in the news: brad pitt for chanel n°5

May 9, 2012 in news

Well, here’s an interesting twist in the perfume wars: Brad Pitt is going to be the new face of Chanel N°5.

Yes, that’s right. The actor will be taking over where Audrey Tatou and Nicole Kidman left off. Apparently he’s also receiving a seven-figure salary for the honour – so using a man is definitely not a cost saving measure.

I’ll reserve judgement until I see the ad but on face value, it seems a bit of a strange choice for me (unless, of course, Chanel is planning to release a male version of the fragrance). What are your thoughts?

2011 in review: fashion

December 31, 2011 in fashion

As always, the main focus of The Dernier Cri throughout 2011 was fashion in all its forms. I’ll focus only on what I’ve covered through the blog, but please feel free to share your own favourite looks and moments in the comments.

Best Red Carpet Outfit: I have to say that overall, I was a little disappointed with the red carpet wear this year and I’m hoping the stars get back on their game in time for the looming 2012 awards season. Some of my favourite gowns from 2011 include Mila Kunis’ Louis Vuitton at the SAG Awards, Thandie Newton in printed Monique Lhuillier at the BAFTAs, Jessica Marais in J’Aton at the Logies and Diane Kruger in Jason Wu at the Met Costume Institute Gala. However, this year my best red carpet outfit award is a tie – awarded to Emma Watson for her white Marchesa mini at the MTV awards and Victoria Beckham for her self designed gown topped with Philip Treacy hat for the Royal Wedding.

Best Perfume Campaign: The fashion houses really stepped up their game in the perfume market this year, launching some great campaigns featuring some of Hollywood’s leading ladies. Emma Watson made her debut for Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose, Natalie Portman was chic and sexy for Miss Dior, and Leighton Meester was Lovestruck for Vera Wang. However, I think Keira Knightley’s campaign for Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle was this year’s best effort.

Wedding Dress of the Year: While there was some real life competition from Kate Moss and fictional competition from Blair Waldorf and Bella Swan, I simply could not go past Kate Middleton’s gorgeous gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. After all the rumours, it was so exciting to finally see the gown – and then to see it in person at Buckingham Palace over the summer.

“Lusting for…” round-up: In 2011, I wrote 39 “lusting for…” posts. In line with the current state of the world economy (and the fact that it’s far more difficult and expensive to get goods shipped to Switzerland than it was to Australia), I only purchased three of those items – the Rodna Halter Dress (which I wore to every one of my holiday parties and loved every time), the Milk Bottle Measuring Cups (still available in stores if you’re keen to join me) and the Spin Pin (which I eventually tracked down in Claire’s Accessories).

What are your most memorable outfits, campaigns and purchases from 2011?

**Best wishes for 2012 from The Dernier Cri – we look forward to welcoming you back next year!**

perfume wars: emma watson for lancôme trésor midnight rose

September 6, 2011 in fashion

It must be the week for new perfume campaigns because after speculating several months ago that Emma Watson’s new assignment for Lancôme was perfume-related, the Trésor Midnight Rose film has finally landed.

This new fragrance from Lancôme is a direct competitor against Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle (with its campaign starring Keira Knightley) and Miss Dior (which features Natalie Portman in its campaign).

According to Catwalk Queen, Ms Watson said “what I love about this story that we put together is that it’s almost fate, like chance, that brings the two of them together… you never know what’s going to be around the corner. That’s what we wanted to get across in the fragrance: that life is magical with little surprises.”

It seems the girl just can’t escape the magic! Check out the film below and then let me know… do you prefer the campaign for Coco Mademoiselle, Miss Dior or Trésor Midnight Rose?

perfume wars: charlize for dior j’adore

September 5, 2011 in fashion

Dior may still be yet to appoint a head designer (though Marc Jacobs is now the hot favourite), but last night, the company released its latest perfume campaign.

J’Adore is targeted at the 30-somethings market and the ad is more sophisticated and less flirtatious than its younger sister, Miss Dior (or its younger rival by Chanel, Coco Mademoiselle). The campaign suggests it’s not about luring in men, but rather empowerment.

The short film stars Charlize Theron (J’Adore’s face for a few years now) and features a soundtrack by The Gossip. It was filmed at Chateau de Versailles in the Galerie des Glaces – and what a beautiful room it is. I also love Charlize’s dress, which makes her look like an oversized version of the perfume bottle.

Check it out below and let me know your thoughts. (Thanks to Lindsay at soyvanillalatte for the tip!)

friday film: vera wang lovestruck

June 3, 2011 in fashion

For today’s Friday film, I was tempted to share the clip of Bradley Cooper talking on French TV station TF1 in fluent French. Unfortunately, the downside of living in a place where TF1 is the first channel on my TV (and where The Hangover is called Very Bad Trip) is that French has gone from sounding super sexy to me to being a slightly stressful experience where I spend the entire time trying to interpret what’s being said instead of enjoying the gorgeous sounds. If you’re not afflicted by the same condition as me, you can check it out here.

Instead, I’ve chosen to share something that’s a little more flirty and feminine (but sadly doesn’t star Bradley Cooper). It’s also the next installment in the battle of the perfume misses.

Already we have Keira Knightley for Chanel, Natalie Portman for Dior, Emma Watson for Lancome and now we have the gorgeous Gossip Girl Leighton Meester for Vera Wang’s new fragrance, Lovestruck.

Don’t you just love her gorgeous gown? If you can’t afford the original Vera, Fleur Wood’s Vivid Fuschia Maxi Dress from BHLDN could make a nice alternative for US$400. (I’m personally lusting for it and wish I had a suitable occasion coming up!)

Enjoy the clip below and let me know your thoughts. Have a fabulous weekend!