Cinquieme Sens Olfactory Training : For Professionals and Perfume Fans

Founded in Paris in 1976, Cinquième Sens (which means Fifth Sense in French) is offering an opportunity to learn about fragrance through series of workshops and training programs designed for the professional and the fragrance fan alike. The sessions range from 1 day to a year and can be tailored to reflect your specific needs. The best part is that unlike most programs of this nature, Cinquième Sens training sessions will be available in New York, from the Cinquième Sens Madison office. The topics that the sessions cover range from Olfactory Perfection (study of the main raw materials in each family,) A Century of Women's/Men's Fragrances, Study of the Top 20 launches, Formulation Workshop, among many others.

Please contact Laetitia Longuefosse, Director USA of Cinquième Sens at laetitia dot longuefosse at novalys dot com, + 1 646 251 5221 for more information, prices and availability.

Donna Karan Chaos : Return of Discontinued Favorites

I have always mourned the departure of Donna Karan Chaos. Even though many other fragrances since its original launch in 1996 attempted to capture the delicious darkness of incense, woods and spices, nothing could quite rival Chaos, where every woody, incense and spicy facet was magnified and arranged in a perfect harmony. However, it seems that the reps at the fragrance house have seen the light, and Chaos is soon to return to the stores, along with Donna Karan Signature, Fuel for Men, Black Cashmere and the Essence Collection. Meanwhile, you can visit the Bergdorf Goodman counter to preview these fragrances between August 13th and August 16th. (via press release)

Top 10 Summer Fragrances 2008

Every year I wait for the summer impatiently, even if I know that once the mercury levels start rising, I shall be miserable and cranky. Yet, the idea of a summer escape, of azure waves, of golden sand sticking to the skin, of ripe peaches, of jasmine scented nights is too irresistible, too seductive. My summer of 2008 is none of these things (save for jasmine and peaches.) It is filled with work projects, and whatever escape I manage lies in books and perfume. A spray of something orange blossom scented, and I am transported to Riviera. A hint of dark woods and cardamom, and I am having a cup of coffee someplace in the Omani oasis. The perfumes below are just that—tickets for my escapist fantasies. ...

Christian Dior Escale a Portofino : Perfume Review

In sartorial terms, an effervescent citrus cologne is as versatile and timeless as a tailored suit or a little black dress. It is immediately appealing and effortlessly chic, while still having a striking presence. Yet, after a while all little black dresses start to look similar, and all colognes exhibit that familiar fresh burst followed by the floral sweetness or the woody dryness. As one knows all too well, familiarity breeds contempt. In this light, I have put the newest cologne offering, Christian Dior Escale à Portofino, to test….

Serge Noire by Serge Lutens: New Fragrance Release

In addition to El Attarine, Serge Lutens will issue Serge Noire in July 2008, a fragrance for the export collection. Serge Noire. Serge is a type of twill fabric (in fact, French word serge is derived from Latin serica, itself from Greek σηρικος (serikos), meaning "silken",) the finest variety of which was used for delicate linings, while the rougher weave was used for military uniforms.

The press release describes the idea behind Serge Noire in these poetic terms: "The ether of ashes... A phoenix, the mythical bird of legend burns at the height of its splendour before emerging triumphant, reborn from the ashes in a choreography of flame, conjuring the shapes of yesterday in a dance of ashes. The swirls of oriental grey enrich the twilight with depth and intensity while windswept memories hint at the beauty of transformation. An ode to everlasting beauty under cover of night's rich plumage."

From Serge Lutens press release.

Serge Lutens El Attarine : New Perfume Release

The fans of Serge Lutens will be excited to hear the news that two new fragrances are about to join the collection: El Attarine and Serge Noire. The exclusive range will see the debut of El Attarine Eau de Parfum, which is described in the following manner in the press release:

"In Arab countries, 'attarin' means sweet-smelling, and refers to everything within the realm of the 'atar': fragrance, heart, flavour and essence.

There is no distinction between the olfactory and the gustatory, until the moment when you decide whether to taste or smell. ...

Frederic Malle Angeliques Sous la Pluie : Perfume Review

Angéliques Sous la Pluie is a sleeper of the Frédéric Malle collection. Next to the opulent blossoms of Carnal Flower, the delicious darkness of Vetiver Extraordinaire or the smoldering beauty of Noir Epices, its ethereal presence can be perceived as somewhat muted. However, spray it on your skin first thing in the morning and inhale… Effervescent, luminous, pleasantly dry, Angéliques Sous la Pluie is like a sip of champagne. Its simplicity and elegance are so masterfully expressed that it manages to achieve that elusive quality of subtle signature—of memorable presence and delicate aura. …