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Last month I interviewed Madonna; on Wednesday I had dinner with Julia Roberts. The fact that there were nearly 300 other people in the room made it no less special, believe me.
Stunning views from the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
The event in question was the official reveal of the new feminine fragrance from Lancôme, called La Vie Est Belle (Life is Beautiful). The scent, which will be launched worldwide in September, was unveiled earlier this week at the breathtakingly beautiful Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in St Jean Cap Ferrat.
The innovative and ultra-stylish chandelier fragrance ‘sampler’
Guests (L’Oréal executives, international media and key retailers) were treated to ‘teaser’ elements of the fragrance while enjoying Champagne and canapés in the stunning villa gardens. We especially loved the crystal chandelier “sampler” which elegantly dispensed droplets of the scent onto guests’ upturned wrists.
The Moodie Report’s Rebecca Mann (centre) with L’Oréal ladies Christine Brasseur (left) and Valérie Sanchez (right)
At the dinner, Lancôme International President Youcef Sue Nabi explained in detail the fragrance concept, before introducing the guest of honour: actress, brand ambassador and the face of the fragrance, Julia Roberts. The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display over the fountains.
Day two of the event necessitated separating Team Moodie; I attended two skincare and make-up workshops, while Martin and various travel retailers were driven around the Riviera in vintage convertibles (but I suspect that’s a whole other Blog!).
The workshops were held at the Domaine du Mont Leuze, in Villefranche-sur-Mer
The skincare workshop, held at the Domaine du Mont Leuze, in Villefranche-sur-Mer, previewed Lancôme’s new Genifique Yeux Light-Pearl eye serum, which will be launched in September. The make-up workshop showcased Lancôme’s Midnight Roses autumn/winter colour collection, in addition to the new Hypnôse Star mascara, set to bow in July.
After in-depth presentations, the products were ably demonstrated on models and journalists alike. We can vouch for their effectiveness – and the expertise of the make-up artist in particular. Despite fewer than four hours’ sleep the night before – and the best efforts of British Airways to age me considerably by making my journey home today as tortuous as possible (again, a whole other Blog) this journalist left Nice – eventually – looking considerably more groomed and glamorous than when she arrived.
Lancôme’s launch event was, on every level, fittingly “Belle” from beginning to end.