Sabrina Azadi

Fashion Writer and Columnist

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Gin Inspired Scent Makes Me Giddy

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The Scent of Good Times

The Penhaligon’s counter at Bloomingdales, South Coast Plaza.

You know those stylish girls that wear the “must have” scent of the season? The ones that display the latest chic perfume bottle on their dresser? You must have met at least one trendy girl that smells like she’s just leapt out from one of the scented flaps inside Vogue? Well, I’m not one of them.

Don’t get me wrong I’m not a fan of powdery grandma perfumes (sorry Numero 5, I love all the other Chanel scents) but I like to wear something that not so available. I prefer not to smell like the hordes of glam women in the ladies bathroom at the hippest bar in town, even if they do smell nice. And I will hunt high and low to find my scent, the one that captures my imagination as well as my nose.

Penhaligon’s Perfume

Penhaligons and I go way back to my college days when I was a Saturday “Harrods Perfume Girl.” I used to pass their counter on my way back from my lunch break and spray on Bluebell. The Penhaligon’s counter was out of sight. It was closer to the toiletries department where the talcum powders, soaps and body lotions were. They were never really part of the top selling perfumes showcased in the front where we were. Considering I had a choice of any perfume in the world (Harrods has them all), I have no idea why I liked this simple English scent. Even though I was selling the big brand name perfumes (which I enjoyed) when off duty, I liked to wear the lesser known ones. I still do. There’s something unique about the fragrances that not everyone knows, the ones with a rich heritage. They offer longevity. If you can find one that meets the demand of our modern aesthetics but with a brand that has history, then you have it all. In this case the English Penhaligon’s brand was established in 1870 in London. Mr. Penhaligon started as a barber, opened a hairdressing salon where he made his own products and eventually made his way to the royal court.

Juniper Sling by Penhaligon’s is the perfect blend of spicy and sweet fresh Spring scent. And the bottle? Well, it’s a divine classic, still modern but with an old world charm.

Fast forward a few decades and as I pass by the perfume counter at Bloomingdales recently, my eyes fell on the Penhaligon’s counter. It felt like the oddest thing to come across the apothecary shaped perfume bottles sitting pretty in a row, far away from when we first met and locked noses. What’s Penhaligon’s doing in Orange County I thought? They didn’t have Bluebell (which you can buy online)  but after sniffing almost all of the bottles (some were too literal for me), I fell in love with Juniper Sling. The patient sales person described it to me as a midday cocktail.

As soon as he turned around to help someone else, I took the bottle and drenched myself with the fragrance. I didn’t want him to see how enamored I was with it, so early on. It was embarrassing how intoxicated I felt. But I was hooked. The fact that I later found out it’s listed under mens fragrances didn’t phase me the least. In fact I understood why I had taken a liking to it. Inspired perhaps by a real Gin Sling cocktail, this scent gave me the feeling of instant joy and energy. It’s fresh, spicy and sweet but not too light, with notes of juniper berry there’s something alluring about it. Wearing it gave me a rush, an exuberant feeling of happiness. And who doesn’t need a little afternoon pick me up? I certainly do. Salut!

StyleCon is Back!

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Want to hang out with the
cool crowd? Here’s your chance. StyleCon
is back and it’s going to be packed with everything stylish. A convention for
fashion and beauty lovers right here at The Hangar.
What:
StyleCon fashion & beauty event.
When: Saturday, November 4th 2017 – from 9am to 5pm.
Where: The
Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Tickets: $39
and includes a StyleTote with goodies. Use my promotional code: 20PERSIANORANGE to receive a
20% discount on StyleFan tickets at StyleCon.
Find out about the latest
trends and emerging brands, the ‘Beauty of Empowerment’ themed event will
give guests a chance to listen to expert panels on the StyleStage about
entrepreneurship, networking, fashion, and beauty in today’s digital landscape.
Hundreds of content creators attend StyleCon – Instagram and YouTube
personalities, bloggers, industry professionals, and celebrities, including
StyleStage Hosts Melanie Bromley of
E! News, and Emmy award-winning NBC journalist Allyn Hoang, speakers Swati
Mandela, granddaughter of Nelson and Winnie Mandela, and India Hicks, British royal, author, and
lifestyle entrepreneur, plus musical entertainment by Aaliyah Rose, mentored by Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton on the
2017 season of “The Voice.” For more info visit StyleCon.
See you there!
Sabrina x

Retro Chic – Pacific Coast Magazine

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There’s a 1970s revival taking place and this updated insta-ready version is just as potent for today, as it was when writer Tom Wolfe dubbed it the “Me Decade” on the cover of New York magazine in 1976. This time around, you’re not confined to being just a Biba babe or a disco diva but a master chameleon. Borrowing styles from past to present offers you possibilities. We’re seeing a subtle interpretation of an era where legends as diverse as David Bowie to ABBA ignited the fashion scene with glam rock alter egos and synchronized looks. Isn’t the movie “Saturday Night Fever” remembered as much for its soundtrack as for Tony Manero’s white three-piece suit and swagger?

Today’s version is still playful, minus the polyester shirts, tennis headbands and lilac eyeshadow. There’s an echo of adventure that’s fresh, but it’s no longer about the glorification of breaking the rules that the 1970s were notorious for, instead it’s about dressing without little regard for rules. There’s confidence in nostalgia, even if it’s not first hand. The “me” custodian of today bares as much or as little as she pleases, whether she’s wearing a deep cut halter-neck dress or flares and a tight tee, she dances to her own funky beat, in her sky high platforms. And when she grabs her (faux) fur coat to leave just as the party’s begun, it’s because she’s got somewhere better to go to; follow her.

 

Faux Real
It’s no surprise that the faux fur revolution that took off in the era of free love hasn’t taken a back seat since. What’s not to love about the soft feel, crazy colors and fun textures that a faux fur offers? With semiotic awareness, today’s faux fur doesn’t try to mimic the real thing, but deliberately celebrates its faux-ness and flaunts it. Oversized sunglasses: optional. Patchwork in the Rye cape coat by Nasty Gal, $198, nastygal.com

 

 

Fit and Flare
Just when we got our legs around the skinny jean, fashion has taken a seventies turn with the reemergence of flared trousers in plaid, corduroy, leather and denim. Don’t put away your skinnies just yet, but incorporate your flares as an alternative look. Today’s version is fuller than a boot cut but slimmer than a bell bottom which gives you the ideal flattering combo to strut with. Pair them with a ladylike pussy bow blouse for day or a lamé top for night. Embroidered guitar strap style handbag: optional. Le High Flare in Riverdale by Frame, $229, available at Saks Fifth Avenue, South Coast Plaza and saks.com.

 

 

Perfect Platforms
There’s nothing better to rock your flares with than a pair of platform shoes. Who doesn’t love their sturdy elevation? Not only do they help elongate your legs but they’re surprisingly comfortable considering their towering vantage. This season’s platforms are bold and chunky, just as they should be and available in a plethora of materials and embellishments making them the focal point of your look and not the side step. Nothing says 70s like the feline flash of leopard print, always considered a neutral and undeniably, something that never goes out of style. Wear them with high waisted flared pants and a solid color top or a contrasting haute-hippie style maxi dress to set you apart. And regardless of how much you love animal prints, it’s best to limit their use to one item at a time.  Long skinny scarf: optional. Candy platform boot in leopard print by Saint Laurent, $1595, available at Neiman Marcus Fashion Island. NM.com
Retro Chic – Pacific Coast Magazine

 

What’s a Weekend?

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Weekend by Max Mara Opens at South Coast Plaza

Of all the malls in, in all the cities, Max Mara, have opened their onlyWeekend store in the U.S. at South Coast Plaza. The quintessential Italian brand worn by sophisticated women around the world picked Orange County as their launching pad. Without sounding ungrateful, there are down sides to any place, even a fabulous place like Orange County but SCP (which sounds very much like another fashion icon SJP) has got to be a bonus, the icing on the cake.

And speaking of cakes, this bag at Weekend stopped me in my tracks. It’s aptly called the “Pasticcino” Italian for small pastry. When the well-meaning sales assistant said it was inspired by cupcakes, I may have, unintentionally, rolled my eyes. Italians eating cupcakes? Cupcakes and Cappuccinos? Whatever next?

bag-holding-1

I’d like to think it was inspired by one of the tiny delicious Italian pastries that you first admire in the shop window of a bakery/coffee shop, along a cobblestone street far from the madding crowd. It’s in a part of town that tour guides seldom frequent. You’ll sit at a small table, order an espresso and point to the pasticcino in the window. When it’s presented, you pop it in your mouth and wash it down with bitter espresso. And then, decide to taste 100 more.

But Weekend isn’t all about handbags. They’re an entire look, a lifestyle. They’re the off duty version of the career driven, Max Mara lady, which means this is what she wears on the weekend—for leisure. The Dowager Countess of Grantham (Downton Abbey fans this one’s for you) may not have approved. “Weekend? What’s a Weekend?” she, once asked.

Aristocrats didn’t have jobs, therefore the concept of the weekend was for ordinary, common folk, like me. Max Mara would have a field day with me. If they only knew I hardly get out of my PJs on the weekend. Perhaps I’m not their target clientele, but I was inspired by what people with proper jobs get to wear on the weekend. I’ll be happy to wear anything in their store. Monday to Friday and through the weekend.

And coming back to the yummy bag. If it was inspired by cupcakes, someone please inform House of Sillage. I prefer my own version of the truth. Now, how about a nice cup of tea?

close-up-bag

Vintage Cameo Pendant

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4Love..hate..love. That’s fashion for you. Sums up my relationship with my vintage Cameo pendant that I’ve had for as long as I can remember and currently in love with, all over again.

Queen Victoria made it popular back in the day. She had a thing for them, as did Napoleon who loved them so much he wore one on his wedding day. The profile of a lone woman, carved on shell, coral or agate in classic dress with tousled curls is as elusive as ever. What goes around, comes around, even in fashion and I predict they will be making a major cameo appearance!

It’s time to raid your grandma’s jewelry box 🙂

Getting Personal with Victoria Christian

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The Scent of Royalty 

Just as the kitchen is the heart of a home, the beauty department is at the heart of a department store. And that’s where the two worlds of Clive Christian collide.  Known for creating bespoke interiors and furniture, the British designer was one of the first to bring the crystal chandelier into the kitchen. So it’s no surprise that his namesake perfume company is synonymous with using the finest, exotic ingredients to create exceptional perfumes, showcased in the most luxurious bottles and flacons.

Victoria Christian daughter of Clive Christian holding the Nº1 perfume case at Neiman Marcus, Fashion Island. Nº1 is known as “the most expensive perfume in the world.” Nº1 perfume spray for women by Clive Christian, 1.6oz, $865 available at Neiman Marcus. Photo by Sabrina Azadi. 

I was first introduced to the Clive Christian fragrances, by his daughter Victoria Christian many years ago. To this day the process, reminds me of my olfactory innocence. The fragrances weren’t like anything else I had inhaled or anything else on the market. Unlike the fad fragrances that are fashionable for a season, there is a longevity to these fragrances, and that’s because you have to love them to wear them. You’ll never just “make do” with a Clive Christian fragrance because like a great love, they’re to be admired, pursued and cherished.  

If you’re looking for instant gratification these fragrances are not for you. As with all absolute perfumes, wearing them means embarking on a journey, one without a compass (or a GPS) not knowing where the final destination will be. It’s best to spritz the fragrance on your skin without rubbing it, so as to not bruise it, and then allow it to settle. The next step is to do nothing. You have to be patient, and give it time to develop. One spritz or a drop is all you need and depending on your body chemistry and your environment, each layer that’s unveiled will hold a language of its own, that’s unique, to you. Unlike many fragrances on the market, these fragrances are not going to reveal themselves to you immediately, like a fine wine that’s sipped slowly, enjoy them sparingly. They’re also worth the wait, because once you’ve discovered your match, it’s unlikely, you’ll stray. It’s also rare to find anyone else wearing them, which is a novelty I like, and if you do, it feels like a secret shared, between friends and connoisseurs.

The Crown Perfumery, first established in 1872,  has a rich history, which is why it appealed to Clive Christian when he decided to purchase and revive it in 1999. Queen Victoria had given her seal of approval to the company. And now, another Victoria, the daughter of Clive Christian, along with her father at its helm, are taking it forward, into a new era.

My interview with Victoria Christian

Victoria Christian was recently at Neiman Marcus, Fashion Island, where I
had the chance to sit down and chat with her about the past, present
and future of this brand that holds the coveted title of being “the most
expensive perfume in the world.” I also had the opportunity to get a
spritz of the soon to be launched Neiman Marcus exclusive, a limited
edition; 1872 with a twist of Mandarin, which is sublime.

SA: We met almost 10 years ago at the Neiman Marcus in Miami, where you
introduced the Clive Christian perfume collection to me and I had the pleasure of interviewing you, over coffee. We meet now at NM Fashion Island, how has your luxury brand evolved
over the last 10 years?
VC: How time flies! And how lovely to be meeting after so
many years on a different Coast and yet still celebrating this historic
perfume house! What a testament to the quality and timelessness of the
perfumes that they are still enjoyed by so many across the country!
Since we met my father Clive has released six new perfumes
– three pairs – from his Private Collection. ‘C’, ‘L’ and ‘V’ perfumes
all wear the same amber color glass bottle which was the color of the
private commission perfumes in the archives of the Crown Perfumery and
the Collection has a distinct personal feel. The more masculine versions
of the pairs all carry a precious Oud wood at their base which brings
a hallmark smokey, woody, confident complexity to the perfumes and the
more feminine versions of the collection are a celebration of some of the
most prized notes from the Victorian era – ‘C’ has an operatic note of
Tuberose which was the Victorian symbol for voluptuous, forbidden pleasures
and yet has a quiet, sensual finish and the ‘L’ has the unusual Davana, reminiscent of green, lush rain forest leaves and has a feeling
to me similar to when sunbeams land on your face it is so bright and delightful! 

A display of some of the Clive Christian perfume collection, for men and women.

SA: What’s the different aspects of working with your father, Clive Christian,
and being the only sibling in the business?
VC: I am the eldest of three girls and have always had a strong
connection with my father, Clive. We share the same humor which is always
a great foundation for a relationship of course! I feel very lucky to have
been raised by a gentleman who has a deep appreciation for life – I have
learned to take time to enjoy a sunrise and a sunset, and perhaps most
importantly to listen to my heart and to make decisions based on integrity
and a feeling of love rather than a monetary motivation. My father has
taught me this and I believe it is evident in his work, his designs and
his creations. I feel very fortunate to represent my family business and to have the opportunity
to work alongside a great British designer who has been recognized by Queen
Elizabeth II for his contribution to British luxury. 

The Clive Christian coat of arms awarded to him in 1999 by The Royal College of Arms. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2012.

SA: Tell me about your first fragrance memory?
VC: My father has always kept beautiful rose gardens in England
and the scent of natural English roses after the rain has such a delicate
captivation – a little like you might imagine Turkish delight. I was and
still am transfixed by this perfume and we harness rose in its absolute
form at the heart of many of our perfumes – in particular the 1872 for women which carries the beautiful May Rose at the heart and requires 170
of those roses for every single drop. 

The 1872 perfume spray for women a floral, fruity, citrus fragrance perfect for summer days and nights. (100ml $495). 1872 is the year The Crown Perfumery was established.

SA: Is it true that the Clive Christian perfume is the most expensive perfume
in the world? And if so why?
VC: Yes – when Clive created The No.1 Perfumes it was his
wish to design a pair of perfumes that were simply the best – the No.1. He wanted a perfume that harnessed the rarest and most precious
natural ingredients in their purest form – the absolute – the notes that
most fragrances do not use due to their high cost and low yield. Rare Indian
Sandalwood aged from 30-50 years and Madagascan Vanilla which takes six
months to crystallize – he was not expecting for the perfumes to become
the most expensive in the world – however when The Guinness Book of World
Records announced this we decided to embrace it and to use this recognition
to help us to reignite the conversation of what it takes to create a true
luxury perfume and all the stories of what goes in to creating each complex
drop. 

Victoria Christian hosts a private reception at NM Fashion Island.

SA: The perfume house has a long history, heritage and even a royal crown,
tell me about that and how it has influenced your brand.
VC: Queen Victoria granted the image of her crown to this
perfumery in 1872 and it had held a very special place in her Royal court
and within her marriage to her husband Prince Albert. They had perfumes
commissioned for various special occasions in their life and these perfumes
were greeted as a matched, complementing pair – so they were united, connected
invisibly through their perfumes. Clive Christian has maintained this tradition
and all the perfumes in our collections are presented as matched pairs
– however today, in this modern world our boundaries are so different –
nowadays I find our clients are connoisseurs and many wear the pairs together
– for example a spritz of No.1 for women and spritz of No.1 for men – it
brings a third element to the perfumes – rather like two wings of a butterfly. 

A sealed original bottle of lavender salts from The Crown Perfumery from 1800’s which has inspired the current perfume bottles. The Crown Perfumery was the perfume available on the first class cabins of the Titanic.

SA: With the thousand of perfumes available, tell me about the people who
choose to wear your fragrances and what makes them want to wear the very
British, Clive Christian brand?
VC: It’s true that every year over 1000 different fragrances
are launched and sadly it is true that over 90% of these fragrances have
been discontinued within two years of their launch. Each perfume launch
within the Clive Christian Perfume Collections is considered and curated
by Clive so that they will not date and will remain a timeless addition
to your perfume wardrobe. I have been wearing X for Women paired with X
for Men for almost 15 years and each time I am complimented on my perfume
– which invariably brings a spring to my step! And it does help that with
every drop you are connected to a piece of great history from a perfume
house that was so adored by our Queen Victoria that she granted the image
of her crown! Nothing better than feeling like Royalty! 

Victoria uses a fan to introduce each fragrance as was the custom in Victorian England.

SA: You’re surrounded by perfume in your professional life, but what fragrance
do you like to wear when you’re not at work? 
VC: To quote Confucius, “make your passion your profession
and you will never work a day in your life” – I do not really consider
what I do to be work – I love perfumes and it is an honor to represent
this historic perfume house – my perfume wardrobe is fully stocked with
the Clive Christian Perfumes and they are my invisible accessory for every
day of my life and every occasion – on my wedding day in 2014 I wore No.1
for Women and my husband wore No.1 for Men (1+1=3!) and now this perfume
holds a very special memory of the most wonderful day of my life! 

Victoria talks to me about the soon to be launched limited edition 1872 with a twist of Mandarin and 1872 with a twist of Vetiver.

SA: What’s next for your perfume collection and the Clive Christian brand
and what are you telling us here at Neiman Marcus Fashion Island?
VC: I am very excited to share a preview of our newest launch
which will be exclusive to Neiman Marcus – the 1872 Limited Edition with
a Twist! This new launch takes the heart of the classic and well loved
citrus perfume pair 1872 and adds a new dimension to their invigorating
complexity – the 1872 with a Twist of Mandarin adds a burst of joyful Mandarin
for a bright body and the 1872 with a Twist of Vetiver brings a clean,
fresh finish and a subtle glow. Each bottle is individually hand numbered
1/1000 and signed by Clive. They are incredibly vibrant and perfectly capture
the feeling of Californian sunshine! 

Victoria and I after the presentation. Also seen here is a bottle of the Nº1 perfume. Clive Christian was also commissioned to create a unique presentation of a matched pair of the Nº1 perfumes, a his and hers for Prince William and Katherine (Duchess of Cambridge) for their wedding. Their perfume bottles were hand-cut crystal with a brilliant-cut diamond solitaire embedded in them, and their initials etched in gold. A gift fit for royalty.
….

Getting Personal with Nancy Gonzalez

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If you’ve ever seen one of Lucio Fontana’s white slash canvases up close, you’ll know that it has this ability to draw you in. With clinical like precision the delicate incisions are simple yet complete. Luxury handbag designer, Nancy Gonzalez has something in common with her favorite artist. Her medium however, is exotic leather, dyed in an array of vibrant hues and like Fontana’s Tagli, her leather is cut perfectly to a create handbags that women love to carry and collect. I recently had a chance to ask her some questions:
Handbag designer Nancy Gonzalez and her collection of fine leather handbags. (Photo: www.nancygonzalez.com)
Crocodile skin Gotham Clutch in fuchsia by Nancy Gonzalez, $1750 (available at Neiman Marcus)

 

Tom Ford Lipstick in Scarlet Rouge $52 (www.neimanarcus.com), Smythson notebook $60 (www.symthson.com) scenic view of Rajasthan (www.rajasthantourism.gov.in), Lucio Fontana’s white slashes (www.sothebys.com).


What are some of the items I would find inside your handbag? 

Three different currencies in cash since I am always traveling, my Tom Ford sunglasses, two iPhones (one for Colombia and one for the U.S.), a Smythson notebook that says “Smile” on the outside for sketches and notes and a Tom Ford lipstick in Scarlet Rouge.

What handbag do you like to carry on a daily basis? 
For everyday I love wearing my convertible tote in Kelly green as it fits my entire life. I always keep a Gotham clutch in a surprising neutral such as electric blue or fuchsia packed (I use it as a wallet), in case I need to go out. That way I am ready for any kind of event.
You’re known for your use of exotic skins and bright colors, what’s your favorite exotic skin and color combination right now? 
My favorite precious skin is crocodile, and my favorite bag from this season is the double chain shoulder in black crocodile, with white crocodile poppy flowers on the flap with a hint of bordeaux in the bud of the flower. 
Since fashion is inspired so much from artists can you tell me about your favorite artist? 
Lucio Fontana’s, white slash paintings. I need visual silence in the art I collect.
What are we going to see next season from you? 
For Resort 2016 you will see the story of Rajasthan. This is by far the most exuberant collection I have ever created. From jewelry adornment made entirely out of crocodile, to horse hair woven with real silver, to crocodile flowers, this collection is truly a feast for the eyes.
Where do you get your inspirations from and do you feel something specific inspires you each season? 

In Colombia, we have blue skies, three hundred and sixty-five days a year, the largest number of bird species in the world, and an array of greens that is incredible. Even after all these years, nature is still my best collaborator and life is my source of inspiration.

Thank you!

Nancy Gonzalez handbags are available at Neiman Marcus, Fashion Island.