Cart Curator #18 - From Bad to Worse: The Latest on the Cosette PR Disaster
We revisit the Cosette drama, the chic accessory to level up your pilates class and the two fashion brands you should have on your radar this spring.
Hi CC friends,
And just like that, we’re back to regular programming.
Nic spent the weekend in Mudgee, whilst Jess hers ankle-deep in a post-holiday apartment update - many of these items you will see in the issue below.
After a slight detour on the planned CC collaborator schedule (very ambitious launching whilst on holiday) we will have our second collaborative issue live next week (and honestly what a dream follow up to our debut collaborator).
Enjoy,
You Asked for It
If there is one thing that we are experts at doing, it’s shopping for homewares. We’ve spent far too many hours in Pottery Barn (the one at Brisbane’s James Street is elite), mentally adding pieces to our wishlists. So, when this week’s YAFI was bar cart essentials - no we don’t mean cocktail shaker/muddler/ice bucket - we knew we were the ones for the job. So here are our picks for additional items you can use to make your bar cart a moment in itself.
Starting off strong with a couple of functional pieces that double as decor items with the Soho Home Atlee marble bottle opener and McMullin & co. Theo Coaster Set. Items like these which are a bit more interesting when it comes to their shape and material are ideal, as they are both aesthetic but practical.
Another consideration is to keep the height of items in mind, which can come from a vase and/or lighting. An interesting glass vase like the Zeta Vase from Provincial Home Living can be left empty or filled with fresh/fake flowers depending on your budget or the Dome Table Lamp from Freedom will add interest to the eye, as well as that much-needed height.
Our last selection would be a bowl that could be used for lemons or limes, of which also brings a bit of colour to the space My pick is the Kmart Fluted Decorative Bowl which I (Jess) actually own myself and is currently on sale for $5. You can also use this to collect matchbooks, corks, or bottle tops which adds interest and a story to the items on your bar cart. Don’t be afraid to mix high and low when it comes to homewares - everything may not be a winner but Kmart/Target/Big W occasionally take inspiration from higher-end pieces so keep an eye out for those gems when you shop.
Popshop
Our favourite pop culture or industry moment of the week.
Following our original Popshop that covered the Cosette super fake debacle we continued to see the situation unfold across social media and from personal accounts who were unfortunately caught up in the dilemma.
One reader got in touch after sending her bag (which was a birthday gift!) off to two different third-party authenticators and unfortunately, as we are hearing more and more of, her item wasn’t the real deal. We are unable to say much more at this point as she is working through the legalities with Cosette, but we will keep you posted as this continues to progress.
We’ve also seen quite a few people on TikTok sharing their experiences, including influencer Helen Chik who has a series of videos on her refund process.
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From a PR perspective, this is every publicist’s worst nightmare, so we wanted to chat with friend of Cart Curator, and Crisis Authority and Reputation Specialist Sally Branson to get her take.
“This is a PR nightmare for Cosette and it’s only getting worse. There's been a conspicuous absence of proactive statements, not a post on Instagram, and not a single forward-reaching communication.
Cosette doesn't seem to be actively giving too many fucks.
In this day and age, consumers are not just sharp; they're razor-sharp. One super fake YSL? Ok. Two fake Marmont? Hmmm, six fake Chanel? Things are starting to smell smoky. It begins to become hard to ignore the possibility of a fire. Super fakes in the hundreds? That's a bit much.
And when you consider the founder's past legal issues, like that scrap with Burberry, and the shadow of alleged history passing off fakes, not to mention a financial tune of over 12 million owed to creditors, it’s not just embers of concern, it’s great leaping flames. Perhaps you’re just going to let this brand burn and start another with the same formula and hope no one notices. My Net Sale anyone?
Now we’re seeing reports of customers being told to remove negative reviews if they want their refunds. You can’t say Cosette isn’t aware of the importance of good PR if they’re trying to get reviews taken down. It’s a clumsy strategy.
And unhappy customers? They’ve got the power to bring you down with a hashtag and trial by social media can be dangerous.”
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Sally’s final takeaway?
“Let's not allow this super fake saga to bring down the circular economy. If you're going to invest in a piece of luxury, do it right: either buy from the original retailer or opt for luxury pre-loved items, ensure they're authenticated, and in doing so, support a circular economy that truly matters.”
Add to Cart
What’s sitting in carts, or what’s been checked out.
Jess
Maison Balzac Le Sel Large Scented Candle
I’m a sucker for a Maison Balzac candle and their previous collaboration scents have never disappointed (the MB x Lee Mathews Black Sassafras is a personal favourite) however by the sounds of the new Maison Balzac x Raes Le Sel Candle there might be a new winner.
Le Sel is supposed to capture the scent of a moment by the sea “Le Sel reminds us of fresh salty air on a bright sunny day, looking out onto an endless stretch of blue water”. Sign me up.
Club Martyn Classic Crew Grip Sock
Pilates grip socks are something I always categorised as a bit of a meh purchase with my current selection of x2 incredibly random pairs featuring hearts and tie dye purchased out of necessity pre-class vs as a fashion statement. I found Club Martyn a couple of weeks ago on Instagram and immediately added a couple of pairs to my cart.
I love that these are a crew sock whereas most grip socks are anklets and overall they just look a bit chicer and align better with your activewear look and can confirm the ample grips do the trick.
Nicole
I’m switching it up this week, and instead of sharing specific items, I'm going to share two brands that have recently earned a spot on my radar.
If you’ve been paying attention, you would know by now that statement jewellery is my vibe. This brand does that better than anyone, with simple gold and silver pieces amped up in size and shape. You could style these pieces as an easy way to add a unique dimension to a simple outfit or amp up an already glam look.
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This brand is dominating my summer wishlist, for both their dresses and swimwear. They describe themselves as a destination of hedonism, where days are well-lived, sun drenched and carefree. I love that they are an Australian company (so many great resort wear brands area), but have a fun undertone that so many summer brands are missing (anyone else tired of beige and white linen?). In particular, these beaded bikinis and this pink sequin dress are catching my eye.
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Beauty Counter
Prod of the week.
Jess
Eleven Australia Shampoo and Conditioner
I have never been loyal to any haircare brands preferring to devote my attention to my one true love (makeup). From Pantene to Kevin Murphy I have tried them all and never really found anything I liked or feel like they did anything for my hair. Recently I went into a hair store (?), one that sells every brand under the sun and asked them what they thought I should be using and they actually picked a winner in the Eleven Australia range.
I’m currently using the Gentle Clean Balancing Shampoo paired with the Hydrate My Hair Moisture Conditioner and love how it applies in the shower and feels/lasts when dry. The price point is very appealing as well (especially if you have previously been a user of Kevin Murphy or even worse for the wallet, Oribe).
Nicole
So, I had my teeth professionally whitened in the dentist's chair about a year ago, which is great, but also expensive, relatively painful and I had to annoyingly avoid all food and drink with any colour for the week following. Which meant no coffee (rough), no soy sauce (I eat a lot of sushi) and no tomato sauce (so pasta was off the menu). Prior to this experience, I’d been using the Oral-B Whitestrips religiously, which you can pick up at most grocery stores or chemists (keep an eye out for when they go on sale). They were a recommendation many years ago from friend Gemma Watts - and if you know Gem then you know she knows her beauty stuff. They are JUST as good as professional whitening, and you can pop them on easily for an hour.
One to Try
Recent openings and discoveries of the food and beverage kind.
By no means is this a new venue announcement but more of an FYI? Sydney institution Fred’s in Paddington has recently announced that they are once again serving breakfast filled with baked treats by Head Pastry Chef, Carley Scheidegger.
Brunch is available every Saturday from 8-11 AM and you will definitely find me (Jess) here next time I head to Sydney.
Lottery Win
A girl can dream.
Spinelli Killcollin Halley Ring
My latest unobtainable hyperfixation is all things Spinelli Kincollin including this beautiful and unobtainable ring. Alternating solid and pavé-set gold bands are linked by three orbiting connectors in 18k yellow gold and I mean what’s not to love? Especially when it will only set you back a cool $16,130.50.
IYKYK
Super specific recs and niche hyper-fixations.
The disposable camera has become a non-negotiable for us during any outing or holiday. These are such a fun way to capture memories, and there is something nostalgic about holding out to see what the photos are after you get them developed. I (Nic) am guilty of carting this around with me at all times and forgetting to snap, so this is also a reminder to myself to take that photo (with the flash on, always).
