An Unforgettable Experience with Estée Lauder

It’s not often that you get to meet and interact with the person behind the creative process of a unique product for an internationally acclaimed brand. I was invited to a fragrance concept launch held by Estée Lauder, where their new fragrance was unveiled to South Africa’s beauty editors and bloggers alike.

The event was ultra feminine and lush, and we were treated to exquisite snacks and champagne while we chatted with fellow bloggers and the lovely Lauder team.The event was held at the beautiful Circa Gallery in Rosebank, which reminded me of New York’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Later it was mentioned that the commercial for Modern Muse was shot by Academy Award® nominated Cinematographer, Stuart Dryburgh, inside the Guggenheim.

Karyn Khoury, Esteé Lauder’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Fragrance Development Worldwide, had flown in from New York to talk to us about the fragrance, and the unique concept behind it. She explained that when she and Perfumer, Harry Fremont, were creating Modern Muse, they wanted it to convey the duality of today’s modern woman who is feminine yet independent, strong yet soft and who plays a multitude of different roles in her life. Normally, every fragrance is comprised of a top, middle and base note. With the launch of Modern Muse, Estée Lauder has sought to shatter this edict, by creating a perfume based on two scent accords that showcase the multi-faceted nature of the ingredients.

The tag line of Modern Muse is “Be an Inspiration”. To me, Karyn was such an inspiration, and every time I wear Modern Muse, I am reminded to be an inspiration, and to be the best I can possibly be in all areas.

After the launch, we reconvened for an intimate dinner at The Saxon, where we enjoyed more sumptuous eats, and got to know a bit more about the Estée Lauder brand.

Modern Muse will be available for purchase in S.A. from 3 October 2013.

I love attention to detail … the Modern Muse box was channeled through the name tags

The beautiful hydrangeas dotted all around the venue

A pre-dinner Modern Muse inspired photo shoot 

David Tlale and Anele Mdoda in the Saxon’s beautifully decorated dining room

Karyn Khoury in her hot Valentino heels!

Delectable desserts to finish off an enchanting evening