New York Sniffathon
July 18th, 2007
As many of you may know by now, last weekend was the Great New York Sniffathon - Miss Aromascope went to visit Miss Colombina from Perfume-Smellin’ Things. Sadly, we didn’t make the news for the people of New York do not find such affairs worth noticing. For us, however, it was a big thing. New York is possibly the only city in the U.S. with such ample perfume offerings, and, needless to say, for a perfume fanatic the experience is akin to that of raiding a toy store for a child. There was much sniffing, grabbing things off the shelves, clapping hands, leaping for joy, staring into space pondering financial future, bemoaning the lack of available arm space, and a general state of emotional confusion. In short, we had a blast! At the end of it, a couple of conclusions were mutually drawn: 1) sniffing is a bit challenging in super humid weather; 2) despite the abundance, there was not a whole lot of novelty. To clarify the second point, novelty in this case implies the lack of new releases at this particular time combined with our blasé state of mind (and nose). But enough of this. Miss Colombina has written a superb detailed report on her blog, and I’ll give you a more concise version, pointing out the highlights and letdowns.
Top Highlights
For a Guerlain maniac as myself, the beautiful Guerlain counter at Bergdorf Goodman seemed like my second home. My beloved Iris Ganache is already there, Vol de Nuit parfum is still my lemming, and Cuir Beluga chose to spend the rest of its life with me. On the upcoming addition list this fall is the former travel exclusive Vetiver Pour Elle that will grace the famous bee bottle, and Cologne 68 that will join the Bergdorf Goodman selection. There will be two new releases: Quand Vient La Pluie (which will be quite pricey), and Spiritueuse Double Vanille, an impressive vanilla scent a sample of which is in my possession to be scrutinized and reviewed in the near future. What can I say, I’m all a-twitter!
Barney’s New York Frederic Malle section. After a lively and quite enlightening chat with Luis (whom you must see at least once in your life), we left in physical pain over having to keep our mouths shut until further notice. If you haven’t figured it out already, I’m talking about a new release that’s due this September - a masculine scent that’s supposed to sweep us off our feet. Meanwhile, the U.S. version of French Lover that will be called Bois d’Orage will actually be slightly different - heavier on musk, we hear. In addition, there will be a new floral scent next year. An exciting piece of info for those living in Chicago and nearby - there will be a Frederic Malle counter at the Chicago Barney’s this fall. Yippee!
Aedes de Venustas. If you love perfume and have been to New York but not to Aedes, you don’t really love perfume. The shop is a must visit for the experience will be unforgettable. Although we were more enchanted by the lovely Karl than actual sniffing, a few fragrances were fun to try: the new Passion Bresil and Secret Afrique by Esteban, both quite nice for the price; the new Parfums 06130 - Feuille de Reglisse, Lentisque, and Lierre Rose (reviews coming soon). We paid tribute to the exorbitant beauty of Yu by Mane (a limited edition scent that costs $5,000) but chose to proclaim our love for A.Maze by People of the Labyrinths (preferring the eau de toilette concentration). There will be a new signature Aedes fragrance soon but that’s all I can tell you right now.
Takashimaya Tea Room. Yes, even though the store has a newly arranged fragrance department (that’s now on the first floor), there was absolutely nothing perfume-wise that tickled our fancy. So down we went to drown our grief in tea. I’m not a regular tea room goer but I can tell you it’s the best. We blissfully sipped the signature rose petals tea and lunched on the most delicious grilled Gruyere cheese bread and salad with the most amazing dressing. A gustatory highlight for sure!
Fragrance Highlights
Infusion d’Iris by Prada. Due in stores very soon, this is a nice, understated, easy-to-wear iris blend. As you may have noticed, iris is the note du jour, and, frankly, I’m a bit jaded about it. However, Infusion d’Iris is a pleasant exception. There will also be an iris scent by L’Artisan Parfumeur coming this October called Iris Pallida but I haven’t smelled it yet. I hear it’s quite good.
Vetiver Extreme by Guerlain. That one was spotted at Sephora. An earthy, smoky vetiver with substance - just the way I like it.
Yerbamate by Lorenzo Villoresi. I’m still in disbelief it took me so long to find this. A tea scent with a twist: smoky meets minty on the base of patchouli and soft spices. A perfect summer scent!
Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia by Estee Lauder. This was a big surprise for both of us. A review to come soon. For now I’ll just tell you that it’s very, very good.
Fragrance Letdowns
Vivara by Pucci. The bottle is the only appealing thing about it. For a reissue of the classic, it’s a bit of a joke. No sight of anything remotely chypre - a transparent aquatic floral instead. Shame, shame.
Guerlain Ouds. I can call this nothing but a big, fat mistake. Had there not been enough Guerlains for me to revel in, I’d never have forgiven this mishap. First of all, these are supposed to be ouds (think Montale ouds) but there’s nothing oud-like about them - a complete lack of character, staying power, and appeal. Gone in less than 10 minutes.
Numerous Light Blue clones that I don’t find necessary to even list here.
Other Fun Shops To Visit Just For The Fun Of It
Space NK in Soho. The newly opened U.K. apothecary in a contemporary, minimalist style with a few European skincare lines but mostly familiar Sephora stock. We smelled all the Space NK fragrances and found nothing too exciting.
Le Labo in Soho. Since we were both very familiar with the line and its fragrances, we left rather underwhelmed. An interesting, industrial style lab of a shop that seemed to lack a certain flair.
Lafco in Soho. The shop is gorgeous and has the entire Santa Maria Novella collection.
Tom Ford boutique on Madison. Seemingly intimidating, the shop houses the coolest display of the new Tom Ford private collection fragrances as well as the charming sales lady who made us feel very welcome in that posh world of Tom Ford.
Henri Bendel’s on Fifth. Despite its array of niche fragrances, the highlight of the fragrance department is the L’Artisan boutique in the adjacent room. A true eye candy.
That’s about it. I should also mention that meeting Miss Colombina and her lovely family was the biggest highlight of my trip. I could fly there any time just to be in her fragrant company and play with her numerous perfumes. She’s truly a rock star!
Images: perfume fanatics at the Guerlain counter at Bergdorf Goodman and Aedes de Venustas.
Entry Filed under: Featured Shops, New Perfumes, Spotted
27 Comments Add your own
1. tmp00 | July 18th, 2007 at 11:41 pm
Okay first of all let me bay at the freaking moon that they decided to amp up the musk for the American release of French Lover after I got a bottle shipped from freaking France because I didn’t want a bottle called Bois d’Orage, which sounds like a French porn star.
Second, I said it on Columbina’s blog and I will say it here: you girls are so cute! And young! And thin! I think I might hate you!?! I am long overdue for a trip home and may have to live on TrimSpa and marinate in Creme de la Mer in case I run across you!
Third, even if I am old and chubby I insist that we meet at CB I Hate Perfume for the heck of it. Drinks at the Algonquin. Pizza on Third Avenue. Really.
2. Maria B. | July 19th, 2007 at 2:32 am
You two ladies are beautiful! And I second Tom in envying your trimness. Iris is indeed the note du jour, but unfortunately it’s one to which I am singularly vulnerable. I raised my hands in terror when I learned that it would be this year’s L’Artisan vintage. I’m already lemming Iris Ganache. I may need Iris Anonymous.
3. chayaruchama | July 19th, 2007 at 5:39 am
I think you’re both gorgeous and Baltic…and the adoption papers are already in the mail.
That’s my take, honey.
[So glad you liked your package, BTW]
At Bendel’s, did you get to smell Mandy Aftel’s work ?
There are AT LEAST 2 amazing frags with your names on them, practically engraved.
[That woman needs a ‘fume Oscar]
The trouble is, you simply know too damn much.
Yes, that’s it.
[Now, Tom…
did you say old and chubby ?
You’re MINE, boyo, ALL MINE…
Step right this way…]
4. silvia | July 19th, 2007 at 5:57 am
Thank you for sharing your experience with us !!! I am unikely to go to NYC any time soon, but when I do, I’ll be bearing in mind all your comments and suggestions. You both seem lovely on the outside and the inside.
5. Judith | July 19th, 2007 at 6:08 am
Wonderful report!! Luis IS a doll, isn’t he! I can’t wait for the new Malle scent (I just bought a bottle of French Lover for DH, though, so I hope the American issue won’t be significantly better). I need to smell that Vetiver Extreme; is there much citrus in it? (the original is too citrussy on me). And I just smelled Yerbamate myself (got a sample with an order from the Perfume Shoppe). I an trying to decide how I feel about it on my skin; I am sure it is beautiful on you!
6. Leopoldo | July 19th, 2007 at 6:13 am
So exciting to read these and I’m all on tenterhooks with your unspoken secrets…. And your doubletake beauticious selves.
Phwoar.
7. rosarita | July 19th, 2007 at 6:49 am
What a fun post, and how nice to *see* both of you! I’m esp. excited about the Malle counter @ Barney’s in Chicago, which I am much closer to than NY. There has been a lot of love for Yerbamate on the MUA board this summer; now I really want to smell it! Thanks for sharing your weekend :).
8. Marina | July 19th, 2007 at 7:31 am
No, YOU are a rock star
Breaks my heart that it was all over so soon. Let’s do again as soon as we can.
9. Mr. Colombina | July 19th, 2007 at 8:01 am
Ina,
It was a true pleasure to have you stay with us. You are welcomed at our home ANY time!
Next time bring Mr. Aromascope!
Mr. Colombina
10. Zabava | July 19th, 2007 at 8:47 am
It is very funny written about walk in the wonderful company. Thanks! Was glad to see you.
11. Patty | July 19th, 2007 at 9:45 am
Sounds like such a great trip. I really need a trip back there this fall. you guys are right, summer is not the best time to sniff.
Tak and Bergdorf’s cafes are a must-do when you are shopping. Great food, wonderful atmosphere and just a NYC classic experience.
12. Ina | July 19th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Tom, thank you but you’re way too kind. As you can see, the pics are a bit blurry, so all my extra bulk is safely hidden from view. Ha! But you should totally come to NYC when we’re there (in October, hopefully).
13. Ina | July 19th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Maria, thank you! I’m dying to smell L’Artisan iris. I hope to soon!
14. Ina | July 19th, 2007 at 12:24 pm
Chaya, I can always rely on your for a kind word.
Baltic? That would be me. Marina is a 100% Russian. I don’t consider myself 100% as I grew up with two very different cultures around me, and I think my language is affected by it, too. But I swear she and I were in the same place and time more than once in our past (including Latvia!) I didn’t smell the Aftels. I was a bit scared, to be honest.
15. Ina | July 19th, 2007 at 12:24 pm
Siliva, you’re kind! Thank you! I hope you can get to New York some time. It’s a treat.
16. Ina | July 19th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Judith, thank you! No, not much citrus at all. It was all rooty and smoky on me which is why I fell for it. Yerbamate is lovely, though, but I’m not sure yet if I need a bottle.
17. Ina | July 19th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Leo, LOL! I fear our secrets will not be such very soon, in this age of internet. But it sure feels good to keep them for now.
18. Ina | July 19th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Rosarita, thank you! You should absolutely come to Chicago this fall for some sniffing.
19. Ina | July 19th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
Marina, it was over too soon, wasn’t it? I came home and was, like, did I just go to New York and hang out with The Goddess? Hrmph.
20. Ina | July 19th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Mr Colombina, thank you! It was my pleasure to stay in your home! If I come again this fall, I’ll be sure to bring Mr Aromascope. I think you guys will click.
21. Ina | July 19th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Zabava, thank you! It was a hoot.
22. Ina | July 19th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
Patty, haven’t been to the BG cafe yet but maybe next time. Yes, you should go there this fall. We all should!
23. Qwendy | July 19th, 2007 at 9:13 pm
The best part about going sniffing with a perfume pal, is just that, isn’t it, it almost doesn’t matter what you buy and what you like, or not, it’s the communing over the intangible thing that we spend so much of our days doing and thinking about! I was disappointed in perfume sniffing in NY recently, I’m so spoiled by my swapmates! But I loved meeting an online perfume pal for the first time and feeling as if I knew her forever! I too like the A.Maze EDT far more than the EDP, I love it actually, did you buy some? I also think that my nose isn’t at it’s best while I’m traveling, do you find that ever?
Speaking of perfume sniffing acquaintances, Tom, I’d love to smell your French Lover (sic), perhaps you want to meet up for some sniffing in LA soon?
24. Ina | July 19th, 2007 at 11:21 pm
Wendy, you’re absolutely right! It’s the fellow spirit and smelling things on each other that are the most fun. I did get Amaze edt, yes. Marina really got me hooked on it.
My nose wasn’t at its best due to very hot weather but normally it’s not affected by travelling much, unless I haven’t had enough sleep. You and Tom should meet up and write a report!
25. Qwendy | July 20th, 2007 at 1:52 am
I could tell you got A.Maze by the way you were talking about it, I think it’s really special, one of the real surprises of the year IMHO.
Yes yes yes, tell Tom, it would be really fun, he’s so nice and I’m so, well, jaded. Good balance.
26. Elle | July 23rd, 2007 at 6:41 am
Great report!!! And I so agree w/ Wendy’s comments on the real fun being in just being able to spend time sniffing w/ a fellow addict.
27. bois au brésil » N&hellip | December 23rd, 2007 at 7:55 pm
[…] Original post by Ina […]
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