You might be able to guess from Kilian Hennessy’s last name that he is kind of a big deal. He is the grandson of the founder of The LVMH Group and thus, he has luxury literally running through his veins. He decided to carry on the family tradition and graduated from CESLA (School of Higher Studies in the Information and Communication Sciences at the Sorbonne), writing his thesis on the semantics of odours. His inspiration came from what the House of Hennessy calls the “angels’ share”: the percentage of cognac that evaporates from the cellars. Pretty intense stuff that signified his beginnings of perfumed greatness.
Kilian went on to work with some of the greatest brands in the perfumery business including Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, Paco Rabanne and Giorgio Armani. His scents are masterful, but the cases they come in are works of art in of themselves. Their elegance and complete femininity led Kilian’s girlfriend to one night use one as a clutch, thus pushing along his decision to launch a collection of clutches which mimic the cases.
“One night in Paris my girlfriend spontaneously wore her perfume box as a clutch bag. She received so many compliments that night that I decided to make an entire collection!” (Vogue.com) The collection is called “Night Fetishes by Kilian” and it is an aptly-fitting title, as the clutches are nothing less than sensual and awe-inspiring. Their names totally put you in the mood, which they share with Kilian’s fragrances: Invitation, Surrender, Aphrodisiac, Prohibited and Don’t Be Shy. Each piece is crafted from black plexiglas with clean lines, echoing something altogether modern and naughty simultaneously.
Selita Ebanks is one of the latest celebrities to wear them. She chose the Prohibited Red Edition Clutch which she wore at the Season Eight Premiere of “Entourage” in New York City. The mix of the clutch’s red blood shagreen and faceted white crystal solitaire on its clasp are absolutely stunning, without being overpowering or gaudy. A word to put into your fashion vocabulary? Galuchat – stingray skin named after Louis XV’s leather artisan, Jean-Claude Galuchat, who introduced the exotic skin to France in the 18th century.
Kilian by Kilian Hennessy’s Prohibited Red Edition Clutch retails for $2895. Visit www.bykilian.com for more information and www.bergdorfgoodman.com to purchase.
Urban Sybaris 