Luxury: Tchin-Tchin Perrier-Jouet!

Dear Readers:

As most of you know, I tend to be rather opinionated. For better or for worst, this has made me persona non grata with some fashion and luxury brands and at least one five star hotel. So be it. I write my blog from the perspective of a consumer of luxury goods and services and I don't put forth an opinion unless I can defend it. Of course, it helps that I don't rely on advertising revenue.

Given my strong views and rather strict editorial policy, I was surprised to receive shortly before the holidays a lovely letter from Perrier-Jouet inviting me to become an ambassador of the house. In their letter, Perrier-Jouet expressly cited "the quality and objectivity" of The Luxe Chronicles' content as a reason for inviting me to join the ranks of their brand ambassadors.

Being an ambassador for a brand represents for me an opportunity to learn about the brand's history and traditions, its products and the people behind it. The art of making champagne is at its core the embodiment of many of France's finest gastronomical and historical traditions, traditions which I find fascinating. Under the circumstances, I accepted their kind invitation.

Henceforth, when I write about the House of Perrier-Jouet or a Perrier-Jouet product, please note that I will be doing so as an ambassador of the brand. I will of course mention my relationship whenever relevant to the discussion and for the benefit of new readers. Finally, I promise to write my reviews in the same independent and opinionated fashion to which you have become accustomed. That is my commitment to you.

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

P.S. For the record, while I am not subject to the FTC's jurisdiction and its ill-conceived rules governing user-generated content, I do believe in the disclosure of a material relationship when discussing any product or event. I hereby disclose having received (and promptly drunk) a bottle of 2002 Belle Epoque champagne. Let the record show that I shared said bottle with dear friends as champagne always tastes better when complemented by lively conversation. I also never, ever drink and drive (although I did drink and type once with predictable consequences).

P.P.S. It was delicious.

Comments

[Helene]

Thank you Kate ALexis C. It's very kind of you t take the time to tell me.

Helene

[Kate Alexis C.]

I love you and read your words daily!

[Helene]

Wow - who new opinionatedness was in such high demand!? Thank you all for your lovely words of encouragement.

Willowblue: I'm not sure I would count myself amongst the ranks of such distinguished names but thank you for the thought. Your comments always cast the issues in a slightly different light (and never fail to entertain) .

Helene

[willowblue]

Prophets are rarely honoured in their lifetime. Excommunication by the faux high priests of fashion is a badge of honour, madame.
It puts one in privileged company of those who dare speak their minds on Planet Fashion, such as Mesdames Menkes, Wintour and even Horyn (tho on occasion I think the NYT critic does curtsey to commercial interests - but that's me being opinionated) and get turfed out of shows or advertising pulled.
The rest of the ranks is common royalty ...eunuchs and queens. Miaoww. :-)

[Helene]

Yes, it's all quite fitting given that I've made the Queen Mum's philosophy of life my own:

“Wouldn’t it be terrible if you’d spent all your life doing everything you were supposed to do — didn’t drink, didn’t smoke, didn’t eat things, took lots of exercise — and suddenly one day you were run over by a big red bus, and as the wheels were crunching into you, you’d say, ‘Oh my God, I could have got so drunk last night. That’s the way you should live your life, as if tomorrow you’ll be run over by a big red bus.”

Seriously, thank you all for you kind words - they mean the world to me!

Helene

[Dahlia]

Congratulations! And what a delicious way to start the new year!

[John Agee Paris]

Your being "opinionated" is why we visit! Congratulations and enjoy your champagne allotment (I'm SO jealous!)

[Make Do Style]

Ah ambassador you spoil us!

[pulchra]

Thanks for being transparent and honest. I would love to see all the journalist doing the same!
This is one of my wishes for next year.
Transparency, honesty, respect. And freedom.

[ginevra]

And your opinionatedness is why we love to read you. Cheers for the New Year and fun role!