Designer Blog in Dubai, UAE

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

22 Valentine's Day Luxury gift ideas for Him and Her in 2022

Make someone's Valentine's Day this year extra special with these non-cheesy gift ideas. Here are some presents that will help you say 'I Love You' this year, from edibles to eminently practical.

The best Valentine's Day gift ideas can sometimes be a little unexpected. In addition to the usual flowers, chocolates or jewelry options, why not give something that is both romantic and practical?

Choosing a Valentine's Day gift that your other half will use on a daily basis can be more romantic than giving them a token gift just for the sake of it.

Valentine's Day gift ideas range from traditional items like jewelry and fragrance to more practical items like homeware essentials and wellbeing items. These gifts may not be the typical gifts you'd hear of in a classic romance novel or one of the best romantic movies, but they are the perfect gesture for a modern love story.

THE TOP VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT IDEAS FOR 2022

Save time and get straight to the good stuff with our top 10 best Valentine's Day gift ideas for 2022. You can also scroll down to discover more ideas for gifts for him and her.

1 Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau De Parfum by Maison FrancisKurkdjian:

2 Catena Malbec

3 Clubmaster Classic Sunglasses from Ray-Ban

4 Custom Metallic Sound Wave Song Print

5 Charbonnel Et Walker Marc De Champagne Chocolate Truffles

6 It Works Love Sleep Pillow Spray

7 Ooni Cast Iron Skillet Pan

8 Nespresso Vertuo Next

9 Virgin Experience Days Gift

10 Selfridges eGift Card

VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT IDEAS FOR HIM

1. Creed Aventus

For 50ml, the RRP is $225/£195

This iconic scent blends crisp, fruity notes with hints of floral that are lifted by a hint of citrus and held together by a deliciously woodsy and musky base. You can give this to your other half and he will be so sexy that it will probably be more of a gift for you.

2. Maison Crivelli - Patchouli Magnetik 50ml

RRP: AED 980

Maison Crivelli offers a collection of sensory creations that are inspired by unexpected discoveries in raw materials. The house offers surprising fragrances that are full of contrasts.

3. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau De Parfum

RRP: $250/£215 for 70ml

In the last few years, this unisex fragrance has become a cult scent thanks to its addictive saffron and ambergris notes blended with a cedar wood base. This will be a gift that keeps giving, one she will really appreciate.

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

BACCARAT ROUGE 540 - How it Became the Scent of 2022

By people on TikTok, Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau De Parfum smells like "money" and like "swimming in Scrooge McDuck's vault.". Christine Najjar, who posts on TikTok (as @Tinx) as @Tinx, called the list "rich mom approved." And Erica Page Adams, who posts as @letstalkperfume, commented, "POV: You ask the hot girl what perfume she is wearing." During the Savage X Fenty concert, Rihanna praised a journalist wearing the perfume. He reportedly smells like heaven himself, so she told him, "You smell good." The song has also inspired many alleged imitations, including Ariana Grande's Cloud and Zara's Red Temptation.

I went to the Baccarat Hotel on Fifth Avenue for a free smelling of the Baccarat Rouge 540–scented black chrome lobby to find out where its reputation as the "most complimented perfume" first began. It smelled like smoke mixed with burnt candy when I first walked in. It's not a new thing for hotels to have a signature scent. Santal 33, a wildly popular restaurant in New York, began with the Gramercy Park Hotel. In Smell Ya Later, co-founder Sable Yong said that Santal 33 walked so Baccarat Rouge could run.

250 crystal bottles in numbered editions of 250 were available when the hotel opened in 2015. Maison Francis Kurkdjian, a perfumer who worked with Jean Paul Gaultier and Narciso Rodriguez, included the perfume in his permanent collection after it received such favorable reviews. He got a lot of compliments after wearing it. He said he knew it would work. It shows a continuous upward trend after 2020, when the spread of the flu started (and the TikTok boom began). It is based on Fragrantica, a perfume-review site that documents the popularity of perfumes over time.

A perfume usually contains more than 20 ingredients, so this list of ingredients is surprising. It contains 7 ingredients, 3 accords, and Kurkdjian described it as "overdosing on everything." In contrast to the natural and synthetic ingredients in perfumes such as Chanel No. 5 and Dior J'Adore, this perfume only contains synthetic ingredients. In other words, although the perfume smells like burnt jam,
Maison Francis Kurkdjian did not distill actual jam in a lab in order to create this note. There wasn't any real-life harvesting of the blossoms like in the case of other fancy perfumes; jasmine only blooms at night - all the ingredients were created using droppers and beakers in a laboratory. In addition, Baccarat Rouge 540 is not tied to a fashion house or celebrity like J.Lo Glow and Gucci Bloom.

Why does this perfume stand out from others? The composition is one reason. As polar opposites of the perfume spectrum, two of the ingredients can be seen as polarizing. Its sugary sweetness makes Veltol, also called ethyl maltol, one of Mugler's most famous hits. In the perfumery world, Ambroxan is famed for its brine-like qualities and is prized due to its rarity and cost. On Maison Francis Kurkdjian's website, he describes it as "whale's natural excrement." (Maison Francis Kurkdjian describes it more accurately as "whale's poop"). Described as smelling like old Band-Aids or tinned pineapple in some reviews on Fragrantica, it can put some people off (like smelling like old Band-Aids or Christmas trees to others).

There are certain features about it that are interesting, but don't quite fit into a box, Najjar says. Hope, the founder of the skincare line Mutha, says: "It's an unidentifiable scent." She is surprised at how it smells after she smells it for the first time. “It wasn’t overly floral or woody. Smith discovered it accidentally on a ride with a friend to an event." It has an interesting, fluid vibe without being overly feminine." She spent the entire ride to Carnegie Hall trying to figure out what the scent was."

Francis Kurkdjian says that the Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum trail has several facets. It is like everyone is drawn towards one aspect more than the other." In 2016, Kurkdjian mentioned this perfume as one of his masterpieces. Currently, he does not talk about his work in such a way. However, "the unique scent of Baccarat Rouge 540 and how it relates to people is something very special." Perfumers can only experience it once in a lifetime."

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Meet the Judges

MR. BLACKWELL
Following his hey-days as all the rage of the fashion industry, fashion designer Mr. Blackwell created and released the first annual Worst Dressed List along with a Best Dressed List almost 45 years ago. The first few lists attracted modest attention, but as the House of Blackwell became more and more famous, so did Mr. Blackwell's lists. Leaving no public figure unscathed, Mr. Blackwell's brilliant and witty observations range from "A million beads and one overexposed derriere - the ultimate fashion fiasco" (Cher) to "Big Bird in heels. A Follies Bergere fiasco" (Geena Davis). Referring to Britney Spears and Madonna as "Kissin' cousins of couture crime," and comments about Linda Tripp ("She looks like a sheepdog in drag"), Mr. Blackwell is most known for his enormously popular 10 Worst Dressed List and now enjoys a much-deserved private life. Having released an autobiography written as concisely & pitilessly as his lists, Mr. Blackwell reveals a life of incredible survival, leaving us wanting his taste and imagination much more than once a year!

JERAN DESIGNERS
Jerry and Randy of Jeran Design are known for their glamorous hand-beaded gowns, original costumes, and creative ideas. These talents and passion for fashion has carried over to their love for Broadway musicals and operas, inspiring them to create musicals that would excite audiences with refreshing originality and preserve the operatic musical elegance. Jerry and Randy have worked in perfect harmony as a team of incredible talents, reflected best in their 24 year long project in the making - "The Hollywood Graffiti Gown ™," a presentation of honor and devotion combined with women of entertainment, influence, and industry in fighting the AIDS epidemic. To see the lovely gown, just click here: JERAN DESIGNS

ALISON A. NIEDER
ALISON is the executive editor of CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS. She started in 1997 as a reporter covering manufacturers and textiles. Prior to joining CAN, she worked for New York fashion and business publications Fashion Reporter and Eyewear

FRANCES HARDER
FRANCES conceived of and founded FASHION BUSINESS INCORPORATED. She is FBI's President & a partner in California Style Group, which provides professional consulting on branding, licensing and product development. Prior, Frances taught at Otis College.

GUNTHER SHIA
GUNTHER is the CFO and board member of COALITION OF L.A. DESIGNERS, a non-profit organization that fosters a supportive environment in which innovative, independent designers in the Los Angeles area can share knowledge and resources. CLAD: 310.467.1514

VIVIAN TELLEFSEN
VIVIAN is a faculty member of the FASHION INSTITUTE OF DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING. She teaches draping, pattern drafting, and design development courses. Part of the Fashion Group, Int'l, Vivian is also a member of the Costume Society of America.

GLORIA GEBBIA
Gloria Gebbia is President of the Associates for Breast and Prostate Cancer Studies, which is affiliated with the John Wayne Cancer Institute, and is a member of the Presidents Club of The Thalians. Gloria is a Past President of the Smiles Brigade at Maryvale and has been involved in many business ventures on her own. After moving to California 11 years ago, Gloria founded and was the President of Blondes Have More Fund Productions and was the Executive Producer of the syndicated television program Talk of The Town. She was also a founder of Seasons Greetings Productions and was the Executive Producer of the feature film Pretty When You Cry. Currently, Gloria is the majority shareholder of the parent company of StockCross Financial Services, Inc., a successful discount brokerage firm with offices in Beverly Hills and Boston. Her favorite motto is one which she attempts to incorporate into her daily life… I've been given two hands. One to help myself with and the other to help others.

RUTA LEE
RUTA LEE is one of Hollywood's most glamorous ladies, multifaceted and a top-notch civic contributor. Lee's versatility has won her the respect of colleagues and affection of audiences from her countless appearances on television, stage, and movies. Her first role was the youngest of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Subsequently, Funny Face with Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn and Frank Sinatra's leading lady in Sergeant's Three. Lee's TV career includes more than 2000 appearances on shows form Perry Mason to Power Rangers, as well as hosting talk and game series with Regis Philbin and Alex Trebek. Ruta just completed filming A Christmas Too Many in which she stars with legend, Mickey Rooney. This Dynamo is long time chair of The Thalians' fundraisers devoted to mental health. Recently, Lee completed a critically acclaimed performance in Steel Magnolias at Garry Marshall's Falcon Theater and guest starred on ABC's Life with Bonnie in a role especially written for her by Bonnie Hunt.

KATE LINDER
A 22 year veteran and key member of the top rated daytime drama "The Young and the Restless," Kate Linder's role as Esther Valentine has been one of emotional highs and lows as the confidante and housekeeper to Mrs. Katherine Chancellor. A theatre arts major from San Francisco State University, Kate is a confirmed world traveler and tourist who now enjoys the best of two worlds - on the air and in the air - never having quit her day time job as a United Airlines flight attendant. "Acting is my life, " says Linder. "That's what I do for my living and my creative satisfaction. Flying is what I do for fun as long as I can work it into my schedule." Linder is active with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and is a founding member of TV Cares, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' AIDS awareness and fundraising charity.

MARGO MILLER
Simply known as "Margo," this Canadian born Quebecquoise lives in West L.A. and is the matriarch of a family of two children, three grandchildren, and a cat named Romeo. Born to a French Canadian father and an English mother, Margo draws both style and inspiration from her Francophile roots. Speaking the language of elegance and sophistication found in the fashion capital of the world, she is the owner of the exclusive boutique MARGO's in the Santa Clarita Valley and produces fashion shows which highlight the various independent collections of her retail store. The divine Ms. "M" has been wardrobing the fashionable elite women of Los Angeles since 1974, offering a very unique shopping experience to her prominent clientele that combines fun with fashion. Margo has passion for what she does (buying, finding new designers, discovering new lines, etc.) and has an extremely discerning eye that enables her to spot a winner. To feel confident and achieve one's personal style…"It's my goal," says Margo.

PAMELA SHAE
Pamela Shae is the Senior Vice President of Talent for Spelling Television where she has been a part of the Spelling Team for 14 ½ years and currently oversees the Talent, Casting and Actor Development of all Spelling Television shows.
Pamela had worked as a print and runway model for many years and was an actress for a short time, doing such shows as "Divorce Court" and "General Hospital" and appearing in several commercials. She was also a magician's assistant, working at such venues as the Magic Castle and the Variety Arts Theatre. Pamela feels that her acting background, compounded with her compassion and understanding of the acting process, has been critical in her own career development and finds she incorporates elements of her past experiences when meeting actors on a day to day basis. Pamela has said on many occasions, "I have the utmost admiration for actors! I truly respect their focus, passion and dedication while pursuing their dreams in a very competitive field."

PAMELA SHAE
Pamela Shae is the Senior Vice President of Talent for Spelling Television where she has been a part of the Spelling Team for 14 ½ years and currently oversees the Talent, Casting and Actor Development of all Spelling Television shows.
Pamela had worked as a print and runway model for many years and was an actress for a short time, doing such shows as "Divorce Court" and "General Hospital" and appearing in several commercials. She was also a magician's assistant, working at such venues as the Magic Castle and the Variety Arts Theatre. Pamela feels that her acting background, compounded with her compassion and understanding of the acting process, has been critical in her own career development and finds she incorporates elements of her past experiences when meeting actors on a day to day basis. Pamela has said on many occasions, "I have the utmost admiration for actors! I truly respect their focus, passion and dedication while pursuing their dreams in a very competitive field."

CHARLENE TILTON
At the height of the 80's glamour and fashion, Charlene became an international award winning actress starring as LUCY EWING on the highest rated television series of all time DALLAS. Awards include "THE PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD" and best actress in a drama "YOUTH IN FILM AWARD." Charlene recently co-starred with David Spade in the film "DICKIE ROBERTS," and with Michael Bouble in 'TOTALLY BLONDE." She also loved hosting SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, THE MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE, and BOB HOPE'S FUNNY VALENTINE SPECIAL. Charlene's passion for the stage took her to London's West End where she played HONEY in WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF. She also co-starred with Imogene Coca in THE FOREIGNER, directed by Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks and won The Valley Theatre Critics Award for best supporting actress in the play DISH BABIES. Most recently Charlene co-produced and starred in the campy comedy TELL VERONICA at The Hudson Theatre, earning her stellar reviews.

PAULETTA WASHINGTON
A native of North Carolina, Pauletta is an accomplished stage and screen performer who has appeared on the Broadway stage in "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Sophisticated Ladies," and "Jerry's Girls." Pauletta's voice can be heard in the song, "It's In Your Eyes" from the 1994 Soundtrack of Philadelphia. Pauletta appeared in the critically acclaimed movie, "Beloved," and has been fortunate to work with the best in the business. Pauletta is actively involved in her church and in her community and is an Executive Board member of the Brain Trust for Dr. Keith Black, Director of the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Pauletta was featured on BET's new television show "O' Drama" and has successfully toured with her one women show entitled "Pauletta." She performed at the Kennedy Center in a play written and directed by Debbie Allen called "Soul Possessed" and also starred in the musical play "Spirituals." Pauletta is proud of her four children and her husband, actor Denzel Washington.