I already visited the Paul Poiret exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum twice. It made quite an impression on me, especially since I have had a chance to smell a number of Paul Poiret’s fragrances such as Nuit de Chine and Le Fruit DĂ©fendu. Moreover, I recently found out that there is a book on Poiret fragrances published by Christie Mayer Lefkowith, an art historian and a mastermind behind some of the most renowned perfume bottle auctions which are held annually in Geneva. Her “The Art of Perfume” and “Masterpieces of the Perfume Industry” books are the information rich sources that have long been praised by perfume lovers and particularly bottle collectors. Therefore, I was anticipating having another perfume book to read.
I browsed “Paul Poiret and his Rosine Perfumes” during a recent visit to the museum and bought it on the spot. It is packed not only with the fantastic photographs of Poiret, his fashions and fragrance bottles, but also very interesting and illuminating information about the creator himself and his philosophy. Ms. Mayer Lefkowith also loaned 40 Rosine items from her personal collection, which must be incredible! Mayer Lefkowith’s website provides a glimpse inside the book.
6 Comments
Diane: Hey sweetie,
What a gorgeous book, a true collectible. The photographs of the bottles are marvelous. I hope to go the exhibit myself this summer when I’m in NYC again.
And do check your email/MUA account. A little congratulations is in order. 🙂 June 2, 2007 at 7:43pm
Marina: The book looks amazing. And 40 vintage Rosines! Ah! June 3, 2007 at 12:39pm
Bakanir: I ‘m intrigued by Nuit de Chine! I love those mysterious Nombre Noiresque names, how does it smell like? June 3, 2007 at 10:00pm
Julie: Dear V –
I am envious – I heard about the Poiret exhibit, and wanted to go. This book sounds equally “must see”. I have a semi-related question – has there been a biography of Germaine Cellier? To date, she is my favorite nose, as I like most of her creations.
You must have had a wonderful time. June 4, 2007 at 1:42pm
Style Spy: Dangit, I was in NYC in April and I JUST missed the Poiret exhibit. Dangit!
I would so much love to smell some of the vintage Rosines because to my nose (and I know this is sacrilege) most of the modern ones all smell remarkably alike to me. I love the idea of them, but I mostly find them pretty ho-hum. Go ahead, stone me now… June 5, 2007 at 10:07am
Simon O: Hello
I own an original Nuits de Chine perfume bottle and it is still possible to smell the perfume which is beautiful
Simon April 19, 2016 at 5:48pm