dimanche
14mars2010

Tom Ford Black Orchid

In November 2006, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld became the face for Tom Ford Black Orchid and she also lists this strange and dark beauty among her favorite fragrances. Black Orchid is incredibly luxurious and hypnotic, exactly the type of scent one imagines being worn by a film noir starlet in her most seductive femme fatale manner. Concocted by a team at Givaudan led by Roman Kaise, Black Orchid is an alluring potion of exotic wood and fruit accords with notes of amber, balsam, bergamot, black currant, black gardenia, black truffle, citrus, dark chocolate, French jasmine, incense, lotus wood, mandarin, orchid, patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, vanilla, and ylang-ylang.

The Art Deco inspired bottle of jet black crystal was created exclusively for the Tom Ford Fragrance Collection by Lalique and its simple elegance adds to the cachet of the perfume. When Ford chose this premiere crystal company, he essentially announced the end of minimalism in perfume packaging: “The Lalique heritage, tradition, craftsmanship and legacy of iconic fragrance bottles made the decision an easy one… In the 1990s, it would have been a transparent bottle with minimalist packaging, transparent juice and a minimalist scent. But we have become so dermatological in our approach to beauty that I wanted to put some glamour back into beauty.” Timeless, exotic, glamorous, rich, sensual — Julia again fits the bill, inspiring as the ideal muse.

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld in Black Orchid campaign images © 2006 Tom Ford. All Rights Reserved.

mercredi
10mars2010

Emilio de la Morena

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld has been seen out and about in London and Paris adorned in this exquisite black furled dress by the Spanish designer Emilio de la Morena. The hot new talent debuted last fall and just unveiled his latest collection at London Fashion Week. Educated at the Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion, de la Morena explains his inspiration thusly: "This season's collection has been inspired by Eduardo Chillida [a notable Basque sculptor], both in his metal sculptures but also in his graphic work in particular — his lithographs, etchings, silk screens and woodcuts. The silhouette is very strong, with volume on the upper body, and super-fitted dresses. The collection is full of ornamentation and detail — painted metal and geometric shapes that contour the body. Emilio de la Morena's woman is super-strong, sexy, sculptural and chic." He may have found his ideal muse in Julia.

Emilio de la Morena Fitted Ruffle Dress photograph courtesy of matchesfashion.com    
Julia Restoin-Roitfeld and Robert Konjic photograph courtesy of interviewmagazine.com

dimanche
28févr.2010

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

For decades Parisian women have trusted Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré as their preferred beauty cream; this cult favorite appears in the medicine cabinet of Julia Restoin-Roitfeld as well. Lait-Crème Concentré (known as 24 Hour Miracle Cream in English) delivers serious moisture while gently soothing and calming. This rich moisturizer is renowned for its versatility: top makeup artists apply it as a primer in preparation for cosmetics, it can be used to remove makeup and cleanse safely even for babies, its soothing effects can reduce skin irritation after shaving, and its multiple uses make it perfect for traveling. Lait-Crème Concentré respects the organic balance of your skin and promotes renewal of its natural protection. As you restore and strengthen your skin, you gain a soft, glowing, ageless complexion à la Roitfeld, ooh la la !

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré image courtesy of Amazon.
Julia Restoin-Roitfeld photograph courtesy of Fashion Spot.

jeudi
18févr.2010

Alexander McQueen

J'adore the special tribute that Julia Restoin-Roitfeld has paid to Alexander McQueen by wearing his powder blue leather biker jacket this week. It is the perfect choice to illustrate the chic edge that pervades his designs. Julia is pictured here front row at Alexander Wang for New York Fashion Week. The zebra print clutch she is carrying is from the Kate Moss line for Longchamp.

Good news for all of us that survive the genius: the McQueen label will remain in production and the Gucci Group will continue to finance the line. As wisely noted by François-Henri Pinault, the chair of Gucci's parent company, PPR: “This is the best tribute we could offer to Lee.” My friend Kate Ringo Suzuki has written a lovely remembrance of McQueen on her blog Everyday Glamour.

Alexander McQueen powder blue leather biker jacket photograph courtesy of net-a-porter.com.
Julia Restoin-Roitfeld wearing Alexander McQueen powder blue leather biker jacket photograph © 2010 Getty Images. All Rights Reserved.

dimanche
31janv.2010

Lychee Martini

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld declares that her absolute favorite food combination is the sea bass enhanced with a lychee martini at Indochine in the East Village, this is what she always orders when dining there. If you are in the mood for an exotic treat, try the refreshing lychee martini which is inspired by flavors of Asian influence. Lychee trees grow natively in southeast Asia and the fruit bears a slight citrus flavor with floral tones that makes for a delightful drink. Below is a recipe to mix your own lychee martini.

Ingredients

  • 3 ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce lychee syrup
  • 1 ounce Triple Sec
  • 4 ice cubes
  • 1 or 2 lychees, peeled and pitted

Preparation

  1. Add 3 ounces vodka, 1 ounce lychee syrup, 1 ounce Triple Sec, and 4 ice cubes to shaker.
  2. Cover and shake.
  3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  4. Garnish with peeled lychees and serve.

Here are a few tips to help you achieve the perfect lychee martini... The quality of the lychee flavor determines the authentic taste of the martini and colors the drink experience. Natural lychee syrup from fresh fruit imparts the best flavor as purists say that lychee liquor can leave a processed taste behind. If fresh lychees are not in season, use lychee juice as a substitute. Garnish with fresh peeled and seeded lychees on a skewer. If you cannot find fresh fruit, frozen or canned lychees will work instead. Dip the rim of the martini glass into crystallized ginger before you pour your drink from the shaker, this unusual mixture lends a distinct oriental zing to the cocktail. If you do not like vodka or prefer a different taste, try soju, sake, or champagne for a twist. Visit lycheesonline.com for more fun lychee recipes.

Lychee martini photograph courtesy of Conexión Brando.