Les Nez Perfumes
I believe perfume is art. However, the art factory perfume produced today takes away from the artistic expression. Inevitably (and thankfully so!), there are those who rise and bravely stand against the mass market giant by skillfully creating truly one of a kind fragrances. One of such heroes, shall we call them, is the new Swiss perfume line – Les Nez. Founded by Rene Schifferle, a perfume aficionado (read an interview here), in collaboration with Isabelle Doyen (the nose behind several Annick Goutal creations), Les Nez is a novel concept not as much in its dedication to freedom of expression as its rather abstract approach. Inspired by the Frederic Malle’s idea, Les Nez creations take the concept further: the scents are abstract, almost subconscious experiences rather than interpretations of a flower or an object. Their non-conformist nature demands to be experienced rather than understood. They might not impress you but they won’t leave you indifferent.
Les Nez doesn’t list the notes for their perfumes which I find somewhat fascinating as it only emphasizes the need to experience the scent rather than interpret it. In my reviews below, I’ll quote the scent descriptions from their web site. I’d also like to add that in the few times I’ve tested the scents, I found something new every time – the impressions are by no means conclusive.
The Unicorn Spell – “If by dawn still linger on your skin mixed scents of leaves, frost, and violet blooms, and the relentless yearning for stellar sights, you will know that, at night, you felt the milky breath of a unicorn”. Probably the most unique of the three, The Unicorn Spell is a violet scent. Violet flower and violet leaves chilled by the morning frost. The chilly effect subsides a little revealing a more vulnerable nature underneath – a soft, gentle, green violet.
Let Me Play The Lion – “Scents of dusty trails, of lightly sweetened ochre, of sun-weathered wood, of silence swept by mild breezes, of skies open like an endless azure cut oozing signs, of the coming storm”. Undoubtedly my favorite, Let Me Play The Lion is the scent of dust – house dust, sawdust, ashes, trail dust. It wins me over with its soft amber accord in the drydown and the added smoky quality. While originally created for men, it can easily appeal to women.
L’Antimatiere (The Antimatter) – “An invisible ink that leaves a trace, foreseen rather than felt, persistent, yet whispered, like a creased bed linen scent wandering along your curves…” The name speaks for itself – an anti-scent with practically no smell upon first contact with skin. The most abstract of the three, L’Antimatiere smells of alcohol and freshly starched white linens. A very dry and austere scent that takes time and some effort to appreciate.
Les Nez perfumes can be purchased directly from their online shop.
Image source: www.lesnez.com
16 comments November 6th, 2006