Inspired by a number of Kate’s tattoos, the collection features a diamond anchor necklace along with 22 other cute, kitschy pieces including hearts, crescent moons, and stars made from gold and precious stones. The line launches October 1st and will be sold exclusively in France, on Fred’s e-boutique and at the in store Fred shop at Harrod’s.

Look Four: AvaMaria in Wonderland

The Oil Slicker Saddle Heels: Repetto, $250

It started with the Repetto; this time, oil slicked. In the most beautiful way, it looks like a dirty puddle. It was love at first glance. Repetto is famous for ballet shoes, and construct gorgeous others for we non-professional-dancing folk.

The Mini Checker Shirtdress: Cacharel, $178

Ah the shirtdress, blue and gold checked, enhances the hidden hues of the Repettos. So dainty on its own, so innocent, yet vibrant as well. Cacharel took off in the 1960s with its iconic shirtdresses designed by Jean Bousquet. Following in the traditional footprints, they are still prevalent today.

The Kitty Silk Top: Paul & Joe Sister, $228

A shirtdress is a shirtdress, and I couldn’t wear just a shirtdress. I was jazzed to find this complementing silk top that slid underneath the open top so smoothly. The blues dance together and the checks on cats patterns don’t protest too much. Famed French menswear designer Sophie Albou started Paul & Joe in 1995 and branched into les femmes in 2006 with the little Sister.

The Waving Belt: Linea Pelle, $188

The gingham and the shirt came alive together, but the look was still lacking something. Linea Pelle belt corsetry filled that void. With the ends fastened at the back, the shaping quality of waving leather strips brought more shape to the silhouette.

The Flowering Rings: Marie-Lise Lachapelle, gold-plated leaf, $350, silver orchid $375

The silver and golden leafy rings flourished on one hand, enhancing the dual tonal quality of the entire look. Marie-Lise Lachapelle constructs these structures by making molds from actual orchids and leaves. That’s why the metal has so much wildlife in it.

AvaMaria | 107 Crosby Street, New York, NY 212.966.0909

Photography by Christopher Hall

Snap CRACKLE Pop:

Katy Perry‘s line for OPI shimmies and shakes in all the right places, kind of like my teenage dreams. She’s got the season’s splash in her color palette: Black Shatter Polish. It’s a top coat you apply that cracks apart as it dries, leaving your nails looking perfectly chipped, almost tribally printed, with another hue peeking out from beneath.

Glitter Me Bieber:

Justin Bieber has his own line of nail polish, this we know I’m sure. Remember that One Less Lonely Girl collection for Nicole by OPI sold exclusively at…Walmart? Well, it’s actually pretty flippin’ sweet (this we weren’t as sure of). He’s got the glitter, the metallic, the multi-colored sparkle. Alright, ALRIGHT! I’m a Belieber.

Holy Holographic!

Photo from Temptalia

Milani has taken glitter to the next dimension: 3D Holographic. This color phenomenon is based on Holographic Image Technology that makes a very thin, bright, embossed metallic flake look like a rainbow. And it comes in a dazzling array of colors.

Fiesta Sparkle Gems:

Photo from PolishLava.blogspot.com

This party in a bottle is the culmination of all the Jewel FX nail polish Milani has created. The effect of it all somehow makes me want a shot o’ tequila.

Color Block Tip:

I took two hues of Milani One Coat Glitter and layered them like a thick French. Silver Dazzle on bottom, Purple Gleam on top. Razzle up good with any colors you desire – with this much glitter you can do no wrong.

Find all the Milani goods at your local drugstore. Now go get yourself some jazz hands.

Photo from Temptalia

Photo from PolishLava.blogspot.com

LVMH shook its money maker at Bulgari, paying a 60 percent premium for all its shares – not exactly a cheap price. The buy awarded 50.4 percent control of Bulgari to LVMH, placing Louis Vuitton’s producer in the driver’s seat at Bulgari.

If LVMH were a mustard, it’d be Grey Poupon. It’s got class, and it reaches a global market with a deliciously fine-crafted product. Needless to say, Bulgari likes the deal, too. Hopefully the partnership won’t turn into a sour mustard stain.

Link Love: Reuters

I was always a big fan of Pepe Le Pew, so this news is both hilarious and dementedly beautiful to me. And can we now turn our attention to the colors of the house above? I’m taking this photo to the decorator of my next apartment.

LINK LOVE: I Watch Stuff

Some days, you just want to hop in your personal submarine and pedal away from it all?

This pedal-powered sub was just unveiled by a team of French engineers to revolutionize the possibilities for tooling around the Mediterranean in a scuba suit. Of course, it’s no sharksub—but you can’t have everything.

—R.B.

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LINK LOVE:BUY THESE!

Despite the fact that we’re just now coming up on 1 year of marriage (sigh), the hubby and I are already thinking about our 2nd anniversary… because to celebrate we’re going backpacking through Europe for 3 weeks! We both love to travel (if you haven’t noticed), and with a booked solid year ahead of us – final year of my Masters (holla!) – we've decided that next October will be the perfect time to run away together for a while  With that being said, this outfit kind of makes me think of our upcoming adventure. I believe lace has gone slightly unappreciated in the US up until recently, while the French and Spanish have always managed to incorporate it quite nicely into their cultures. So, I was quite pleased to find this lace top hanging from a sale rack at Kohl's about 6 months ago. At only $12 – magnifique! 

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Sizzling hot model Jan Trojan The TalentNet for the 37th issue of French gay magazine Sensitif.

View more of “JAN TROJAN FOR SENSITIF“

Tags: Editorial, Jan Trojan, MeatMarket, Sensitif, swimwear, underwear

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It seems Christian Louboutin has a taste for the fine cuisine and women of old town Damascus, Syria. The famous high heel designer was spotted with his lawyer and partner French architect Louis Benech at the historic restaurant Naranj in the old city. Louboutin has a pied-a-terre in Allepo and is reportedly the favorite designer of the first lady of Syria, often visiting Damascus to purchase fabrics for his shoes.

The designer was wearing a navy blue blazer with red piping, in good spirits Monday night when Hiba, a bodacious Syrian blond interrupted his dinner for a picture. “I bet you didn't think anyone would recognize you here!” she said. “Absolutely not!” answered Louboutin. She proceeded to hop in his lap for a photo opp while his partner Louis looked on laughing.  The funny thing is I can totally picture Hiba  giddily jumping on Christian Louboutin's lap and snapping a few pics. I would bet my bottom dollar on her asking for a second or third photo if it didn't turn out the way she wanted.

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More wearable than you think—hey, get those Drew Carey/Mimi images out of your head—blue eyeshadow looks beautimous (I totally stole beautimous from a guy working at Sephora who used the word when he saw I was getting Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in #8 Red…lol) on all our shades of brown from French Vanilla to Chocolate Deluxe. Pair it with a nude lip or go all out and rock it with a bright lip. Add a shade of turquoise or violet to give your blue some depth.

Some universally cool blues to try (because they look great on all skin tones):
Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow in Navy Blue 60
Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow in Metallic Navy Blue Iridescent 81
Turquoise Shimmer 83
L’Oreal HIP Eyeshadow in Showy
L’Oreal HIP Eyeshadow in Roaring (the blue side)
NYX Eyeshadow in Blue Marine
MAC Eyeshadow in Deep Truth
MAC Eyeshadow in Nehru
MAC Eyeshadow in Contrast

If eyeshadow fall out plagues some of your best smoky looks, try doing your eyes before you do your foundation. This way if the shadow gets under your eyes, you won’t need to reapply your base.

Smoky blue look too much for your taste? Try a blue eyeliner pencil winged out on your top lash line or just on your bottom lash line then—a cool way to sneak color in and bring out your eyes.

Will you be rocking the smoky blue look? If you already do, how do you rock your blues?

~Danielle

Chanel Iman picture from Stockholm StreetStyle

LINK LOVE:Beauty Bomb: Try a Smoky Blue Eye

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When Bunmi Olaye showed at Africa Fashion Week, the world took notice. Not only was Nelson Mandela’s wife, Graca Michel, an instant fan, but Michelle Obama followed, sending a request to the African designer for one of the line’s coats. When one of the world’s most influential fashionistas take notice of a young designer, only good things can come (hello, Isabel Marant and Jason Wu). Bunmi Olaye is a name to learn — fast.

Bunmi created this gorgeous double breasted white coat specially for The First Lady. Bunmi is now in talks with Harrods to have the line picked up at the department store. Fingers crossed.

If you just can’t wait, get the white wool, double breasted coat look here in the meantime, before it becomes a major trend:

Not only is this Mackage off white wool blend ‘MJ’ leather detail coat ($366.99, down from $583) a classic winter style, but it’s majorly discounted on Bluefly right now.

You will love the gold chain enclosures on this chic Milly Phoebe Chain coat ($645). It’s perfect for work, and even to dressy events.

You will love the exotic-looking buttons and belt buckle on this Soia & Kyo off white wool drill ‘Katrina Z’ belted coat ($276, down from $395). Also – the price is nice.

Check out this week’s online sample sales. Get a classic look with our guide to the little black dress, skinny jeans, blazers, and chain strap bags.

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LINK LOVE:Michelle Obama Plucks African Designer Bunmi Olaye From Obscurity; Gets A Coat Out Of It

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Old Navy blouson top ($19, from $24.50); Old Navy The Diva zip pocket skinny jeans ($19, from $34.50)

Old Navy moto jacket ($29.99, from $34.50); Old Navy scarf ($10, from $12.50)

More sales and deals:

$20 off Gap jeans

Under-$30 Jewelry at Chico’s

70% off at French Connection

65% off at J.Crew, plus free shipping on orders of $175 and over with code SHIP175

Free shipping and returns at Bare Necessities

See more deal of the day offers, plus every sale and deal we’re excited about, plus all of this week’s online sample sales. Get a classic look with our guide to the little black dress, skinny jeans, blazers, and chain strap bags.

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3. Stock Up On All Of Your Favorite Makeup And Skincare For Less At Nordstrom’s Sale While the Nordstrom’s Anniversary sale, with lots of fall styles…

LINK LOVE:Calling All Early Birds: Stock Up On Fall Basics At Old Navy’s Under $30 Sale

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It’s Saturday morning on the last day of July and I have found myself up at the crack of dawn. Why? Well, it beats me, but it’s absolutely beautiful in the city. A fresh, cool air is wafting through my window and the sun is gleaming happily in the sky. It seems as if this heat wave we’ve been having has finally decided to pass. Sartorially conscience New Yorkers are abuzz with excitement for fall fashions and the three B’s (Bergdorf’s, Bendel’s and Barneys). Life seems so lovely at the moment and I can’t help but to think what a perfect way to end the month of July.

Besides the normal excitements of fall and fashion, tomorrow marks another splendid occasion and a new beginning. Not only is it the first day of August, but I’m also making a move and changing up the scenery. I’ve packed all my belongings and am moving downtown – to Soho, the mother ship for street style bloggers, that is. The forty-ish blocks that are between my new location and me will make all the difference in the world and I know that it shall be grand.

I look forward to the French bistro on the corner, specialty coffee shops for never ending amounts of espresso shots, the narrow streets, quaint stores, new shopping spots and beautiful people. These elements and all the style sightings I will surely experience on a regular basis will be exceptionally inspirational.

Cheers to yet another change and happy weekend!

CONTACT:
Email Me: jessconatser@gmail.com
Twitter: @jessconatser

LINK LOVE:Soho Beginnings

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Can you believe July is over? What have we been up to? Testing beauty products, apparently. Here’s what my friends have discovered:

Copyright ©2006-2010 Gaia Fishler, The Non-Blonde. Content poaching is both illegal and ugly.

LINK LOVE:Weekly Roundup- Last One For July

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The wedge heel we loved from summer translates into fall with these beautiful Steven by Steve Madden boots ($179.90, from $269.95). Platform heels are bigger than ever, and more comfortable too, like these Stuart Weitzman pumps ($199, from $375).

Mark my words, clogs are going to be the shoes for fall. Snap  up these neutral Born Crown Marian clogs ($84.90, from $129.95) now–they probably won’t go on sale again until after the holidays. The buttery soft  leather on these Vince Camuto booties ($79.90, from $119.95) make them instant winners–plus you can wear them immediately.

More sales and deals:

J.Crew’s final sale includes an extra 30% off (with code EXTRA30)

45% off Bensimon sneakers at Piperlime

75% off at French Connection

50% off fall styles (already!) at Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale

60% off at White House Black Market

75% off at The Outnet on designer pieces

See all of this week’s online sample sales, plus the best clogs, nude shoes, kitten heels and flat sandals.

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LINK LOVE:Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale Ends Monday–Get These Fall Boots On Sale Early

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Yesterday, he debuted his collaboration with local retailer Exito. The show kicked off Colombian Fashion Week, and was so hotly anticipated by locals that his face was plastered on billboards around the city. His collection, the first of three seasons for Exito, was a wild success bringing booty to French girls and monochrome to Colombian women. We talked to him about switching from high end to high street, Colombian fashion, and sex-appeal.

ELLE: You just presented your show – when will it be in the shops?

EC: Tomorrow! That was one of my main aims: I didn’t want people to wait six months to get the clothes, I wanted a very immediate, real feel to it. You see it one night, the next morning you can go and buy the same outfit!

ELLE: And what is the price range?

EC: It ranges from accessories which are about $12, to jackets that go up to $200 – which is the same price as say Zara, but the quality is similar to labels such as APC. I didn’t just want to do something that looks good, but get a product that lasts too.

ELLE:What was the aim? Why retail after high end?

EC:I never wanted to get into high end in Colombia – the percentage of people who can afford it is very small, and they can shop abroad anyway. It’s just not what I had in mind. I wanted to bring international fashion to as many people here as possible, who don’t usually get exposed to such styles.

ELLE: And how did you express that in the clothes?

EC:Well, the challenge was to offer clothes that are internationally relevant, but still appealing to Colombian women – and so we presented fashion elements that they often aren’t aware of: layering, new proportions, accessorizing.
At the same time, we have to respect the local taste, and so we offered solutions to looking sexy, but in a more relaxed way. It’s about offering an alternative and showing you can still look hot, easily and affordably.

ELLE:Why is the relationship to fashion so different in Colombia then?

EC: They just don’t know, they aren’t informed about what goes on outside, the frame of references is limited to inside of the country, people go to local shops.

ELLE:But are things changing?

EC: Yes, they are very enthusiastic, and this project was so far very well received. I think there is a growing interest and desire to find out about fashion. Fingers crossed!

—ALICE PFEIFFER

LINK LOVE:Esteban Cortazar Landed in Colombia Around the Time Lindsay Landed in Jail

The French Connection Autumn Winter 2010 2011 ad campaign was released this past week.  This season they have gone for a simple campaign where the clothes are the stars of the ads. I am not sure who the model or the photographer of the campaign is. If anyone knows send an email to info@beautyconfessional.net or post in the comments. A preview of the French Connection Autumn Winter 2010 2011 menswear collection will be posted soon.

LINK LOVE:French Connection Autumn Winter 2010 – 2011

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Le Coq Sportif’s collections have a 60’s look and have been worn by graf writers, musicians, thieves and trendies for years all around the world. Always at the forefront of popular culture, today the French name symbolises a fashion street culture for all the fashionistas who are looking for something new, fresh and authentic. Luck for us, in recent years the brand has got some better distribution in Australia making the clothes more accessible and not so pricey!

Mmm, choc-mint!

The distro isn’t that good for the limited edition Le Coq Sportif though….I wish I knew about the JC/DC x Le Coq Sportif from a couple of years ago!!! Maaaan, JC/DC can’t do wrong!

Stockists: (02) 9256 8450 / www.lecoqsportif.com.au

LINK LOVE:Le Coq Sportif Spring/ Summer 2010

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Rachel Bilson came out to support French fashion designer Vanessa Bruno during a private dinner at Chateau Marmont on Wednesday (July 21) in Los Angeles.

The 28-year-old actress, who wore a super cute VB jacket, was accompanied by her stylist, Nicole Chavez (pictured above). What a cute twosome they are!

Check out Rachel’s look for less below:

More Red or Dead…

LINK LOVE:It Look: Rachel Bilson At Vanessa Bruno Fashion Dinner

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Just in case you weren’t aware, Lara Stone is perfect. Playboy France were kind enough to remind us of this fact when they produced their June 2010 issue featuring a very sexy, very naked Lara. And they didn’t make it too easy for her either, they chose some challenging settings like hideous swirly carpet and a creepy looking wheelchair – but even those were no match for her. Suddenly bad carpets, ankle strappings and hospital robes seem oddly appealing.

Entire Article: Read it by clicking Lara Stone naked for French Playboy.

Related Pictures (10 in total): See them by clicking Lara Stone: Playboy July 2010 (NSFW) or read up on Fall 2010 fashion trends if you’re not keen on the pictures.

LINK LOVE:Lara Stone naked for French Playboy

LINK LOVE:New Talents // Photography // Anthony Maule

Vuitton here with a look at some of our fave celebs who rocked it, and some who didn’t really bring the heat.  My weekend was pretty boring.  Watching Inception twice in one day was pretty much its highlight.  But I can’t say the same for these stars who seemed to have a great time at everything from BBQ’s to movie premieres.

First up, Selita Ebanks…

The Victoria’s Secret Angel was spotted poolside at the Absolut Brooklyn BBQ wearing a cute spaghetti strapped dress with a pink floral print.  She looks hot, in more ways than one, hence the snow-cone.  I’m a little in love with those aviators as well.  Nude Stella McCartney mesh sandals complete her look.

Adrienne Bailon also decided to make her way to the BBQ.

Lik Selita she opted for a floral print, though she went for a strapless number with bolder colors.  The dress is hot, and I love the boyfriend watch (which looks like Michael Kors).  But when I got down to the ankles, my little heart just shattered.  Hmm… another example of when bad shoes happen to well dressed people.  The shoes aren’t ugly, mind you.  It’s just that they’re far too chunky for the dress and the event.  A simple black flat or gladiator sandal would’ve fared better.

Across the seas, Jada Pinkett Smith blessed London with her gorgeously tanned (though some of you tend to disagree with me) presence at the premiere of The Karate Kid.

Upon first glance, all I could say was “BEAT!”  Jada sauntered her way down the red carpet looking red hot in a Stella McCartney nude sequined number with nude Brian Atwood ankle strap pumps.  We all know she’s rather petite, but those legs of her seem to go on for days.  And it’s more than appreciated that the only bling she really wore were understated earrings.  We want more of THIS Jada please!

Next up is celebutante Kim Kardashian…

She made her way to the beach bunny swimwear show for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Miami, and it seems she’s going back to her signature “curve-hugging dress” predilection.  Hmm…I don’t know about you, but I love it when Kim has more layers and structure.  Sure, her makeup is always en pointe, and her hair is curled to perfection, but this gray lingerie-esque number leaves little to the imagination, and the choice doesn’t  display any hint of creativity.

Vivica A. Fox was spotted at Chris Bosh’s dinner in L.A. over the weekend…

Now, she’s always hit or miss for me.  Hell, I was scratching my head when she was host of that VH1 stylist show “Glam God.”  And this outfit is testament to the head scratching.  The vest and dress don’t match at all, and the sandals were obviously an attempt to “enhance” the color scheme going on here.  There’s just a ton of bling, and I’m sure that many of you can agree when I say French tipped pedicures are done.

Elise Neal was also at the dinner showing her support for the athlete…

I’m not sure if she’s rocking a romper or if this is a two-piece ensemble, but she looks cute.  I could’ve done without the top having that long piece at the front, but it’s still a cute look.  And very interesting sandals, Elise!  We’re gonna have to find out who they’re by.

And last, but not least, the man of the evening.  Newly signed Miami Heat player, Chris Bosh…

Good thing he came to his own dinner looking great.  I have a thing for gray suits with brown shoes.  It makes a man look dapper without looking stuffy.  More…approachable.  And the pink and blue striped shirt underneath was just genius.  I’m sure he had to have this suit custom made though.  He’s a giant!

Well, my obvious favorites are Jada Pinkett-Smith and Chris Bosh.  Who rocked it for you?

~Vuitton

LINK LOVE:Weekend Hot! or Hmm…: Selita Ebanks, Chris Bosh, Elise Neal and more!

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LINK LOVE:I Love Being a Girl!

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Fashion Bombshells—a hot, super wearable color has been making my heart go pitter-patter for quite some time now and I’m so mad I haven’t written about it yet! Bright coral. BRIGHT CORAL.

Pair this hue against anything from French Vanilla to Caramel to Chocolate to Dark Chocolate skin and you have instant hotness. Rock this color in anything from lipstick, blush, eyeshadow and nail polish.

So pics on the web of brown celebs and models rocking this gorgeous shade were scarce so you have to go with me on this one. I won’t lead you astray

Some bright corals to check out:
Blush:
MAC Creme Colour Base in Virgin Isle (available via MAC Pro)
Illamasqua Powder Blush in Tweak
Illamasqua Powder Blush in Excite
NARS Blush in Gina
Make Up For Ever Sculpting Blush #22
Make Up For Ever Powder Blush #18
Bobbi Brown Nectar Shimmer Brick

Lipstick/Gloss:
Illasmasqua Lipstick in Brink
MAC Lipstick in Jazzed
MAC Lipstick in Morange
Milani Color Perfect Lipstick in Coral Cabana
Bobbi Brown Coral Lip Quad
NARS Lipstick in Casablanca
Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Cabo Coral & Calypso Coral
NYX Round Lipstick in Miracle

Eyeshadow:
MAC Eyeshadow in Paradisco
Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow #5
MAC Eyeshadow in Free to Be
NYX Eyeshadow in Tropical

Nail Polish:
China Glaze Peachy Keen
E.L.F. Nail Polish in Coral
Essie Tart Deco
Essie Carousel Coral
Sephora by OPI Caliente Coral Nail Colour

So who’s rocking the corals? Spill it in the comments

~Danielle

LINK LOVE:Beauty Bomb: Rocking Bright Corals

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Bruno Gmünder and French photographer Fred Goudon present photo book CINQ, which is an extraordinary touching and sensitive piece of work. Of course the title is way more than a simple enumeration. The number five — cinq in the French language — is in many cultures a symbol for the human being, for love, but also for unity, harmony and balance.

“This is what I feel when I am working”, explains Goudon. Of course “Five” also stands for the five senses. And one can truly gain the impression that this is a book for all of our senses: You can almost smell the alluring odor of these infatuate men, feel their strong bodies, taste the salt on their skin and hear their sighs … it’s due to Goudon’s unique talent that every single picture is drenched with amazing intimacy.

Fred Goudon’s models — some of them wrote accompanying texts for the book — tell how easy and enriching it is to work with Goudon. His idea is clearly visible and successfully implemented: to create his own interpretation of the men he photographs. As an example, the actor Gilles Marini (“Sex and the City”, “Brothers & Sisters” and others) — who was discovered by Goudon at the age of 18 — writes: “He has the ability to evoke in his models that je ne sais quoi that makes him the unique human being that he is … what an artist!”

Fred Goudon was born in Cannes in the south of France on June 1, 1965. He studies journalism, worked as a radio DJ and then as a press photographer. He has been working as a fashion and advertising photographer and reached further prominence with the release of the photo books Aqua, Bedtime Stories, Sunday Morning and Virility by Bruno Gmünder.

Fred Goudon | books | Bruno Gmunder

buy: CINQ BOOK | CINQ CALENDAR

www.fredgoudon.com | www.brunogmuender.com

FIRST LOOK! CINQ by FRED GOUDON is a post from: YVY MAG – PHOTOGRAPHY MALE MODELS FASHION EDITORIALS

Tags: Books, Bruno Gmunder, Fred Goudon, Home, MeatMarket, NSFW, Sports

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LINK LOVE:FIRST LOOK! CINQ by FRED GOUDON

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I bought my first bottle of Safari by Ralph Lauren soon after it came out because I loved his original Lauren. I also liked the romance behind the name- probably because I was thinking about the imagery in Out Of Africa, Robert Redford and that wonderful scene where he washes Meryl Streep’s hair. In my teenager mind it was the most romantic thing ever (still do, actually. But to this day there has never been a man brave enough to face my 2.5′ of waves and curls). I wanted Safari to evoke just that.

I remember thinking back then that Safari was a little too pretty. I liked it well enough and even finished the bottle (it was the gorgeous lay-down version), but it took me about 15 years to buy another one. Safari didn’t smell like it belonged in the early 90s and I wasn’t sure how it fit with Lauren’s Long Island horsey-set image. It smelled more… French, I guess. The green aldehydic opening, overabundance of flowers and gorgeous chypre base could have easily been a Chanel. Now that I think of it, none of the modern Chanel perfumes from the regular line (not the Exclusifs) has been even half as good as Safari.

I have a few older Safari bottles that are clearly the original formula, including the discontinued parfum. I smell a lot of galbanum and hyacinth which my nearly middle-aged mind translates now as romantic in that heartbreaking, full of longing way. The green and wood notes are dry and crisp and show a lot of elegance and restraint. The patchouli-moss-soft leather base (more pronounced in the parfum) clearly didn’t fit in with the early 90s style- it was too perfume-like in an era of non-perfume opposites: you either had to smell like candy (see Angel and all the horrible mall vanilla and fruit body sprays) or like chemical nothingness (someone please slap Issey Miyake for me). Even the bottle- a vintage looking carved glass beauty- didn’t belong.

It's no wonder that Safari has disappeared from the shelves that sell the Ralph line. For a while it was hard to find except for occasional appearances at places like TJ Maxx. From quick sniffing and spraying the current version at a couple of the discount outlets it's clear that the formula has changed for the very worse. It's a floral something or other without the galbanum, oakmoss or any of the notes that used to give Safari its  backbone. Despite rumors to the contrary, Safari (or what's left of it) is still in production and can be purchased on Ralph Lauren's American website: $60 for the 2.5oz EDP. The notes are listed there as “An exotic medley of floral and citrus notes gently warmed with the essences of Bourgeons de Cassis, Jasmine Italian and Fleur d'Oranger”. I wouldn't bother.

Images:
Safari ads from 1993-1994, couleurparfum.com
Meryl Streep and Robert Redford in Out Of Africa (1985) from ew.com
Verushka in a YSL safari suit by Franko Rubartelli for French Vogue, August 1968

Copyright ©2006-2010 Gaia Fishler, The Non-Blonde. Content poaching is both illegal and ugly.

LINK LOVE:Ralph Lauren Safari For Women

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Also, a reader asked me what ‘vivre sa vie’ means the other day. It means ‘live your life’ (or, life one’s own life, if you’re being technical) in French!

LINK LOVE:vivre sa vie part ten.

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LINK LOVE:Romantic Death

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Model turned singer, Karen Elson is the new cover girl for French magazine, Jalouse.

LINK LOVE:Karen Elson covers Jalouse