a LIFE of STYLE

French candle company Diptyque is responsible for the scented sensation that has swept through the fashion and design world.   For years the fashion flock made a pilgrimage to the Blvd Saint Germain boutique in Paris to buy the luxe candles that couldn't be found on this side of the Atlantic.   Well  times have changed.  For the past five years you have been able to find these slow burners with the heady scent at high end gift and department stores - but not in a namesake boutique.   Well this holiday - that is changing as well.   Diptyque has unveiled the temporary "pop-up" store at 377 Bleecker street in NY's West Village.

To help recreate the subtle yet powerful image on the company - Diptyque turned to the perfect interior designer to portray just that .  Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz is a master of turning white, clean spaces into  sensual, powerful rooms - while maintaining a sense of purity.   His firm- BNO design has a strong following from celebs like rocker Lenny Kravitz to writer  Laura Esquivel.   Major projects with The Morgans Hotel Group of their Mondrian Hotels in Scottsdale , Los Angeles, and soon Soho are  prestigious achievements to say the least.

There is perfect symmetry between BNO Design and Diptyque. Benjamin has a unique talent to bring an emotional response from a seemingly simple setting - much the way Diptyque candles can deliver such a strong olfactory response from their understated packaging.  

The store also features  lighting fixtures from ABYU Lighting.  They are the destination for couture fixtures  with an edge!

Benjamin's book - Emotional Rooms is a great gift for anyone with an interest in interior design.  Click here to find it on amazon - Emotional Rooms.

The Diptyque store is a must do on your holiday shopping list.  The temporary store is open through January 15th.   We hear rumors that the permanent version won't be far behind.  We hope this is true!

You can spend the entire afternoon on Bleecker Street.  After your candle shopping, stop by one of the several Marc Jacobs stores as he always has some inexpensive and super stylish gift ideas.   If you are going to any holiday parties - Ovando at 337 Bleecker is the perfect spot to pick up a unique flower arrangement or succulent for your host or hostess.   By now - you will be starving.. so stop by Miracle Grill at 415 Bleecker.   They are famous for their catfish tacos - but also have the best burger in NYC! 

Shop, Eat, & be Merry!!!   Happy Holidays!!