Orna Ballout ventures to the heart of Provence, in France, to discover the new LOccitane peony plant inspired range

and to meet the brains behind it all...

The Plantations The first leg of my LOccitane journey involved a visit to the peony (a beautiful Mediterranean flower) plantations to meet peony producer Jean Luc Riviere. It is in his nursery in Crest, North of Provence, that LOccitane sources its peony extract, and whose exceptional range of peony flowers inspires the new Pivoine Flora makeup and perfume range. Rivieres impressive family nursery spans over seven hectares and homes more than 700 varieties of the peony talk about flower power! In Ancient Greece, the peony was a famous flower, a symbol of feminine beauty and considered by many as a lucky charm. In the Middle Ages, the peony was cultivated for its medicinal properties; however, nowadays it is regularly used for its ornamental qualities, and is recognised by its distinctive rustic lingering fragrance. Usually, in the early months of May, the peony flower blossoms in a dazzling display of colour and grace; unfortunately, due to an early bloom, the peony flowers werent visible in the fields (typical!) although Riviere did delight with an insightful peony lecture. Its plausible as to why LOccitane chose this whimsical flower for inspiration the natural floral shades are reflected in the fresh packaging of the makeup range, and each shade used is named after the peony it reflects!

Peony Power

Flower Power: Peony Producer Jean Luc Riviere impresses with his extensive knowledge at his plantations in the heart of Provence, in France. 30 / SUMMER 2011

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Historic Retreat: LOccitane established its first Spa at this beautiful hotel which boasts three centuries of interesting history.

Le Couvent Des Minimes Hotel-Spa After the peony fields, it was time to venture to mesmerising Le Couvent Des Minimes Hotel-Spa located in Mane, Provence, where Id be staying for the duration of the trip. This impressive building boasts three centuries of history, and it is here that LOccitane established its first Spa Hotel before eventually taking the idea global. The hotels decor is a perfect fusion of the past and present, featuring modern furniture with an antique touch. Here, I was absolutely pampered experiencing tasty French cuisine, exceptional spa facilities and a wonderful ambience. The amazing Spa uses the best LOccitane products combined with therapists expertise. I enjoyed an hour and a half of pure bliss

with a rejuvenating body massage followed by a tailor-made facial. My friendly therapist recommended a specific product range for my skin type and even gave me a little card with skincare tips and tricks. Perfume making session Next on the programme was an adventure to the Couvent des Cordeliers where the University of Fragrances and Flavours is located. On arrival, a brief tour of the university was given before being whisked to a lecture room to greet Sidonie Lancesseur the perfumer behind the new Pivoine Flora Eau de Parfum, and, the lecturer of a two hour workshop to manufacture my very own perfume! Perched in my seat, I eagerly listened to Sidonies advice on how to create a perfume. The explanation

seemed simple enough, but when the time came to create, the measurements proved to be a little difficult! With a consortium of different scents dazzling in the box in front of me, I carefully selected different oils to make up the base, heart and head of the perfume. A chart was provided for guidance of what usually comprises the peony floral structure; sandalwood, white musk, white cedar, peony accord for the base; may rose for the heart, topped off with bergamot, grapefruit and cutgrass. I followed this structure, smelling oil before adding it to a glass container balanced on weighing scales making sure to stay in line with the specific measurements (tricky part!). After this process, I then selected a few personal oils to differentiate my scent. I opted for chocolate and lots vanilla yummy!

Scent of Success: Sidonie Lancesseur, the nose behind the new LOccitane Pivoine Flora Eau de Parfum, gives a lesson in perfume making. SUMMER 2011 / 31

Behind the Scenes: A trip to the factory is great for seeing some bottling and packaging action; it also contains a large gift shop stocked with sweet smelling LOccitane goodies.

Trip to LOccitane Factory A brief walk round allowed a sneak peek into the fascinating action where LOccitane products are created including laboratories, tube and bottling areas, soap and candle manufacturing areas and where all the labels are stored! The tour was finished with a brief talk from Jennifer Barachet regarding LOccitanes Sustainable Ingredients policy. LOccitane is a

socially responsible company which strives to limit its actions impact on the environments, and never tests its products on animals. One of the notable sustainable development programs it has developed is in Burkina Faso where the company brought together womens cooperatives around the production of shea butter. The LOccitane foundation (foundation.loccitane. com) is the arm which continues to support these

meaningful missions. LOccitane prides itself sourcing over 200 ingredients of plant origin and essential oils, with the aim of creating the best natural or certified-organic products. After the Sustainable Ingredients policy, it was shopping time and a great opportunity to avail of a discount needless to say I left the store holding a large shopping bag filled with sweet smelling goodies.

The makeup The Pivoine Flora makeup range is inspired by the peony the flower with a thousand petals that puts on a whimsical show every May when it blooms, and the pretty flowers come alive as they seemingly dance and spin in the wind like ballerinas. The packaging of the collection reflects this vibe with pretty ballerina sketches adorned in peony tutus. It is packed with a variety of easy to apply products, all enriched softening Peony extract that glides on to skin with ease.

The Fragrance Pivione Flora Eau de Parfum This new musky, woody fragrance wonderfully fuses the characteristics of peony with magnolia. Base notes consist of vanilla, cedar and musk; the heart features an intense scent of peony, magnolia and violet petals, while top notes round the fragrance off with bergamot and grapefruit delicious!
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Dinner with Olivier Baussan, Founder of LOccitane

Save the best till last is my motto and this was definitely the case at an exclusive dinner hosted by LOccitanes Founder Olivier Baussan. Oliviers awe-inspiring home, located in Forcalquier, Provence, was the perfect setting to meet the brains behind the prestigious brand. Oliviers home is a grand renovated castle containing walls filled with tasteful, rare, spectacular works of art something which has been a huge influence on Oliviers life as a result of his artist parents. I was fascinated at how modest Olivier was about his success, and even more taken at how well behaved his Beauceron dog, Din, was; never before have I seen an animal so consumed by its master Bin followed Olivier everywhere, sitting beside him throughout each interview just looking up at him with inquisitive eyes! Everything about the evening was splendid. Oliviers friend, a gourmet chef who owns a restaurant in Mansoque, served up a storm with a feast of fantastic culinary delights, while Olivier reminisced on his LOccitane journey which started with an old steam distiller and a van. Back then, Olivier used his knowledge on plants to create shampoos at his home which hed sell at local markets, and this led to the founding of LOccitane in 1976. As the business developed, Olivier knew hed need a proper home for his business, and by chance he made friends with an old soap maker. This man instantly spotted Oliviers passion, and as he had no heir himself, decided to give all his machinery and know-how to Olivier. On this chance meeting, Oliver recollects: I think what struck me the most was how I felt like I owe this man something, and how I was really looking forward to seeing the factory progress.

LOccitane is available at Villaggio Mall, Landmark Mall and Royal Plaza. For more info visit loccitane.com
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