Louis Vuitton - The Art of the Journey

A few weeks ago I told you guys about an amazing exhibition that was taking place in Louis Vuitton's London flagship store on New Bond Street - The Art of the Journey, a look at the history of Louis Vuitton trunks. While I like to think that we all have endless hours in the day, to visit far off destinations and look at amazing exhibitions, I realize that's just not the case. So, I thought I'd bring you a look at the exhibition itself, for those of you that couldn't make it to London for the grand event. And, just in case you are reading about all of this for the first time, and you are in London... today's the last day to see the exhibition, so get yourself down to the store and ask for an official tour (ends June 9th, 2016). Pictures can, of course, tell a great story, but there's nothing like standing in front of the real thing.

Let's start with a few facts about the exhibition. Louis Vuitton's The Art of the Journey was spread out over six rooms, ranging from "Heritage" to "British Summer." In these six rooms, viewers were introduced to exclusive trunks from around the world, brought together for one exhibition for the first time. We saw trunks you would expect to see - the standard (yet oh so beautiful) steamer trunks, the vanity cases and the wardrobe trunks. But then, there was so much that couldn't have ever been anticipated. Take, for example, the trunk that doubles as a desk, complete with an actual fold out table. Or how about a trunk that's a working casino? Not impressed? How about a trunk that was built to hold a 1000 cigars or a trunk put together for the enjoyment of champagne? And in case you were wondering what the reference to "British Summer" was set to include - there's a croquet set and a picnic set, each in, you guessed it, their very own Louis Vuitton trunk.

I came away from the exhibition basically believing that Louis Vuitton trunks can work to compartmentalize any part of your life - absolutely anything. It also has me thinking that all those Louis Vuitton trunks I always say in old pictures, of people in transit, most have contained more secrets than any of us could have possibly imagined. 

Now, it must be said that trunks weren't the only pieces on display. In honour of the theme of travel, Louis Vuitton also displayed several "Objets Nomades." These are all pieces that are meant to serve as luxury items for the constant traveller. They are, in short, pieces that travel well. 

And now, a look at what was on display. I don't want to show everything on the off chance that this exhibition returns or comes to a city near you. It is truly a display of art not to be missed. My love affair with Louis Vuitton continues....

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The Airport made me do it: Bobbi Brown Smokey in Seconds

I have forgotten my makeup bag on a press trip only once. It's important to mention this because once was all it took. I found myself in the airport, reaching for my toiletries to take out for security screening and it dawned on me that there was no bag because it was still sitting on my bathroom sink. All by itself it sat, resting and shaking it's imaginary finger in my general direction and saying, in a rather disappointed voice, "we knew this would happen eventually."And there it was... happening. But, I firmly believe that when one door closes in this crazy universe, it allows another to open. And this is where my new insane obsession with shopping airports has officially taken a new turn - towards beauty.

So there I am wondering where to start. Where do I turn? My gut told me to go straight to the pharmacy and buy a bunch of cheap and cheerful products that will do the trick for a weekend away. That's everyone's first thought, right? And yes, that was mine. Slap me. I did do just that and bought a whole load of products, some on sale, some on offer and others that were just downright too cheap to believe it. Well, all things come with a consequence and this sad story ends with me, two days later, taking a plane back to London with a face that was as red as a bright tomato. There's a reason we all develop beauty routines we trust. Now, bear with me as I am going somewhere with all of this. After telling my story a thousand times over to PRs and friends alike, one PR brought to my attention the great deals that actually exist in the airport for just such a reason. 

Apparently, there are all kinds of deals and steals with GREAT and REPUTABLE makeup, skincare and haircare brands to be found at the airport. Now, I have to say that my knowledge starts and stops with Heathrow airport at this point. But, for those of you travelling through Heathrow in the near future, I wanted to give you a formal introduction to just such a deal and steal that I've fallen head over heels in love with. 

Enter Bobbi Brown's Smokey in Seconds. This is a chic little kit, which comes in a perfectly pint sized black box, that has every ingredient needed to give you the perfect smokey eye. According to Bobbi Brown, the Smokey Eye is the most requested makeup look. The famed makeup artist says, "It's the quickest way to instantly dress up eyes. It may look complicated, but with the right products and  tools, it's easy and quick to create the look you want." And Bobbi Brown gives you absolutely everything you are going to need in her Smokey in Seconds kit. 

Now, if you're like me (a total makeup dummy), this is music to your ears. And if you have a bit of a commitment issue to makeup, you'll also love that everything is more or less travel and trial size. It fits perfectly in your carry on and it really is the best thing since sliced bread when you're having a makeup emergency. It's £40, with a retail value of over £60, and it's available to buy at your Bobbi Brown airport concession. If you love, you go and buy the full size to keep at home forever and amen. If you feel like you could do better, you go back to the drawing board. I think after using this kit you'll find yourself visiting your local Bobbi Brown. I did. 

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Handpicking the Rose Centifolia in Grasse, France

Every May, the small town of Grasse, France comes alive in celebration of flowers. It is in this region of the world where the famous Rose Centfolia is grown, harvested and, ultimately, sold to some of the finest fragrance houses in the world. For only two weeks a year, the fields are filled with beautiful pink buds that hold a scent so sweet, it's difficult not to feel transformed to an other-wordly place. And guess what... I got invited to be a part of it all, from early morning harvesting to watching the roses meet their destiny in the factory. 

For my visit to Grasse, I was a guest of Le Labo. This is a fragrance company that has held my heart (and the key to my own "smell") for the past six years. But, they have captivated the fashion world since opening doors in 2006. Ok, they've grabbed more than just the fashionistas of the world, but I do declare this is the one perfumery that is always on the tip of the fashion world's tongue. We are a world of people obsessed, and with good reason. You can't beat a Le Labo concoction, and their Rose 31 scent is one of their most popular sellers, and also finds it's key ingredient from the rose fields of Grasse. 

Our adventure started at the Fairmont Monte Carlo, where the hotel's amenities are all Le Labo's Rose 31. From hand soap to shampoo, we were given the full experience of the scent the day before we were to take to the fields of Grasse to witness the production of the key ingredient. I'll just start by admitting that I became one of those people who walk away with all the amenities from the room. I couldn't leave one bottle or soap of Le Labo behind. It felt wrong. I have a feeling, however, I'm not the only one who does such a thing while staying at the Fairmont Monte Carlo.

The next day we had a very early start on our journey from Monte Carlo to Grasse. We had to, you see, as the pickers of the Rose Centifolia start early in the morning. They have to, in order to capture the roses before the sun drains them of their sweet scent. They walk up and down the rose bushes, picking at a set pace and in a rhythm which is all wildly romantic. I imagined coming here and doing this every May as an occupation, filling burlap sacks full of roses that only come to this earth for such a short and sweet time. Truly - there's a romance novel in there somewhere. 

After watching the ladies pick the roses, we were taken to the factory, which creates the essence of Rose Centifolia. Try this fact on for size. It takes over 60,000 roses to produce just one ounce of the rose oil. Yeah... there's a reason your rose scented perfume comes with the price tag it does. There is some serious effort that goes into producing that heavenly scent and I've left with a whole new appreciation of the process from growth to mixology. 

Spending a whole day amongst roses builds quite the appetite. Our hosts Alain Robuffel, owner of the Rose fields, and Xavier Brochet, from the factory Firmenich, anticipated such an event and put on the most fabulous fresh air picnic for us that afternoon, complete with rose wine! The day was most certainly one to remember. And I definitely have a new appreciation for the fine art of fragrance creation. 

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West London's Hottest Roof Terrace: Pergola on the Roof, White City

West Londoners, allow me to introduce you to your official summer hangout - Pergola on the Roof in White City...

Now, I must start this by saying I have heard about this nowhere, seen no advertising and can't claim that any little secret squirrels told me. I learned about Pergola on the Roof the old fashioned way - I drove past it. Naturally anything that involves flowers, a rooftop and the chance to bite into one of London's most delicious burgers is a place I'd like to be. So Mr. FFG and I made plans to block out a few weekend hours to check this place out. 

Let's start with the basics. Pergola on the Roof is a popup roof terrace with bars, food stands and plenty of outdoor seating. It's set under, you guessed it, a Pergola, and replaces what I presume used to just be an old car park. Clever people, these geniuses that decided to use this space in the old TV centre as a sun worshiper's paradise. There are four restaurants on offer: Patty & Bun, Rabbit, Lecoq and Salt Yard. There's rose, white and red wine available, and let's not forget the bubbly. There's even a few "lounge" type areas for those less interested in eating and more interesting in socializing with a glass of spirits in hand. 

Sadly, this roof terrace is only a popup, as mentioned. It will be around until August 29th, so there's plenty of time to get your fill. However, I must urge you to book a table! We showed up around 12:30 in the afternoon, without reservations. Although we were let up, there were no tables available. A couple kindly allowed us to perch on the end of theirs. While this is a great place to stand around with friends, tables are always preferred, right? 

Mark my words - Pergola on the Roof will fill up and sell out of tables ASAP. Once this gets out (consider it out, now), it will be damn near impossible to score a seat. Don't say I didn't warn you!

Info:

Pergola on the Roof

Multi-Storey Car Park, Television Centre, Wood Lane, W12 7RJ

Nearest Tube: White City

Open Wednesday-Sunday.

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