The Beauty King Returns: Frédéric Fekkai

Luxe Team • June 29, 2019
Frédéric Fekkai Bastide Assorted Products

Frédéric Fekkai took the beauty world by storm in the late ’80s when he opened his first salon at the top of Bergdorf Goodman in NYC. Ever since, the Aix-en-Provence native has reigned as a celebrity stylist, entrepreneur and global icon—credited with founding the luxury hair care space—with six North American salons. He recently took back the reins of his namesake company, Fekkai Brands, and developed the clean, free-of-questionable-ingredients beauty brand, Bastide, with his wife, former fashion publicist Shirin Von Wulffen. Through all his success, the beauty guru remains fiercely dedicated to the client experience, and he’s just as passionate about the quality of his products as he was the day he started.

You recently reacquired Fekkai Brands. What was the impetus for that?

I desired to reconnect with the Fekkai salons and customers. It provides me with the
opportunity to reinfuse my passion for innovation, while reigniting its growth and guiding Fekkai Brands through its next chapter in a modern and exciting way. I also realized there was amazing potential within the clean beauty space with Bastide, which my wife Shirin and I launched in 2016.

How has your company changed since its inception?

The evolution of the industry in the digital space and social media has been incredible. Fekkai was built on the special tailored service for each client. We can now communicate in real time with our consumers and stylists, share news and inspiration and receive feedback that we can use as we work to develop future launches.

What’s the secret to building your brand? Is there something about it being personal when your name is on the bottle?

Absolutely, every experience people have with your brand is linked directly to your name and your character. What I’ve learned is not to second-guess myself when making decisions about the brand. I will ask
people I trust for advice or inspiration, but at the end of the day I always trust my gut when it comes to the final decision—that’s what makes the brand feel authentic.

You’ve been creating new products with Shirin for Bastide, and it’s much more than just hair care. Is that fun?

Bastide comes from and is based on life in my hometown of Aix-en-Provence, France. The philosophy of Bastide is about living a pure and relaxed life, being closer to nature and finding the simple things in life. Every product is inspired by this lifestyle—which we call ‘la douceur de vivre,’ meaning ‘the sweetness of life.’ With Bastide, Shirin and my kids always give me ideas for products and even test them for us. The products feel like a homecoming for me. Bastide is a
little piece of Provence in a bottle I can share with others.

Products from Fekkai’s Bastide line, which he calls “a little piece of Provence in a bottle”

Is it true that you test all your products at home?

We don’t launch a product unless it has been tested by as many people as possible. We have everyone in the office take home a sample and give us their honest feedback. If we don’t love it, then it goes back for revision. I think this attention to detail is what sets our products apart.

What kinds of beauty items are always in your shower or medicine cabinet?

Bastide Ambre Maquis body wash is always in my shower—it is my favorite scent. I also love the Aesop Parsley Seed [facial] cleanser. Melatonin is always in my medicine cabinet to help get over jet lag after a long trip.

What hair trends do you love right now?

I love a blunt bob with some texture—it’s a bit of a nostalgic nod to the ’90s, but also looks chic and on-trend. It’s easy to style for either a casual or more formal look, so it suits today’s modern woman who is always on the go.

Looking back on when you launched your brand, what do you wish you had known when you were starting out?

I wish I had known how important execution is. Having a great idea is one thing, but the hard work comes while realizing an idea. Also, no one tells you how easy it is to spend money! I would not do anything differently, because it all led to where we are today—and I’m very optimistic about the future for my brands.

What do you think it takes to be an effective leader?

Have a sound and passionate story. That’s something that will always be invaluable to your business and will inspire the people working for you. Surround yourself with great talent—people who are passionate, trustworthy and genuine.

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

My greatest accomplishment to date is the creation of my brands and building a network of friends and employees that have supported me along the way. I am proud to say I started the luxury hair care category. It was inspired by luxury skincare. The industry has grown and transformed so much! I want to continue to grow and to bring innovation to the field.

” HAVE A SOUND AND PASSIONATE STORY. THAT’S SOMETHING THAT WILL ALWAYS BE INVALUABLE TO YOUR BUSINESS AND WILL INSPIRE THE PEOPLE WORKING FOR YOU.”


Frédéric Fekkai headshot

A Statement of Power and Prestige

April 28, 2025
If there’s one automotive trend that never goes out of style, it’s the art of personalization—especially when it comes to Range Rovers. Whether it’s vintage resto-mods dripping in nostalgia or rugged, off-road builds designed for adventure, luxury SUV enthusiasts are always seeking something extraordinary. But when it comes to the most lucrative niche of all—modifying brand-new Range Rovers—one name stands above the rest: Overfinch.  For nearly five decades, Overfinch has been elevating the iconic SUV with unmatched craftsmanship, cutting-edge styling, and performance enhancements. Now, with the unveiling of the Velocity Edition, the brand once again redefines what it means to drive in ultimate luxury. The Overfinch Velocity Edition is more than just a Range Rover—it’s a statement. With its sculpted body, bold carbon fiber accents, and widened stance, this SUV exudes confidence from every angle. The exclusive 24” Helix wheels amplify its commanding presence, ensuring it turns heads wherever it roams. Dressed in a sleek Borasco Grey finish, complemented by signature black chrome badging and an illuminated tailgate emblem, this is no ordinary Range Rover—it’s a masterpiece in motion. Step inside, and the experience is just as breathtaking. Hand-stitched Arancia Orange leather envelops the seats, dashboard, and steering wheel, creating a striking contrast that’s both sophisticated and dynamic. Of course, Overfinch offers an endless array of color and material combinations, allowing owners to tailor their interiors to their exact desires. Every inch of the cabin is meticulously crafted, blending contemporary luxury with a performance-driven edge. Luxury is nothing without performance, and the Velocity Edition delivers in spades. Every model comes equipped with an Overfinch sports exhaust system, but for those craving even more power, the brand’s Performance Upgrade for the P530 V8 unleashes an exhilarating 620 horsepower and 656 lb-ft of torque—a substantial boost from the standard 530hp. This is an SUV that doesn’t just glide down the road—it dominates it. The Velocity Edition made its grand entrance at the 8th annual Miami Concours, where it captivated automotive enthusiasts and luxury connoisseurs alike. As one of Overfinch’s most anticipated releases, it’s already generating significant buzz among collectors and discerning drivers. “The Velocity Edition is one of the most highly anticipated Overfinch releases to date,” says Kevin Sloane, Chairman of Overfinch. “It doesn’t just stand out—it commands attention.” And that, after all, is what Overfinch has always been about. Available as a complete vehicle or as a customized overhaul for existing 2023-2025 Range Rover V8 Autobiography or SV models, the Velocity Edition is crafted with meticulous attention to detail by Overfinch’s factory-trained technicians. For those who demand more than the ordinary, the Overfinch Velocity Edition is the ultimate expression of power, prestige, and personalization. More at www.overfinch.com

SPRING CLEANING FOR YOUR BODY

By Vivian Ashcroft • April 25, 2025
A Refresh for Mind, Body, and Spirit

Maison Psyché Unveils Éclat d’Ombre

April 25, 2025
Maison Psyché, the ultra-luxurious perfume house of the Rémy Cointreau Group, continues to push the boundaries of haute parfumerie with its latest olfactory creation, Éclat d’Ombre. This limited-edition masterpiece is a sensorial journey, infused with deep, woody contrasts that evoke the mystery and richness of time itself. Since its groundbreaking debut, Maison Psyché has redefined the fragrance landscape by marrying the worlds of fine perfumery and exceptional spirits. Through its pioneering process of sublimating essences in Cognac cellars, the House has perfected the art of metamorphosis—blending, transforming, and elevating the rarest raw materials into olfactory treasures. “Maison Psyché draws on its ancestral savoir-faire to create a new level of excellence in perfumery,” shares Catherine Sardin, Managing Director of Maison Psyché. “Our natural, artisanal approach achieves a veritable art of metamorphosis, delivering vibrant, richly aromatic fragrances.”  A tribute to the timeless expertise of Maison Rémy Martin, Éclat d’Ombre pays homage to those who have imparted their wisdom to the House, enriching its craft. As with its predecessors—Alexanor, Belle-Dame, Alcyone, Nymphalis, and Hamadryas—this fragrance embarks on a journey to the heart of Cognac, where nature’s bounty transforms in the depths of the Maison’s revered cellars. A chypre composition of luminous and shadowy elements, Éclat d’Ombre conjures the sensory contrasts of Cognac’s terroir. It oscillates between warm sunlight and cool shade, revealing luscious woody accords and intoxicating floral nuances. The scent is an invitation into a hidden world, where eaux-de-vie and perfume essences evolve in quiet harmony. True to the House’s philosophy, Éclat d’Ombre is the creation of an exceptional duo: Master Perfumer Sophie Labbé and Maison Rémy Martin’s Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau. “It is a delicate balance of bright citrus, the captivating power of rose enhanced by osmanthus, and the shadowy, earthy freshness of patchouli,” Labbé describes. Loiseau adds, “The time spent in barrels and the metamorphosis in contact with wood imparts a rounder, more elegant character—apricot, creamy textures, and a deep, balsamic intensity.” More than a fragrance, Éclat d’Ombre is an objet d’art. Limited to just 30 numbered crystal flacons, each bottle is adorned with an 18-carat gold cameo—an exquisite symbol of rarity and refinement. This collector’s edition is available exclusively by appointment at Maison Psyché’s Salon at Place Vendôme in Paris and in Cognac, as well as through the House’s private advisors worldwide. For connoisseurs who seek the extraordinary, Éclat d’Ombre is an invitation to experience the alchemy of nature and time—an ephemeral jewel that lingers on the skin, radiant and untamed. Founded in 2021, Maison Psyché stands at the crossroads of nature and luxury, reviving the grand traditions of perfumery with a visionary approach. Rooted in the legacy of Rémy Cointreau, the House is the first to craft its fragrances within Cognac cellars, embracing the transformative magic of oak wood and time itself. Each scent is a living masterpiece—an exquisite fusion of craftsmanship, intuition, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. For those who understand that true luxury is an experience, Maison Psyché is the pinnacle of olfactory artistry.
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