luxury leads the way

One of my favorite aspects of the luxury industry is the innovation.  From new fabrics and construction, to the must-have colors and crazes, creativity is celebrating nowhere more than in the luxury industry.  As a client, part of the allure is exclusivity and nowness, a combination of being both new and cutting edge.  It's the perfect combination of being edgy and edited, excited without being too eccentric.  As a businessman, the hardest part of the industry is being exclusive without being too exclusionary or out of reach. 

One of the easiest ways for luxury houses to reach all demographics is through accessories and beauty products. Your budget might not allow for Christian Louboutin's latest heels, but you may indulge yourself with their latest nail polish.  You might not spring for a $30,000 Hermes bag, but a bottle of perfume or cologne might be much more accessible.  From sandals to sunglasses, it's often these entry level categories that often fund the fashion houses, followed by more substantial footwear, ready-to-wear, fine jewelry, and ultimately couture.  The more labor intensive, the more exotic the materials, the more expensive the final cost. 

Styles and trends often trickle down from the luxury segment to the mass produced segment.  One trend I've noticed lately is the widespread use of oud.  Dating back to biblical times, the wise men were truly wise, bringing frankincense and myrrh as a gift.  The trend of gifting fragrance continues today.  The most exclusive, expensive ingredient for fragrance is Oud, the heartwood of the Aquilaria trees in southeast Asia.  Oud is particularly prized in the Middle East, known for scenting homes, wardrobes, and clothing.  The ingredient itself is known for being particularly long lasting, very delicate, and very specific in aroma.  Because of this, and the limited quantity produced, the price of raw oud is many times the price of gold. Additionally, the price is only climbing, as the availability of the wild resources of oud are simply disappearing and depleting.  Since 1995, the primary source for oud, Aquilaria malaccenis, has been designated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora has potentially threatened, although many countries are excluded from the listing.  Just like fine wines and balsamic vinegar, the value and age go hand and hand.  It's warm, earthy, gentle, sometimes smoky, and almost like smelling fresh wind in the desert on a warm summer's night.  

My favorite fragrances with oud hands down are Tom Ford's private blends.  Mr. Ford describes it himself as rare, exotic, and distinctive.  Just like the fragrances often burned in the temples of Buhtan, this fabulous fragrance contains exotic rose wood and caradmom that give way tot he smoky blend of rare oud wood, sandalwood, and vetiver, and are finished with tonka bean and amber for even more warmth and sensuality.  You'll find other versions featuring Oud + Tobacco and Oud + Fleur as well, along with soaps, beard conditioning oils, shower gels, and moisturizers.  For more details, phone Yvonne at Tom Ford's Chicago Boutique on +1.312-605-5041 or Tonya at Nashville's Tom Ford Beauty inside Nordstrom at +1.615.850.6700.  

 Oud isn't just a trend for luxury fragrances.  On a recent trip to Target, I even noticed an "oud" like deodorant from very accessible Axe. The brand describes it as "A subtle, woody scent with juicy mandarin, fresh black pepper and sensual vanilla. A premium quality, long-lasting fragrance."  While I seriously doubt the inclusion of actual Oud in the formula, it's very interesting to see such a distinct fragrance in a mass produced environment.

What other trends and concepts are you loving that transcend demographics and price points? 

Totally on Target

Our relationship has been quite the roller coaster of love lately.

First you brought me my favourite skincare and bodycare products from the UK's famous Boots The Chemist and even high end skincare from Origins, Bumble and Bumble, and StriVectin.

Then we hit a low with your awful selection of Ed Hardy products and an assortment of trucker hats.
But you made up for the misstep with a fabulous grouping from Smith and Hawken for the garden, a surprisingly copious selection of independent films, and fabulous frames from Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic collection. You one-uped yourself with collections of clothing by Isaak Mizrahi and Loomstate, and then even the great dreamer Alexander McQueen.

Then inexplicably you showed more Ed Hardy "stuff" and I thought we were over. But then just last week you launched a special collection by Jean Paul Gaultier.

And today you launched your Liberty of London collection exclusively for Target. I must say that right after church, I stopped in to view for myself and left with a fabulous navy blue and white floral print shirt, some vivid red and white boxers, a picture frame, and some garden gloves. And don't be surprised when I come back to visit you and leave with a few pillows, possibly a quilt, another picture frame, a lamp shade, some hat boxes, a decorative platter and tray, and some plastic tumblers.

I love you. I love you. I love you! And it's definitely a British love affair. Cheers Target! I'll see you soon.

PS - since you're loving this AngloMania, how about a partnership with Marks & Spencer for some Percy Pigs, real Cadbury eggs, Walkers' salt and vinegar crisps, and orange Tango. That would be ab.fab.

Fashion Loves and Lusts

(in no particular order)

-- Jean Paul Gaultier's collection for Target, that was released just last Sunday and is absolutely amazing. I think the concept of having brilliant designers inject some of their style and design influence into an affordable, mass marketed and limited edition collection is so much more palatable than having these same designers cheapen their collection or make their haute couture ranges more marketable solely in the name of making money in tough economic situations.

-- And speaking of Target, the trendy retailer is also set to launch a new collection featuring Liberty of London's fabulous fabrics. Is it a little ironic to anyone else that Liberty of London used to partner with J. Crew, and that now J. Crew is carrying a special collection of Levi's jeans, which traditionally would be sold in a Target like store?

-- Dolce & Gabbana's La Force fragrance (number 11 in the new series)

-- Cole Haan's Air Caden wing tip oxford. Comfortable. Lightweight. Durable. And oh-so-sexy. The perfect pop of colour for spring in the season's trendiest and boldest shade - electric blue.
-- I'm loving the expected wit and amazing charm that Stella McCartney injects into her creations. Maybe the fact that she began her show with a fake recording of Tiger Woods allegedly leaving a voicemail for his alleged mistress to remover her alleged name from her alleged voicemail message. But maybe it's the way she designs for women, by a woman, with the most elegance, grace, and power - all rolled into each garment. Stella is British Brilliance at it's best.

-- Christian Dior's stretch strappy sandal. He is the master of modern luxury. And his shoes never disappoint. Never is a strong word. And I meant it.