This Spring, Valmont celebrated the launch of their new fragrance, “Just Bloom,” as well as their newest skincare line, “Luminosity.” These vibrant products, characterized by rich floral notes and plant-powered ingredients, reflect the fresh, energetic personalities of the younger generation who Valmont is now calling upon to join the Valmont skincare renaissance.
Not only are the Luminosity collection’s ingredients naturally derived, from crisp white mulberry root to pure papaya extract, but the connection to nature and bio-ingredients is integrated throughout the entire brand ethos, as the Luminosity collection is bottled in 100% recyclable packaging and all of Valmont’s skincare utilizes natural glacial spring water, triple DNA molecules and RNA liposomes extracted from salmon, and resources from their photo-alpine garden.
What started as a wellness center, primarily known for treating burn victims, has blossomed into an opulent dynasty crafted by Sophie and Didier Guillon. A keen eye for the sumptuous things in life and years of dedicated experimentation have propelled La Maison Valmont to the upper echelon that they now occupy. Swaddled in a luxurious terry cloth robe, absorbing the emollient products while transcending to a more fulfilled and peaceful sense of self, it became truly apparent that Valmont is the pinnacle of luxury.
The Luminosity collection includes four products — LumiPeel, a resurfacing peeling lotion, LumiMask, a weekly treatment, LumiSence, an ultra fine, glow-inspiring serum, and LumiCream.
Check out the little slice of paradise that is the Upper East Side Valmont Spa and boutique below.
The "PAPERWORK" fragrance collection explicitly explores the notion of fragrance as a statement of self, with each of the four launch fragrances proposed as a “Solution.” Created by Virgil Abloh in collaboration with celebrated perfumers Alexis Dadier, Jerome Epinette, and Sidonie Lancesseur, each both imparts a mood and transmits a palpable vibe.
Solution No.1, guided by Alexis Dadier, is a fresh, sporty, sexy fragrance characterized by main notes of hot wood (top), sand accord (mid), and patchouli (base). An experimental blend of main notes defines Solution No.2 by Jérome Epinette as an energetic, empowered, and confident fragrance of considered contrasts. To create Solution No.3, Sidonie Lancesseur remixed classical and conceptual into a modern romantic, seductive, overt fragrance with main notes that span pink peppercorn (top), rose damascena (mid), and ambrette liquid (base). Solution No. 4 eau de parfum is defined by a contrast between freshness and warm woodiness.
Both the use of “Solution” for the fragrance names and the collection’s packaging evoke Abloh’s essential interest in and reconception of industrial manufacturing processes. Specifically, the bottles are formed from industrial glass made-in-Italy by Bormioli and topped with grip control knobs: replicas of the handles that close the vats found in industrial fragrance facilities.
This nuanced blurring of raw and refined also defines "PAPERWORK" Imprint face and body solid pigment crayons, which link inspiration from Abloh’s tagging gestures and street-art codes with velvety, innovative time-release formulas. Designed to be waterproof and smudgeproof, yet simple to remove, these vibrant paint sticks are also self-sharpening and paired with an emollient and conditioning setting spray for enhanced performance and longevity. Extending "PAPERWORK" to the sense of touch, Color Matter nail polishes present a highly curated, yet comprehensive collection. Spanning six formulas, Color Matter expands nail polish beyond a chromatic expression into a textural one, defining it as more akin to an accessory.
The Off-WhiteTM️ "PAPERWORK" collection is at off---white.com and select Off-WhiteTM stores, as well as on Farfetch, Browns, Violet Grey and select international retail partners.
As someone who has lived in Los Angeles, taken in the warm air, the chatter from the taco trucks and outdoor bars, the smells of succulent gardens, fresh dirt, fields of yellow flowers and sea salt rolling down from the mountains and over from the ocean, I can attest, this collection does it right. Whether you've been there, you were born there, or have yet to head West, this collection gives you a taste of the Golden State that's bright, and beautiful, and doesn't require airfare.
According to co-founder Kristen Pumphrey, "Soft Focus is all about magnifying the mood— I love the soft glow of the frosted jar, and the scents are strong and atmospheric. The fragrances are inspired by iconic California imagery: bonfires on the beach at night, a cabin tucked away in a rolling Canyon, or a field of bright poppies and citrus trees."
And I couldn't say it better myself. Each scent in the triad offers a unique, and poetic iteration of all that California offers. Electric Surf is fresh, and true to it's moniker— salty and sea-inspired, with a touch of smoky patchouli that plays on the experience of a beach bonfire, and a hint of coastal jasmine. Equally an embodyment of it's name, Canyon Hideaway calls out to the California oaktree, woodsy resin, and the crisp, juniper-infused air of a drive through the forrest with all the windows down. Finally, my personal favorite, Cirtus Daze. This scent is like a trip through the best of California's botanical sights and smells. From the orange groves, to the botanical gardens, to the poppy fields you've seen all over Instagram, but probably never had a good whiff of.
To shop the collection, check out P.F. Candle Co. online.
