When I think of Coty, I think of the array of fragrances that the company produces: From Marc Jacobs and Chloe, to Exclamation! and Kate Moss, Coty is the world’s largest fragrance company and a recognized leader in global beauty. A month ago, we were invited to a media event at Coty’s Research & Development facility in New Jersey. Though flattered and extremely excited to get an inside peek into the beauty giant, none of the M.I.S.S. writers could attend. No fear! We arranged to have some photos sent to us so that you could at least get a sense of what’s it’s like on the inside of the beauty game.

It’s not all glamour, in fact, it’s all science based so think lab coats and test tubes! Chief Scientific Officer & SVP of Global R&D, Ralph Macchio (not the Karate Kid!), let the tour and explained business behind the beauty company. He explained the product development cycle of testing, smelling, comparing and evaluating all that goes into the development of Coty’s color, fragrance and skin care business. The guests even got to use machines that tested eye lash durability and skin hydration. Exciting!

Check out the rest of the pics after the jump . . .

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Left: Image from Donna Karan Fall ‘08 Campaing featuring Kate Moss, shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.  Right:  Interior shot of Union Street Station.

People cannot get enough of Kate Moss. Her face is emblazoned on many a t-shirt and she’s been the face of a number of companies including David Yurman, Rimmel, Agent Provocateur, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle and YSL, along with having her own line at Topshop and her own fragrance. This fall she will also be the face of Donna Karan’s Fall 2008 collection which brings to life “the glamour of the Orient Express.” The campaign was shot in LA’s beautiful, historic Union Street station and is about “the woman on the go.”  I think Kate Moss is a beautiful style icon but I wonder if consumers will ever get tired of her, or can distinguish between the products she promotes?  At what point is it confusing for consumers to see the same face repping everything from Topshop to YSL?  Is there any confusion of brands, messages and styles?  Does this generation need a new icon/role model that is more than just a pretty face?

Images & Info of Fall 08 Campaing:  WWD