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Nasomatto Hindu Grass ~ fragrance review
2008-05-15 00:28:00
The Nasomatto website would have been a perfect place for Prix Eau Faux contestants to get inspiration. Amsterdam-based Nasomatto is secretive (no fragrance notes are given for any of their perfumes and the owners/perfumers provide only their first names ? Alessandro* and Arturetto ? and cryptic bios online). One offering, Hindu Grass , ?aims to breathe the belief in universal peace and love?. I was able to distance myself from the bad writing and annoying coyness of Nasomatto?s ?Manifesto? when I saw their handsome bottles (I want one) and read the name Hindu Grass. Perfume names often mislead us and the resulting perfume does not meet our personal expectations (a recent example pour moi: Hermès Un Jardin après la Mousson). To me, a perfume with the word ?Hindu? in its name should: smell of incense, tropical flowers and fruit one would find on altars; contain spices (cardamom, coriander seeds, cinnamon); and be intense. Hindu Grass? ?grass? should provide a sharp vegetal blast coup...
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Highlights from the Spring 2008 ITP Show
2008-05-15 00:20:00
Our pilgrimage to the ITP show yesterday yielded more than a few great finds. From musical interpretations of an individual "color profile" and automated paintbrush robots to oversize models of a scrotum and a digital version of Exquisite Corpse, the projects (as usual) ran the gamut from the sublime to the absurd. Colorful Melody Colorful Melody analyzes a person's color profile based on their skin color, clothing and other factors. Using that data, the interactive device maps the profile onto a grid. Units of the grid fall, creating a sound based on the color of the unit. As the subject continues to interact with the device, the melody changes. The Spectators Another interactive experiment, The Spectators, also involves an individual's behavior and the responses it triggers, but with a darker undertone. In this case, a person stands in front of a screen which generates a pixelated image of them. Every time the subject blinks, the image is disrupted by acts of torture, deformi...
More About: Show , Spring , Glam , Highlights , 2008

Interview with Miranda Donovan
2008-05-14 22:34:00
The first solo show for any young artist must be a nerve-wracking and exhilarating experience, even more so when at one of London's most cutting-edge galleries. But young British artist Miranda Donovan , who finds herself in this very position, is taking it all in her stride. Her exhibition The Lost World of Innocence opened at the Lazarides Gallery in Soho last week to great acclaim. A sure sign of Donovan's very bright future in the art world is the fact that every piece in the exhibition sold before the opening night. We've mentioned Donovan's work before in connection to the Saatchi Gallery Showdown, now that's she progressed from online to in-gallery we decided to find out what's going on behind her landscape scenes. Congratulations on the success of your first solo show. The exhibition sold out before the opening night, how does that feel? When told the news I felt overwhelmed and definitely a little weak at the knees! To know that the work I have spent months/years prod...
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Ikan Wireless Scanner
2008-05-14 20:55:00
The world is filled with technology designed to make lives easier, but many are more nuisance than time-saver. The recently-launched Ikan, however, proves to be both effortless in use and hugely efficient in everyday life. The system consists of a small kitchen appliance about the size of a toaster (shown at right). Once registered, the unit scans barcodes on empty products as you finish them which automatically adds them to a virtual shopping list accessible online. When you're ready to buy new groceries, simply submit the digital list and everything is delivered within three hours. The Ikan also promotes a cleaner environment by listing the most effective method of recycling each spent container. Ikan recently announced a deal with NYC's D'Agostino grocery stores and are holding demonstrations of the technology at a dozen locations this month. If you don't live in New York, you can still use Ikan as a shopping list-compiler, and fortunately, the company has plans to expand to ...
More About: Wireless , Glam , Scanner

Biarritz Heart Thongs by Yves Saint Laurent
2008-05-14 20:15:00
Biarritz Heart Thongs by Yves Saint Laurent I don't know about you, but I'm just not sure I could bring myself to spend $195 on a pair of rubber flip flops, no matter how cute they were, or what designer logo they had stamped on the heel. These ones are Yves St Laurent's 'Biarritz' heart thongs (they're out of stock at the moment, but can usually be found at Saks), and while the love heart toe post and tie ankle strap certainly sets them apart from the usual cheap flip flops we all tend to buy to get us through the summer, they're still ultimately a pair of rubber sandals. Would you pay $195 for them? Come to think of it, would you wear them at all?
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Dana David Jewelry Collection
2008-05-14 14:43:00
Dana Melnick's Dana David Collection redefines modern luxury with jewelry for the way we live. Inspired by graphics and architecture, Dana's bold sculptural designs combine classic elegance and attention to detail. Each piece expresses the individuality and self-confidence of the woman who wears it; every design is a fashionable statement of luxury and edgy femininity. Single Cono Stack Ring Single stone stacking rings with a cone shaped design. Each finished with a 0.05ct bezel set diamond. Available in 18k yellow, white, or rose gold or as a set of all three. The artist's background in graphic design clearly influences her jewelry, and is especially evident in the Graffiti Collection, which includes graphic icons and scribble designs in gold and diamonds. Though these designs would look at home in the pages of a design publication, the fact that they are jewelry gives them an entirely new dimension that is fresh, modern, and luxurious. Harmony Open Pendant Circle 18k...
More About: Jewelry , Style

Digby and Iona: Fall 2008 Collection
2008-05-14 14:14:00
After a few unfortunate years of influence from designers turned would-be lumberjacks, we're finally witnessing a shift away from flannel shirts and mukluks. Digby and Iona recently released its Fall 2008 collection of intrepid jewelry inspired by themes from the American Civil War and British Imperialism. Comprised of several sections, including Elements of Disguise, Instruments of Pursuit and Means of Retribution, the series forms a "manual of accessories for an adventurer." For the stalker in you, Elements of Disguise consists of two monocle-style moustache necklaces that can be raised to your lip, should your quarry grow suspicious. According to designer Aaron Ruff, "the necklaces pay homage to the styles of the infamous Inspector Clouseau and the gentleman adventurer, Phileas Fogg belonging to Jules Vern's novel, "Around the World in Eighty Days." The pieces in Instruments of Pursuit should make the tailing a little easier, with a functional miniature telescope (the Filigree ...
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And the bride wore?
2008-05-14 12:01:00
And the bride wore... Choosing a designer can be bewildering. Astrid Joss guides you through the bestIn pictures: Bridal beautyIn pictures: Treasures for your trousseau Every wedding dress tells a story Beware the rules of modern engagement Wedding guide: A-Z of weddiquetteDESIGNER Bruce Oldfield  Lady Sarah Chatto, in Jasper Conran, and her husband Daniel following their wedding ceremonyVibe Adored by socialites, these dresses are classic and elegant Perfect for All shapes and sizes. Oldfield is couture only, so he can design for all figures. Ideal for slick city and grand country weddings. Famous brides Jemima Khan, Samantha Cameron, Queen Rania of Jordan and Lady Tamara Grosvenor How much? From £8,500; 020 7584 1363 DESIGNER Jenny Packham Vibe Contemporary red-carpet style glamour Perfect for Slim girls who want to show off their figures, and lovers of bling. Just the thing for city weddings and glam beach nuptials. Famous brides Pink, Anastacia How much? From £1...
More About: In the News , Bride

Beware the rules of modern engagement
2008-05-14 11:35:00
Beware the rules of modern engagement Finding the right rock is a minefield - the wrong one can have terrible consequences, says Karen Krizanovich In pictures: Bridal beautyIn pictures: Treasures for your trousseauEvery wedding dress tells a story And the bride wore... Wedding guide: A-Z of weddiquetteMariah Carey's engagement ring could sink a battleship. The singer's platinum and pink diamond ring, valued at £1.5 million, was bestowed on her by her new husband Nick Cannon within weeks of the pair meeting. But there's trouble: Carey has discovered that her fabulous ring appears not to have been "exclusive" to her. Cannon gave a strikingly similar ring last year to his then fiancée, Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks. Diamond geezer: Mariah Carey, left, and Selita Ebanks have both adorned strikingly similar finger candy Although the jewellers Jacob & Co say it is not the same ring, most women hearing this story yelped with disgust. However, many men don...
More About: In the News , Rules , Modern , Beware , The Rules

Forensic shopper: trying out chinos
2008-05-14 11:08:00
Forensic shopper: trying out chinos Sarah Mower searches for the perfect buy. This week: chinosIn pictures: Chino champs Perfect match for the new thinking Enough about dresses - it's time to pay attention to what's happening with trousers.  Yves Saint Laurent's s/s 08 chinosThe most neglected story of the summer is that chinos are filtering back, liberated at long last from the doldrums of boring, big-bottomed design. We can be grateful to Stefano Pilati at Yves Saint Laurent for staging the rescue, with support at the more reasonably priced end from the likes of 3.1 Phillip Lim and Acne Jeans; where this trio break new ground, others follow. And sure enough, neutral-coloured, lightweight trousers are represented in every collection and high-street store worth mentioning. All you need is the nous to spin a new attitude out of them.Chinos are most loveable because of their timeless, all-round usefulness in hot weather. They do for weekends and holidays but, if you gauge it ...
More About: In the News , Forensic , Shopper

Angry Little Girls Totes
2008-05-14 10:27:00
Angry Little Girls Totes Cop an attitude by expressing yourself in the coolest of ways with the Angry Little Girls Totes. "I'm A Lover Tote" is made of canvas with 2 convenient side pockets, with cute graphics bringing with it a whole new meaning to the term smart-arse. Measuring 15x13, it sells for $25 at About Attitude. Make sure you check out the huge collection of 'attitude' totes, you're sure to find one to fit just about any mood.
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Spring Bags for Guys
2008-05-14 02:30:00
by Jason Wilson and Piera Gelardi This season, our friends at Refinery29 gathered 15 favorite bags for guys with traditionally boyish shapes, many of which have been updated to maximize function and storage while still looking good in transit. From a sensibly chic leather back-pack and vigorously reconstructed satchel to a no muss, no-fuss beach tote, our top offerings should provide adequate room and style to spare. Superman has to stash the cape and boots somewhere, right? Here's how. Above, from left: Umbro by Kim Jones Gamba Indie Bag, $99, available at Gargyle; Y.M.C. Duffle Bag, about $350, available at Y.M.C.; Billykirk Hand-Stitched Shoulder Satchel, $320, available at Billykirk. Above, from left: Surface to Air Navy Cargo Bag, $552, available at Oak; Krane Avion Small Messenger Bag, $352, available at Revolve Clothing; Rogues Gallery Medium Beacon Tote, $187, available at Revolve Clothing. To see all 15, go to Refinery29.
More About: Bags , Spring , Glam , Guys

Prêt-à-rapporter: Perfect match for the new thinking
2008-05-14 01:53:00
Prêt-à-rapporter: Perfect match for the new thinking ASK THE BUYER In pictures: Chino champs This week: Bridget Cosgrave of Match es A decade ago, the idea that a compelling independent fashion store could originate from suburban Wimbledon and go on to thrive in the face of viciously competitive London conglomerates seemed almost laughable. That, however, is what Matches has achieved with Bridget Cosgrave as head buyer. Years ahead: Bridget Cosgrave foresaw the fashion demand for designer and high street goods years before it happened "I can't bear snooty fashion shops," she says, surveying the sun-drenched racks of clothes in Matches' new Marylebone High Street store. "We've retained that cornershop feeling. We're really neighbourhood stores."If that sounds homespun, consider the neighbourhoods in question. After Wimbledon and Richmond, Matches established a crucial high-fashion beachhead among the free-spending one-up women of Notting Hill - and at just the time w...
More About: In the News , Thinking

Bradley Price: Angle Parking
2008-05-14 01:01:00
For the forthcoming ICFF in New York, Brooklynite Bradley Price was one of eight designers selected by Bernhardt Design to be featured in the ICFF Studio, a new platform for showcasing prototypes during the furniture fair. Bradley's design, "Angle Parking ," is a clever take on the ubiquitous—and often boring—bookcase. By skewing the angle of the bookends to 45°, the shelving can accommodate 12½" deep books while protruding only 8½" from the wall. Four inches may not make all that much of a difference in a suburban dwelling where space constraints have little bearing on furniture selection, but in a metropolis like New York (where apartment square footage is measured down to the single digits) it's quite a bonus. Carrying the 45° angle to the ends of the shelving also allows the design to become a modular system capable of turning both inside and outside corners. Right now, the prototype is fabricated from grey lacquered MDF and blue upholstered ver...
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Surf?s up!
2008-05-14 00:25:00
This is what I needed to wake me up yesterday morning: a short spot for the latest fragrance release from surf-lifestyle brand Roxy, Roxy Love. If anyone knows the music, please comment!
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Auguste Esprit de Chine, Esprit de Cuir & Esprit de Chypre ~ fragrance revi
2008-05-14 00:02:00
Catherine Fructus started Auguste in 1994 to bring back some of the old beverages, medical remedies, and beauty concoctions of her native Provence. Her website calls Auguste a "bienêtrerie", or, as my lame French would translate it, a made-up word for a "place you go for things relating to well being". At Auguste, well being includes private label pastis, soap, folk aphrodisiacs, manicure kits, and cherries in eau de vie. It also includes three parfums: Esprit de Chine , Esprit de Cuir, and Esprit de Chypre. According to Luckyscent, the perfumes were copied from formulae found in handwritten perfume recipe books that Grasse's perfumers wrote between 1905 and 1920. Auguste used old methods to make the perfumes, too, so that they would be more faithful to the original scents. Although each scent is distinct ? a floral oriental, a leather, and a floral chypre ? they share a feeling of music played on old instruments and heard at the end of a hall. The problem is that I want to stand in...
More About: Style , Fragrance

Bertrand Duchaufour hired by L?Artisan
2008-05-13 23:42:00
Perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour has been hired by niche line L'Artisan Parfumeur, but he will not be the "house nose". He will be in "in charge of creating bespoke fragrances and of other olfactory projects for the brand". L'Artisan will continue to use a variety of outside perfumers to develop new fragrances, and Duchaufour will continue to work for other brands as well. (via osmoz) Duchaufour's past creations for L'Artisan include Aedes de Venustas (2006, home fragrance), Ambroisie Ararat (2005), Dzongkha (2006), Mechant Loup (1997), Patchouli Patch (2002, with Evelyne Boulanger), Piment Brulant (2002), Poivre Piquant (2002) and Timbuktu (2004). Note: image via Parfum de Pub.
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Best of the Brooklyn Flea: Specimen Jewelry
2008-05-13 23:01:00
by Sheena Sood Specimen Jewelry was born after Carrie Yee, a denim designer by day, found a coyote carcass in the woods of West Jersey. She kept the completely intact skeleton in its entirety, cleaned and bleached the bones and later made earrings out of some of the ribs. This led to more ideas about seeing the unconventional as precious and thus Specimen Jewelry was born. Carrie is inspired by nature, anthropology and is fascinated with the way native tribes adorn their bodies with products of nature that weren't consumed—something we seem to have lost touch with in modern society. "Maybe this is my sub-conscious attempt at re-connecting with this," she says, "and letting others experience a link to this as well." She is constantly sourcing materials and researching natural phenomena, and wishes she could raid the Natural History Museum. Carrie loves, "the unlikely combo of something organic with something shiny and modern," and many of her pieces make use of long dramatic ...
More About: Glam , Brooklyn

Nike 706: 100 Innovations
2008-05-13 22:30:00
Eighty-eight days before the opening ceremony of the Olympics XXIV (on 8 August 2008) Nike filled a warehouse space in Beijing's up and coming 798 Arts District with their 100 most innovative accomplishments and I was fortunate enough to be one of the first to see it. A gallery-like exhibit providing insight into the inspiration behind some of the game-changing footwear and apparel, it's a clear reminder why Nike is truly one of the best at harnessing design to improve athlete performance. The space itself is built to look like stacks of iconic orange Nike shoe boxes, some holding original prototypes and signature models. Highlights include Michael Johnson's original gold track shoes, a prototype of Ronaldo's Mercurial Vapor and various Tinker Hatfield prototypes that rarely see the light of day. Upon entering the space, visitors are greeted with an iPod Touch preloaded with 100 tracks highlighting a short explanation for each innovation. Interactive displays, rotating and shif...
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Coclico Fish crinkled patent leather slingback pumps
2008-05-13 19:19:00
Coclico Fish crinkled patent leather slingback pumps Here's a slightly different take on the classic slingback heel where the actual slingback is cut from the same leather as the heel - which is in a slightly different shade of tan than the rest of the shoe. The two tone look is not exactly uncommon, but it is the combination of the colours and cut of this shoe that intrigues me. It would make a great every day shoe thanks to it's versatile 2" heel. What is also interesting is the fact that it's made from 100% crinkle patent leather... not the most commonly used form. But I'd be willing to give these shoes a go, after all Coclico Fish is a Spanish brand, like my other shoe favourite, Pedro Garcia. These slingbacks are retailing for $285 at PiperLime.com.
More About: Style , Pumps , Patent , Leather

Not Rated Sittin? Pretty raffia heels
2008-05-13 18:43:00
Not Rated Sittin' Pretty raffia heels How sweet/milk maid are these Not Rated heels? Named Sittin' Pretty, I love that they're made of raffia and paired with stacked heel. It gives them his natural quality, like you're ready to go to work on a farm in a white cotton dress with your hair loose and flowing. You might also have a few pieces of straw clinging to your dress and hair from rolling around in the barn... Ok so no one would dress up to work on a farm, but that is my fantasy for these heels. Trimmed in a gingham check, you really can't get more farm girl than these for just $42.50.
More About: Style , Heels

S-Mode Oberon Stainless Steel LED Watch from Japan
2008-05-13 17:36:00
Japanese LED Watch shop TokyoFlash informs us about the new S-Mode Oberon Stainless Steel . The S-Mode Oberon Stainless Steel features a solid brushed stainless steel body and custom linked strap, Oberon SS features a sleek full-face black mineral crystal lens and contrasting bright blue LEDs. Finished with polished detail on the buttons, case and strap, this is a superb new look for a classic design. The time is presented simply, with a single touch of the upper button. The outer ring of LEDs indicate the hour, the second ring indicates single minutes and the inner ring indicates minutes in groups of ten. The date can be read in a similar way with a second touch of the upper button. Oberon SS is only available to buy from Tokyoflash and is available for 15,900 Japanese Yen ($154, ?99, £79) including free 5-day worldwide shipping. Customers who register with Tokyoflash can benefit from a discount coupon to use on every purchase they make! Via the TokyoFlash site.
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Chicory Root Bag
2008-05-13 16:57:00
Chicory Root Bag Stylish and just plain hot best describes this gorgeous Chicory Root Bag from Anthropologie. Fashioned in leather and trimmed out in deep brown piping, it carries with a detachable crossbody strap, has tons of pockets, and a zip closure. It measures a whopping 14x21x4, and sells for $378 at Anthropologie. If you're in the market for a big bag, make sure you check this one out. This one is definitely a keeper...
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Gansevoort South
2008-05-13 16:45:00
The latest addition to South Beach's strip of bigger, hotter and hipper hotels is the Gansevoort South, sister to the four year-old Gansevoort in Manhattan's Meatpacking district. Boasting a 110-foot roof deck pool, a David Barton gym (not yet open) and two restaurants by Philippe Chow (also soon to open), visitors familiar with the original Gansevoort will recognize a few features. While co-developers William and Michael Achenbaum and Arik Kislin may not be the first to import pieces of NYC to the south, their version is a slicker, splashier, more candy-colored experience compared to the lush gardens of the Raleigh down the street or the neighboring Setei's nouveau Zen. Courtesy of the hotel, we recently had the chance to take in the new spot, located at the Northernmost end of South Beach. Pluses include spacious rooms (334 in all) with beds on par with the most luxurious and outfitted for the digerati with free WiFi, iPod-friendly sound systems and the requisite 40" flat scre...
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Cuff Daddy Jewelry
2008-05-13 13:50:00
Cuff Daddy is an online cufflink store based in metro Washington D.C. Cuff Daddy specializes in unique, high quality cufflinks not found elsewhere in the United States. They source the best discount cufflinks for men, and also carry a large selection of ladies cufflinks at affordable prices, with or without semi-precious stones. Their cufflinks are adorable, but it's their large selection of unusual pendants that I found interesting: Interlocking Love Stainless Steel Pendant Black and Silver stainless steel is interlocked to form a rectangular shape with laser-engraved gender signs on each. Give one half of the pendant to your significant other so they can always keep you in their heart. Black color on half of pendant is coated by PVD, aka physical vapor disposition, which is the innovative process of providing a hard black coating onto metal. Once the process is complete, the black coating is extremely durable. $25 Carbon Fiber Jewelry Carbon fiber is the next big thing in the...
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Nine West?s green satin full-front sandals
2008-05-13 13:04:00
Nine West 's green satin full-front sandals We're more used to seeing full-fronted sandals like these ones from Nine West in leather, for daytime wear, but if you love the style so much you want to wear it in the evening, too, these are the shoes for you. These are suitably glamorous for evening wear, while being unusual enough to make a pleasant change from the standard, glitter-strap sandals. The fashionable style will also allow you to give a nod towards the current trends, even under a strict dress code, while the bright green and blue satin is certainly loud enough. These are also available in a burnt orange and pink, and they're £60.
More About: Green , Style , Sandals , Front

Bargain Tuesday: Pink patent pumps from Charlotte Russe
2008-05-13 12:25:00
Bargain Tuesday: Pink patent pumps from Charlotte Russe Let's face it, the trend for brightly coloured shoes probably won't last more than a season or so, so if you want to give it a whirl on a serious budget, these pink patent pumps from Charlotte Russe could be the way to do it. For such a cheap shoe, these have a really nice shape to them, and also come in white, black and - my favourite - camel, as well as this Barbie-esque patent pink. They're definitely not the most expensive shoes you'll ever buy, either, at $22.99.
More About: Style , Pumps , Bargain

River Island peep toe platform sandal
2008-05-13 03:18:00
River Island peep toe platform sandal Forget boat shoes, espadrilles and those legions and legions of rope-embellished heels, this summer the perfect complement to the nautical look is a pair of eye-popping red platforms... and if they have a wooden heel, then even better! These River Island ones certainly tick the boxes and would look oh-so-fab with a pair of smart, cuffed shorts and a polo t-shirt. Great for wearing on into the night, they're £69.99.
More About: Style , River , Platform , Sandal

Best of the Brooklyn Flea: Keep It Moving Knit Plants
2008-05-13 01:02:00
A small booth headed up by a woman as nice as her creations are clever, Keep It Moving Design sells knit plants. Each hand-knit specimen comes in a pot with its own name. Most are flexible due to wire armature and some even have moss. She has some great vintage-like jewelry pieces and some embroidered men's ties too. All depends on what she's been up to that week. If you can't make it to the Flea Market you can find some of her work on her her Etsy site.
More About: Plants , Glam , Brooklyn , Knit

Filles des Iles Floral Solaire, Parfums de Nicolai Eau Turquoise ~ perfume
2008-05-13 01:01:00
According to my local weather forecast, it is currently "46°F Feels Like 39°F". I can vouch for the "feels like" part ? it is darned cold and dreary for May. I considered just staying in bed, but instead I thought I'd spray on a bit of the tropics today... First up, Floral Solaire (or Golden Floral), the fourth release from niche line Filles des Iles. Filles des Iles is the latest venture from the same team that brought us the strikingly unconventional fragrance Dinner by Bobo ? remember that one? It was once described, somewhere (sorry I can't remember where), as meat served by a sweaty waiter. This time around, they're doing rather conventional tropical florals, which presumably have more widespread appeal. Floral Solaire, developed by perfumer Celine Ellena, is described as "an expressive, teasing and fascinating scent", and features notes of cedrat, star fruit, tropical breeze, passion fruit, lily, tiara, orchid, flamboyant, amber, benzoin, soft sand, musk and vanilla. Tropi...
More About: Perfume , Style