August 31st: To the Moncler Aoyama Flagship Store Opening!

I attended the opening reception for Japan's first flagship store, 'Moncler Aoyama.' It felt like a truly happy space! The first and basement floors are for women's, and the second floor is for men's. What immediately caught my eye upon entering was the new seasonal color, beige mocha. It's an elegant, beautiful shade that can appear golden under the lights.

This season's Moncler collection is impressive, with many items inspired by sailors and aviators, actively using materials like wool, felt, and velvet in addition to nylon. Here in Aoyama, they apparently carry the complete special line created in collaboration with designers.

The collaborations with Japanese designers are 'Moncler S' and 'Moncler V.' Then there's the first line 'Moncler Gamme Bleu,' with Thom Browne as creative director, and the equally first line 'Moncler Gamme Rouge' designed by Giambattista Valli. In addition to these, there's 'Moncler Grenoble,' which started last year, and combined with the main line, a total of six lines! The men's jacket-style down jackets, the new piped designs, and the blousons with shoulder paneling were a mix of classic and modern, and utterly captivating. I'd love to go back and explore more!

2011.8 | Vol. 16

Days That Make My Heart Flutter (2)

Month Day | Cosme Decorte Presentation at Grand Hyatt

Announced on this day were the 'Cosme Decorte AQ Meliority Repair Foundation,' offering a wonderfully fresh finish and launching November 16th, and the Marcel Wanders Collection's 'Cosme Decorte Face Powder.'

Marcel Wanders is a world-renowned product and interior designer. He's making waves as the art director for the packaging of Cosme Decorte's new product line, 'AQMW.' What particularly captured my heart was the artistic face powder. As it's a limited pre-order, it's simply gorgeous & luxurious! Marcel Wanders' words resonate: 'Like a fairy escaping from a magic lamp, this face powder will grant all your wishes.'

Cosmetics are inherently dreamlike, and when paired with a story that feels like a fairytale, the joy of using them only deepens. It reminded me of Lalique's highly ornate perfume bottles of the past. Crafted by skilled artisans, the crystal glass is finished one by one by hand. Using the blown glass technique, 63 precisely cut grooves accentuate the glass's beauty. It can even be used as a jewelry case. It's been a while since we've seen such decorative cosmetics.

Of course, it's not just the packaging. The pink-beige powder itself is infused with Cosme Decorte's proprietary gold colloid powder and pearl powder, promising to work magic on the skin!? The playful touch of Marcel Wanders' own face design embossed on the compact, his signature motif, is also a delightful detail. This was information on a highly refined, limited pre-order cosmetic.

Month Day | Salvatore Ferragamo New Fragrance Launch

'Attimo L'Eau Florale,' Salvatore Ferragamo's new fragrance, is set to launch on September 16th. 'Attimo' means 'moment,' and the scent is inspired by floral water. Ferragamo, known for introducing wedge heels with cork and other materials around 1930, has apparently reflected the curves of their shoes in the design of the perfume bottle.

The top notes feature lotus flower blooming on water, Japanese pear, and a hint of sweet and sour kumquat. The middle notes are led by peony, with jasmine petals and Bulgarian rose. The base notes blend exotic frangipani flower, woody patchouli, and white musk, creating a truly elegant aroma.

Dree Hemingway, granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, continues to be the muse for the Attimo image, embodying a sensual and elegant feminine ideal. On this day, a charming gift box-shaped cake, inspired by the Ferragamo fragrance, made an appearance! It was exquisitely elegant and sweet! I thoroughly enjoyed the delightful dessert.

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