Huh?
P.S. Maybe this is the solution to my slump?
12 comments September 7th, 2007
Posts filed under 'Spotted'
Debunking Celebrity Scents
Roja Dove, a fragrance connoisseur and founder of the Haute Parfumerie at Harrod’s, calls a spade a spade in his interview to CNN on the subject of celebrity scents. Let me just tell you he’s a man after my own heart, and if I don’t visit the Haute Parfumerie some time in the next year or so, I’ll never feel complete.
Just this for today. Please stay tuned for my review of Tuberose Gardenia by Estee Lauder coming Monday (that I’m co-posting with Marina at Perfume-Smellin’ Things). Happy weekend!
12 comments August 9th, 2007
New York Sniffathon
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.
27 comments July 18th, 2007
New Face of Lancome Tresor
I just can’t get enough of Kate Winslet in these new Lancome Tresor ads! I just wish I loved the scent as much, although I’m now moved to revisit it, especially the original, pre-reformulated version.
7 comments July 1st, 2007
(Partial) Fairwell to Dzing!
It has come to my attention L’Artisan Parfumeur has stopped production of the 50 ml size of the cult Dzing! fragrance. At some point, the large 100 ml bottles will be gone, too. Wah! Yes, I’m totally affiliated and consider it my duty to notify my fellow perfume maniacs!
21 comments June 28th, 2007
New Parfum D’Empire Fragrances
Parfum D’Empire, known for its perfumes as odes to historic events or characters, will launch three new fragrances in September: Osmanthus Interdite (Forbidden Osmanthus) inspired by the Chinese empire, blending osmanthus and green tea with a hint of leather; Fougere Bengale (Bengal Fern), “a fragrance of mosses and hay warmed up with the mouthwatering allure of gingerbread… a veritable tiger hunt in Queen Victoria’s India”; Equistrius, an homage to horses, sacred to the ancient Romans, “an ambry-woody fragrance built around an iris and ambrette-butter accord shaded with accents of sandalwood and soupcon of chocolate” (Osmoz.com). I’m particularly excited about the horse scent, believe it or not. I bet it’ll be really good, considering how much I love Cuir Ottoman (one of the best, “raw” leathers ever). Iris seems to be the note du jour - what will be next?
26 comments June 24th, 2007
When The Rain Comes - It Pours
Just as I thought I was all lemming-free, here comes the rain - the new Quand Vient La Pluie (When The Rain Comes) by Guerlain. According to Osmoz.com, it’s composed as a “prose poem”, “a fresh, powdery-ambry melody built around heliotrope and violet, with nuances of rosemary, praline and sambac jasmine”. Quite a versatile array of notes, and I’m a bit sceptical on that praline note. The perfumer is Thierry Wasser (Dior Addict, Lancome Hypnose as well as Iris Ganache, another new release by Guerlain), and the bottle is “the shape of a raindrop set upside-down on a base etched with the veins of a leaf” (the picture doesn’t really do it justice, it seems). Available at Maison Guerlain - whether it’ll arrive in the U.S., I’m not sure.
15 comments June 11th, 2007
30 Year Anniversary for Opium
The legendary Opium by Yves Saint Laurent is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The house has created an interactive web site for the Opium fans featuring the history of its creation, ingredients, and various fun activities like creating your own Opium bottle. Check it out!
Image source: osmoz.com
1 comment June 10th, 2007
Ormonde Jayne Comes to The U.S.
Exciting news from Ormonde Jayne: in November, the brand will launch its new website in the USA with next day delivery for all its American admirers. Also new in November, Orris Noir will be available in three different ways: Parfum d’Or Naturel, Essential Bathing Oil, and Large Scented Candle. Parfum d’Or Naturel is made of natural sugars mixed with perfume and gold, and is alcohol-free. Essential Bathing Oil has been reformulated and is now free of mineral oils, artificial colors, sulphates, petrochemicals, and parabens. It also contains orchid oil extract, vitamin E, and 15% pure essence. I’m super thrilled about this and am about to go put on some Orris Noir.
Image source: ormondejayne.com
6 comments June 6th, 2007
Intriguing New Releases
This year is proving to be quite prolific in terms of fragrance releases, and, while I’ve developed a rather sceptical attitude towards most new perfumes these days, there’re a few pleasant exceptions. Here’s a list of what I’m intrigued by and am anxious to smell:
Boudoir Sin Garden by Vivienne Westwood. From Osmoz.com: “an invitation to hide and seek in an English country garden” (*raised eyebrows*). I quite like the original Boudoir, so I’m hoping Sin Garden will appeal as well. I also quite like the notes, with the exception of the first two: freesia, pink pepper, aldehydes, violet, heliotrope, orris, amber, sandalwood, oakmoss, musk.
M Moi by Mauboussin. Saffron, ivy, currant, orange blossom, narcissus, ambrette, cashmere wood, white ambe, musk. I used to wear the original Mauboussin (which is highly underrated, by the way) - a very wearable, sophisticated patchouli scent. M Moi sounds like it has good potential. My prediction is it won’t be widely distributed in the U.S. (online discounters will come to rescue, no doubt).
Matthew Williamson Collection: Jasmin Sambac, Incense, Lotus, Warm Sand. Matthew Williamson has already sent us over the moon once with the original Incense, then smashed us on the ground with its discontinuation, then smashed us again with the arid Matthew Williamson perfume. What will it do now, with all four? I’m hoping at least Incense and Warm Sand will be noteworthy.
First Love by Van Cleef & Arpels. The classic First perfume was created by Jean-Claude Ellena, and the perfumer of First Love is Christophe Raynaud. Osmanthus, mandarin, peony, ylang-ylang, orchid, amber, vanilla, patchouli - it doesn’t really sound like me but I’m still intrigued, perhaps due to my appreciation of First. I hear it’s similar to (shudder) Flowerbomb. Please spare me.
Eau Sauvage Fraicheur Cuir by Christian Dior. I love, love, love the original Eau Sauvage! Anything good is better with “cuir” - OK, maybe not always but I can still hope. This version is said to be spicier, with more cedar, and “an ambery leather accord that is “masculine but not animalic” (Osmoz.com) Notes: lemon, hedione, herbs, cedar, chypre accord, amber, leather. Fraicheur Cuir will be a limited edition scent.
Vivara by Pucci: the relaunch of the classic 1966 chypre. I’m especially intrigued by the “more modern chypre” statement. Chypre, you say? It takes guts to make one these days, and I truly hope Vivara will stay true to its classic character. Needless to say, the bottle is beyond gorgeous. Notes: galbanum, bergamot, amaretto accord, jasmine, orange blossom, narcissus, iris, vetiver, patchouli.
What new releases tickle your fancy?
13 comments June 6th, 2007