The Sweet (and Cool) Smell of Pop Art Revealed in Perfume Inspired by Andy Warhol

27 Feb 2008 11:20 Africa/Lagos


The Sweet (and Cool) Smell of Pop Art Revealed in Perfume Inspired by Andy Warhol

NEW YORK, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- "My favorite smell is the first smell of spring in New York," Andy Warhol once said.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080227/NYWFNS1 )


Warhol began painting and silk-screening colored flowers during the 1960s, and returned to the subject in 1970, when he developed a portfolio of vibrantly colored flower screenprints at the first of his two studios on Union Square.


Both the flowers and the location were the inspiration for Andy Warhol Union Square, the latest in Bond No. 9's series of limited edition collectible Warhol perfume ($195 for 100ml; $135 for 50ml).


"Working with Bond No. 9 represents a unique, unexpected, and exciting opportunity to introduce Warhol to an ever-widening audience," said Michael Hermann, director of licensing at The Andy Warhol Foundation.


The connection between the Warhol Foundation and Bond No. 9 is New York. If Andy Warhol was a mirror of his time, he also reflected the vitality and creativity of his adopted city.


Marking the junction of Broadway and Park Avenue South between 14th and 17th streets, Union Square and the park within it have a storied history as a choice location for outdoor public gatherings-notably union rallies in the early 20th century.


These days, Union Square is thriving, with a busy Greenmarket and a lively bar and restaurant scene, a far cry from its deteriorated state when Warhol arrived in 1968. He stayed put, despite an attempt on his life outside his studio later that year and remained in Union Square until 1984.


During the age of Warhol, Union Square was witness to the collision and subsequent uniting of uptown and downtown, especially when Warhol drew the likes of Mick Jagger, Truman Capote, and Diane von Furstenberg to his studio.


"With the Warhol collaboration, we're connecting his vision not just with a line of fragrances," Bond No. 9 President Laurice Rahme said, "but with another kind of artistry-that of the sense of smell, and to interpret the scents of the studios, the clubs, the streets of New York that Warhol frequented and made famous."


Rahme describes the green floral scent as "simultaneously cool and warm." It is housed in a flacon displaying Warhol's fuchsia, red and yellow flowers - like nothing found in nature -- and places his artistry in a new medium.


"They are like psychedelic paper cut-outs superimposed above the blades of grass, which have an outsized life of their own," Rahme said.


Bond No. 9 is offering a Portfolio of ten different bottles, which are meant to be viewed as one, just as Warhol intended for his Flowers, Rahme said ($1,500).


Andy Warhol Union Square will be available at Bond No. 9's four New York boutiques, www.bondno9.com, and at Saks Fifth Avenue nationwide.


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080227/NYWFNS1
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Bond No. 9 New York

CONTACT: Alix Perez, +1-212-228-0842, ext. 15, for Bond No. 9 New York


Web site: http://www.bondno9.com/

St. Valentine's Day Wishes: Perfume? Jewelry? Labiaplasty?

14 Feb 2008 11:15 Africa/Lagos


St. Valentine's Day Wishes: Perfume? Jewelry? Labiaplasty?

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ --

St. Valentines Day has always conjured up images of eager boyfriends and husbands rushing to buy that perfect gift that says, "I Love You." Over the decades, women have become better able to communicate more specific wish lists to their significant others rather than simply accepting generic and, sometimes, short lived gifts such as flowers.


Such was the case for Carl and Kristina of suburban Chicago. After twelve years of marriage and five very large children, sex for Kristina had become, physically and emotionally, a mind numbing experience. Her anatomy had changed and sensation had disappeared during sexual relations. The vulvar appearance no longer looked "trim and youthful," said Kristina. "I was so embarrassed; I no longer wanted him near me without the lights off." That's when the Chicago couple began their internet research. Kristina was going to get the ultimate gynecologic cosmetic makeover for St. Valentine's Day.


The couple discovered the website for the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute of Michigan and phone consulted with the director, board certified gynecologic surgeon Dr. Joseph Berenholz. When queried whether she had spoken with her gynecologist, Kristina explained that, "She said it was all a normal consequence of childbirth, not to worry and just keep doing my kegel exercises. I was so disappointed. I had been doing kegels for two years with no results!" The couple booked their flight for Michigan and arranged a date for surgery.


The consultation took place at the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute of Michigan. During the exam, Dr. Berenholz realized that Kristina was also suffering from stress incontinence, a condition where women lose urine when they laugh, sneeze, cough, jump or run. The surgery was scheduled for the following day. Kristina had a Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation to tighten her vagina. She also had a Laser Labiaplasty and a sling procedure to cure her incontinence. The procedure took two hours. The couple spent the night at a local hotel and then saw Dr. Berenholz in the morning. After being given final medical approval, the couple returned to Chicago happy and hopeful.


"I took a mirror and looked down below," said Kristina. "I was so surprised how wonderfully normal I looked. It was as though I had gone back in time prior to having my children!" Tears welled up in her eyes. "I was so ashamed to discuss my problem with nearly anyone. Dr. Berenholz just made it all so comfortable." Carl just smiled, happy to see the joy in Kristina's face.


Dr. Berenholz was the first Gynecologic surgeon in the Midwest to offer Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation. He trained in Beverly Hills with Dr. David Matlock, the originator of the technique and a regular appearing physician on "Dr. 90210." Asked why he thought patients come to him from the entire Midwest including Michigan, Dr. Berenholz simply replied, "People want experience. This is the most delicate part of the female anatomy and is tied in very closely to the female psyche." Dr. Berenholz is still amazed at how women tell him of the dismissive attitude of their Gynecologists. When asked if he found it humorous that a woman would ask for this type of surgery for St. Valentine's Day, Dr. Berenholz laughed and said, "It beats getting a box of chocolate."


Contact: Dr. Joseph Berenholz +1-248-593-8780, +1-888-593-8780
jberenholz@jberenholz.com

http://www.drberenholz.com/

Source: Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute of Michigan

CONTACT: Dr. Joseph Berenholz of the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation
Institute of Michigan, +1-248-593-8780, or 1-888-593-8780


Web site: http://www.drberenholz.com/