Quotes On Classics
July 22nd, 2007
While reading my Perfume Legends book, I came across a few quotes that I consider gems or little odes to some of the classic perfumes. Today I’d like to share a few with you.
Jean-Paul Guerlain on perception of fragrance in relation to Chamade: “Perfume is made mainly so that one remembers the woman who wears it. I like to call it the elevator effect. This is the man who goes to meet his lover - whether it be his fiancee, his wife, or his mistress - who has entered a building before him. She is wearing perfume, and he smells it. Suddenly his heart beats faster and the blood rushes to his head.” (Page 147)
Ernest Beaux, on creation of Chanel No 5: “When did I create No 5? In 1920, precisely. On my return from the war, I came back as manager of the laboratories. Mlle Chanel, who had a couture house which was very much in vogue, asked me to make her some perfumes, I presented my creations to her in two series: 1 to 5 and 20 to 24. She chose one of them numbered 5, and to the question, “What name will you give it?”, Mlle Chanel replied, “I show my collection on the 5th of May, the fifth month of the year, so let’s leave the number it bears, and this number 5 will bring it good luck.” (Page 42).
Roja Dove on the appeal of Shalimar: “Many women who wear Shalimar say, “I love a very fresh and light perfume. I hate anything which is heavy”. For them, the bergamot head notes dominate the perfume. On the other hand, you’ll find women who have worn Shalimar for years, and love the smouldering sensuality of its perfume. If you talk about the light and fresh facets of the perfume, they think you’re mad. Yet, if you point out that burst of freshness, suddenly they experience Shalimar in quite a different way. Shalimar is remarkable. Its overdose on citric freshness perfectly balances the suaveness of the balsams, and the warmth of opopanax”. (Page 56).
Image source: parfumdepub.net
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10 Comments
1. Elle | July 23rd, 2007 at 6:35 am
For years I thought Shalimar was pure evil due to the excess of bergamot. It wasn’t till I finally tried the parfum that the citrus took a back seat and I could appreciate it. I still don’t madly adore it, but I can at least enjoy it from time to time.
Amusing quote by Jean-Paul. The first part, I personally don’t agree w/ and the inner adolescent (male adolescent at that) in me wants to make an unfortunate comment about the second part.
2. Marina | July 23rd, 2007 at 7:42 am
Wonderful quotes, please share some more soon!
3. chayaruchama | July 23rd, 2007 at 8:53 am
Roja has only to look into my eyes, and I’m toast.
What a guy.
And he smells good, too.
I’m really glad my girlfriend talked me into meeting him, years ago.
It was odd, 12 or so years ago, to meet someone who loved all the same things I did.
4. Judith | July 23rd, 2007 at 12:07 pm
Wonderful quotations! I wish I could wear Shalimar, but so far it hates me in all concentrations (including vintage parfum).
5. greeneyes | July 23rd, 2007 at 2:14 pm
The bad side of the elevator effect: When I was in my late teens, I wore Anais Anais. I can’t tell you how many men would stop me and ask me if I was wearing it, and then say, “My girlfriend/wife wears that!” I suppose it’s a lovely sentiment, but I think most women want to smell unique, especially to the man they love!
6. Ina | July 24th, 2007 at 12:09 am
Elle, agree. Vintage parfum is the best rendition of Shalimar. Yes, the quote isn’t necessarily what I agree with either but I do like the elevator effect idea.
7. Ina | July 24th, 2007 at 12:09 am
Marina, will do!
8. Ina | July 24th, 2007 at 12:09 am
Chaya, you met him? Wow! I’m green with envy. Do share what it was like! What did you talk about?
9. Ina | July 24th, 2007 at 12:10 am
Judith, I can’t wear it either, actually. But I do respect it.
10. Ina | July 24th, 2007 at 12:11 am
Greeneyes, first of all, amazing that men stopped you to ask about perfume.
Secondly, I agree. Overusage can totally kill a scent (think Angel).