LYRA MAG.

SKYLIGHT STUDIOS, NYC words/images Judith Ecochard August 2012 We followed our nose to the aromatic bi-annual ELEMENTS  Showcase of luxury fragrances and lifestyle products this past week...even the sidewalk smelled spicy/woodsy...quite the feat on a busy Manhattan avenue. HIGHLIGHTS: The Portland General Store - --is a men's grooming/fragrance collection with eye-catching, old-school packaging inspired by vintage Czech blue glass bottles. packages resemble cigar boxes Striving for authenticity-meaning skin, haircare-and colognes made without chemical additives...PGS goodies are composed of organic and natural ingredients. Racer $35-a moisturizing, non-foaming shave cream with aloe vera, shea butter, cocoa butter and fruit extracts...nice spicy hints colognes- BondNo.9 NYC serve up scents that are inspired by the Big Apple. Eau de parfums for men, women and uni-sex are available and for the holidays...limited edition scents, pictured below....

PART II words/images Judith Ecochard Interiors - REDDYMADE DESIGNS The Elements Showcase commanded two floor at the Skylights Studio.. Upstairs we marveled at the sculptural, solid/polished wood oil lit Luminesse centerpiece---with a replaceable wooden wick--- made by the eponymous company owned by the glam former Ford model,  DAYNA DECKER . Fragrances are lushly scented-whether for the home (diffusers), in the natural (no parabens, petro fillers, DEA etc) bath/body collection, or in the paraffin-free candle selections. All beautifully made and packaged-and on the website---e-commerce offerings include thoughtful gift sets. The booth for Abdel LLC /Fashionable Fragrances- --is like seeing a welcome friend. We first met them at the launch of Mandarina Duck Pure Black  Eau de Toilette---about two years ago...and learned that this fashion label, with the acclaimed perfumers Sophie Labbe and Jean Charles Nie...