Fashion

Shanghai Tang 20th Anniversary Art Collaboration Project

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 2 Comments

Hi there Art & Beauty Lovers,

We have a book here in Australia, written by a buddy of mine Bruno Bouchet, The Beauty of Truth. It was about everyday items wrapped in the art of masters. You could have a Da Vince fridge, Picasso kettle, Pollock microwave. A bit like a Ben Elton book it was a fun look at the world of art, the world and snob value. There was a bunch of human interaction stuff too. I re-read it every now and then and laugh.

Anyway, enjoy these lovely pieces from China.
Portia xxx

Shanghai Tang 20th Anniversary Art Collaboration Project

Stolen lock, stock & barrel from art8amby. You need to know what’s happening in fashion>>>art8amby.

Shanghai Tang celebrates its 20th anniversary as the global curator of Modern Chinese chic with a series of collaborations with visionary creative talents.

Shanghai Tang: A Garden of Vibrant Dreams

Inspired by the beauty of nature, Shanghai Tang released a captivating pop-art short film entitled “A Garden of Vibrant Dreams” that will take you on a mesmerizing journey through a series of six artworks by the talented Shanghai-born artist Jacky Tsai. His recent works include an exquisite large blue and white porcelain egg for Faberge Big Egg Hunt in New York City, which was auctioned in Sotheby’s New York in April 2014.

The mystic spiral made of round artworks imitate a hypnotic fall where one enters a world within a world (mise-en-abime). The original cinematic music by Charlie Nguyen Kim combines sounds of the East with a modern twist.

The six original artworks (Lotus Porcelain, Flying Tiger, Ginger Flower, Carved Dragon, Petrol Rainbow and Mix Landscape) were inspired by the beauty of nature and filled with colourful energy which reflect the optimism of modern China.

Shanghai Tang 20th Anniversary3

Shanghai Tang 20th Anniversary1

Floral Play captures attention with the opening gates of leaves, followed by acrobats and ballerinas dancing on tree branches, among a kaleidoscope of butterflies, forming a surreal universe embracing the vitality of life. The sudden splash of ink introduces the world of peaceful Lotus Porcelain inspired by Chinese porcelain. Carved Dragon grown from Chinese motifs of wiggly tree branches and birds on a glowing red sunset.

Shanghai Tang 20th Anniversary2

Shanghai Tang 20th Anniversary4

The vibrant vegetal universe of Ginger Flower takes you through a tunnel of birds, dragonflies, and koi fish to come together in a picturesque portrait. Petrol Rainbow set in the landscape of an iceberg with dolphins and gold fish and colorful valley. Last but not least, Chinese acrobats and Western performers work together jumping and swinging up in the sky to celebrate the prosperous Chinese New Year on a festive background of Chinese lanterns and dancing lions for Flying Tiger.

Shanghai Tang 20th Anniversary5

Shanghai Tang 20th Anniversary6

The Jacky Tsai x Shanghai Tang collaboration inspired a limited edition capsule collection of apparel and accessories for women and men. These include the traditional qipao dresses, box clutches, cashmere shawls, porcelain dining set, home products, iPad and iPhone cases and even skateboards.

Source art8amby.

Michael Edwards / Fragrance of the World GIVEAWAY WINNERS

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 4 Comments

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Post by Ainslie Walker

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How was your week APJ’s??

Thank you so much for all you wonderful entries into the competition for Fragrances of the World 2014 (worth $195!!) – one thing that overwhelmed us was what a great spirited and kind bunch of people you all are – your friends sound as though they are all in very good hands when it comes to their fragrance selections.

Michael Edwards Fragrances Of The World Book 2014

Michael Edwards 50% Off Book Deal

If you didn’t win, the legendary Fragrances of the World 2014 guide, Michael is offering a generous discount for APJ readers!! If you go to Fragrances Of the World<<JUMP at the checkout Redeem Code: APJ2014 Normally $195, but until the end of October, only $97.50

Michael Edwards / Fragrance of the World GIVEAWAY WINNERS

Michael Edwards Ainslie walker

WHAT COULD YOU WIN?

This week we will have 1 Winner who receive:

1 x Michael Edwards Fragrances Of The World 2014 ($195 Retail!!)
P&H Anywhere in the world

HOW DID YOU WIN?

Open to everyone worldwide who follows AustralianPerfumeJunkies via eMail, WordPress, Bloglovin or RSS. Please leave how you follow in the comments to be eligible. I must be able to check that you follow so if you have an email address on your gravatar that’s different to your follow address then please email me so I know. Yes, you can start following to enter, in fact it’s encouraged.

You must tell me how you follow APJ

and

Tell us how do you recommend fragrances to others? Are you pinpointing their need and loves, or only recommending your favorites?

Extra Chance?
Tweet:  Michael Edwards Fragrances Of The World 2014 GIVEAWAY http://wp.me/p3PURw-37E

HOUSEKEEPING

Entries Closed Thursday 28th August 2014 10pm Australian EST
Winner were chosen by random.org

winner-is HighestSelfPhoto Stolen HighestSelf

The Smelly Vagabond (via Twitter)

The winner has till Monday 1st September 2014 to get in touch (portia underscore turbo at yahoo dot com dot au) with their address or the prize will go to someone else.
No responsibility taken for lost or damaged goods in transit.

Jean Paul Gaultier for Lindex Fall Winter 2014 Ad Campaign

/ australianperfumejunkiescom

Ok Fashionistas,

When I was studying fashion, and after, one of my favourite designers was Jean Paul Gaultier. His fun, sexy, silly and naughty street to couture ranges would always make me smile. When I moved to London in the mid 1990s I went a little crazy on the Gaultier. I had a cow print skivvy in cashmere, some navy blue stirrup tights with huge JPG badge appliques, a stripy very low v necked striped midriff top and a couple of belts. It looks like he has brought all his signature fun and nautical signatures into this Lindex range. Great to see him back on board.

Jean Paul Gaultier for Lindex Fall Winter 2014 Ad Campaign

I grabbed this piece from my fave fashion image crew: art8amby

 Raven haired model/singer Karen Elson stars in the new campaign image of Jean Paul Gaultier‘s collaboration with Lindex along with the namesake designer himself. The images were shot by Jason Kibbler. (source)

Jean Paul Gaultier for Lindex Fall Winter 2014 Ad Campaign1 Jean Paul Gaultier for Lindex Fall Winter 2014 Ad Campaign2 Jean Paul Gaultier for Lindex Fall Winter 2014 Ad Campaign3

 

 

AROMANTIK GIVEAWAY WINNERS

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 1 Comment

Hi there Frag freaks,

Great response this week. I’m glad you’re all loving the Australian stuff too.

Thanks for joining in the fun,
Portia xx

Aromantik logo

AROMANTIK GIVEAWAY WINNERS

AROMANTIK Dark Side Of The Spoon ron brinkmann FlickrPhoto Stolen Flickr

WHAT COULD YOU WIN?

This week we will have 3 Winners who will get:

1 x 15ml(?) spray sample bottle of AROMANTIK Strangers In Blood EdP (-2ml I have used)

OR

1 x 15ml(?) spray sample bottle of AROMANTIK Dark Side Of The Spoon EdP

OR

AROMANTIK Natural Perfume Oil Sampler with 7 x 1ml samples

P&H Anywhere in the world

HOW DID YOU WIN?

Open to everyone worldwide who follows AustralianPerfumeJunkies via eMail, WordPress, Bloglovin or RSS. Please leave how you follow in the comments to be eligible. I must be able to check that you follow so if you have an email address on your gravatar that’s different to your follow address then please email me so I know. Yes, you can start following to enter, in fact it’s encouraged.

You must tell me how you follow APJ

and

Go to AROMANTIK Site<<JUMP and tell me a Fragrance and one of its notes…….. NO DOUBLE UPS

Extra Chance?
Tweet: APJ AROMANTIK Natural Perfume GIVEAWAY http://wp.me/p3PURw-369  

HOUSEKEEPING

Entries Closed Sunday 24th August 2014 10pm Australian EST
Winners were chosen by random.org

winners-are prospectsplusPhoto Stolen prospectsplus

Roslyn

Ferris Égoïste (via Twitter)

Kandice

The winners will have till Thursday 28th August 2014 to get in touch (portia underscore turbo at yahoo dot com dot au) with their address or the prize will go to someone else.
No responsibility taken for lost or damaged goods in transit.

GUCCI: Modern Mod Movie

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 2 Comments

Hiya Fashion Hounds,

When I was studying fashion in the 1980s GUCCI was mainly about shoes and the house had become a bit of a white elephant. It was a slow downward spiral stopped mainly by the arrival of Tom Ford in 1994. There were 10 glorious years of freaking fabulous and though GUCCI is still pretty cool it is slowly sinking again.

Gucci-Fall-2014-Mod-coats LittleLuxuryListPhoto Stolen LittleLuxuryList

Then they go and do a fun ad like this. One of my favourite historical fashion styles was the MOD, from the 1950s & 60s it was a totally cool look featuring loads of black & white with maybe a touch of softest pink cashmere, girls with black eyes and white lips, leather, stretch and boots. Super cool look riding along on a Vespa. There was a brief revival of the look here in Sydney in the 1980s and there were a few MOD (Ska) bands around at the time too.

So here GUCCI goes and modernises the look making it fun and colourful! What a twist.

Enjoy the new ad,
Portia xx

Gucci Presents: Modern Mod

GUCCI shop Vienna pbr10021 FlickrPhoto Stolen Flickr

Sensei by Piotr Czarnecki 2013

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 17 Comments

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Post by Erica Golding

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Hello, my finely fragranced friends!

I want to share a scent experience that pierced my heart with true love’s fiery arrow. Of all the aromas that I have fallen for in my many years exploring, learning, and collecting, this creation may be my favorite of all time. I don’t make this statement lightly – it is my declaration of devotion to a work of sensory art. My passion, my power, my spirit:

Sensei by Piotr Czarnecki 2013

Sensei Piotr Czarnecki FragranticaPhoto Stolen Fragrantica

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Whiskey, coffee, tobacco
Heart: Incense, myrrh, spicy notes
Base: Ambrette (musk mallow), labdanum, amber and musk

The fragrance opens with a thunderous symphony of precious woods, rich coffee, intense spices, fine tobacco, and full-bodied whiskey. Once the essences meld with skin and chemistry, resinous incense notes, amber, and a subtle swirl of vanilla round out the masterpiece. Each note yields to the next, balanced perfectly and equally, allowing me to either focus on a single element or allow the entirety of the creation to reverberate harmoniously.The aroma is woody, spicy, and vibrates with life, vigor, and purpose.

Sensei Piotr Czarnecki whiskey PixabayPhoto Stolen Pixabay

Sensei doesn’t need a hype train, it stands on its own by merit of the exquisitely moving fragrance alone. Handmade in small batches, the genuine emotion that breathes life into Sensei is palpable. I would classify this scent as masculine, but only on a superficial level. Rather than requiring an exceptionally strong and confident soul to “pull it off,” Sensei somehow possesses the ability to draw forth the strength and poise of the wearer instead of demanding it. When I anoint my skin with this cherished treasure, I breathe deeply and stand straighter. I carry myself throughout the day with a peaceful invincibility, harmonizing with my fragrance’s serene energy.

Sensei Piotr Czarnecki Incense J Aaron Farr FlickrPhoto Stolen Flickr

Some may classify Sensei as a winter scent, and understandably so; but I met Sensei in the blazing heat of the glowing summer sun, and my associations with it are solar, radiant, and powerfully joyful. Wearlength on me is variable, depending on whether my skin is moisturized and how much I apply, but I get about 5-7 hours. Interestingly enough, the longevity of Sensei is not dependent on the concentration of the scent that I choose. Personally, I find that the Eau de Toilette allows the vanilla to come forth a little more; the Eau de Parfum highlights the smooth tobacco; and the Extrait is all about the spice blend. Sensei comes in a triple-chambered glass bottle, offering each of the concentrates in a singular, cohesive presentation.

Further reading: Kafkaesque
LuckyScent has $160/3 x 33ml

Sensei is pure pleasure for me and I hope that you have enjoyed my impressions of this composition!
Erica Golding

Gucci Envy by Maurice Roucel for GUCCI 1997

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 14 Comments

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Post by ElizaD

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An Old Friend

I don’t know about you, but sometimes my senses get worn out from trying new things. After my post about linden perfumes I ordered Zeta by Andy Tauer, and of course had to get three other Tauer samples so I could fill that cute little shipping tin. It just seemed wrong to get only one to try. Ten days later my vanity was strewn with little vials, and my nose was starting to itch.

First I took a vacation, during which the only fragrance I wore was a sultry mix of Coppertone SPF 50, sea salt and my own skin warmed by the sun, but when I returned home, I stowed all the samples back in their tin and pulled out my old friend, one of the few perfumes of which I own a whole bottle…or about a third of one now.

It’s crisp, it’s light, cool mornings, warm days, and mellow nights, flip flops and hair in a pony tail. I love to spray it behind my knees and let it extend my summer even after I have returned to work. It’s so simple, and sadly, discontinued.

Gucci Envy by Maurice Roucel for GUCCI 1997

GUCCI Envy Gucci FragranticaPhoto Stolen Fragrantica

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Bergamot, peaches, freesia, magnolia, pineapple
Heart: Lily of the valley, hyacinth, jasmine, violet, hyacinth, rose
Base: Cedar, oakmoss, musk, sandalwood.

With all those notes, you’d think it would be a big hot mess, but Envy is really quite easy to wear.

On first spray, the bergamot and peaches perk up my senses, and I am reminded of another favorite, the original Chloe by Karl Lagerfeld. In fact, these two perfumes evoke the same late summer floral and fruit fest, but Envy is less likely to offend at work—some day I will just spritz a heady perfume with abandon, but that is a thought for another post. Eventually the top notes are joined by the flowers and then the whole thing warms on my very cool, dry skin. The top and heart notes never fade completely, but are wonderfully mellowed by the oakmoss and sandalwood. It’s this last stage that makes Envy so fun to wear…it helps me growl.

GUCCI Envy Gucci tiger_eye annemaria48 DeviantArtPhoto Stolen DeviantArt

Longevity is great on me. As for sillage, honestly, I can never tell how far I project my perfume. No one has ever gone running out of the room when I enter, and people don’t generally comment on what I am wearing. But then again, I don’t wear perfume for other people, I wear it for me, so if I can smell it, I am likely to say that sillage is pretty good.

Some day I will open my perfume cabinet, and that long slender bottle with the missing cap will be empty of its green tinted juice. That will be a sad day. For now, I will just enjoy this lovely thing and be grateful for those of us capable of making liquid art.

GUCCI Envy Gucci Glass Art WikipediaPhoto Stolen Wikipedia

Further reading: Bois de Jasmin and Perfume Posse
FragranceNet has $55/30ml before coupon
Surrender To Chance have samples starting at $3/ml

Do you have any perfumes that have been discontinued? Do you search for replacements, or just celebrate that you knew them and move on?

ElizaD

Or du Serail by Bertrand Duchaufour for Naomi Goodsir 2014

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 12 Comments

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Post by Ainslie Walker

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Or du Serail by Bertrand Duchaufour for Naomi Goodsir 2014

Or du Serail Naomi Goodsir FragranticaPhoto Stolen Fragrantica

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Apple, red berries, mango, sweet orange
Heart: Rum, artemisia, sage, coconut, geranium, ylang-ylang, mate
Base: Labdanum, beeswax, honey, tobacco, amber, oak tree, cedar, musk and vanilla

Tart, citrus and dried fruits – mango, sweet orange are the top notes that grab me at first whiff. Followed immediately with golden, sparkling, not smokin’ tobacco. It’s pretty and reminds me of midsummer hot hot heat. The tobacco journey continues, and with a touch of bitter cocoa, and clary sage, it forms the under laying and robust foundation of this beauty. It’s savory underneath, and yet sweet gourmand notes play about delightfully on top. It’s as if someone dropped a basket of dried fruits and rum on a freshly mulched tobacco haystack, and now its warming in the sun.

Or du Serail Naomi Goodsir mango PixabayPhoto Stolen Pixabay

I first tried this, after I had just bought a bottle of Frapin’s 1270 from Peony in Melbourne (a rummy pineapple and chocolate love of mine – thanks to Portia’s review). My beautifully wrapped parcel arrived, and to my delight I noticed Jill had been generous and included some new release samples, of course Naomi Godsir’s Or Du Serail being one- She had said on the phone; “If you like 1270, you will LOVE Naomi’s Or du Serail”. She was right!

Thirty minutes on and its notes are all humming the same tune – perfectly attuned strings, all singing a big tobacco song. I keep thinking of golden light, at the end of a summer’s day -the streaming golden light I’m always happy to see cropping up on my instagram feed as friends in various countries conclude their days activities.

Or du Serail Naomi Goodsir Istanbul_cafe WikipediaPhoto Stolen Wikipedia

The fruit drenched tobacco notes and light smoke remind me of London, I lived around the corner from a particular Turkish restaurant (Gallipoli on Upper St, Angel – in case you wish to visit), where people smoked shish and the smell would waft down the street – dry, fruity tobacco with mango and apple flavors.
Its here, and with the rum notes, lies the similarities with Frapin’s 1270, but put side by side, they are actually quite quite different. 1270 goes off on a flirty fun, yet sophisticated, pineapple fruit cocktail tangent, held into line by bitter chocolate undertones. The Or du Serail focuses in on the golden scents of tobacco, honey and mango, seeming to be deeper, more serious. ODS is like the steadfast, sophisticated fruit-cocktail sipper, tobacco pouch in hand, cedarwood pipe nearby, enjoying the last of the golden rays of afternoon sunshine. 1270, is more camp, and probably inside preparing for a fun night of dancing and dressups later. I’m not anyone needs a bottle of both, I would recommend trying both and seeing how you go.

The deep dry down of vanilla-rum and honeyed orange-amber, almost sued, smokey in parts, hinting sweet and humming beautifully, is just so tasty and robust. I really do love it. It does not project too strongly. It’s one of those yummy ones you have to get up nice and close to someone to really enjoy. I would recommend this fragrance for both men and women.

Further reading: Colognoisseur
LuckyScent has $187/50ml
First In Fragrance has €125/50ml
Peony Melbourne has $210/50ml with FREE Australian Shipping
Surrender To Chance has $5/.5ml

I would love to hear others experiences…..I feel like I am now in love with 2, non-identical, twins from different makers!!

Ainslie Walker x

DKNY Sweet Delicious – Tart Key Lime by Donna Karan 2012

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 8 Comments

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Post by Tina G

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The Be Delicious line by Donna Karan New York (DKNY) sometimes just doesn’t get its day in the sun. But honestly… to keep on top of this range would take a fair amount of dedication as it is large, with many special editions which are possibly not easy to come by. Recently I was given a sample bottle of Delicious Night (orchid and frankincense being the stand out notes) and a full bottle of Fresh Blossom Eau so Intense (an extremely sweet rose), so the range has been on my radar.

DKNY Sweet Delicious – Tart Key Lime by Donna Karan 2012

DKNY Sweet Delicious Tart Key Lime Donna Karan FragranticaPhoto Stolen Fragrantica

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Orange, bergamot, sweet notes, mandarin
Heart: Neroli, ginger, basil
Base: Violet leaf

I spotted the funky pastel packaging of the Sweet Delicious line recently, which includes three fragrances: Creamy Meringue, Pink Macaroon, and Tart Key Lime. Adorable! Although the designer of the bottle obviously has bigger hands than me – I find the standard “apple” design difficult to use and need two hands to hold the bottle and depress the spray mechanism. Awkward.

There are a few different types of limes, some you may be familiar with are kaffir lime, Persian or Tahitian lime, and Key lime. In Australia we usually are sold Tahitian lime, which are a bright green, have a certain sweetness in the juice, and are preferentially marketed because they have a thick skin (ie: easily transported). The Key lime is named after the groves in the Florida Keys, as this thin-skinned lime variation grows better in warmer climates. It is also used as an ingredient in Key Lime Pie, a zesty sweet treat, and I’m assuming is the reason it has been included in the Sweet Delicious line beside meringues and macaroons.

DKNY Sweet Delicious Tart Key Lime Key_lime_pie WikiCommonsPhoto Stolen WikiCommons

Citrus notes are an absolute favourite of mine, particularly mandarin and tangerine, but lime is up there as a “wow, must try” factor. Tart Key Lime doesn’t fail to deliver. It opens with a mouth-watering burst of lime, fresh and juicy and not overly bitter as to bring tears to your eyes. Quickly the pure lime top note gives way to orange and mandarin, and at 15 minutes there is a fragrant green herbal vibe wafting in the background.

A spicy ginger and basil combo comes through as the base, but this is the limit to its development. I’m reading the notes as I’m testing and I don’t get any sense of the listed violet leaf, bergamot or neroli which is a pity as it would be nice to have a bit of depth to the base notes. There is a thread of something honeyed in the background but it is a far cry from the sweet tooth sugar-bomb that you may expect from the advertising.

DKNY Sweet Delicious Tart Key Lime limes bowl timlewisnm Flickr.jpgPhoto Stolen Flickr

Sweet Delicious Tart Key Lime is fresh, vibrant, and uplifting, and really is perfectly wearable as a go-to every day fragrance. I’m not sure that it is the one for me, I think there are other citruses out there that are a bit more intriguing, but I like to aim for the “never say never” category when it comes to exploring, and to have a bit of fun trying new things!

Tina G xx

Scent Task #1 GIVEAWAY WINNERS

/ australianperfumejunkiescom

Hi there Crew,

Great response to today’s gIVEAWAY! I love that we inspired you to grab out the neglected beauties, or at least reminded you they are there.

On to our winners
Portia x

Scent Task #1 GIVEAWAY WINNERS

Photo Stolen Fragrantica

WHAT COULD YOU WIN?

This week we will have 1 Winner who will get:
1 x decanted spray sample of all 5 Scent Task Fragrances
Fire from Heaven by C B I Hate Perfume
Vanille Tonique by Evocative Perfumes
28 Excess by Tokyo Milk
Amouage Gold Extrait de Parfum
Vintage Caleche by Hermes
P&H Anywhere in the world

HOW DID YOU WIN?

Open to everyone worldwide who follows AustralianPerfumeJunkies via eMail, WordPress, Bloglovin or RSS. Please leave how you follow in the comments to be eligible. I must be able to check that you follow so if you have an email address on your gravatar that’s different to your follow address then please email me so I know. Yes, you can start following to enter, in fact it’s encouraged.

 

You must tell me how you follow APJ

 

and

 

Tell me a fragrance that gets little or no love in your collection.

 

Extra Chance?
Tweet: APJ Facebook Scent Task GIVEAWAY http://wp.me/p3PURw-33H  

 

HOUSEKEEPING

Entries Closed Sunday 17th August 2014 10pm Australian EST
Winners were chosen by random.org

Winner Is amberinblunderlandPhoto Stolen amberinblunderland

flowergirlbee!

The winners will have till Thursday 21st August 2014 to get in touch (portia underscore turbo at yahoo dot com dot au) with their address or the prize will go to someone else.
No responsibility taken for lost or damaged goods in transit.

Amouage Gold pour Femme Amouage FragranticaPhoto Stolen Fragrantica