Wednesday, July 17, 2013

From Bergdorf Goodman to Lunch in Paris... my afternoon with Kilian Hennessy and Elisabeth Noel Jones of ByKilian Inc

 I never thought a chance visit to Bergdorf Goodman one afternoon would later turn into a part-time employment opportunity with ByKilian luxury perfumes. Furthermore, I never thought in a million years, my path would lead to lunch in Paris at Le Flandrin with the company's creator (Kilian) and CEO (Elisabeth).  When I  decided to go to Paris, I reached out to Elisabeth via email to see if it was even possible for us to connect while I was there. To my surprise, both she and Kilian planned to be in their Paris office during my travel dates. When she replied and expressed interest in taking me out to lunch I was elated! Fast forward 6 months later,  I didn't know what to expect the day of. Their assistant called my hotel to confirm the detail and to inform me they just returned from Moscow that morning but wasn't going to cancel on me. Relieved and anxious at the same time, I left my room early to navigate my way to their neighborhood via train. I didn't want to be late. During the walk from the metro to the venue, I wondered if Kilian would like me. I wondered if I could hold a conversation with the Frenchman. Was my outfit fashionable enough? After all, I was his employee, he was the owner, and heir to the Hennessy cognac empire, no pressure! Elisabeth was cool. She hired me on the spot and our connection was immediate, but Kilian worried me most. I met him only once as a customer. Before walking across the street to the restaurant, I took a few deep breaths, calmed my nerves, thanked God for such an opportunity and  reminded myself to be, MYSELF. And you know what? It all worked out just lovely! 

Le Flandrin, where I lunched with Kilian Hennessy and Elisabeth in Paris. 

ByKilian at the Printemps. SAKS 5th Ave does not look like this!
Walking around  Kilians' neighborhood before lunch. Taking in the moment. I couldn't believe I was about to have lunch with the creator of ByKilian luxury perfume and the heir to the Hennessy empire!
I wish I can can come to this boutique a couple times a month to work.  
I wasn't crazy about this shirt. It made me look preggo. Cute picture though.  This is Elisabeth and she is the CEO of ByKilian. She was so cool and down to earth. She was impressed I'd traveled to Paris solo
The man himself! So freaking cool and hot! Epic moment for me. Kilian Hennessy 

Corsica France (Bonifacio)

After 5 days in Paris, I wanted to relax without the hustle and bustle of the big city. At heart, I really appreciate calmness and serenity.  I headed to Bonifacio, which is in Corsica France. Here are a few pictures of the island.


Too bad the weather wasn't good enough to swim

The view from the boat

The sea

A gorgeous place

A view from the top

A mad house in the summer

Leave it up to me to find perfume
I walked this road for 3 days


Reminiscence EDP

Rocky 

Yes, she is wearing a heavy coat in the south of France

The best!

CHANEL Wishes

All I can do is window shop. I loved this bag

Paris: Searching for Kanye 'New Slaves' video

This day was  adventurous. I linked up with Maggie, who I met while attending a fragrance event in NYC. She is from Paris by way of Guadeloupe. We stayed connected and when I knew I was going to France, I reached out to her. She then introduced me to Paulyne, another Paris native, and a young woman from Queens NY whose name escapes me at the moment. We hung out for majority of the day, had lunch at KFC (Maggie swore it was different from KFC in the states, so I obliged) and then headed to preview Kanye West's 'New Slave's' video, which was suppose to be projected on an apartment building but was postponed due to the rain. Needless to say, the evening went well. I met new friends and thought I made a love connection with a super cute French waiter.


Waiting in the rain. The women I hung out with for the day. 

Making our way to some area of Paris where Kanye's video is suppose to be projected

Waiting and taking random pictures of this quaint street
Paris at Night. Corner Cafe

We are all standing around waiting for video

Paris at night

Typical French apartment building in neighborhood


I walked past this restaurant entrance while on the Avenue des Champs Élysées. I thought it was so captivating and unique, I had to take a picture!



Perfume Stroll Through Paris: SAGIL Boutique




Champs-Élysées

Window Display at Sagil
First stop on the stroll. Sagil located at 242 Rue de Rivoli. Home of the finest French perfume


Wall display inside Sagil. 

Paul and Joe Blanc and Bleu are two feminine fragrances

Serge Luten collection

Caron Paris

Serge Luten display

Montmarte:Paris

I love Paris but New York will always be in my heart! 

I came across this at a store in similar to Sephora. 
The combination of Vanille and Ylang Ylang was  perfect. 

Couldn't pass this place without going in

Histories De Parfum, Moulin Rouge 1889

Me with my new friend Tatiana. We met in the store while talking about perfume and lipstick

A street in Montmarte
Sacre Coeur and yes I walk to the top