crisp amber to capture Celine’s irresistible energy for life”. Overall the fragrance line favour subtle, feminine blends suitable for all occasions.

Celine Dion continues to add to her fragrance line as it continually grows in prominence. With aromas as distinctive as her pop chart hits, Celine Dion has truly cemented her place as a global cultural icon.

Website: http://www.celinedion.com/

Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera's approach to fashion and fragrance can be defined as intricacy disguised as simplicity. Although her designs may be extremely complex, they are easy to appreciate on an aesthetic level, for their beauty is inescapable. This philosophy has served her well in a career spanning more than two decades, a career that has seen her rise to prominence as one of the worlds most respected architects of style.

Herrera was born in Caracas, Venezuela, January 8 1939, descended from a long line of landowners and statesmen. She had an affluent upbringing that instilled in her an appreciation for the finer things in life. At 13 years old she attended her first couture show with her grandmother. She was instantly captivated, and from that moment, her future in fashion was almost inevitable.

Herrera founded her company in 1980, and has been based out of New York since 1981. Throughout the 80's she gained a reputation as being one of the world's most stylish women. Since then she has become increasingly sought after by women seeking an air of timelessness and sophistication to their attire; classically designed suits, dresses and gowns embedded with Herrera's aura of nobility.

In 1988 Herrera expanded into the realm of fragrances for the first time. The perfume Carolina Herrera fitted her fashion philosophy perfectly, seemingly simple, yet in reality, a complex blend of the tuberose and jasmine fragrances she had always favored. Carolina Herrera For Men was released in 1991, followed by Flore in 1994, and its more delicate counter part, Aqua Flore in 1996. These fragrances had a more floral tone than their predecessors. The highly popular 212 range was first released in 1997. 212 For Men is described as distinct, elegant, innovative and subtle, inspired by the energy and international flavor of New York itself. 212 For Women is a long lasting floral fragrance with musk undertones, personifying todays “playfully hip, modern Cinderella”.

Despite her success, Herrera has managed to remained grounded and retains a sense of perspective regarding her achievements. She regards her role as Goodwill Ambassador for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM) as being most important, “If my work at the IISAM was to save the life of one child of the forty thousand that die from malnutrition and related disease each day, I would consider it the greatest work of my life”. Perhaps it is this compassionate nature that elevates her creations above more than mere showy facades. Her designs come from her heart, born of a passion that has not waned since her first experience of couture as a wide eyed 13 year old. Like the woman herself, her fashion and her fragrances, embody both style and substance.

Website: http://www.carolinaherrera.com/

Davidoff

No Borders to Luxury

Davidoff knows no limits when it comes to creating luxurious fragrances for its loyal customers.

Davidoff, a brand that is synonymous with prestige and luxury has its root in a small tobacco shop on Boulevard de Philosophes. Henri Davidoff is the brand's founder. The company was later inherited by his son Zino Davidoff and has now moved beyond just high-end tobacco pipes, cigarettes, cigars. It has now expanded its range to an exquisite men's fragrance range.
Zino Davidoff decided to follow his father's footsteps despite his mother's wish that be become a dentist. He migrated to South and Central America and learned the secrets of the trade in tobacco-blending. Regularly, he referred to himself as a “man of smoke.” In 1930 Zino returned to Switzerland and opened a cigar department in his father's store.

Davidoff stepped into the limelight again, entering the perfume industry in 1987. The perfumes were made simply because their customers started asking for them. The first perfume released was Davidoff. Cool Water was released the following year and became one of the top men's fragrances by 1991. Television star, Josh Holloway (more commonly known as 'Sawyer' in the T.V. programme Lost) became the face of the fragrance in 2007. Zino Davidoff made its debut in 1993, and followed the success of the first two fragrances.
Davidoff extended its range to women's fragrances. Cool Water Woman was released in 1996. Pierre Bourdon designed the fragrance. He also formulated its male equivalent. In 2002 The Fantasea Collection was introduced. The line included a Sun Silky SPF6, fragrance and several other glamorous toiletries such shampoos, body foam and perfumed polish.

In 1998, Good Life was released. With this fragrance, Davidoff wanted “people to rediscover the simple enjoyment and pleasures of the good life.” The designer was again Pierre Bourdon who said he wanted to “evoke the end of a summer's day.” The following year Good Life Woman was released. Most female fragrances released by Davidoff were introduced with a line of toiletries, but Good Life Woman was released as a stand alone product. Neither is it just the female version of Good Life. It is a totally new and unique perfume. It has top notes of fig, sandalwood, ylang-ylang and bergamont. Its heart, fig tree leaves, magnolia, and jasmine. The base has plum, date, date milk, amber, iris and vanilla.

From it's humble beginnings as a small cigar shop, Davidoff has become one of today's top trend setters in all things luxury. Mention Davidoff to anyone who enjoys quality high-end cigars, toiletries or fragrances, and Davidoff comes to mind.

Website: http://www.zinodavidoff.com/