Bond No. 9 Introduces Madison Avenue, The World’s First Shopping Scent Named After New York’s Most Celebrated Street Of Boutiques.

Bond No.9 has introduced a great many classic fragrances over the years, all named after neighbourhoods in New York City. The company created the first civic-minded eau de parfum (the beloved, best-selling Scent of Peace). For spring 2016, when we’ll all need a fresh new wardrobe, it is debuting the first-ever shopping scent.

And where better to do that shopping than on the stretch of Madison Avenue between 57^th and 96^th Street, with block after block of the most fabled and exalted fashion meccas in the universe.

Bond No. 9 introduces the world’s first shopping scent. We named it Madison Avenue, after New York’s most celebrated street of boutiques

So of course Bond No. 9 named its new shopping scent Madison Avenue—even though, as devotedly faithful clientele well knows, Bond No. 9 already has a Madison Avenue namesake scent: sultry gardenia-jasmine laden Madison Soiree, one of their classics, designed for evenings out. The new Madison Avenue, meanwhile, has strictly daytime intentions: one spray, and you’ll be transported to style-shopping nirvana.

Madison Avenue New York Body Silk

The scent itself is a fresh chypre, that citrusy-woody-mossy fragrance breed that’s long been favored by fashionistas, and which, like all chypres, has its own uniquely haunting couture signature. Its sparkling fruit topnotes—crisp apple, orange-y bergamot, tangy, raisin-like blackberry—will automatically raise your energy level. Then come the heart notes:a bouquet of roses as rich as silk charmeuse; jasmine with the shimmer of shantung; and magnolia as smooth as satin. And last but hardly least, the base notes, with enough long-lasting sillage to get you through to late afternoon: earthy patchouli; that creamy-nutty-sugary pastry confection, praline; and ambroxan—contemporary ambergris that’s regarded as a prism through which a perfume’s other facets can shine.

For such a modish fragrance, the Bond No. 9 superstar bottle is covered in a soft, springtime lilac-pink, and adorned it, dressmaker-style, with a button-like repeat of the logo token running down the front and a pert black grosgrain bow around the neck. Consider it a fashion shopper’s dream flacon.

Madison Avenue debuts April 2016 (100ml, $300; 50ml, $200; Body Silk, $135; Swarovski Limited Edition, $375) just at the height of the spring shopping season and will be available at Bond No. 9 New York Boutiques, Saks Fifth Avenue nationwide, select Nordstrom stores, Harrods UK, and www.bondno9.com.

Students and Graduates from The Art Institutes to Debut Fall/Winter 2016 Collections During New York Fashion Week

13 Up-And-Coming Fashion Designers To Experience Career-Defining Moments On New York City Runway

New York Fashion Week is an event attended by the fashion elite, celebrities, and designers working to prove that their hard work and dedication can make an impact in the fashion industry. For 13 designers from The Art Institutes system of schools, Fashion Week is a chance to showcase the talent, determination, and creativity they’ve transformed into their Fall/Winter 2016 collections.

Stephanie Castanon sketch

These designers—both current students and recent graduates—understand that fashion is more than buzz-worthy garments. It’s a process that involves inspiration, sketching, fabric selection, garment construction, and endless revisions before a creation can be shown. They’ve overcome challenges and pushed their creative limits. Along the way, they’ve proven that they have what it takes to design and present a collection on one of fashion’s most prestigious runways. This marks the seventh season that The Art Institutes has partnered with New York Fashion Week to provide a career-starting platform for its budding designers. These promising designers will debut their Fall/Winter 2016 collections on Tuesday, February 16, at 8:30 pm, at The Arc, Skylight at Moynihan Station.

Alejandra Isunsa sketch

Since their selection, the 13 finalists have stretched their personal boundaries and worked closely with faculty mentors to finalize their collections. The designers were born as far away as Iran, Vietnam, and Haiti. Yet each shares a common bond—a love of fashion and the determination to pull together a collection within a demanding timeframe. The designers are current students and graduates of Art Institutes locations in Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, and Vancouver.

Bahareh Memarian sketch

“We are excited to once again showcase our students’ and graduates’ work at New York Fashion Week. This is a true career building experience for them, in which their passion, skills, and creativity can shine through in front of an international audience,” said Tim Moscato, Chief Operating Officer, The Art Institutes.

Zenia De Sousa sketch

Sebastian Cubides sketch

Nhi Nguyen sketch

Get a front row view of the show during the live stream runway event, 8:30 p.m. on February 16. Visit https://www.artinstitutes.edu to watch online alongside viewers from across the globe. Additional information about the designers’ backgrounds and the inspiration for their collections is featured on The Art Institutes’ blog, https://www.artinstitutes.edu/blog. (Follow The Art Institutes On Facebook Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, and YouTube.)

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra Unveils Its 2016/17 Season

TSO 2016/17 SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS ON SALE NOW!

This past week, at the Roy Thomson Hall, Music Director Peter Oundjian unveiled the Toronto Symphony Orchestra‘s 95th performance season, reconfirming the TSO’s status as one of Canada’s leading ensembles and outstanding presenters of live music. The TSO 2016/17 season will spotlight 58 Canadian artists (48 being Canadian guest artists and 10 from within the ranks of the TSO). No less than 33 artists will make their TSO début as part of the 2016/17 season–comprising 55 different programs presented in 102 concerts, and featuring 9 World Premières, 12 TSO Commissions, 2 Canadian Premières, and 18 works by Canadian composers. More World Premières/TSO Commissions will be announced at a later date.

By Torsymph – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29891278

Founded in 1922, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra is one of Canada’s most important cultural institutions, recognized internationally. Music Director Peter Oundjian leads the TSO with a commitment to innovative programming and audience development through a broad range of performances that showcase the exceptional talents of the Orchestra along with a roster of distinguished guest artists and conductors. The TSO also serves the larger community with TSOUNDCHECK, the original under-35 ticket program; the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra; and music-education programs that reach tens of thousands of students each year.

The 2016/17 season–a fusion of genres encompassing future masterworks, hidden gems, and familiar yet relevant masterpieces–is filled with many noteworthy TSO débuts and awaited returns, new commissions, cross-genre performances, exciting collaborations, and, quite simply, music to live and to love. When Canada’s 150th birthday arrives in January 2017, the season will be punctuated with programs and works that pay homage to Canada’s musical riches. Reflecting diversity and originality, the 2016/17 season offers time-honoured classics, novelties, cross-disciplinary events, and partnerships, with music that modulates from one era to another, spanning centuries. Often enhanced by ancillary events such as informative chats, lobby activities, and post-concert parties, TSO concerts become immersive experiences.

“The Toronto Symphony Orchestra strives to be the world’s most innovative orchestra in the world’s most ethnically diverse city,” says TSO President & CEO Jeff Melanson. “We aim to do so through presenting the best artists and artistic works of the present and past. We also seek to engage the diversity and creative potential of our wonderful city. We pull out all the stops to present works that stretch and have stretched us, that redefine what is musically possible. These brilliant works spring forth from the human imagination and express the wide range of human emotion and musical possibility. This next season will be tremendously exciting as we head into Canada’s 150th birthday as a nation in 2017. This is a year full of exploration of the best of what Canada has been, is currently, and will be. As it is with Canada, everyone is welcome on this journey.”

To the delight of symphonic music fans, the season will showcase the power of the Orchestra with some big, satisfying classical works such as Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2 and Mahler’s Symphony No. 3, featuring mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton–both under Peter Oundjian’s direction–Mahler’s Symphony No. 10, conducted by Thomas Dausgaard; Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral”, conducted by Hannu Lintu; and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, conducted by TSO Conductor Laureate Sir Andrew Davis.

The TSO’s bespoke concert series–including Masterworks, Light Classics, Casual, Exposed, and Special Performances–feature several highlights: Opening Night: Renée Fleming; the continuation of The Decades Project*; an expanded series of Films with Live Orchestra, including the first installment of The Lord of the Rings trilogy; the 13th annual New Creations Festival*, curated by Owen Pallet; the Mozart@261 Festival at Koerner Hall; Canada Mosaic* (and many events to highlight Canada’s Sesquicentennial); and the return of the popular Chinese New Year Celebration*, which will include a new work for pipa and orchestra (World Première/TSO Commission) by Canadian composer Vincent Ho.

Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke returns to lead the Pops series, which includes a brand new Christmas show with Canadian songstress Jann Arden; The Music of ABBA with the spectacular Finnish a cappella ensemble, Rajaton; A Tribute to Ella Fitztgerald, starring the dazzling vocalist Capathia Jenkins; and a concert dedicated to the Best of Rodgers & Hammerstein.

Families and youth will enjoy the reprisal of The Hockey Sweater (music by Abigail Richardson-Schulte/story by Roch Carrier, who will be narrating); Lights, Camera…Orchestra!*, an exploration of the magic of movies and music, presented in collaboration with the Toronto International Film Festival; and other entertaining events as part of the Young People’s Concert series.

Valentine’s eGifts from Benchmark Resorts & Personal Luxury Resorts Take the Guesswork Out of Giving

Digital gift giving takes on new ease, convenience and technical sophistication with exciting new options at the 14 luxury hotels and resorts of Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company. Benchmark’s new eGift program is a fast and flexible way to send an elegant, exciting gift via desktop, laptop or a range of mobile devices using text, e-mail and Facebook. Customers can also print out the cards and mail, or deliver in person, for those recipients who would prefer to have something in hand, rather than on a mobile device.

Gifts can include a custom adventure excursion at a luxury tropical island resort or a sophisticated downtown hotel, dinner at an award-winning restaurant, luxurious spa treatments, breakfast in bed, a round of golf or a celebratory bottle of Champagne. The options for creating a customized gift are endless and all can be created securely from a laptop, tablet or mobile phone. Gift givers can choose from an array of specially-designed eGift cards that cover every occasion. Mark an anniversary, birthday or special occasion, say thank you, or provide a romantic getaway – these elegant eGift cards can be sent in a second, at the touch of a screen.

Benchmark Hospitality International has partnered with eGiftify, a noted e-commerce technology company, to create the new program. Launched at participating hotels within the company’s Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels®– and Benchmark Resorts & Hotels®-brand portfolios and just in time for Valentine’s Day, the new program is designed for both individuals and companies, according to Lisa Stice, vice president, global online marketing. “Benchmark’s eGift is a great way to show appreciation to a customer, reward an employee, mark a special anniversary — or surprise someone you love,” she notes.

Individual consumers can send gifts instantaneously via a mobile device, taking the worry and embarrassment out of forgetting an important occasion. The eGift card goes securely from device to device, and can be used at selected Benchmark hotels across the United States and the Caribbean. The gift appears on the recipient’s screen within an attractive, personalized image. There is no need for a plastic gift card that can be misplaced. “Just book your reservation using your eGift card through the property’s website and the recipient can claim your special gift.” Ms. Stice says.

Weber State University Mary Elizabeth Dee Shaw Gallery To Host Art Exhibition, “We Are The People”

Exhibition to Feature Contemporary Work by Indigenous Native American Artists

Artist And Curator, Wendy Red Star To Bring Eight Distinguished Indigenous Artists To Northern Utah For Exhibition Exploring The Ideas Of “the Quality Of Being Indigenous”

The Weber State University Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities (www.weber.edu/cah) and the Mary Elizabeth Dee Shaw Gallery (www.weber.edu/shawgallery) today announced the opening of its latest art exhibition, “We Are The People,” which features work by a diverse group of contemporary indigenous artists from both the United States and Canada. The exhibition will be making its world debut at Weber State University with an opening reception at the Mary Elizabeth Dee Shaw Gallery on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 7 p.m. and will run through April 8, 2016. Wendy Red Star, a member of the Crow Indian Nation, has guest curated this exhibition.

Weber State University To Open Art Exhibit, “We Are the People” featuring John Feodorov, Collectible #8, 2008,” who is one of many artists exhibiting work. (PRNewsFoto/Weber State University)

Indigenous peoples are those groups protected in international or national legislation as having a set of specific rights based on their historical ties to a particular territory, their cultural and historical distinctiveness from other populations. The legislation is based on the conclusion that certain indigenous people are vulnerable to exploitation, marginalization and oppression by nation states formed from colonizing populations or by politically dominant, different ethnic groups. Indigenous peoples of the American continent are broadly recognized as being those groups and their descendants who inhabited the region before the arrival of European colonizers and settlers.

A defining characteristic for an indigenous group is that it has preserved traditional ways of living, such as present or historical reliance upon subsistence-based production (based on pastoral, horticultural and/or hunting and gathering techniques), and a predominantly non-urbanized society. Not all indigenous groups share these characteristics. Indigenous societies may be either settled in a given locale/region or exhibit a nomadic lifestyle across a large territory, but are generally historically associated with a specific territory on which they depend. Indigenous societies are found in every inhabited climate zone and continent of the world.

Indigenous societies range from those who have been significantly exposed to the colonizing or expansionary activities of other societies (such as the Maya peoples of Mexico and Central America) through to those who as yet remain in comparative isolation from any external influence (such as the Sentinelese and Jarawa of the Andaman Islands). Contemporary distinct indigenous groups survive in populations ranging from only a few dozen to hundreds of thousands and more. Many indigenous populations have undergone a dramatic decline and even extinction, and remain threatened in many parts of the world. Some have also been assimilated by other populations or have undergone many other changes. In other cases, indigenous populations are undergoing a recovery or expansion in numbers.

“We Are The People” brings together eight distinguished contemporary artists from indigenous backgrounds working in new media, video, photography, performance and sculpture. Each artist actively investigates and engages with the concepts of nationhood, indigenism, ritualism and land. Artist and curator Wendy Red Star has tasked each artist to experiment with ideas that surround indigenous people and nations using their own unique experiences and artistry. “We Are The People” will feature the work of the following artists:

• Amelia Winger-Bearskin, Iroquois
• Elisa Harkins, Cherokee
• Tanis S’eiltin, Tlingit
• Tanya Lukin Linklater, Kodiak
• Duane Linklater, Moose Cree
• John Feodorov, Navajo
• Peter Morin, Tahltan
• Raymond Boisjoly, Haida

“This exhibition is an opportunity for Native American and First Nation artists to influence contemporary art discourse and challenge the misperceptions and preconceived notions surrounding art made by Indigenous people today,” said Lydia Gravis, director of Mary Elizabeth Dee Shaw Gallery. “Utah audiences (and other visitors) will be given a valuable opportunity to explore their perceptions of contemporary indigenous culture through a variety of art experiences, including performance and new media.“

“I have assembled a select group of established and emerging contemporary native artists who collectively are changing and shaping pre-conceived notions about history, rituals and spiritualism,” said Red Star. “We each derive our heritage from indigenous tribes, but how we interpret and showcase our work is all very unique. Audiences will truly have an opportunity to be involved in the work in ways they never imagined and in turn I put the experience back into their hands to really consider how we are all interconnected.”

The exhibit is free and open to the public. A panel discussion featuring several of the artists will take place on Thursday, February 25 at 6 p.m. at the Kimball Visual Arts Building. The opening reception will be February 26, 2016 at 7 p.m. “We Are The People” exhibition will run February 26 – April 8, 2016.

Nordstrom Unveils Manhattan Flagship Store Footprint And Exterior Design

Nordstrom, Inc. unveiled for the first time the footprint and exterior design of its first Nordstrom store in New York City. The store will encompass four properties in the Columbus Circle neighborhood of Manhattan along Broadway between West 57th and West 58th Streets. The approximately 363,000 square-foot store is expected to open in 2019.

Nordstrom Incorporated logo. (PRNewsFoto)

The four properties include both existing, historic buildings as well as new construction at the base of Central Park Tower, an Extell Development Company project. Plans include modern glass façades on the new construction at the base of Central Park Tower, envisioned by world-renowned designer James Carpenter, recognized for his distinctive use of natural light and luminescent artistic sensibility. Additionally, Nordstrom will restore or rebuild the street level façades of the other buildings to evoke their original historic design.

Manhattan Department Stores Map

“We’re building in the context of the world’s greatest stores in the best retail city in the world and our ambition is to create an entire experience that reflects the best of what we have to offer,” said Pete Nordstrom, co-president, Nordstrom, Inc. “We think the modern exterior glass design combined with the historical renovations honor both the past and future of Manhattan. We look forward to the day when we can open our doors and welcome customers.“

The Nordstrom Footprint Includes:

– CENTRAL PARK TOWER – Stunning glass façades created by James Carpenter Design Associates (JCDA) of New York fill each floor with light, while at the same time projecting the beauty and energy of the interior to the street. Customers will be able to shop retail space located on seven levels, two below street-level and five above. A seven-level atrium at the heart of the building, also designed by JCDA, highlights the escalators connecting each floor. Entrances are located on both West 57th Street and West 58th Street.

Nordstrom Manhattan Flagship 5 Columbus Circle (Corner of West 58th and Broadway) at Night (Courtesy of Nordstrom, Inc.)

The Tower portion also incorporates the landmark façade of the former 1780 Broadway building which will be completely restored and three new two-level atriums of retail space will be created in the interior. It also includes an entrance off of Broadway. The Central Park Tower portion is approximately 292,000 square feet and the developer is Extell Development Company.

Nordstrom Manhattan Flagship W58th Glass Waveforms Facade

– 5 COLUMBUS CIRCLE (formerly the 1790 Broadway building) – This portion is approximately 8,000 square feet of street-level retail space with an entrance located on Broadway that connects to the main store. 5 Columbus Circle is a landmark building and Nordstrom will rebuild the street-level façade to evoke the historic design of the original building. This section is owned by 1790 Broadway Associates.

Lonely Planet Announces Best Places in the US to Visit This Year

Lonely Planet has released its annual list of the top 10 Best Places To Travel in the United States in 2016. Over the past four decades, Lonely Planet has cultivated a dedicated traveler community and printed more than 130 million books in 13 different languages to most destinations on the planet. The Lonely Planet ecosystem also includes digital and mobile apps like the all-new Guides app, a comprehensive ebook portfolio, 12 international magazines including a US edition launched in 2015, an award-winning website and over 8.5 million followers on social media.

Lonely Planet’s Best in the US 2016 list is a diverse mix of cities, regions and states across the country that are poised to shine in the year ahead – places often-overlooked, hidden gems and household names with new reasons to visit in 2016. This year, national treasurePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania was named number one, followed by the picturesque town of Natchez, Mississippi and the iconic Yellowstone National Park in third place.

Now in its 6th year, Lonely Planet’s Best in the US is a handpicked list selected and ranked by the US-based editors and travel writers at Lonely Planet to point to the 10 most exciting, intriguing and up–and-coming top US destinations worth visiting in the year ahead.

“These are the places to pay attention to in 2016,” said US Destination Editor Rebecca Warren at Lonely Planet. “Whether they’ve been on the public radar for years or are only recently emerging as travel hotspots, each destination offers compelling reasons to visit this year.”

Lonely Planet’s Best in the US 2016

1. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – “Hands up to the sky, Rocky fans.”

Recently recognized as the US’s first and only World Heritage City and visited by the Pope, Philly’s on a roll right now. Hosting the Democratic National Convention in July and celebrating the 40th anniversary of Rocky this year, the city is experiencing a transformation to its urban core, yet retaining its deep American history and uniquely gritty flavor.

2. Natchez, Mississippi – “Natchez will be rolling on the river in 2016.”

Longwood, the historic antebellum octagonal mansion Natchez, Mississippi © Helmut-Krass/500px

Hitting its 300th anniversary this year – making it two years older than New Orleans – this charming city settled along the Mississippi will be hosting hundreds of events throughout the year, from their annual hot air balloon races to historical celebrations.

3. Yellowstone National Park – “Where better to celebrate than where it all began?”

Lower Falls from above in Yellowstone National Park © Brian Milner/500px

This is the world’s first national park, established 144 years ago. Yellowstone’s biggest draw, the Old Faithful geyser, just got a new boardwalk and gateway towns like Gardiner, Montana and Cody, Wyoming are all geared up to accommodate the millions of visitors expected while the US National Park Service celebrates its centennial this year.

4. Birmingham, Alabama – “Could Birmingham be the coolest city in the South?”

An old mill in Mountain Brook, a suburb of Birmingham Alabama © Robbie Brewer/500px

The once industrial Avondale neighborhood has been reinvigorated with a surge of pubs, breweries and good eats, and the Civil Rights District is notable for the Civil Rights Institute, the 16th St. Baptist Church and the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.

5. Alaska – “Hey Americans: have you crossed the Arctic Circle in your own country?”

Denali (formerly known as McKinley) is the highest peak on the North American continent © Phillip Kuntz/500px

Last year, President Obama became the first sitting president to visit this remote state and it’s time the rest of Americans follow, especially to experience the newly renamed Denali, America’s tallest peak, which can be done on foot for the adventurous, or by train or bus.

Film Legend, Sophia Loren Now Touring, Live, Onstage in “An Evening With Sophia Loren”

For the first time ever, movie icon and Academy-Award winning Actress Sophia Loren will star in an 11 city US tour, onstage and in person, in AN EVENING WITH SOPHIA LOREN. Miss Loren has graciously accepted this opportunity for the public to celebrate her illustrious and Oscar winning career and have the chance to meet her in person. A celebrity interviewer will accompany Ms Loren and uncover her amazing movie triumphs as well as her fabulous personal story. And the audience will have a chance to ask Ms Loren questions that are all about Sophia. Limited VIP Meet and Greet ticket packages are available for the public to personally greet Ms Loren.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to spend an unforgettable evening with a true Icon of the Silver Screen, the beautiful and unforgettable Sophia Loren.

The entire tour is produced by The Stander Group Inc., Los Angeles, CA.

Tour venues include:

Thu Mar 10 – Borgata Hotel and Casino Spa, Atlantic City, NJ – 7:30pm

Sun Mar 13 – Proctors Mainstage Theatre, Schenectady, NY – 3:00pm

Thu Mar 17 – Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, NJ – 7:30pm

Fri Mar 18 – Foxwoods Resort Casino – Mashantucket, CT – 8:00pm

Sun Mar 20 – AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas, TX – 7:30pm

Tue Mar 22 – Palladium – Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel, IN – 7:30pm

Thu Mar 24 – Copernicus Center, Chicago, IL – 7:30pm

Sat Mar 26 – Venetian Theatre at the Resort, Las Vegas, NV – 8:00pm

Mon Mar 28 – Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, West Palm Beach, FL – 8:00pm

Thu Mar 31 – Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, Sarasota, FL – 8:00pm

Fri Apr 1 – Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL – 8:00pm

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit each respective venue’s website.

House of Matriarch Launches High Perfumery at Nordstrom

Top Indie Fragrance House to Be Available in Select Doors

The House of Matriarch announces the launch of their High Perfumery collection at select Nordstrom department stores just in time for Valentine’s Day. The brand has launched four new perfumes in celebration of their Nordstrom partnership: Albatross, Trillium, Orca and Madrona. Known as “shared” fragrances, these perfumes are unisex and the natural essences impart enigmatic and sensual undertones perfect for the biggest date night of the year.

House of Matriarch Collection available at Nordstrom and http://www.matriarch.biz. (PRNewsFoto/House of Matriarch)

“House of Matriarch is the most refreshing and magical brand I have worked with throughout my career,” said Tim Girvin, Brand Strategist for House of Matriarch. “We are thrilled the collection is available to a wider audience, now that we’re at Nordstrom.

Founded in 2009, House of Matriarch draws inspiration from the “enchanted forest” of the Pacific Northwest, basing its brand heritage on the rich history of storytelling and enchantment. The brand’s fragrances are in a category all their own — High Perfumery — and incorporate the highest proportion of natural materials than any other luxury brand in distribution. This creative fragrance house prides itself on highlighting the mystical associations of rare ingredients used to formulate their fragrances, speaking the language of luxury and powerfully rendering and recalling the craft of the apothecary.

“House of Matriarch is proud to be a part of the natural fragrance movement,” says CEO and Resident “Nose” Christi Meshell. “I created this brand to help reconnect people to nature, to help them find pleasure and enjoyment, even magic. We are thrilled to have our fragrance at Nordstrom, giving us the chance to share the magic with more and more people every day.“

Meshell’s visionary versatility, as both CEO and Creatrix, allows her to develop a concept from initial inspiration through final display. As a highly coveted Indie beauty brand that was named the Top Indie Fragrance House of 2013 by Cafleurebon and is a current finalist for CEW‘s Indie Brand Beauty Award, House of Matriarch creates fragrances that are marvelously detailed by blending thousand-year-old practices with modernist appraisal while allowing each fragrance to be layered with other scents in the collection. Nordstrom currently offers nine fragrances, encompassing four new and five top selling scents: Orca, Trillium, Albatross, Madrona, Forbidden, Black No. 1, Devotion, Coco Blanc and Sex Magic. Within this collection, Coco Blanc, Forbidden and Orca are the three perfumes that are 100% natural.

Retail price: $39.00, 0.17 oz.; $330.00, 1.7 oz. Available at select Nordstrom stores, www.Nordstrom.com and the House of Matriarch website.