Tag: Natasha Dury

Aromatic Elegance: Givenchy’s La Collection Particulière Unveils ‘Les Jardins Particuliers’

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Natasha Dury

Hubert de Givenchy, an icon of 20th-century fashion, was also a connoisseur of the French “art de vivre.” His residences, from his Parisian Hôtel Particulier to the Château du Jonchet in the Loire Valley, served as sanctuaries of exquisite decor and hubs of inspiration, frequented by a diverse group of muses, artists, and friends.

La Collection Particulière invites us into this exclusive world, offering scents that capture the essence of these charismatic personalities. It all began at the Hôtel Particulier, inspiring the perfumes of the collection, which now finds its latest expressions in the gardens of the Château du Jonchet. Here, the ‘Les Jardins Particuliers’ series emerges, epitomizing elegance and freshness through three new fragrances: L’Enfant Terrible, Tapageur, and Désobéissant.

Each fragrance draws on the principles of French-style gardens, which emphasize symmetry and harmony, creating a stunning visual and olfactory balance. These gardens are a tribute to Givenchy’s love for meticulously designed landscapes, where every element is perfectly placed, mirroring the careful composition of each scent.

The three new perfumes belong to the Intense Fresh olfactory family, renowned for their fresh yet potent signatures. A notable element uniting these fragrances is the SFE* black tea note, extracted from hand-harvested leaves from the mountains of Sri Lanka, lending an intense and sophisticated freshness.

  • L’Enfant Terrible echoes Givenchy’s own rebellious spirit, blending radiant Calabrian bergamot with upcycled cedar for a memorable, enveloping scent.
  • Tapageur stands out with its boisterous, exuberant character, combining sparkling green mandarin with creamy sandalwood and a unique fraction of orange blossom.
  • Désobéissant is defiantly bold, pairing bright citron with Scots pine and a striking cardamom essence, creating a chic, modern composition.

These fragrances are housed in vividly colored bottles, each representing its key ingredients, contained in Givenchy’s signature architectural bottle adorned with a lacquered black cap featuring a metallic 4G logo.

La Collection Particulière not only reflects Givenchy’s legacy in fashion but also his deep appreciation for art and beauty, making each fragrance a masterpiece of perfumery.

Gear up for adventure in Hatta 

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From spear throwing to yoga retreats, Hatta offers exciting new activities.

By Natasha Dury

Nestled in the heart of the Hajar mountains, Hatta is Dubai’s premier destination for those seeking an adventure-filled retreat away from the urban hustle. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, nature lover, or wellness enthusiast, Hatta offers a wide range of activities and experiences that cater to every kind of traveler.

As the cooler months approach, Hatta Resorts and its famed Wadi Hub are gearing up to launch their seventh season in October, unveiling exciting new activities that promise to elevate the adventure experience. This season introduces three exhilarating additions: spear throwing, a dedicated kids’ zone, and a shooting range. Perfect for visitors of all ages and abilities, these attractions offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or a heart-pumping adrenaline rush.

For those who prefer to take in Hatta’s natural beauty at a more leisurely pace, the Wadi Hub offers plenty of other adventures. Hiking and biking through world-class trails that wind through the mountains are a must for outdoor enthusiasts, while kayaking on the serene Hatta Dam offers a peaceful escape into nature.

A key feature of the Hatta experience is its unique glamping accommodations. This season brings exciting updates, with the introduction of a fleet of Vintage Campers in November, each designed to reflect the distinct charm of Hatta. For those looking for something a little more luxurious, the popular glamping Domes have been upgraded—now each unit comes with its own private pool, adding a touch of exclusivity to your stay.

Hatta isn’t just for adventurers. Wellness enthusiasts can also indulge in tranquil activities like outdoor yoga in dedicated wellness spaces. Practicing yoga against the backdrop of the majestic Hajar mountains, particularly near the Domes at Hatta Resorts, offers an unparalleled way to reconnect with nature and unwind.

No trip to Hatta is complete without indulging in the local flavors. Whether you’re after a quick snack at the Wild Cafe or a hearty meal from food trucks like Sedr Bites, Taste of Hatta, or Damani Bites, the options are varied and delicious. This dining experience allows visitors to directly support Hatta’s community of local entrepreneurs while enjoying freshly made meals in the great outdoors.

For those curious about Hatta’s rich cultural heritage, the area is full of opportunities to explore its historical significance. A visit to the Hatta Heritage Village offers insight into traditional Emirati life, providing a perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion.

Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-fueled activities, a serene wellness retreat, or a deep dive into local culture, Hatta is the ultimate destination for a rejuvenating getaway in Dubai.

#GTM #GlobalTrendMonitor #Magazine #ExploreHatta #AdventureInHatta #MountainRetreat #OutdoorYoga #HattaWadiHub #HikingDubai #GlampingInHatta #WellnessRetreat #ThrillSeekersParadise #ReconnectWithNature

Moon Jars

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NJD Moon Jar

Because one of the best routes to get to Fiji these days is via Korea, Tash and I have had the opportunity to see moon jars of Korea a number of times…the first time was when we had a couple of nights in Seoul where we experience the first snow Seoul had in years and our first sighting of a moon jar. More recently, we saw a really good moon jar exhibition in London at the Korean Cultural Centre. (Actually it will be there until the 17th of August 2013).

The moon jar is a vessel shaped albeit like the moon where the height of the body is almost equal to its diameter.

We learnt at the exhibition that the technique used to make the jar is by joining two separate parts that make the diameter of the base smaller than that of the mouth, so the shape appears unstable.

The beauty is that these slight imperfections, in harmony with the cream body actually highlight the sheer size of the voluptuous curves, lending to a greater dignity in the piece….that almost sounds like a description of me – voluptuous with some imperfections but overall in harmony with myself.

Anyway….moon jars were created by royal kilns primarily between the late 17th and 18th century and used for utilitarian purposes – for storing food, displaying flowers etc.

NJD2000

The exhibition was a nice detour as we introduced Tash to various parts of London. It is important I feel that mixed kids need to know both sides of their parents’ heritage and feel connected to our childhood, our upbringing and get exposure to the life we lived.

Tash is very lucky to have travelled the world – Over 20 countries before the age of 12 and having a connection to Fiji, UK, Spain, Malaysia and UAE will help her understand the strong influences of these countries she sees at home.

PS: *The artists in London whose work I saw included Adam Buick, Jack Doherty, Akiko Hirai, Gareth Mason and Yee Sookyung. There is also a beautiful video still of the artists at work called Aspheric Light by James Kelly.

Tash London1