Camille Latron: 2 posts

Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.

A flower of many symbols, rose originated in Persia, where it was considered to be a masculine flower and a flower representing the divine, the ultimate achievement and perfection, since a fragrant blossom crowns its long, thorny stem. Possessing additional symbolism of secrecy and mystery, rose eventually became associated with beauty and love. Hindu goddess of prosperity Lakshmi, whose beauty was considered unrivaled, is supposed to have been born from a rose composed of 108 large and 1,008 small petals. Roman goddess of love, Venus, counted rose among her emblems.

In this light, it is fitting that the newest Les Parfums de Rosine fragrance should intertwine the themes of love and rose. Rose d’Amour was created by Camille Latron, the nose behind Rosa Flamenca. The aldehydic touch makes Rose d’Amour as classical as a bouquet of red roses. However, in contrast to the classical interpretations, Rose d’Amour is barely touched by the sparkling aldehydic veil, which lends a lovely luminous counterpoint to the rich floral motif coursing through the arrangement. …

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Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.

The desire to capture a place impression in a scent has inspired many fragrances. One of the most trendsetting perfumes, Coty Chypre introduced in 1917 was an attempt to capture the scents of Cyprus (Chypre, in French). Similarly, Parfums de Rosine Rosa Flamenca (2004) was inspired by Marie-Hélène Rogeon’s visit to the rose gardens of Andalucia. My expectations were of hot red rose embellished by spices, however the fragrance is a powdery soft rose in the 18th century boudoir seduction vein–lace over powdered décolletage. Orange blossom paired with soufflé of roses appears in the top notes, however, soon the fragrance warms up, conjuring an impression of powdered hot skin. Although sensuality with the lady-like elegance is a combination that is rarely encountered, Rosa Flamenca manages to convey both, without accenting either characteristic too much.

Notes: orange blossom, bergamot, petitgrain, jasmine, rose, fig leaf; sandalwood, benzoin, musk.

Painting: Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Gabrielle with a Rose. 1911. Musée d’Orsay, Paris, France. abcgallery.com.