CLAUDIO CINA

Eleganza di Vita - January Jones in Versace Spring 2011 Ad Campaign

January Jones shot by Mario Testino for Versace Spring 2011

The first shots by Mario Testino for Versace's Spring 2011 ad campaign show this new Versace vixen in very 60's Hollywood hair and make-up.  Mad Men gone Versace?  Yes,  and add a little sex, a.k.a January Jones in accessories......and nothing else and you have a very iconic woman, the one that Donatella Versace feels very comfortable designing for.  

Some of the shots made me think of Gisele Bündchen, the brazilian supermodel who has been shots many times in Versace ads.  I like how clean, sleek, modern and timeless the photographs look.  They definitely capture a moment which is now, but can also be 10 years from now. Great job Testino!

To end on another Versace note, Donatella has designed another fragrance, and I like the name of this one because it goes back to the DNA of the company with the name VANITAS.  Here is the video advertisement featuring model of the moment Lindsey Wixson.

Vanitas, the latest fragrance by Versace featuring model of the moment Lindsey Wixson

On the top list for Christmas Shopping - The Scent of Anna Dello Russo

Fashion shopper's, this is a MUST for Christmas.  The fashion Icon Anna Dello Russo has collaborated with Yoox.com to create a fragrance that will be exclusively sold on their website.  When asked why she will only be selling online, Anna puts it very simply, “I was born online and want to stay online.”

The bottle design also has a very unique story.  It is in the form of a golden show, reminiscent of Cinderella and her slipper.  To quote Anna,  “For 20 years no one noticed me — I worked like Cinderella at the bottom of the pile. Finally I’ve been invited to the ball.”

The pocket size 10 ml scent will retail for $25 (what a steal) and it was designed to easily fit inside your clutch.  The beauty of it is when it is time for a new bottle, you can hang the empty flacon as a Christmas bauble.  The scent is described as a vanilla cream and blends the ingredients almonds and vanilla, inspired by Dello Russo’s childhood in Puglia and memories of her grandmother’s kitchen.

We are so excited about this launch, set for this December.  Here is a video of Anna Dello Russo's scent.  For more on the fragrance and details of the video, you can check out annadellorusso.com

 

Ladurée Macaroons Box Designed by John Galliano

Ladurée, the famous macaroon cake shop and in my opinion, one of the best that can be found in the world has commissioned John Galliano to design a glamourous packaging.  These miniature cakes come in 26 amazing flavors and besides the unbelievable taste, the packaging is always to die!  The boxes are always so perfect in dimension and the way that they are made is like couture.  It's as though each one has been hand crafted. It is always a pity to have to throw it away after they are all gone.  Most of the time, I am sure like many of you, I end up keeping them.

courtesy Vogue Italia.com; Photo by Miles Aldridge, from Vogue Unique, August 2003

above photos of Ladurée store in Versailles, Paris featuring their candles and fragrances. Look for their complete range of products, body cream, hand cream, body oil, facial quenching water, bath salts and bath powder.

above photo of all the amazing flavors of Laduree macaroons available for purchase courtesy laduree.fr

Ladurée was founded in 1862 in Paris.  Stores are open in Paris, Beirut, Milan, Tokyo, Nagoya, Dublin, Switzerland, Monaco and London.  I have linked some of the locations  in these cities. It is definitely worth a trip to one of them if you are visiting.  If you lucky enough to live in one of them, you have no excuses.  You will not be disappointed!!!!!! I love Ladurée.

NEW ORDER... Vogue Italia November 2010 Cover

"Soft sensation. Sensuality and softness. A world of sensations evoked by a drop of luxurious, all-enveloping fragrance is similar to the intense emotions stimulated by a fur coat on the skin"  Vogue Italia.com

photo Steven Meisel;Marmot, pekan and kidassia blouson, Roberto Cavalli. Laced gloves, Todd Lynn; leather garters,Erro; boots, Ann Demeulemeester. Hair by Guido for Redken. Make-up by Pat McGrath for Max Factor. Fashion editor Karl Templer.

Roberto Cavalli Fall 2010 collection courtesy Style.com

above photos taken by me on a recent trip to Paris; Roberto Cavalli Store Rue St. Honoré

What an amazing cover Franca Sozzani and crew!  The colors - skin tones, browns, greys and blacks are striking. They go back so beautifully with what Roberto Cavalli had said with his Fall 2010 collection, which I had the pleasure of looking at thoroughly while I was window shopping at night on Rue St. Honoré.

All in honor of his 40 years in the business, the November cover promotes Roberto Cavalli's Anniversary, the latest addition to his fragrance empire.  Vogue Italia.com calls it " a seductive, warm fragrance that invests the skin with a unique fascination.  The opening fanfare is marked by the fruity freshness of raspberry, green apple and red pepper. The heart is warmed with a blend of wonderful flowers: jasmine, heliotrope and orange blossom. The final touch embraces the body with a precious hint of patchouli and vanilla."  I can't wait to smell it.  It may be on my list of gifts for Christmas!!!

Roberto Cavalli's latest female fragrance, Anniversary