Givenchy Maharani Spring 2009 Collection

Remember my post where Lancôme introduced Indian-inspired eye and lip makeup? Guess what? Givenchy is following in Lancôme's footsteps with their Maharani Spring 2009 Collection. Oh, how original! Perhaps they think they can do a better job. Or perhaps they suddenly realized that they need India's business. This must mean that India is doing relatively well, amidst the global depression (I'll have to check up on that later).

Irregardless, Givenchy seems to have come up with a very pretty collection that is wearable by all ethnicities and skin tones. I thought the best part of the collection is the Precious Sari Glittering Eyeshadow in Silver and Gold, because it is so perfect for the summer and functional. Also, the Sari Glow Iridescent Blush in Orange can be used as a subtle bronzer for the summer. In general, the Maharani items are infused strongly with earth tones and complimented by pink tones and metallics.

For your interest, Maharani is defined as the wife of a maharajah (king), or a princess in India ranking above a rani. Also, Sari is the traditional clothing of the Indian, which involves a lot of cloth and a lot of wrapping. (I LOVE SARIS!!!)

This leads to another difference between Lancôme's and Givenchy's attempts at Indian-inspired cosmetics. Lancôme's named and designed their items with a literal visual translation, but used very abstract naming (i.e., Lotus Splendor and Poudre Elephant Teint). On the other hand, Givenchy kept to their traditional compact (for brand recognizability?) and gave relatively literal names to their products. Who did it better?

Despite my tendency to buy into new shapes and concepts, I think I am going to vote for Givenchy because their Maharani items are easier to use and have a bigger breadth in application.