The New York MiNute. Style. Trends. Fashion. Travel. Design.

What if no one who loved you could look at you?

2011-07-08T14:24:00.004-04:00

(S)mythology Puts Modern Spin on Classic Myth. As I first flicked through this book I was amazed at the simple but detailed beauty of the illustrations, already finding myself falling into my imaginary world of altered human imagination, which I like to call "Doing an Alice'! (Of course by this I mean Lewis Carroll's Alice). Now just a little background on this must read!!

(S)mythology originally written as a short story in the Autumn of 2004 while American born author Jeremy Tarr lived in London finding himself deep into the East London creative movement while holding a rose of Love to his heart for a young lady simply named Sophie! So began (S)mythology a beautiful dedication written by the young author Jeremy to cheer up his love.

S)mythology tells the story of Sophie, a lovely young woman who has spent her entire life in seclusion, fearing that friends and lovers who looked at her would turn to stone.

It’s happened: Sophie has seen men turn to marble right before her very eyes. Fearful of her curse, she stays alone in a London flat with only a blind caretaker for company. But when events beyond her control drive her onto the streets of London, she must battle the forces that have kept her hidden away since childhood.

Told with tongue-in-cheek wit and wry whimsy, (S)mythology is about the mythology of love and the fairytale of life and death. The 320 page hardcover novel includes sixty-four illustrations by Katy Smail.
Published by Big Head LLC (ISBN: 0983090602), (S)mythology is now available from Apple iBooks and through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, in both print and e-book form ($25.99 hardcover; $7.99 electronic edition).

Mom's Favorites: Miller Harris Olive Oils

2011-04-28T09:30:00.001-04:00

British perfumer Lyn Harris broadened her creative palette last year when she applied her fragrance-blending skills to the flavoring of fine black teas. Using the wholly edible essences she uses for her perfume-making, she subtly tweaked the flavors of the leaves with a light coating of a finely tuned blend, and retails them under her Miller Harris brand.

Continuing to discover new ways in which her fragrant essences can please the palate as well as the nose, Harris has just launched a range of olive oils very lightly enhanced with accents of citrus, herb and spice, to be used in dressings, to be drizzled or dunked in.

The base oil is a premium cold press extra virgin olive oil, produced by the Marques de Valdueza family who have been pressing olives for 600 years. There is nothing cheap, gimmicky or throwaway about the results.

The subtlety of the enhancement is brilliant, and adds another very worthwhile dimension to the exquisite oil. The Citron blend is enhanced with Italian bergamot, Sicilian lemon, Brazilian orange, grapefruit, tangerine and petitgrain from Paraguay. It lends itself to fish.

Sauvage blends Tunisian rosemary, French lavender, Spanish thyme and sage from the Dalmation Coast. It’s perfect with Pasta. And Poivre is a blend of cardamom from Guatemala, Chinese cinnamon, black pepper, coreander and clove. It works well with salads and rice.

Harris’s talent for titillating the senses extends also to refinement in the packaging, which, true to form, is enough of an incentive to open your purse.

Miller Harris is available at MiN New York, 117 Crosby Street New York City. [Via]

New from Penhaligon's

2011-04-26T09:00:00.001-04:00

New arrivals at the Shop and at http://MiN.com:

New LIMITED EDITION Perfume from L'Artisan Parfumeur: Iris Pallida

2011-04-25T12:00:00.000-04:00

Captured in Tuscany, Iris Pallida by L'Artisan Parfumeur is inspired by one of the most precious flowers on earth and born in the Tuscan soil, under the endless sky, gently caressed by the breeze, guarded by Cypress trees….The noble aroma comes from rhizomes, hidden deep in the earth. After drying for three years ,the roots release the essence of incredible complexity, subtlety and finesse.

Top Notes:

Rose Essence, Orange Blossom Absolute, Violet Leaf, Aniseed

Heart Notes:

Iris Absolute, Cedar, Vetiver, Patchouli

Base Notes:

Iris Absolute, Guaicum, Ambrette Seeds, White Musc

Now available in 1 size only [50mL] for $115 at the Apothecary & Online at MiN.com

The Evolution of Steel

2011-04-21T15:33:00.001-04:00

Josh Hadar, Founder and Owner of Hadar Metal Design, an Eco-conscious design group that creates one-of-a-kind custom bikes and environmental installations, will launch his first showcase on May 6th at 285 Lafayette Street. Hadar has worked to develop new sculptural art installations that bring evolving environmental technologies to the forefront of the art world and will feature the first completely solar powered electric vehicles and photovoltaic steel trees, all with Hadar's innovative and unique flair. The results of this work has earned an enthusiastic and diverse global audience of fine artists, craftspeople, environmental scientists, engineers, technicians and social activists who bring their knowledge and energy to the development of new projects.

"The Evolution of Steel," will debut with a private preview on Thursday, May 5th in the original space that Hadar began his journey into the art world years ago. After a storied career in the nightlife and theater industries, Hadar decided to pursue his true passion and trained himself how to craft steel through natural means (around fire hydrants, lamp posts, trash cans and trees) rather than using heat or electric equipment. The exhibit will display everything from Josh's crude early work to his more recent custom bikes such as "ER's Teardrop," which features nickel on rolled steel, hand-spun aluminum plate wheels, and a hand-blown, steel-wrapped glass fuel tank with an 80 cc gas powered motor with pedal assist. In addition to the bikes, Josh will showcase his newest creations, solar powered steel trees that represent the future of eco-conscious design, already displayed across the globe including an installation at the Intercontinental Hotel in Times Square.

For more information and to view more of Josh's work please visit here.

DESIGNER JOSH HADAR PRESENTS
"THE EVOLUTION OF STEEL"
Featuring New York's First Solar Powered Electric Vehicles
and Additional Eco-Conscious Art Installations

285 Lafayette St.
(Bet. Houston and Prince St.)

New York, NY 10012

May 6th-27th

Tuesday to Friday: 1pm-9pm

Saturday: 12pm-9pm

Sunday: 12pm-6pm

Our Picks for Spring

2011-04-18T13:52:00.019-04:00

At once sublimely refined and wonderfully wild, La Haie Fleurie by L'Artisan Parfumeur is a perfume of classic proportions and timeless elegance. This ode to jasmine is an exuberant and graceful bouquet, a vivid dream of a garden in full bloom. Accentuated by the white floral notes of orange blossom, narcissus and ylang-ylang, the aroma of jasmine in La Haie Fleurie is amazingly realistic. Rich, sophisticated and exuberant, If you like perfumes by Jo Malone, this one is for you! Suitable for Women.

Spain's most traditional and familiar concentrated Eau de Cologne. Prepared from extracts of Mediterranean flowers, plants, and fruits, this cologne is unique with its fresh, unmistakeable scent, which also provides an invigorating effect and pleasant sense of well-being. This uplifting, classic citrus scent by Alverez Gomez combines extracts of Lemon, Spanish Lavender, Geranium and Eucalyptus with essential oils of Rosemary, Thyme, English Lavender and Bergamot. Suitable for Men & Women.

Pure Italian essence, dedicated to men and women. Colonia is the result of the perfect blend of Sicilian citrus fruit fragrance, a blend of flower essences skillfully put together using English lavender, rosemary, verbena and Bulgarian rose and the appealing notes of precious woods such as Sandalo mysore, vetiver, cedar and ylang ylang. Suitable for Men & Women.

Restore vitality with DETOX, MiN New York's deep cleanser that inhibits DHT and gently removes impurities. A refreshing hint of mints and limes makes this Professional sulfate-free shampoo a must-have this Spring. Suitable for Men & Wome

Aromatherapy Associates Renew Rose Hydrating Body Gel combines rich blends of essences using rose oil and damask rose water which nourish the skin – leaving it glowing, soft and smooth to touch. With damask rose water, geranium and evening primrose oil. For skin confidence and a silky smooth effect when you most need it. A light, delicately fragranced gel formulated with pure essential oils and floral water. Beautifully hydrates dry skin and leaves it radiant. Suitable for Men & Women.

Penhaligon's Blenheim Bouquet is a subtle citrus, woody musk, the exhilaration of pine: created in 1902 and named after Blenheim Palace, the home of the Dukes of Marlborough. Later a favorite of Churchill, this is the classic fragrance of England. Suitable for Men & Women.

To the truly discerning gentleman, nothing surpasses the superior floral perfume of English Lavender, freshly picked at its peak from Norfolk Lavender, England's Lavender Farm, or the relaxing and soothing effect it imparts. Taylor of Old Bond Street's Lavender Shaving Cream is a fantastic treat to try this Spring.

A thick gray linen apron by CôTÉ Bastide. Limited Edition. Made in France. One size fits all. Suitable for both Men & Women.

Kilian's Prelude to Love invitation is an olfactory memory of a first encounter… As a splash of crimson blossoms across the cheeks and hearts beat wildly, a refined yet bold bouquet of the noblest citrus soothes and refreshes mounting sensations of exhilaration. The sweetness of bergamot, the delicacy of Seville orange and the brightness of lemon swirl into a spiral of seduction, an invitation to love. Intense ginger and pepper pierce the heart of the fragrance, imbued with neroli and orange blossom, disclosing a subtle undercurrent of intent. From this emerges the crowning note, the irresistible Iris of Florence whose majesty sweeps away all inhibitions. Top notes of bergamot, bigarad, lemon & mandarin. Floral heart of iris, neroli & orange blossoms. Basenotes of spicy cardamon, pink pepper marries with woody essences of Russian leather & cypriol invites an innocent, but sensual encounter. Suitable for Men & Women.

Miller Harris Fleur du Matin fragrance was inspired by the dew and herby floral bouquet of an early morning walk on the island of Port Cros. During this fragrant journey, pine, marjoram, honeysuckle, jasmine and neroli are surrounded by galbanum, basil, grapefruit and lemon. Suitable for Women.

Parfums d'Empire takes you on a scented journey through history by painting visions of luxury and opulence that marked the Empires of the nineteenth century. 3 Fleurs is a fragrance is an ode to three flowers of love - rose, jasmine and tuberose. The fragrance intertwines with love, romance and passion, while symbolically reflecting the three essences creating it. 3 Fleurs encompasses Bulgarian rose, Egyptian jasmine, Indian tuberose, galbanum, mint and white musk. Suitable for Women.

A pure, radiant vetiver that’s almost ethereal

2011-03-09T16:38:00.001-05:00

L’Artisan Parfumeur's newest fragrance, Cœur de Vétiver Sacré ($135), will be available at MiN New York this March.

Conceived as an offering to the gods, Coeur de Vétiver Sacré, is "like a basket filled with fruits, flowers, spices and incense, but also with balms and precious woods."

This wood, vétiver, or more accurately, this root, with its legendary earthy, smoky aromas sometimes only comes through in the base notes, humbly emerging after the striking freshness of the top notes.

The perfumer, Karine Vinchon, loves this noble material and she wanted to create a different, mysterious vétiver by revealing all of its facets:

• Its sparkle, enlivened by black tea with bergamot.

• Its peppery side, with touches of saffron, coriander, ginger and pink pepper berries.

• Hints of dried fruit, date and apricot.

• A vibrant heart accompanied by roses, iris and osmanthus flowers.

• A woody soul backed by sandalwood, white cedar and gaiac wood.

• Its trail of balsam wreathed in incense, amber, cistus, tonka beans, vanilla and musks.

• Its shadowy character, animal and smoky, enhanced by labdanum, castoreum and birch.

Pre-Order it now by phone +1 (212) 206-6366 or e-mail.

In the Mood for Love

2011-01-22T13:37:00.001-05:00

Valentine's Day is around the corner. Hand-picked by our Curators, below are some

unique & unforgettable gifts:

FOR YOUR LADY:

• Amaranthine by Pen haligon's [135.00 for 100mL] Amaranthine is a corrupted floral oriental for those private moments when everything is anticipation. It opens with a dramatic flourish of spices and tropical green. This unsettling lick of drama is beautifully ambushed by an unctuous accord of jasmine and ylang-ylang, a heady bloom renowned for its aphrodisiac properties, and clove swathed in spices, tea, musk and the rounded beauty of tonka bean absolute. // Truly an exotic beauty, Amaranthine's head notes are green tea, white freesia, banana tree leaves, coriander seed oil, cardamom absolute. The heart notes are rose, carnation, clove oil, orange blossom, ylang ylang oil, Egyptian jasmine absolute. The base notes are musk, vanilla, sandalwood, condensed milk, tonka bean absolute.

• Aromatherapy Associates Pure Indulgence Candle [$46] Known as the king of flowers, jasmine is prized for its exotic, sensual scent and its ability to enhance intuition and creativity, while sweet, earthy geranium is an important oil for bringing the emotions back into alignment.

• Arabian Nights: Rose Oud by Kilian [$395 for 50mL / $295 for Limited Edition Silver Travel 30mL] In many Middle Eastern countries, oud is believed to be worth more than its weight in gold. The oil itself is dark in coloration and has a complex scent, being warm and woody, yet strongly animalistic at the same time. The Arabian Nights collection has golden decorations on both the bottle and the coffret to echo the luxurious nature of oud's spirit. // Rose Oud is a more feminine interpretation of oud, layering the luxurious petals of the Turkish rose with Kilian's original Pure Oud scent. This unusual combination of rose with oud in a fragrance gives birth to a scent that is both mysterious and opulent, yet comfortably familiar.

• Love Potions from L'Artisan Parfumeur [$135 100mL]

SAFRAN TROUBLANT EDT The precious saffron spice, which, according to a myth, Zeus used to arouse his sense, subtly mingles with soothing vanilla, the two notes enhancing each other’s powers. Enriched by sweet sandalwood and red rose, a symbol of passion, Safran Troublant is a magic golden philter, sensuous and soft. Notes: saffron, rose, vanilla, sandalwood.

POIVRE PIQUANT EDT Inspired by an Indian wedding tradition of mingling sugar and pepper, one to make life sweet, the other to make it burning with passion, Poivre Piquant conceals the hotness of white pepper behind the veil of milk. The magic white love potion for a lifetime of tenderness and passion. Notes: Strong notes of white pepper, slight bitterness of liquorice and velvety softness of milk and honey

PIMENT BRULANT EDT Inspired by an Aztec love potion, the fiery fragrance sets chocolate on fire with hot red pepper and a touch of poppy to soften any resistance. The unique contrast of spicy pepper and voluptuous whipped chocolate is enthralling and truly addictive. Add a touch of spice to your life with this magic philtre. Notes: Red pepper, soft and creamy chocolate, vanilla, cloves and poppy, hints of musk and amber.

Caron Clérik Ambroise Collection [from $150] It takes more than a day to create one of Caron’s hand-painted Clérik perfume bottles—and with good reason. Each charming Victorian-inspired atomizer or glass-stoppered crystal flacon is hand-covered with an icing-fine enamel glaze, baked at 575° C, and then hand-painted with 16K liquid gold by artisans in the tiny French town of Igé. // Select from a wide assortment of rare & exquisite bottles for your one-of-a-kind gift & we'll fill your atomizer with one of Caron’s original fountain eau de parfums. Available at the MiN New York Crosby Atelier in February. Call 212-206-6366 to inquire about special orders by phone.

FOR YOUR MAN:

Czech and Speake Neroli Cologne Spray [$115 100mL] A timeless class for the discerning gentleman, this scent celebrates the blossom of the bitter orange and orange flowers. A rare cologne in North America, the zest of fruit creates a refreshing and long lasting fragrance.

Penhaligon's LP No9 Men EDT [$120 100L] Penhaligon's fine fragrances are made in England using the finest rare ingredients; from hand-squeezed bergamot, to jasmine at twice the price of gold. The signature Penhaligons fragrance bottle is to William Penhaligon's original design: clear glass with a distinctive ribbon-wrapped top. // Minty black and warm, Penhaligon's LP No. 9 for Men casts a spell of powdered darkness from its complex heart of ylang-ylang, spices and iris. The aromatic mingle of clove, vanilla & earthy patchouli add a sweetened ginger-ale touch to heady layers that open and smooth into a moreish bubblegum-scented delight.

LOVE, Candle by Kilian> [80 hrs of burn time $85] The sweet floral note of Turkish delight serves as a prelude to a spellbinding encounter filled with eastern indulgence. Loukoum from Turkey, vanilla, and orange blossom: a sweet combination of floral and warm notes.

AZIYADÉ by Parfum d'Empire EDP [$140 100mL] With AZIYADE, the 10th creation of Parfum d'Empire, Marc-Antoine Corticchiato heralds his most provocative fragrance. The quintessence of eroticism, it plunges us into the heart of the union of bodies. Erotic and fruity nectar, AZIYADE offers a blend of pomegranate before delivering the rich and lush note of crystallized dates, almonds, oranges, and prunes. Aphrodisiac spices, omnipresent, (cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cumin) draw us into the heart of oriental nights where anything is possible. An extravagant creation, AZIYADE exudes sensuality with patchouli, vanilla, carob, and frankincense. Finally, musk and absolute of cistus bring to perfection the animalistic imprint of the fragrance. Spicy and fruity oriental, AZIYADE, anniversary fragrance, is a concentration of erotic pleasures and of excesses of great civilizations.

ROSE SHAVING CREAM by Taylor of Old Bond Street [$18 Bowl/$12 Tube] Among British gentleman Rose is the most favored scent. Taylor combines the classic English Rose with a soft woody base of Cedar and Sandalwood. This lightly scented shaving cream is a must for every toiletry locker. 5.3oz jar. Can be applied with or without a brush. // Taylor of Old Bond Street Shaving Creams are known the world over for purity and performance. A small almond-sized dollop mixed with water using a good quality badger brush instantly produces a mountain of rich moist luxurious lather, more than enough for several passes with the razor, assuring an exceptionally enjoyable & luxuriously comfortable shave.

Our gift to you: Take 10% off through Valentine's Day with code LOVE on MiN.com

First look at Kilian's 3rd Oriental Scent, Incense Oud

2011-01-19T13:51:00.010-05:00

Kilian Hennessy launched his sensual and mysterious Arabian Nights Collection with Pure Oud in 2009 followed by Rose oud, introduced last year. Incense Oud, Kilian's newest creation, will be available to the U.S. in March. Fortunately, MiN New York has the privilege of being one of the first in the world to preview the exquisite scent, composed in synergy with Perfumer Sidonie Lancesseur [Frapin L'Humaniste].

Incense, a mystic fragrance whose smoke was said to be one of the links between mortals and Gods, is combined with oud, giving birth to a fragrance that is mysterious and warm, yet stunningly modern. With this elixir, Kilian invites us once agin to discover the olfactive charms of the Middle East.

Incense Oud, along with the complete collection of personal & home fragrances by Kilian, is available for preview now at MiN New York. Pre-order taken by phone as well. Inquire via phone at 212.206.6366 or email info@MiN.com.

Imitation is flattery, right?

2011-01-13T13:21:00.003-05:00

MiN New York's Jet Pack was launched over three years ago with our 3-step DHT Cleansing System. As an answer to popular requests, a custom-designed FAA-approved clear vinyl pouch with a zipper closure was created for our customers [who are frequent jetters].

...and we guess the marketing department at Lab Series liked it.

Lithuania Launches National Fragrance

2011-01-10T14:58:00.007-05:00

Hoping to help communicate a distinctive feel and emotion to associate with the ex-Soviet Baltic state, the country of Lithuania has developed a national perfume to share with the world. Galimard(Grasse, France) developed the fragrance, which contains notes of cedar, moss, musk, sandalwood, wildflowers and wood fires, all of which reflect Lithuanian culture and heritage.

Mindaugas Stongvilas, a member of the fragrance project’s team and an expert in emotional communication, told the Lithuanian daily newspaper Vilniaus diena, "We wanted to create something special, representing Lithuania and the Lithuanian character.” And the country’s foreign minister has already shared bottles of the new fragrance with ambassadors around the world. In addition, Lithuanian soldiers deployed in Afghanistan also received samples, and it will soon be shared through Lithuanian embassies, hotels and airports and will also develop into a full line of “Finding Lithuania” products, including scented candles.

A scented journey through history

2011-01-07T16:23:00.005-05:00

With Parfum D'Empire Marc-Antoine Corticchiato offers one of the finest artisan perfumes. A collection that takes you on a scented journey through history by painting visions of luxury and opulence that marked the Empires of the nineteenth century. From the elegance of the French imperial court to the sumptuous decadence of the Russian monarchy, the places and characters come alive through the fragrances composed by the creative perfumer Marc Antoine Corticchiato.

Of Corsican descent, Corticchiato grew up in Morocco, where his early olfactory education began with his exposure to the magnificent smell of blooming orange groves. It was only natural that he would further pursue his passion for scents and study at ISIPCA in Versailles, the most renowned perfumery school in the world.

Fusing perfume and history is the core guiding principle behind Parfums d'Empire, Corticchiato's own brand. Evidence of the perfumer's innate sense of beauty and harmony is in his compositions. Every accord weaves a story, and every fragrance affords a glimpse into a world that has long since passed. If perfume allows one to travel through time, Parfums d'Empire offers the ultimate experience.

Take your own journey through great times at MiN New York.

Nine ladies dancing

2010-12-15T15:25:00.004-05:00

We feature Miller Harris Teas for today's celebration as we dance through the holidays.

For this time of year, our favorite is Thé Fumé: A smoky tea with hints of Indian spices and Vanilla Bourbon from Madagascar. For the spiciness the top notes are cinnamon from Ceylon and cardamom pods. The heart is a unique Indian black tea smoked over cinnamon wood. Perfect for the evening.

Share your favorite holiday music with us @MiNNewYork!

Featured painting: Edgar Degas, The Rehearsal c. 1873-78 (120 Kb); Oil on canvas, 41 x 61.7 cm (18 1/2 x 24 3/8 in); Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Ten lords a-leaping

2010-12-15T15:17:00.004-05:00

Our lords are leaping because for today, we are offering a secret free shipping promo with code '11HOL10'. Valid for continental U.S. only through Christmas on MiN.com.

Eleven pipers piping

2010-12-15T15:17:00.001-05:00

We take a whimsical play on "pipe" & feature Miller Harris Feuilles de Tabac for today's celebration. A delectable composition that takes you to the woody, smoky, romantic brasseries of Saint-Germain. Complex Cuban cascarilla oil and pimento berries contrast with a cooling heart of pine needles and velvet sage.

With its base of tonka bean, tobacco and Malay patchouli, Feuilles de Tabac's strong character has a haunting quality. This fragrance is one of our all-time favorites... a wonderful scent for the home and a sensuous choice for both men and women.

What's your favorite tobacco scent?

12 Scents of Christmas

2010-12-12T13:02:00.010-05:00

To celebrate the holidays, MiN New York handpicked 12 special scents just for you. A sample packet of this complete set is available for $15 at MiN New York.

• Cote Bastide Amber Body Cream $48

This scrumptious & warm oriental amber, vanilla-based scent is suitable for women and men.

• Miller Harris Fleur Oriental Christmas Coffret $120

Fleur Oriental is perfect for the evenings and whatever may follow. A re-interpretation of the Oriental family, its lasting power comes from a base of amber, vanilla and musk, which is lightened and animated by fresh orange flower, heliotrope, spicy carnation and Turkish rose.

• D’Orsay Le Dandy Pour Homme EDT $120

For gentlemen of distinction... A hearty masculine scent that offers a unique and new experience. A rich and full-flavoured fragrance with top notes of tobacco flower and whiskey, a heart of spice with ginger, and lower notes of wood and balsam.

• L'Artisan Parfumeur Bois Farine $135

Created by Jean-Claude Ellena, perfume composer of great talent and international fame, Bois Farine (Wood Flour) is the product of his encounter with a magic tree in the Reunion Islands. Here, in a forest known as the coloured wood forest, surrounded by evocatively named trees , red wood, yellow wood, iron wood and milk wood, he unexpectedly discovered the fragrant white tree - a rare and nowadays protected species, reputed to have magical powers. This tree is specific to Reunion Island and its red flower smells like flour.

• Kilian Don’t be Shy, Limited Edition Travel Spray $155

Deceptively innocent, this deliciously scented little treat is an olfactory Turkish delight. At first soft and tender, Love: don’t be shy unfolds to reveal intensity worthy of the most experienced seductress. Created from an ancient recipe plucked from a sumptuous cuisine, this fragrance is a purely sensual confection. Top notes of glorious neroli recall a tentative and shy first kiss from fresh, moist lips. At the heart of the fragrance, sambac jasmine caresses the skin, already imbued with warm notes of rose and iris, followed by the ecstasy of a vanilla and musk embrace.

• Amouage Opus IV

Top notes: Coriander oil, Lemon, Mandarin, Grapefruit Heart notes: Elemi oil, Cardamon, Cumin, Rose Berries, Rose, Violet Leaves Base notes: Peru Balsam, Labdanum, Absolute, Frankincense, Animalic, Musk. The latest inventive and inspiring creation from the Library Collection was especially crafted to instill knowledge and empowerment in efforts to promote HIV/AIDS awareness. Amouage is exceptionally proud to donate fifty percent of the worldwide profits from Opus IV to the National HIV/AIDS prevention and Control Program in Oman.

• D.R Harris Bay Rum Aftershave $55

A spirit-based lotion made from piquant, aromatic oils with the true fragrance of Bay Oil. Used to be known as American Bay Rum. Blends with our Bay Rum Hair Tonic.

• L'Artisan Parfumeur L'Eau d'Ambre $135

Rich, soft and mysterious, this classic L'Artisan Parfumeur formula is the definitive amber fragrance. Blending the precious amber with honeyed tonka bean, sensual musk, earthy patchouli, and fiery geranium, this complex blend is an Oriental tale from the A Thousand and One Nights. Elegant and exotic, comforting and strikingan amber tour de force.

• Linari Angelo di Fiume $195

Opulent, fruity gourmet notes, floral accords and sweet caramel with a sensual and complex base note. As ethereal and sensual as an angel. A gourmet of opulent, fruity notes of wild cherries, raspberries, Italian orange and bergamot merge with floral accords of ylang ylang, rose leaves and jasmine, rounded off with sweet caramel. The complex base note seduces with Madagascan vanilla whilst smooth accents of finest sandalwood and Siamese benjoin resin are subtly flattered by white musk and patchouli.

• Penhaligon’s Sartorial $110

Penhaligon's latest fragrance, Sartorial, is tailored to perfection. Created by master perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour, it was inspired by the scents of the workroom at Norton&Sons, Bespoke Tailors at No. 16 Savile Row.

• Linari Natale Diffuser $120

Vibrant Christmas notes of Italian almonds and luscious oranges are flattered by aldehyde. A bouquet of aromatic carnation, fresh lilac, freesia and jasmine build a spicy-floral heart note. Finest Madagascan vanilla, cinnamon and a touch of white musk round of the base to create a sensual Christmas dream.

• Frapin Caravelle Epicee $150

An irresistible ambery brew. Caravelle Epicée takes its name from the spice ships of long ago, but there is nothing remotely aquatic or damp here. This is heat and spice -- the dry interplay of pepper and coriander, nutmeg and tobacco, patchouli and precious sandalwood. Each one stepping forward and then receding as if you were being carried in a palanquin through an ancient market, passing the stalls of the spice vendors. Outside, there is chaos and danger and noise, but in your silk swathed cocoon of well-worn wood, none of it touches you.

Scents of Exotic Istanbul, Preview Traversée du Bosphore

2010-11-11T15:59:00.009-05:00

A new fragrance by perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour for L’Artisan Parfumeur, Traversée du Bosphore was inspired by a journey to Istanbul.

The crossing of the Bosphorus, from one bank to the other, is an experience best enjoyed at daybreak… The men sit around in an endless, casual debate, the tobacco smoke rising lazily from their hookahs. The scent of hot juicy apples floats up into the air.

Gardens bursting with a thousand dazzling tulips exude green notes carrying a hint of saffron. The delicate fragrance of the saffron becomes almost overwhelming as the spice market draws near, blending deliciously with the aroma of leather that scorches the air around the tanneries.

It is easy to lose oneself wandering through this maze of tiny streets at random, escorted and intoxicated by the suave, soft perfume of Turkish Delight, oscillating between rose and pistachio. A swirl of gentle musk emanates from every unhurried step, which slow and become almost aimless as dusk approaches.

L’Artisan Parfumeur Traversée du Bosphore is available for pre-order at MiN NEW YORK in 50mL ($115) and 100 mL ($155) Eau de Parfum.

Stop by the Atelier at 117 Crosby Street to smell this Turkish delight. [We are one of the first in the world to have it!] Try it on your skin.

Book your place in space

2010-10-17T22:56:00.004-04:00

The world’s first commercial spaceship made its first manned free flight over California Sunday and successfully landed at Mojave Air and Space Port.

Virgin Galactic, the US company developing the world’s first commercial manned space flight system and tourism business, announced the successful completion of the first piloted free flight of SpaceShipTwo, named the VSS Enterprise.

The spaceship was released from its mothership, the four-engined aircraft dubbed Eve, at an altitude of 45,000 ft (13,700 metres), the company said.

During its first flight the spaceship was piloted by Pete Siebold, assisted by Mike Alsbury as co-pilot.

The two main goals of the flight were to carry out a clean release of the spaceship from its mothership and for the pilots to free fly and glide back and land at Mojave Air and Space Port in California.

“The VSS Enterprise was a real joy to fly, especially when one considers the fact that the vehicle has been designed not only to be a Mach 3.5 spaceship capable of going into space but also one of the worlds highest altitude gliders,” Siebold said in a statement.

Watch its first manned free flight video here.

The J.

2010-09-24T16:14:00.007-04:00

The Swedish boat building tradition is one of hand shaped hulls, rock solid construction and meticulous craftsmanship. The J Craft Torpedo takes this practice to its extreme in every detail. The eco-friendly mahogany deck is lacquered 18 times for the perfect combination of gloss and strength. Every detail is meticulously hand finished, from the stitching on the upholstery to the finish of the bow chocks. No two Torpedos are the same, yet every Torpedo is a true J Craft. Over 8000 hours to produce a single boat and the price? A cool million bucks.

Fiat Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari

2010-09-19T20:20:00.006-04:00

Super limited edition $47K Fiat Abarth.

The special-edition 500 packs a 180+hp 1.4-liter 16-valve turbo four, a retuned suspension, paddle-shift transmission, 17-inch rims, Brembo brakes and unique touches in every nook and cranny of the diminutive retro hatchback, from the Sabelt seats and Jaeger instruments to the 430 Scuderia paintjob and carbon fiber everything.

Martin Margiela vs. Ernest Sewn

2010-08-12T09:13:00.005-04:00

CELEBRITY POLAROIDS BY ANDY WARHOL

2010-08-11T23:14:00.010-04:00

The new Mike.

2010-08-11T21:37:00.005-04:00

iPhone 4 Antenna Casualty

2010-08-08T23:51:00.007-04:00

Mark Papermaster.

Photo: Apple Inc.

Philip Elmer-DeWitt

It was one of the most contentious hires Apple (AAPL) ever made.

In November 2008, Steve Jobs hired Mark Papermaster, IBM's (IBM) top microprocessor executive, to replace Tony Fadell as head of the iPod and iPhone division. IBM promptly filed a complaint in federal court to prevent Papermaster from leaving, arguing that he possessed highly confidential IBM trade secrets. The dispute -- which made headlines for weeks -- wasn't settled until the following January in a deal that required Papermaster to wait until April 2009 to join Apple.

Sixteen months later, Papermaster is out, replaced as head of the iPhone division by the man who originally recruited him, Bob Mansfield.

The news was reported by the New York Times and confirmed by Steve Dowling, head of Apple PR.

Papermaster, Dowling told the Times, "is leaving the company and Bob Mansfield, senior vice president of Macintosh hardware engineering, is assuming his responsibilities."

Papermaster's sudden departure immediately set off speculation that it was somehow related to the iPhone 4's widely publicized antenna problems. Given that he was the head of the division that produced the phone, it's a conclusion that's hard to avoid.

Visionaire Alexander McQueen

2010-07-31T18:19:00.013-04:00

Visionaire pays tribute to the iconoclastic genius of Alexander McQueen who left his definitive mark on the design world of the 90s and 2000s. But it’s more than just a tribute: this special issue is published following a planned project between the designer and Visionaire, which never came to fruition.

Links for 2008-09-21 [del.icio.us]

2008-09-22T00:00:00-07:00

Links for 2008-08-05 [del.icio.us]

2008-08-06T00:00:00-07:00

Time to dye?
"It's shocking. I can't stand it. Being fat is one thing, but going grey really drives me mad. I wish I could sort out the lunatics who try to peddle the line "it's distinguished". There's nothing distinguished about it. It's a sign of things deteriorating, falling apart."

To help Stephen Nolan of BBC with his grooming challenge, Chad was invited to join him on his show and share his expertise on what to do.