Charlotte Gainsbourg for Balenciaga Paris Fragrance
Photos courtesy of Coty

Back in October 2008 I reported that Balenciaga has signed a deal with Coty Inc. to create, develop and distribute a series of fragrance lines under the Balenciaga name. Embracing the realm of dreams, Balenciaga introduces new fragrance, Balenciaga Paris. The talented perfumer, Olivier Polge, expertly created a fragrance with a delicate mystery that makes a mark and haunts the memory.  After 12 years, Nicolas Ghesquiere felt it was the right time to introduce Balenciaga Paris, a lovely paradox telling an unprecedented story.

Contained in blown glass, the bottle is pure without a trace or adornments. Featuring angles, curves and humor, the bottle boasts Balenciaga style. Balenciaga Paris helps to find the first moments of April, floral breezes and blossoms from milder days. Immediately, the demure violet note is pleasant as sunshine, but then a pepper note reveals itself and swells over calm, mossy wood.

Charlotte Gainsbourg, the image of Balenciaga Paris, embodies French elegance: an incomparable alchemy between chic and impertinence.  As Nicolas Ghesquiere explains, “Charlotte doesn’t define herself. This fragrance is just like her.”

Balenciaga Paris is available at fine retail stores nationwide, including Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus, available in two sizes: Balenciaga Paris Eau De Parfum, 1.7 oz., $95 and Balenciaga Paris Eau De Parfum, 2.5 oz., $130. Check out the video of Nicolas Ghesquiere talking about the fragrance here.

By: retrogurl
Posted: 02.08.2010

Cole Haan, Anna Sui Cosmetics, Chanel Fragrance, Marc Jacobs, Lanvin, Lacoste, Balenciaga SS 2010 Ad Campaigns
Photos courtesy of Cole Haan

You’ve already seen a bunch of spring/summer 2010 ad campaigns, just gathered some more. In this post: Cole Haan shot by Todd Selby; Anna Sui Cosmetics featuring model Agyness Deyn; Chanel ‘Chance Eau Tendre’ Fragrance featuring model Sigrid Agren shot by Jean-Paul Goude; another look at Jamie Bochert for Marc Jacobs shot by Juergen Teller; Lacoste featuring models Heloise, Lais O., Taylor Fuchs and Lasse Pedersen shot by Ellen von Unwerth; more looks of the Balenciaga campaign featuring models Iselin Steiro, Mirte Maas and Patricia van der Vliet shot by Steven Meisel; and more of the Lanvin campaign feature model Jamie Bochert shot by Steven Meisel.

For Spring 2010, Cole Haan has partnered with fashion photographer Todd Selby (aka “The Selby”) to create a new advertising campaign, “The Inspired Life.” The imagery celebrates family, friends, art, nature, community, competition, adventure, and love–the forces that drive and color our lives.

The campaign portrays real life individuals wearing Cole Haan, chosen for their unique approaches to life and style, reflective of the Cole Haan brand. Each individual was shot in their natural environment, producing a campaign that reveals everyday interests rendered meaningful and beautiful.

The tastemakers selected for the ad campaign include Harley Viera-Newton, a professional DJ and NYU student, Nicola Vassel, gallery director for Deitch Projects, Johnny Knapp, a writer, surfer, and entrepreneur, Magda Wosinka, a music industry photographer and guitarist, Moses Berkson, a photographer and music video director, and James Bond, a designer, surfer, and skater. International tennis sensation, Maria Sharapova– the face of Cole Haan for the past two seasons and co-designer of a capsule collection for the brand– is also featured.

As Cole Haan expands its digital presence, partnering with a photographer widely known for his work through TheSelby.com was a fitting match. Visitors to colehaan.com can view in-depth portraits of the tastemakers including slide shows, behind-the-scenes videos and The Selby’s quirky handwritten interviews. Selby says, “By working with creative and dynamic people for this collaboration with Cole Haan, we were able to highlight the youthful and energetic spirit of the brand. It was a super fun project that developed very organically and I think that comes across in the photos.”

The campaign will be supported with a fully integrated marketing campaign including a debut in the March issues of top women’s and men’s fashion titles, online, out of home, direct mail and in-store.

There’s so many nice ones, which is your favorite? More pics after the jump…

By: retrogurl
Posted: 02.08.2010

MAC & Milk Collection

As I mentioned earlier, to mark the partnership of MAC Cosmetics and Milk Studios, they developed a limited edition collection of 14 key backstage products used by MAC makeup artists. From February 2 to 22, this MAC & MILK collection will be sold exclusively online at maccosmetics.com.

“Radiant skin, smokey eyes and beige lips seem to be a part of the beauty trends every season. The M·A·C & Milk Collection are the iconic products that create these trends. No makeup artist can live without these products during Fashion Week,” says Gordon Espinet, Vice President of Global Makeup Artistry, M·A·C Cosmetics.

By: retrogurl
Posted: 02.05.2010

T.J. Maxx & Marshalls Spring/Summer 2010 Preview

I’m not a frequent T.J.Maxx and Marshalls shopper but once in awhile when I do shop there I’ll find a great piece or two for up to 60% off the original price (in season stuff). “Treasure hunting” can be a bit overwhelming but if you find a piece under a “haystack” it’s quite satisfying. Yesterday I went by to Wonderland Beauty Parlor to check out T.J. Max and Marshalls’ spring/summer 2010 preview, most of the stuff you see in the pictures are currently available at the stores. If you’re on a tight budget but don’t want to give up on buying designer goods, off-price retailers is the way to go for you. Check out the preview of what to expect in stores now…

By: retrogurl
Posted: 02.04.2010

Beyoncé & Coty Beauty Heat Fragrance Launch Event

Last night Beyoncé and Coty Beauty celebrated the launch of her debut fragrance “Heat” at 15 Union Square West. The entire 15 Union Square West building was on “fire”, if you follow me on Twitter or read retrogurl.com you’ve probably seen a few photos already. Beyoncé showed up in a red Marc Bouwer dress and Lorraine Schwartz jewels. It was my first time seeing Beyoncé in person and all I gotta say is “WOW”, she’s already pretty on TV but she’s absolutely GORGEOUS in person. So happy I got to meet her, she’s sweet. Husband Jay-Z, Mama Tina Knowles, Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, Usher, and sister Solange Knowles (who was DJing) were there to support. If you want more info on “Heat”, check here. Another fun night! More pics after the jump…

By: retrogurl
Posted: 02.03.2010

MAC & Milk Fall 2010 Rundown + Limited Edition Collection

New York Fashion Week is fast approaching and I’m getting excited! Last season MAC Cosmetics and Milk Studios partnered for shows and presentations, this season they’re back for round 2. According to WWD, for fall 2010 MAC & Milk will have 32 runway shows and presentations at the West 15th Street space this time around including designers like Jeremy Scott, McQ by Alexander McQueen, Patrik Ervell, Richard Chai Men’s Wear, Suno, Johan Lindeberg’s new collection Paris68, Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B., Vena Cava, Band of Outsiders, Threeasfour, Costello Tagliapietra, Temperley London and others. Stefani is planning to host a cocktail party there too, according to Milk Studios founder and creative director Mazdack Rassi.

Besides shows and presentations, MAC & Milk will host the after party for LnA. The event will feature Ryan Gosling’s band, Dead Man’s Bones, and other performances as well as DJ sets by Harley Viera-Newton, Cassie Coane and Zach Shields. The Surf Lodge, popular Montauk hangout, will set up a pop-up outpost on the eighth floor, with chef Sam Talbot debuting new delicacies for a Thursday-through-Sunday menu. BMW is returning as the official automotive sponsor and students from Parsons The New School for Design will once again serve as volunteers.

To mark their partnership, MAC & Milk has developed a limited edition collection of 14 key backstage products used by MAC makeup artists. From Feb. 2 to 22, this MAC & MILK collection will be sold on maccosmetics.com.

MAC & Milk is seriously like a one-stop shop! Can’t wait!

By: retrogurl
Posted: 01.29.2010

Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows @ Sephora

The highly sought after Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows is finally available at Sephora.com! I personally don’t use eye shadows but I love seriously love the pop-up scene of Alice in the mushroom forest, a true collectible! A large mirror rests behind the scene and tucked inside is a hidden drawer of Urban Decay’s 16 best-selling eye shadows.

Eye shadows includes: Underland (Flash), Alice (Painkiller), Oraculum (Baked), Queen (Last Call), Chessur (Chopper), White Rabbit (Polyester Bride), Wonderland (Maui Wowie), Curiouser (Grifter), Muchness (X), Mushroom (Mushroom), Midnight Tea Party (Midnight Cowboy Rides Again), Vorpal (S&M), Absolem (Homegrown), Drink Me Eat Me (Sin), Mad Hatter (Twice Baked), Jabberwocky (Oil Slick), Travel-size 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero and Flipside and Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin. The palette retails for $52 at Sephora.com, buy it quick before it’s gone!

By: retrogurl
Posted: 01.28.2010