Fashion Magazine and Coty Canada launch Calvin Klein “Beauty” Fragrance…

Hello Darlings,

The other night I was invited to celebrate Fashion Magazine’s launch of Calvin Klein’s Beauty perfume at the Terrace Room at the Gardiner Museum in Toronto.

Along with 49 media representatives, I had an opportunity to attend a press conference and listen to perfumer Sophie Labbé and Senior Manager Global Marketing Stephanie Schwab discuss the concept behind their iconic new scent.Following the press conference, the space was transformed into a gallery-like setting that featured five photographic interpretations of a calla lily. The exhibit served as a backdrop to a fabulous soirée that was attended by 175 guests.

Overall,the night was flawless! And the company of Chantelle from Bellechantelle and Helene made the night!

The perfume

The Calvin Klein Beauty evokes the ultimate power of femininity and sophistication, while capturing the spirit of a woman who is beautiful from the inside out, with an aura that radiates. A new interpretation of a lily is the heart and soul of the perfume. A sophisticated flower that is the essence of femininity, the lily is also radiant and powerful.

Sophie Labbé had worked on fragrances for Givenchy, Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Cacharel and Nina Ricci. Her latest creation captures a beauty that resides within a woman who is both confident and fragile; and represented by the calla lily. The flower has its own history as a favorite of Calvin Klein and as flower that has been an inspiration to Francisco Costa.

Rather than contend with technical constraints on extracting a lily’s natural scent or go for any synthetic replica, Labbé imagined what she describes as a “neo-lily”, achieved with three primary ingredients. Ambrette seeds, from variety of hibiscus grown in Ecuador and Peru, account for spiciness. Jasmine, from Morocco, fulfills the flowery role and brings special freshness to the part. Cedarwood is put through a distillation process that yields a warmth sometimes list with other methods.

The Exhibit

An interpretation of a lily through the eyes of five photographers: (From left to right)

• Untitled by Karen Roze
• Callous by Caitlin Cronenberg with Art Direction by Jessica Ennis
• Untitled by Natasha V
• Three Calla Profiles on Polaroid byJody Rogac
• Ode to Yva by Davida Nemeroff

The Outfit

It took me literally forever to pull together an outfit. The party was on Wednesday and I had a casual lunch date with darling Anthea of Clothes Line Finds beforehand. My reasoning was to wear an outfit that was appropriate for both occasions, while keeping in mind CK’s spirit and the brands embrace of simplicity. As a result, I chose a very simple look but one that played around with various textures. The grainy texture of my leather Heny Duarte blazer was matched by the texture of my suede Pedro Garcia mary janes, meanwhile the delicate flow of the silk Club Monaco blouse created a balanced contrast. . Therefore, when it doubt make sure that you’re comfortable in your own skin and go for something simple. Although the outfit might not be fashion-forward (I tend to stay away from that) it definitely made me feel confident and strong. At the end of the day, that is all that matters

Since Calvin Klein is the topic of today’s post, I had to share this interesting interview that I found in Nina Garcia’s Little Black Book of Style:

Francisco Costa, on minimalism with allure

Q: What it is about a white shirt that is so appealing?

A: A white shirt always looks crisp and sexy. It’s a fashion staple.

Q: What is your favorite article of clothing on a woman?

A: The skirt is the most feminine article of clothing on a woman and can dictate the whole silhouette.

Q: How does a woman dress with minimalism without looking boring?

A: One should always refer to the proportions to update the silhouette—the same old dress can look exciting in a new length.

Q: What is the best lesson you have learned from Brazilian women?

A: Brazilian women know how to let the sensuality speak for itself.

P.S. To receive immediate updates and images of all of the events, follow me on With Love.. facebook page! Also a HUGE thanks goes out to the participants of my survey! Thank you!

Wishing Everyone a Lovely Monday!!!

With Love…

Marta

Images Courtesy: bellechantelle; bizbash; fashionights;heydoyou

Sources Used: Calvin Klein Press Package; Fashion Magazine's Fashion Style Report; Little Black Book of Fashion by Nina Garcia.