Working with time-honoured techniques to create the most innovative forms of fragrance - including scented bubbles and bracelets - Francis Kurkdijan is king of quirky, distinctive perfume. At just 25 he created his first fragrance for Jean Paul Gaultier and has since created many of the world's most iconic eau de parfums, shaping the perfume market for the 21^st century as one of the most respected and revered noses of our times.

What's the founding philosophy of Maison Francis Kurkdijan?

First of all, there is the idea of a House that was dear to me. Becoming a master perfumer was for me a way to revive the idea of fashion houses such as Yves Saint Laurent that made me dream when I was a teenager - I enjoy the luxury of details and of meaningful things. I am also wholeheartedly in love with Paris - the aesthetic and architecture, the grey roofs and golden domes - all of which inspired my boutique in the 1st district of Paris, and all of my codes, from the caps to the transparency of the bottles. 

What or who inspires you?

I am often inspired by random words that resonate in me through ideas that become chords.  I sometimes happen to be inspired by people: the voice, the gestures. It is a matter of availability at a certain time.

How do you conceive your scents?

I compose then I wear the trial. When I start to enjoy it, I make my entourage wear it. A perfume has to smell good and hold its message long enough.

What's been your proudest moment?

As a matter of fact, I am very proud when I smell one of my creations worn by someone in the street. It is such a great feeling to think that one can inspire this joy in people you don't know.

Who makes up your own beauty entourage?

My coach and when I travel a lot my masseur; that helps me handle various successive jetlags.

What's next?

As for now, Aqua Universalis Forte, which is the Eau de Parfum form of Aqua Universalis with a different formula that enhances its 'remanence' while keeping all the freshness of the Aqua Universalis. And then for Christmas, I will release some perfume extracts (Elixirs). I love this concept and I am happy to revive the perfumed movement they enlighten again. They are little olfactory bombs - very feminine, very sensual - reviving the carnal movement of perfume extracts.

Text: Grace Timothy

Edward Bess, the boy who made beauty editors blush (comparisons were drawn with a popularised vampire - see main image) launched his niche makeup brand in New York back in 2006 with a collection of lipsticks designed to flatter different skintones. The then twenty-year-old (yes, twenty) went on to add in products for eyes and complexion, and brought it to London last year with Zuneta.com. Next up: a skincare range launching this autumn. Ladies and gents, meet Edward Bess.

What's the founding philosophy of your brand?

Less is more - with makeup, a little goes a long way. Also, to design colors that are not based on trend or season.

What's been your proudest moment?

Selling out of Lip Wardrobe my very first day at Bergdorf Goodman

Which models do you love to make up?

I still get excited to do my mom's makeup

In which city are the most beautiful men and women to be found?

It's hard to beat the beautiful faces in London

Which other beauty product do you wish you'd created?

I have always longed to offer skincare and am excited to finally debut my range this Fall - inspired by the Black Sea.

Who makes up your dream team on a shoot?

I am lucky to work with the dream photographer Ruven Afanador. He makes any model look good.

Text: Grace Timothy

Sometimes finding the right salon can be pretty terrifying. We've all been given a dodgy chop or somehow emerged with an undercut and assured the stylish we loved it before crying every morning and purchasing a vast array of hats. So last week when Because was invited to visit Paul Edmonds' prestigious salon in Knightsbridge we obviously had to go in the name of research.

We know, it's a tough job but the people need to know about these things and who could refuse an invite to a salon referred to as Edmonds' "House of Luxury".  So off we went.

We were welcomed by his hand picked group of stylists and sprawled out on velvet arm chairs awaiting our luxurious fate. The glow of Paul Edmonds' own range of candles then lead us through the intimate corridors to the cutting room. Lined with ornaments and family photographs, we quickly felt right at home. Admittedly feeling a little peckish before the pampering was set to begin, silver trays brought an array of snacks and fresh coffee. Seated in the leather bound chairs, we were poised to receive one of Edmonds' three bespoke hair treatments. The Ultimate Protein Rejuvenate Treatment enriches dried and damage locks, exactly what a girl needs after too many hours under the sun.

Our hair was initially washed with an exfoliating shampoo to open the cuticles, and then applied with an all natural, pure protein. Glossy and masked with an egg like mixture, it was then set in a dryer for thirty minutes. A sealant conditioner from Shu Uemura's hair care range was then applied, and we were ready for the prestigious blow dry. Curled with a wide barrelled brush alone, the stylist took time and care to create the perfect glamourous messy curls that we had requested.

Edmonds and his team had given us the perfect glamourous, healthy and bouncy hair - a barnett fit for a princess (or a royal wedding at least).