Breaking news on fresh decade head to toe luxe finishes, and the infinite potential of a blank canvas

by Archana Aithal Rose

UNCOMMON SCENTS
We owe the wonder of fragrance making to Tapputi, a perfumer who worked in Ancient Babylon (circa 1200 B.C.) as the overseer of the Mesopotamian Royal Palace and who developed methods for scent extraction that laid the groundwork for the industry we know today. Presenting some standout newyear inheritors of that legacy.

Tom Ford Soliel Neige
As if Ford’s description of “crystalline, cool, and escapist” wasn’t inviting enough, this envy worthy scent tantalizes with bright notes of bergamot, carrot seeds, creamy vanilla, and honey in a “shelfie worthy” iridescent white bottle that mirrors the shimmer of snow. $615, tomford.com

Lancôme Idôle Le Parfum
This new scent pays tribute to female empowerment. Created by three women perfumers and in a sleek prismatic bottle, its notes of bergamot, pink peppercorns, and cedarwood make for a gorgeous symphony of power, allure, and poise. All ingredients ethically and sustainably sourced. $123, macys.com

Chloé Atelier Des Fleurs Rose Damascena
Dreaming of the springtime? Drawn from nature, Chloé’s lightly spiced floral perfume, with rose notes, will have you believe you’re floating in a blooming bouquet. $130, chloe.com

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE
Their 2020 spring summer collection proved once again that nobody does pattern play and animal prints like Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. Transforming a Milan runway into a shimmering tropical jungle, the event showcased a 125 piece collection that featured tailored animal print jackets, pineapple appliquéed twin sets, lime green suits, and billowy silk taffetta dresses in bold palm tree prints. To break this momentum of maximalism, there were understated pieces, too, like reinvented little black dresses and safari inspired khaki jumpsuits.

Describing the event to Vogue as a tandem depiction of “a Sicilian jungle,” Gabbana added that, “We enjoy making something glamorous, and we love the sense of happiness [in] summertime. It’s our philosophy.”

HEAD TURNERS
Without compromising the classic hat shapes we have come to love over decades, late winter saw fresh spins on staples with bold branding and uberluxurious textures trailblazing headgear that promised warmth and style in equal measure. A few standout hats that turned up our temperature.

Fendi Brown Shearling Hat
Yet another example of “You got it, you flaunt it” style, and in keeping with the still hot logo trend, the house’s signature “FF” motif is seen here in abundance. Brown shearling with earmuffs and leather strap. $1,190, fendi.com

Gucci Tweed Fedora with Interlocking “G”s
Nothing quiet about this retro fedora, rendered in a multi colored mix of gold and silver tones, plus blue, orange, and purple checked wool tweed, headlined with a leather trim and gold toned interlocked “G”s. $690, gucci.com

Chanel Beanie
A refreshing combination of black, white, and red wool, punctuated with the atelier’s unmistakable inverted “C” logo. In textured shearling, this is simply a trac stopper! $550, chanel.com