Fragrance Belles-Lettres Magazine

Fragrance Belles-Lettres: The Magazine is an online fragrance magazine established in 2009 dedicated to niche perfumes which includes natural/organic perfumes. This magazine is created to explore vintage and modern with a journalistic approach and an aristocratic flair. This magazine consist of perfume reviews, articles and exclusive interviews conducted with industry leaders, perfumers and authors. Fragrance Belles-Lettres: The Magazine is published through NOBLESSE LUXE PUBLISHING LLC.

Showing posts with label THE FRAGRANCE FOUNDATION. Show all posts

The Fragrance Foundation Awards 2016

Posted by Unknown 27 April, 2016 0 comments

Noblesse Luxe Publication

Featured Article

Joanna Coles
To Receive Inaugural Fragrance Award

Joanna Coles

This year The Fragrance Foundation Awards known for celebrating the global fragrance industry and the best in creative achievements in the world of perfumery will include a new category,

That category is called the "GameChanger" Award and there is already an honoree to receive it.

The inaugural GameChanger Award according to The Fragrance Foundation was "created to honor an individual or organization that exemplifies creativity and business innovation".

You ask, "What does this have to do with fragrance"? Well as you may know, The Fragrance Foundation and The Fragrance Foundation Awards honor fragrance companies large and small (indie category). Plus, there are categories honored for "Editorial Excellence" regarding written articles, features and online submissions. There is another category honored as "Media Campaign Of The Year" for men and women fragrances showcased in print, online and visual.

The GameChanger Award to me features the individual behind the scenes that delegates and leads such excellence in editorial excellence and media campaigns.

This year, The Fragrance Foundation Awards will honor, Joanna Coles who is the Editor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan and Editorial Director of Seventeen magazines.

Joanna Coles empowers young women and inspires the next generation of leaders stated, Elizabeth Musmanno, president of The Fragrance Foundation.

There are many more reasons why Ms. Coles will receive this award but there are just simply too many to mention.

The Fragrance Foundation Awards will be held on June 7, 2016 at the Lincoln Center in the Alice Tully Hall and hosted again this year by actor, Mr. Alec Baldwin.

Congratulations to Joanna Coles for being the first to received such a prestigious and well-though out category. It helps keep the momentum in the ever changing fragrance industry to new highs!

Information: Coverage and information on Joanna Coles and the "GameChanger" Award taken from The Fragrance Foundation "The Latest" dated 3/21/16.

Photo: Ms. Coles taken from the website of The Fragrance Foundation www.fragrance.org

FMH

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Posted by Unknown 10 March, 2015 0 comments

Noblesse Luxe Publishing

Fragrance News & Events

THE FRAGRANCE FOUNDATION

The Highlight of the Fragrance Industry

If you did not get an invitation to attend the 87th Academy Awards, don't be upset...I did not get an invitation. Did you know that the fragrance industry have their own version of the OSCARS but it is called the FiFi Awards. Every year The Fragrance Foundation celebrate the global fragrance industry with outstanding creative achievements in the world of perfumery. Doesn't this sound just like the Academy Awards? The crowning achievement is celebrated with a lavish setting at a posh location, usually The Lincoln Center in New York. It is surrounded by the Who's Who of the perfume industry and by this I mean companies such as Coty, Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden, Ralph Lauren and Bloomingdale's just to name a few. The Who's Who of the perfume industry are surrounded by celebrities such as Halle Berry, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, Ben Affleck and so many more.

This is the day to shine but for the perfume industry that is more than 36.6 billion dollars by 2018. Globally its is worth 28.6 billion dollars. That is a lot of fragrance wafting around. If you are into celebrity scents, that is worth a whopping 30 billion dollars.

So, that is why The Fragrance Foundation is such a big deal in the perfume industry. The Fragrance Foundation was established in 1949 and during the the 1940's only three fragrances were launched. One fragrance for women and two fragrances for men. Did you know in 2014 there were 1,600 fragrances launched!

No wonder I stay so busy trying to review new launches!

The similarities to The Academy Awards in terms of categories for The Fragrance Foundation Awards are quite prestigious. Here are the categories for nominations in a fragrance category.

FiFi Award Trophy

Fragrance of the Year

Fragrance Hall of Fame

Packaging of the Year

Media Campaign of the Year

Interior Scents Collection of the Year

Bath & Body Line of the Year

Hall of Fame

Fragrance Celebrity of the Year

Lifetime Achievement, Perfumer

Editorial Excellence in Fragrance Coverage *

Indie Award

Perfume Extraordinaire

In 2011, the Indie category was just established for niche, artisan and natural perfumers. The indie category of perfumers finally got noticed for their achievements in perfumery and the first perfumer to be recognized and nominated was Mandy Aftel, perfumer and owner of Aftelier Perfumes with three historic nominations (Candide, Honey Blossom and Lumiere). Although Mandy Aftel did not take home the crowning FiFi Award it was a tremendous landmark for indie category. Six Scents Series Three was the winner.

If you look at the list of categories there is an asterisk next to Editorial Excellence in Fragrance Coverage. That category is for people like myself and editors of magazines online as well as articles published in a magazine such as Vogue, Elle, W Magazine, Cosmopolitan and the like.

This is a very competitive and tight race for the best. It basically shows the amount of passion written by the writer and this is what needs to be continued in the ever-changing fragrance industry.

This would be a dream come true to win a FiFi Award in this category. I am keeping my fingers crossed with lots of prayer!

Guess what? You can attend The Fragrance Foundation Awards! You do not have to wait to receive an invitation in the mail. You can simply go to www.fragrance.org.

If you have any questions go to info@fragrance.org to get better acquainted with this organization.

The Fragrance Foundation is dedicated to serving its member companies as a resource for industry expertise, innovation and education. It is a not-for-profit organization that includes more than 82 of the world's most important corporations in the world of fragrance.

To join The Fragrance Foundation you will have to wait for the envelope because it is ONLY by invitation.

Information: Christine Baranski, actress 'The Good Wife' will host for the third year in a row the Fragrance Foundation Awards 'Finalist Breakfast' on April 10, 2015 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York.

********************************************************************************************

On June 17, 2015 The Fragrance Foundation Awards will be given out and the host of this celebration will be actor, Alec Baldwin. It will take place at Alice Tully Hall at the Lincoln Center New York.

Note: Information on what the fragrance industry is work comes from www.kafkaequeblog.com (February 20, 2014) and information on 1600 perfumes launched in 2014 comes from www.fragrantica.com and The Fragrance Bible 2015 by Michael Edwards. Picture of the FiFi Award trophies courtesy of www.fragrantica.com

FMH

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Posted by Unknown 14 October, 2014 0 comments

Noblesse Luxe Publishing

FRAGRANCE LAUNCHES & REVIEW

QUADROON
The Women of Color & Heritage

    Bourbon French Parfums the oldest family owned perfumery in New Orleans, Louisiana will launch, QUADROON this Fall to honor the beautiful, mysterious young women of mixed race and heritage in New Orleans.

    This is the second year that I know of that Bourbon French Parfums hosted a Fragrance Naming Contest. This year the winner is Irene who submitted the name, Quadroon.

Mixed race women in New Orleans were a rarity but during the 1800s it was known who these young women were "free women of color" usually placed in high society marriage.

   QUADROON by Bourbon French Parfums is created with a deep warm spice with woodsy base notes including sandalwood, amber and vetiver.

This sounds like a charmer that I am sure will become a household name in the niche fragrance industry.

I contacted Bourbon French Parfums when I got their email about the arrival of QUADROON.

A sample will be sent to me along with photo(s )of the bottle. So after receiving this, I will evaluate and write a review on it.

QUADROON, the new luxury scent from past to present.

PHOTO: Courtesy of www.octaviabooks.com




                            ELIZABETH MUSMANNO
                                         A Leader in the Fragrance Industry

      Have you every experienced a connection with someone whom you have not formerly met?

Well, this happened to me last week while watching the QVC Channel. I notice about four hours before the airing that The Fragrance Foundation would be on.

     I was excited about it because this would give me some insight on what is going on with The Fragrance Foundation. Perhaps opportunities to explore the company, what fragrances would be chosen or perhaps maybe a new launch by The Fragrance Foundation!

    All of these things were going on in my head but I couldn't fathom what would be presented by The Fragrance Foundation.

    It was five minutes before the airing of The Fragrance Foundation feature that I snuggled on my sofa and then there was this beautiful, tall and regal woman sitting next to the host.

   Wow, there is a new President for The Fragrance Foundation. Where have I been? I thought to myself.

The host introduced, Elizabeth Musmanno, President of The Fragrance Foundation. The host had to admit that she thought she would be a little intimidated because Elizabeth Musmanno knows so many people but the host confessed that Elizabeth is so warm and down to earth.

I got that feeling too when I first saw Elizabeth. I felt like she is so down to earth and very innovative enough to come up with the idea to bring The Fragrance Foundation to QVC.

So what else could The Fragrance Foundation introduce or make better under the leadership of Elizabeth Musmanno?

I personally like to continue see the niche category of The Fragrance Foundation continue to grow.

The membership price for the several categories available is a little steep but its the membership that keeps the doors open at The Fragrance Foundation. Perhaps maybe the more involvement by individuals who are passionate about perfumery could lessen the price? Such as offering one service (s) on a regular basis or part-time can earn a lesser fee membership category.

Did you notice that I did not mention any of the fragrances that were featured on QVC! I did that on purpose. In this article, I want to focus on the leaders behind the company/brand.

I truly feel good about Elizabeth's approach to people. During the segment Elizabeth and the host mentioned several times that they each have a daughter who is the same age.

How nice. The idea of adding a little of your personal life. Elizabeth understands the viewers are apart of the family be QVC or the viewers, everyone can identify with family.

Now, I will keep my attention on The Fragrance Foundation. Its the leadership that counts and this time Elizabeth out shined the fragrances.

Thank you, Elizabeth.

Note: Elizabeth Musmanno was a guest on QVC on Friday, October 3, 2014 at 7-8pm.

The featured fragrances in The Fragrance Foundation Hall of Fame were Shalimar by Guerlain, Joy by Jean Patou, Eternity by Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta by Oscar de la Renta and Happy by Clinique

PHOTO: Photo of Elizabeth Musmanno courtesy of www.linkedin.com

                               DREAMS OF SMOKE
                        The Regal Scent of The Season

I must admit that Fall is my most favorite time of the year. I love the crisp cool air with the bronzing of leaves and the rain mist on an occasional warm day. Now is my time to get into wearing deeper and stronger scents that will match the Fall and winter approaching season.

I was delighted to get a sample of DREAMS OF SMOKE Eau de Parfum Spray by Amanda Feeley of Esscentual Alchemy.

It was the description of DREAMS OF SMOKE that peaked my curiosity. The idea of a smoky tea floral woody scent that I liked. Sipping tea on a chilly night while getting a hint of a summer floral to the tune of a woody ambiance. Now that I like.

DREAMS OF SMOKE is a deep hazy scent that lingers with a vibration of romance at the peak of perfection.

Its spicy and serene smell was the perfect scent to wear to the Chicago Marathon on this past Sunday. No, I did not participate but only a spectator who wanted to honor this most impressive cause with a highly competitive scent to match the moment and I found that in DREAMS OF SMOKE.

It actually turned out to be a most beautiful day and the weather became warmer later in the day. DREAMS OF SMOKE Eau de Parfum Spray reacted to my every moment.

Earlier in the morning the weather was cool and I got a waft of the sandalwood sipping through and as the weather warmed up, I got a mellow hint of vanilla with a glimmer of rose de mai that took me into the evening of a soft breeze on North Lakeshore Drive.

If any of you are familiar with Chicago, you know the skyline is one of the most beautiful in the world. I am not just saying this, its factual.

Amanda Feeley composed a scent for all the senses and seasons for that matter. DREAM OF SMOKE spoke to me in the manner that floral is so transparent but yet it meets the needs of the woody notes with a complementary assemble.

Dreams of Smoke features notes of lapsang souchong tea, spice accord, rose de mai, orange blossom, vanilla accord, sandalwood accord, beeswax and honey.

RETAIL
Dreams of Smoke 1 ounce Eau de Parfum Natural Spray $295.00
Dreams of Smoke 5 ml Eau de Parfum Natural Spray $80.00
Dreams of Smoke sample $10.34

www.esscentualalchemy.mysupadupa.com

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Esscentual Alchemy www.esscentualalchemy.mysupadupa.com

FMH

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DAWN SPENCER HURWITZ- MOST ADMIRED PERFUMER

Posted by Unknown 03 January, 2012 0 comments

NOBLESSE LUXE PUBLISHING
"Redefining the High Life"
Established in Chicago

DAWN SPENCER HURWITZ

Perfumer of the Year

I can remember my first encounter with Dawn Spencer Hurwitz in 2008. In that year, I was a Contributing Writer for Sniffapalooza Magazine and 5 months pregant with my second child. I sent an email to Dawn and I can remember her reply.

I have never met someone who was so humble and appreciative of being contacted by a writer for a major online perfume publication. I remember her exact words from that email and it stated, "Oh thank you so much! I have been waiting to be contacted by you".

When those words rang out to me in my heart and soul, I knew I had to write not only about DSH PERFUMES, the company but the essence of Dawn Spencer Hurwitz, the person.

One very humid afternoon in the summer of 2008, I received a big brown box from UPS and inside it was the entire collection of perfumes both full bottles and deluxe samples from DSH PERFUMES. I was truly overwhelmed not by the idea of reviewing each scent but by the unexpected generosity by Dawn. I should have known she was this type of person by her kind emails we wrote to one another during that time.

Since that first encounter in 2008, I have watched Dawn from afar and I am in utter amazement at how her talents have broaden and her artistic ability has flourish to the highest levels in perfumery.

Dawn has done it all but it is done in such a quiet and unique way. It is not bossy, showy or egostitical. Oh no, NEVER. Her blessed talents and countless perfume creations in my estimation have reached a plateau that is astounding for such a short time in maintaining a highly successful perfumery in Colorado.

Dawn Spencer Hurwitz is one of the 36 nominees in the "INDIE" category for the 2012 FIFI Awards that is to take place on January 30th.

I was not surprised to see Dawn's name listed. Dawn represents not only the ability to create such beautifully scented perfumes but she represents the future for perfumers and especially women urning to start their own business.

I am so delighted to relish in the moment for Dawn as she awaits for a glimpse of notoriety as the other nominees do.

To me, Dawn is already a winner. Dawn won me over in 2008 and although at that time, there was no category given to "INDIE" perfumes from The Fragrance Foundation, I want to thank them and the ELEMENTS SHOWCASE for providing niche and natural perfumers a place for all of us to follow, admire and support.

So to DAWN SPENCER HURWITZ, Congratulations from Fragrance Belles-Lettres: The Magazine. You are PERFUMER OF THE YEAR 2011.

Muguet Cologne
Vert Pour Madame
The Italian Splendor Collection
Rose Vert
DSH SPECIAL FORMULA X
Pink Gardenia
Butterfly Nectar
*Pandora
Padme Lotus
Paradise Lost (The Clairmonde Project)
Mirabella
Bodhi Sativa (Summer of Love Patchouli Project)
Vanille
Muguet de Mai
Caravan Spice (Holiday No.11)
*untitled no.9 for luckyscent from DSH Perfumes

Photo Credits: Photo of Dawn Spencer Hurwitz provided courtesy of Dawn Spencer Hurwtiz/Cafleurebon and DSH Perfumes (http://www.dshperfumes.com/), Logo courtesy of The Fragrance Foundation.

Information: * represents fragrance nominated for "INDIE" FIFI Award 2012

F.H.

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The OsMoz.com Partnership + Tocca tribute to Grace Kelly+ Armand de Brignac Champagne

Posted by Unknown 24 November, 2011 0 comments

NOBLESSE LUXE PUBLISHING
"Redefining The High Life"

                            THE ELEGANT ISSUE

                **BREAKING NEWS**

    osMoz.com is now a partner with The Fragrance Foundation.
These two intricate fragrance organizations have come together to enhance high end brands with consumers.

   osMoz.com and The Fragrance Foundation bring individual aspects to the perfume industry but the partnership will bring that gap together to form educational awareness to consumers and turning them into connoisseurs.

www.osMoz.com        www.fragrance.org

Are you seeking a last minute fragrance change from the usual? You are invited to an elegant Thanksgiving Day dinner or those upcoming Holiday ballets such as the NUTCRACKER SUITE performed by the Joffrey Ballet company in Chicago?

I have the perfect suggestion. This new fragrance is inspired by the beauty, talent and sophistication of Grace Kelly and it comes from the house of TOCCA.

GRACIELLA pays homage to actress and Princess Grace Kelly with some of the most lush notes that fit just right for this time of the year.

GRACIELLA is ripened with fruit and flowers from around the world. This is only befitting because Grace Kelly had fans that reached a global capacity.

This fashionable and regal fragrance is embedded in the finest starting with the   Top Notes: Bitter Orange, Asian Pear, Watery Apricot.

Middle Notes: Casablanca Lily, Ylang Ylang from Comoros Island, Karma Fleur, Rose de Mai.

Base Notes: Creamy Iris, Cashmere Musk, Benzoin from Laos

       1.7 FL OZ/50 ML   Eau De Parfum $68.00

PURCHASE: www.tocca.com       www.beautyhabit.com

What would the holidays be without Champagne! Have you heard of the house of Armand de Brignac? There is a very interesting story behind the launch of this champagne house. No, it was not launched by a brilliant multi-millionaire French heir. No, it was not launched by a world famous actor or actress. No, it was not launched by a founder and owner of a niche perfumery. Yes and believe it or not, it was launched by Jay-Z, the mult-millionaire and multi-platinum recording artist of the Hip-Hop persuasion aka "Sean Carter", Beyonce's husband and a father-to-be.

Jay-Z came from humble beginnings. He was raised in the housing projects in Philadelphia but his talent and love for music with a unique way of communicating the meaning of life from where he has been to where he has arrived.

The acclaimed Armand de Brignac Brut Gold is the flagship wine that is RATED THE NO.1 CHAMPAGNE IN THE WORLD by the world's most respected wine critics and sommeliers.

Armand de Brignac is a Prestige Cuvee is produced in traditional and in the old-word style.

According to the house of Armand de Brignac... "Armand de Brignac has a sumptous racy fruit character that is perfectly integrated with wine's subtle briche accents and the texture is deliciously creamy, with great depth paired woth a long silky finish".

Jay-Z & Beyonce

Jay-Z is known in the fashion industry of having grand ideas that are elegant and suitable for the all occasions. The Armand de Brignac bottles are layered in gold-plated magnificence and lined in black velvet and embossed with the brand's royal golden crest.

This is truly a feast for the eyes and it comes in other flavors such as Rose' and Blanc de Blancs.

I have spoken to many people who always have a reason(s) why they wanted to launch a business due to an incident(s) that have occured in their lives. Jay-Z had this same experience when the champagne house of Louis Roedener, the makers of Cristal supposedly made a racial slur toward the hip-hop industry.

If you ever looked at a video from the top of the line hip-hop artist, they for the most part always have Cristal featured as the official champagne of luxury. However, for Jay-Z that stopped when he officially boycott the use of Louis Roederer products in his videos and personal choice of champagne for celebrations.

Jay-Z took his message and dream to French champagne house of Jean-Jacques Cattier, a small winemaking company with a staff of just eight craftspeople on a family estate who listened closely to his dream in creating a champagne. Cattier succeded in not only in Jay-Z's expectations but the expections of other French champagne houses in the region.

So, I would image that Jay-Z has a lot to be thankful on this Thanksgiving Day. The moral of this story is always be stay in tune with your passions, never let anyone destroy your dreams and most importantly keep good people in your lives. Be always be open to adding more good people to enhance your life and give you good advice when needed.

www.armanddebrignac.com

PURCHASE: ARMAND DE BRIGNAC BRUT GOLD 750 ML $299.00
                        ARMAND DE BRIGNAC ROSE'   750ML $499.99
                        ARMAND DE BRIGNAC DE BLANCS 750ML $499.99

                          KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

If you are seeking an alternative to traditional Thanksgiving turkey recipes, there is a recipe on Facebook on ARMAND DE BRIGNAC page that is paired with Brut Gold by Executive Chef Matt Hoyle.

PHOTO CREDITS: photo of Graciella EDP by http://www.tocca.com/; portrait of Grace Kelly by http://www.marieclaire.com/; logo of osMoz.com and The Fragrance Foundation from http://www.osmoz.com/ and http://www.fragrance.org/; photo of Armand de Brignac Brut Gold by http://www.armandebrignac.com/; photo of Jay-Z & Beyonce by http://www.love.lovemodo.com/

F.H.

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THE ELEMENTS SHOWCASE NEW YORK 2011

Posted by Unknown 12 August, 2011 0 comments

THE ELEMENTS SHOWCASE NEW YORK 2011 will debut this year on Monday, August 15th and end on Tuesday, August 16th.

This two day niche fragrance extravaganza will host some of the world's finest fragrance companies with hundreds of visits at this public sector.

THE ELEMENTS SHOWCASE NEW YORK is open on Monday from noon-7pm and on Tuesday 11am-7pm.

This prestigious exhibit will share the spotlight with THE FRAGRANCE FOUNDATION for the first time this year. THE ELEMENTS SHOWCASE has partnered with THE FRAGRANCE FOUNDATION in the creation of a FIFI for BEST "INDIE".

For the first time award winning and niche perfumery, KRISTIANSAND will be among the world's finest perfume companies this year at THE ELEMENTS SHOWCASE NEW YORK.

KRISTIANSAND founders Britt Hovde Ross and Elisabeth Steen, both Norwegian born will speak to me in an EXCLUSIVE interview about their passion for perfumery and share their experience with me about THE ELEMENTS SHOWCASE.

If you are in New York, THE ELEMENTS SHOWCASE NEW YORK 2011 is located at the SKYLIGHT WEST 500 West 36th Street New York, NY 10018.

INFORMATION: elements-showcase.com
kristiansandnewyork.com

NOTE: KRISTIANSAND NEW YORK was nominated for the PRESTIGIOUS FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR FIFI AWARD 2010.

PHOTO CREDIT: Photo of THE ELEMENTS SHOWCASE NEW YORK courtesy of Fragrantica.com

F.H.

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Fragrance Belles-Lettres Est 2009 CHICAGO

The word "belles lettres" is a French phrase meaning "beautiful or "fine writing. Since this is a term to describe a category of writing, this will pertain to my passion about fragrances. I will review niche,natural, artisan and designer perfumes from all over the world. I write with passion but will use my journalistic skills that I obtained in college. Not only will I feature fragrances but I will feature new books on fragrances/perfumes, fragrance events and interview authors and perfumers.

I hope you take this journey with me and begin your own passion for the ART OF PERFUMERY!

Fragrance Belles-Lettres Magazine is a division of Noblesse Luxe Publication.

Felicia M. Hazzard
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief