PLUSH PERFUMERY | Matching scents to season is a way of welcoming the change in the weather, and winter perfumes with their spicy, floral, exquisite bouquets promise just that
Smell is primal to us, our everyday and the eternally memorable in the making. World famous perfumer, Mandy Aftel talks about “olfactory consciousness” in his definitive book, Essence and Alchemy: A Natural History of Perfume. To further elaborate on the psychology of smell and its applications, from pheromones to aromatherapy, there is also The Scent of Desire which talks about how we relate smell to so much around us, from favourite people to places, and I’d say even the weather. Going further on that tangent, we have scents which are suitable, or rather apt, for certain seasons, be it in the sun or snow. Given the nip in the air, the nose tends on pick up on spicy, smokey scintillating scents which can shroud your in a mood alleviating sense of warm comfort. Winter Perfumes cannot be a substitute for your parka but can sure be your ally out there in the cold inducing a ‘merry-in-the-air’ kind of feel. Here is our list of scents we found to be the ultimate for winter perfume collection, so go on, spray some and party on.
DECADENCE | From Marc Jacobs is a beauty to behold and a bold fragrance to wear
The first in the list is Decadence from Marc Jacobs which comes shaped as an emerald green purse bottle with python pattern, gold chain and black tassel – opulent and oh so glam. Its top notes are of Italian plum, saffron, iris, Bulgarian rose and jasmine giving it a fruity floral start, then descending into an olfactory cocktail of amber, vetiver and papyrus wood. It reminds you of a freshly made up suite in a plush hotel and the idea of getting into a comfy cocoon with it.
SOIRD ORIENT | From Sisley is a more royal version of its original and promises a lingering aura
Sisley’s Soir d’Orient is described as ‘an enigmatic, dazzlingly sensual composition’. It is the oriental version of the original Eau de Soir, and only more exotic. With some refreshing top notes of citrusy Italian lemon, a spicy, floral heart of Turkish rose, Egyptian geranium and Madagascan black pepper, combined with a woody, warm base of sandalwood, Somalian incense and Indonesian patchouli – this is a winner that will make you feel like a princess after her ritual bath, and also spells winter in a bottle, while looking like a precious black and gold trophy on the shelf.
EXOTIC EMBERS | From the British perfumery, Bronnley, is a find and a hit with those who love winter spices and mulled wine
Exotic Embers by Bronnley, an original British perfumery brand that dates back to 1884, is a spicy blend of ruby red citrus notes, ginger, nutmeg, sugared plum, ylang ylang, amber and cedarwood. Intense and interesting, this stays on like a lingering aromatic breeze around you as walk through the chilly air.
VAARA | From London based Penhaligon is delight in a bottle with its complex notes and creative compositions, all in a lovely bottle
An oriental scent, but all the more exquisite, is Vaara by Penhaligon’s perfume boutique which launched this commissioned scent to celebrate the spirit of a royal house from Rajasthan, and in particular the birth of the granddaughter of His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II. The top notes are of quince, rose water, carrot seeds, coriander seed and saffron, while the blooming heart is of Moroccan rose absolute, Bulgarian rose oil, freesia, Indian magnolia, iris and peony and then the woody, musky base of honey, white musk, cedarwood, sandalwood, benzoin resin and tonka bean. All in all, this Penhaligon beauty is worth being on the shelves of a Maharani dresser, and in yours come winter with all its merrymaking.
THERESE | From Frederic Malle was a gift by its creator to his wife, and reflects the inimitable warmth of love in its aroma
Le Parfum de Therese was created by Edmond Roudnitska in 1950s for his wife [Teresa], and up until Frederic Malle was founded, it was in Teresa’s personal use only. Once Frederic Malle acquired it, the real celebration of Edmond Roudnitska’s singular creation began. Fruity aquatic notes are the start which builds up with tangerine and melon, leading to the heart of rose and plum and finished with cedar, vetiver and leather. At once modern and poignantly antique, this fragrance is one for the keeps as it brings you out of your shell for a jaunt in the park, with the beautiful Therese for company.
L’HEURE BLEUE | From Guerlain is a unique scent which brings back memories of a garden and comes looking all swish in a domed glass bottle
L’Heure Bleue or ‘the bluish hour’ was created by Jacques Guerlain in 1912 and in its colour connotations reflects the bluish dusks that precede the wintery nights. The composition opens with spicy-sweet aniseed and fresh bergamot, gently desceding into a heart of rose, carnation, tuberose, violet, and neroli, and culminating on a base of vanilla, Tonka bean, iris and benzoin. An enigmatic fragrance, this leaves you with a velvety, warm feeling, as of first loves – a cozy one to warm you up.
A seventies breeze blows through the collection of Spring/Summer ’16. In a shock of contrasts, Creative Director Bruno Frisoni reminisces the iconic years in a gorgeous vision of pop prints, retro flowers, colors and a laid-back attitude: representative of an entire generation meld under the Maison’s luxurious signature. The ultimate pop style takes its cue with the Cube line sandals in a gorgeous explosion of vibrant sophistication. Flower prints taken from the Roger Vivier archives pop out against a stunningly embellished platform look, complete with sharp geometric heels. Brazenly assertive, this ‘70s reinvention, courtesy of the Roger Vivier archives, gives an updated volume that’s in line with the modern look. For sophisticated days, the new VIV’ bag weaves functionality and lightness for a free, spontaneous attitude, featuring woven details embellished with metallic leathers and pythons. This cross-body piece is ideal for a sophisticated day out in town and comes in square, micro and long. And then there’s the sexy new ultra stiletto SIN: sensual yet elegant in a glamorously vertiginous shape with a gentle, delicate step from day to night. And, in a stunning new twist, SNEAKY VIV’ enters like never before as the Maison’s debut sport shoe. This daring new edition is the clear star of the collection, featured in white or black painted leather, complete with the brand’s signature buckle. Enough to arm you with dazzling style for the sunshine ahead.
Roche Bobois with its spectacular luxe home furnishings has now opened its second store in Mumbai that is dedicated to its Nouveaux Classiques collection. The first Roche Bobois store in the city was a favourite of homemakers and interiors decorators, thanks to its contemporary range of furniture. The French luxury brand’s new 4,000 square feet store houses a collection that blends contemporary design and period style into one. Speaking at the launch, Samvit Tara, Managing Director, Roche Bobois India, said, “Over the past 18 months, Roche Bobois has gained immense popularity in India, and we are delighted to launch our third exclusive store in the country.” Launched in 1978, the Nouveaux Classiques collection offers products that are versatile and remain impressive irrespective of the time and fashion changes. It moves beyond the reproduction and the rethinking of traditional pieces, and offers new items inspired by heritage and legacy. To get a better understanding of this, the store houses enchanting living room, dining room and bedroom set ups. Roche Bobois is a global leader in design and it shows: guests will find impeccably-crafted furniture that includes luxurious sofas, elegant armchairs, chaise lounges and chic beds with hand carved in solid walnut and oak, and upholstered in rich fabrics. Besides the contemporary and Nouveaux Classiques collections, Roche Bobois regularly collaborates with leading international designers such as Sacha Lakic, Christophe Delcourt, Missoni, Sonia Rykiel , Jean Paul Gaultier and Ungaro. The Roche Bobois store in Mumbai is located on Elphinstone Road
More feminine than ever, the new fragrance by Dior is a beautiful mélange of pink blossoms handpicked from the quaint gardens of Grasse in France. Called the Poison Girl 2.0, this new fragrance narrates a mesmeric tale of seduction and love, defining the attractive woman in you. This version of Poison debuted in Paris, with the brand and Francois Demachy, the official perfumer of Dior fragrances, presenting the fragrance along with a short film directed by So Me – a renowned French graphic designer, music producer and video director. Featuring the official face of the perfume, Camille Rowe, the movie shows the curvaceous model dancing to the rhythmic tunes of ‘Nobody Rules the Streets’. Unlike its former version, the new Poison 2.0 is more pink and alluring. Ideal for a special date, drawing your partner into your arms will just be a mist away with this fragrance.
Fancy a cottage on the island of Vega in the Norwegian archipelago? Not far from the Arctic Circle, this is said to be one of the oldest known places of inhabitance in Northern Norway, with early settlements on the main island dating back to 100 centuries. Agriculture and fishing remain as key fields of labor as they were historically. Depicted by the UNESCO website to have “[reflected] the way fishermen/farmers have, over the past 1,500 years, maintained a sustainable living,” the Vega Archipelago is characterized by its magnificent, harsh northern landscape, gorgeous panoramic views of the Norwegian Sea and the jagged icy mountains rising from within it. The Vega Cottage by Kolman Boye stands alone, at the heart of this untouched Eden. At first glance, it almost seems indistinct amidst the landscape, but the house sits beneath a granite shoulder, among rough terrain. Large windows surround it in three directions, each window distinct in character but equally splendid in telling of the lush wildness and tranquil seclusion. The uninterrupted view of the great ocean, mountains and bedrocks are a stunning juxtaposition against the minimalistic house, whose two levels adapt to its unpredictable terrain in a compact plan. The limited floor area is anything but, with general social spaces. Despite its modern touch, the cottage exudes a subtle character and an aura of handcrafted tradition, and features linseed oil painted pine with untreated birch skirting, frames and reveals. Here’s the perfect hideout to revel in a world exclusively yours.
MIRROR ON THE WALL | Men, today, are part of the matrix where cultivated appearances prove a well groomed personality, so men’s skincare is routine indulgence
If one remembers, actor Shahrukh Khan coming in to advertise Fair & Handsome cream for men met with its share of brickbats from the audiences, but that did not quite mar the sales or even the entry of other such cosmetics targeted at the Indian men’s hitherto un-appealed to vanities. Men are no coy newcomers to the idea of vanity products as one has heard of the elaborate toilette rituals the male members of erstwhile royalty followed. From personalised attars to ubtans to henna for the hair and kohl for eyes, Indian men have definitely indulged in making their appearances worth a double take. In fact men’s grooming has been a global concept, from ancient Romans dyeing their hair blond for a consistently youthful appearance, to Egyptian males of yore shaving all over for a hairless body, to the powdered wigs and cheek patches of Elizabethan English gents, examples abound which go onto prove that, over the ages, men have invested considerable energies into their own personal vanities to complement those of their female counterparts, albeit in varying degrees.
VINTAGE VANITY | Ads for men’s grooming services and product are part of popular culture which had more than just column space for a well put-together society gentleman
An important distinction also has to be made between the upkeep of hygiene and the conscious foray into grooming products. While there were the famous gentlemen’s shaving parlours, like Taylor of Old Bond Street, Geo F. Trumper’s in England, who prided themselves on the tradition of being trained barbers and vanity-men who kept their genteel clients updated with the latest in personal upkeep, the idea of a well made-up man has been alien to certain cultures, especially Asian, where being a dandy is taken as being effeminate. But then came the advent of the metrosexual male and all has so far been good with the global cosmetic companies starting specially-for-men ranges and major departmental stores dedicating entire sections to shelving them. As the scenario exists now, in a recent study by Euromonitor International, it was established that while men around the globe, from North America to China and India are spending billions of dollars on everything from cosmetics and makeup to clothing and plastic surgery, in Korea alone, men are now spending over 1 trillion won ($878 billion) on grooming products annually.
CLEVER CLEANSING | Dior Homme’s Micro-Purifying Cleansing Gel packs a punch in minimal packaging
Having set the context thus far, let us move on to the specifics wherein we, at The Luxe Cafe, tell you hombres what has been catching our eyes on these very shelves of men’s products. While quirky sounding indie brands – like Ustraa with their cool-sounding ‘moochh wax’ and Beardo with their apothecary-like bottling – are trying to woo the Indian male gentry, there are some potions which defy time and place in their tested efficacy, and these are the one we heartily recommend for our jet-setting alphas. Meet your partners in the crime of vanity, right here, with this guide to solving your skin are woes and keeping you a la mode.
Let’s start with some heavy duty cleansers and topping the charts here is Dior Homme’s Micro-Purifying Cleansing Gel which packs a punch in its minimalistic packaging. Formulated with light exfoliating micro-particles, this cleanser not only clarifies the complexion but also stimulates cell renewal. Now the deal with cleansers meant for men is that they have some heavy duty work to do , [removing oil, dirt, grime and all that hinders one from having squeaky clean face], but should not necessarily also have heavy duty ingredients [meaning harsh ingredients]. The face cleanser should obviously suit the skin type [check out which is yours, if you haven’t already] but it helps to have a multi-tasking one, which is where this one from Dior scores over the others, as it doesn’t just deliver on the purifying aspect but also on the ant-ageing part.
PORE DEEP | Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub is the perfect wake-up call for stressed or dull skin
Now, for our bearded beauties shaving is also a kind of daily exfoliation, so a rather than a rough and tough facial scrub, it is best to opt for a gentler exfoliant for that regulation weekly face-off with the mirror. Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub is the chosen one for this next level as this power-packed exfoliator is also a wake-up call for the face. There are skin-smoothing apricot scrub particles and also refreshing caffeine and menthol in it, which together form an effective polishing cocktail and also soften up facial hair for a smoother shave after.
MASKING THE BEAUTY | Aesop’s Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Masque is a boon for blemish prone skin in need for some cool respite
Going forward, let’s not get into the debate on why should face masks be a women’s only domain, and already conclude that guys do need to be ‘masked’ every once in a while to get that dose of skin-specific treatment. Now, one can go for hydrating masks, or clarifying ones or even brightening masks – all of which deliver that little extra apart from the tightening and toning that comes with it. Not to discount the pamper-quotient of putting on a face mask and relaxing in a hot bath, there are some really good ones out there for the skin-sensitive men. But the stylishly packed Aesop’s Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Masque is our favourite, given its natural active ingredients that do the job well, and its lovely pastel pink which sits pretty on a deserving alpha’s face.
BEARD LOGIC | Taking care of and taming beards is now more interesting with Beardology’s Beard Balm
Cutting it to chase for our bearded brats, Beardology is a great brand with its much sought-after Beard Balm with plenty of cruelty-free, natural goodness in its beeswax, candelilla wax, castor and olive oil among others ingredients. A small dollop goes a long way in nourishing the beard and also providing a light hold, without the icky greasiness. What makes it more compelling for those proud of their facial mane is that it also promotes hair growth and prevents breakage, and that is some good news in a jar. Taming the shrew might not have been easy but taming the beard with this product sounds like a cakewalk.
SKIN SENSE | Clarisonic Alpha Fit Cleansing System for Men is the smart device for a 360 degree cleansing routine
Talking of that sexy beard also brings to mind the possibility of beard bacteria. Now, for the grooming-conscious male, this is not an entertaining thought. Enter now, the Clarisonic Alpha Fit Cleansing System for Men – the perfect light sabre for the stubborn and sneaky beard bacteria [and for that matter grisly grime as well]. Sleek, powerful, and with two varying levels of sonic speed where setting one delivers 60 seconds of daily cleansing for clean-shaven faces and setting two offers 80 seconds power cleansing for beards or a post workout power cleansing.
SOOTHE THAT ITCH | A fresh and cooling aftershave which treats minor nicks, Clinique Skin Supplies For Men Post-Shave Soother Anti-Blemish Formula is a good one for the bag
On to the much-needed shaving products, we have to start with the Clinique Skin Supplies For Men Post-Shave Soother Anti-Blemish Formula which comes in a neutral, no-fuss packaging and is an excellent post-shave treatment for blemish-prone skin, which also heals minor nicks and cuts alongside. Another great aftershave which combines the benefits of a moisturiser is the Aveda Men Pure-Formance Dual Action Aftershave, which minimizes razor burns and also hydrates, refines, improves the skin barrier while controlling sebum. Now, these two shelf-stars have to be in accompaniment with the Clarins Men Smooth Shave Foaming Gel, which is a great foaming formula allowing the razor to glide smoothly over the coarsest of beards and making it a no-nicks affair too.
ELIXIR OF YOUTH | Korres’ Chestnut and Ruscus cream is an all-natural anti-ageing potion for the conscious male
The next must-have for the grooming arsenal has to be an anti-ageing product as fine lines and age spots are also the bane of men’s skincare. Here, we opt for the brand Korres which is known for its use of premium natural ingredients and is an ecologically safe choice for all skin types. Their Chestnut and Ruscus cream comes packed with anti-ageing benefits as it hydrates skin and smoothens fine lines without any greasy residue. Rich in anti-oxidant ingredients such as Sweet Chestnut, it creates a skin barrier against wrinkle causing free radicals and the added SPF 15 ensures the risk of photo-ageing is also minimised.
FUN & FIZZ | The Beer Soap Company offers varieties of lager/ale and other quirky soaps made with natural oils, butter to enhance their aptness and goodness as men’s bathing bars
As this list grows, so does the spirit behind listing some really cutting-edge products for men. To make sure we haven’t left out a deserving one for the shelves, we turn to beer soaps. It is claimed that sediments in ale (also called brewer’s yeast) have anti-bacterial properties and come packed with nutrients like riboflavin, panthothenic acid, biotin, and lots of B vitamins. So why only drink up when you can wash up with it too! Take to The Beer Soap Company, which has 135 varieties of ale, lager, wheat beer soaps for you choose from. Not to forget, their soaps are all vegan and promise the goodness of natural oils and butter – all the more reason to ditch the lame bar and go for the beer bar.
FOR HIM ONLY | Givenchy’s Gentlemen Only fragrance spells it our loud and clear its target audience, not only in its name but also with its bottle
Now, it really can’t be complete without the perfect scent for the gent. So, there is Givenchy’s Gentlemen Only fragrance with notes of green mandarin orange, pink peppercorn, nutmeg, noble woods and incense –a woody scent in sober packaging with intriguing blue liquid of the fragrance itself.
Legendary American brands Indian Motorcycle and Jack Daniel’s have collaborated to create a special luxury two-wheeler that is on auction. The proceeds from the sale will be used to raise money for military officers and their families. Indian Motorcycle’s vintage designs get the smooth, classy touch of Jack Daniel’s distillery and the result is a collectible masterpiece: the 2016 Limited Edition Jack Daniel’s Indian Chief Vintage motorcycle. The motorcycle also celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Jack Daniel’s distillery, which was registered in 1866. The charity supported by the auction is Operation Ride Home which is a partnership between the Jack Daniel Distillery and the Armed Services YMCA, providing funding and travel assistance to military personnel for spending time with their families. The Chief Vintage will take the classic Chief bike to a whole new level, with a range of custom accessories, as well as Jack Daniel’s-inspired custom paint and logos, badging, leather saddle and saddlebags. In addition, the other custom works will be done by Brian Klock and his inspired team from prestigious Klock Werks Kustom Cycles in South Dakota. This limited edition motorcycle was on display from January 23 to 31 at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction. The first auction will be at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Las Vegas from October 6-8.
The Ralph Lauren RL Automotive Skeleton Watch ($50,000) is the ultimate in elegant precision timepieces, inspired by of one of the most prized sports cars in the automotive world: Ralph Lauren’s own 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe. One of only two remaining in the world (and only four ever built), Lauren’s striking vehicle was fully restored in 1990, recently winning the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganze Villa d’Este title, and cementing its place as an historic and truly covetable automobile. Unsurprisingly, the vehicle’s estimated worth exceeds the $40 million mark. The ‘Automotive Collection’ is a series of five superb watches, with the RL Automotive Skeleton as the masterpiece. This is the brand’s first open-worked timepiece, featuring a black gunmetal steel case with a satiny matte finish. Powered by an original hand-wound IWC mechanical movement (with 156 components and a power reserve of 45 hours) which recalls Bugatti’s powerful engine, it can be admired through a sapphire crystal front and back. Arabic numerals replicate those found on the car’s iconic gauges, while other fine details like the “bombé”-shaped amboyna burl wood bezel (hand-set with six functioning screws), and black alligator straps hark back to the rich interiors. In addition, the gear train’s steel & brass elements add subliminal style beneath sword-styled oxidized black hands (coated in a super-luminal beige finish for increased visibility in low-light conditions). Oscillating at 18,000 vibrations per hour, the RL Automotive Skeleton is exemplary of elegance in its purest form.
The all-new Bell & Ross Desert Type Collection ($TBA) is the latest must have for the rugged luxe collector. Inspired by the outfits of Air Force pilots on desert missions, the collection includes three watch styles with two 42mm models and one in 39mm, all sporting sandwich dials in a classic sandy color, ceramic black PVD steel cases, and beige calfskin leather straps. Besides the size and movement differences, the three watches look pretty much identical, displaying a clean look with large, highly visible numbers, and featuring sapphire crystals, as well as a 100m water resistance rating. Bell & Ross were spot-on to present their iconic design in a camouflage colour scheme.
Harley-Davidson India has launched the 1200 Custom at a price of Rs. 8.90 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The bike will be assembled at the company’s Bawal, Haryana facility, expanding Harley-Davidson India’s CKD model portfolio to eight out of thirteen motorcycles. The motorcycle falls into Harley-Davidson’s Sportster family and is powered by a 1.2L, air-cooled, twin-cylinder engine that makes 96 Nm of torque @ 3,500 rpm with the grunt channelled to the rear wheel through a 5-speed manual gearbox. Its feature list includes a black powder-coated engine with chrome treatment covers, steel laced wheels, a bulky front-end design, a chrome headlight ‘eyebrow’, an LED taillight and a two-up custom seat. The bike also gets a pull-back handlebar and forward-mounted rider foot controls for a cruiser-like riding position and boasts of Michelin Scorcher tyres. The 1200 Custom also gets a handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with an odometer, two trip meters, a low fuel warning light, low oil pressure light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights, gear indicator (1-5), and a tachometer. The 1200 Custom will retail through Harley-Davidson’s 20 dealerships in India and bookings are open now.
