September errands
Including Le Labo city exclusives, Augustinus Bader masterclass, new skincare launch backed by Sisley and handbag gossip
Welcome to The Fashion Content pop-up section The Scene! It’s finally here and being kicked off right after the fashion month. Do I wish I would have been able to launch it earlier, with fashion week recaps? Absolutely, but somewhere between full time job, London fashion week, my birthday, Milan and the flu, it is the first quiet evening I’ve had in a while and so I’m spending it reminiscing about September, which flew by in a day.
September, to me, always associates with being back at school, because even after you’re out of education system, somehow you still find yourself on the same schedule, going back to the routine. It’s also one of the busiest months for the fashion and beauty industry; big fat September Vogue, fashion weeks across the world, launch of the fall lines in stores and new beauty launches to offer a much needed reset to our skin after all that sun exposure. So get yourself a cup of tea, it’s going to be a long one and mainly beauty orientated.
Le Labo city exclusives celebration
Where & When: Le Labo boutique in Soho; Wednesday 4th of September, 6pm;
What I’m wearing: Suede jacket (Source Unknown last season, but very good option here, here and here) with black straight leg jeans (Arket from last season, similar option here and I would also love cropped jean version for this look), St. Agni Top, Khaite boots (bought last winter, but they’ve relaunched them again, higher heel and lower heel option), carrying Bottega Veneta Jodie.
Very exciting one and not because it involved champagne on arrival. Le Labo launched their new City Exclusive Coriandre 39 dedicated to Mexico city this year, which happened to be most popular one that night, I’ve heard. Pardon me for being late on the news, because unless you’re planning a trip to Mexico city it’s not available elsewhere anymore (talk about best souvenir idea for someone special in your life), until August-September next year, when Le Labo will make ALL City Exclusives available worldwide again for a few months. I went against the flow and picked Tubereuse 40 dedicated to New York, the city I keep coming back to (been twice this year already and planning my third visit), and although I’m not big on floral perfumes, there’s something about tuberose in winter for me… From their regular collection, The Noir 29 is the next scent I’m pursuing right now.
I might have been living under the rock, but I didn’t know that Le Labo mixes their perfumes freshly on a day of purchase. And no, you don’t need to wait for hours, it takes 10 minutes max, but they recommend to let it sit for 4 days at least before use, and this part really did sting my impatient soul.
Augustinus Bader Masterclass, hosted by Charlotte Emily Sanders
Where & When: Bicester Village, The Apartment; Wednesday 18th of September
What I’m wearing: I remember, very vividly, that I was having a bit of a meltdown on what to wear that day and nearly missed my train from Marylebone. And so, I ended up going with the classic “I have noting to wear” base, Teym white tee and Zara jeans (sadly, very very old, but similar from this season here and here) and Massimo Dutti leather coat which I got on sale this summer (they launched very good one for this season too, here); Khaite boots and since I was carrying my new Phoebe Philo medium Cabas (birthday present from me to me) nobody even cared about my outfit in the end, the bag totally stole the show.
Bicester Village being the best Outlet for high-end fashion in UK meant that the visit will involve some shopping before the masterclass. I quickly picked up very gorgeous summery Miu Miu cotton dress. I know, not practical for fall, but I’m working on the ideas how and where to wear it now, who doesn’t love an occasional challenge? I was also tempted by Jil Sander pumps and Prada slingbacks. All of this followed by the dinner at Cecconi’s where I always try to be adventurous, but end up being borderline boring and getting the same thing, my classic Lobster Spaghetti for main and tiramisu for dessert.
But let’s go back to the main event, Augustinus Bader masterclass. On the day, I’ve tried their entire skincare line and apart from now infamous face cremes, added The Retinol Serum and The Serum to my Christmas wishlist. I remember when they’ve launched back in 2018, with only two products The Creme and The Rich Creme, both of which I bought and tried right away. I went for discovery set the first time, and quickly became a fan of The Creme, which I prefer as my PM moisturiser and always go back to. I don’t remember how many bottles I went through over the years exactly, but I think this is going to be at least my 5th one. It works wonders with my combination skin. I won’t repeat all the wonderful things The Creme can do, but you can find out more about Augustinus Bader TFC8 technology here.
NEUR|AÉ arrival at Liberty
Where & When: Liberty London, 30th of September, 6.30pm
What I’m wearing: I went there straight from the office and my outfit totally reflected that. Tailored trousers from House of Dagmar (last season, but I’ve purchased another similar pair, here); Teym black shirt; Toteme belt; The Second Female short leather jacket; Hermes Destin loafers; Phoebe Philo Cabas bag.
Entirely rooted in neuroscience, NEUR|AÉ skincare brand with 10 years of research in Sisley laboratories who promises to influence skin quality and function through our emotions and vice versa, I couldn’t wait to try it. But I have to be honest, I went into it with a grain of skepticism, because I’ve been bitterly disappointed in the past by the brands claiming to boost the mood with a help of skincare routine. More often than not, I found myself awake, rather than asleep, by the overpowering aromas and oils that just won’t absorb into the skin. However, I quickly discovered that NEUR|AÉ scents and textures are nothing, but perfect and I couldn’t wait to get on with it!
After determining my main skin concern, which is loss of firmness, I went onto trying NEUR|AÉ emotion explorer (it is available at all their counters), which claims to measure your brain activity and physiological constants to establish emotional profile, and then determine the change upon the application of selected routine. I went with Energie line, which helps to restore tired skin and firmness. Emotion Explorer results, after application of the serum, creme and emotional booster, showed that my energy increased by 23%. Sounds like a good deal to me! And I’ve been sent my emotional profile flower, so pretty, it runs the risk to be my new phone screensaver.
The skin & mind routine Cream Energising & Firming
The skin & mind routine Bliss & Radiance
The skin & mind routine Relaxing & Smoothing
Handbag gossip
Obviously, neither of these events went without a big dose of socialising. Catching up with the most fashionable I listened carefully and to finish off for today, here are the handbags I’ve heard being mentioned so far.
Basically, lots of The Row. Dalia baguette in pretty much every colour. Also 90’s bag is still going strong. Personally, I’m torn between the two, I want both, but only need one small bag.
Alaia Le Teckel in red and The Row 90’s again, but in red.
As for bigger everyday bags, it was Phoebe Philo Cabas (of course!), The Row Margaux (which is still chronically sold out everywhere) and something new to me, Metier Private Eye.
Speak soon,
Victoria x