AOC completely missed the June announcement that L Catterton is partnering with actor Naomi Watts to acquire her menopause-care brand Stripes Beauty.

The American multinational private equity firm closely partnered with LVMH and Groupe Arnault is putting some expertise power behind the venture. Debra Perelman, the former Revlon CEO, is executive chair of Stripes Beauty and Cara Kamenev, a former L'Oréal executive, is president.

Stripes Beauty will also expand into the sleep support category with a supplement called The Dream Date. The clinically-backed supplement features melatonin, magnesium and red clover.

Besides scaling its own website and presence on Amazon and Sephora, the Naomi Watts-founded baby will launch at QVC and in Canada later this year.

We referenced Stripes in our May 15 writeup about Rosie Huntington-Whiteley joining The Equity Studio and saying ‘goodbye’ to Rose Inc. The supermodel lost her namesake brand in the incubator Amyris Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Naomi Watts was also impacted by the Amyris bankruptcy but bought back her rights for $500,000 at auction.

Through this news, Stripes Beauty came to the attention of Whitney Casey, who led the deal for L Catterton. "We are proud to invest in women and contribute to developing a health platform to address the full range of women's unique lifestyle needs. Led by a team of strong industry experts, we will nurture and grow the Stripes Beauty brand, its community and consumer loyalty."

Hot Babes Have Hot Flashes

AOC took a deep dive on Stripes, featured in ELLE France’s July 27, 2023 fashion story and interview.

Stripes has become an extension of Naomi Watts and her life, a definite appeal to L Catterton. Her candor is perfect for the category and AOC loves Watts’ TMI sharing style :

“I told myself that if my experience of menopause was difficult, I should not be the only one to suffer from it. I have made it my mission to support other women and change their history. "

And the humor is precious. Her vaginal gel is named You Sexy Thing.

This category of sexual wellness for aging women is exploding because just as women are saying “We’re Not Going Back” on political issues, many of us feel the same way about our sexuality.

American women not only have God in our bedrooms for political reasons. This nation is very messed up over the expression of a healthy female sexuality and sensual joy as a form of wellness. France and most of Europe are way ahead of America in supporting a positive sexuality at any age.

I just had a rush of my own joy reading that Naomi Watts is now in the hands of a platinum-level, business development team in the L Catterton stable. Talk about a safe harbor for Stripes Beauty. It’s a fabulous piece of news that will age well for all parties!! ~ Anne