Laura Biagiotti is relaunching its sumptuous oriental Venezia, which was originally introduced in 1992. The new version is reochestrated by Lucas Sieuzac and Michel Almairac, the original Venezia creator. The notes include ylang-ylang, blackcurrant buds, plum, jasmine, rose, osmanthus, sandalwood, vanilla, balsamic resins.

“Laura Biagiotti’s VENEZIA is a fragrance capable of evoking a world of poetry and imagination, it is devoted to the most magical of cities, a place to be admired and to fall in love with. The perfume has an oriental character and fragrances reminiscent of vanilla, its rich mingling of nuances is glamorously opulent and seductive.”

Venezia is available as Eau de Parfum (25ml/38.50EUR and 50ml/50EUR) as well as shower gel and body lotion. Via Venezia by Laura Biagiotti and press release.

Part 1: Florals ~ Rose
Part 2: Florals ~ Jasmine and White Florals
Part 3: Florals ~ Lily of the Valley and Violet
Part 4: Florals ~ Blends
Part 6: Orientals

The idea of a perfume wardrobe vis-à-vis a signature fragrance runs counter to many concepts held dear by perfume marketers as it does not engender brand loyalty. This is perhaps the main reason why magazines are full of suggestions on what perfumes to buy, but never on how to create a varied and interesting collection of scents. Some may argue that there are no steadfast rules as to what fragrances one must have and that sartorial categories do not apply to scents. If one feels like wearing Dior Poison (a ball gown equivalent) to work and Demeter Gin & Tonic (T-shirt and jeans) to a cocktail party, why on earth not? This may be true, but when one is just starting to enjoy fragrances and building a collection, it helps to keep a few guidelines in mind. One can always break them later!

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

Dune… I love everything about this fragrance Christian Dior: its unusual fresh oriental scent; its mellifluous name; and its winged bottle that fits so comfortably into the palm of my hand. One could easily write an academic thesis on this gem, first launched in 1991, and still available today in a great form. I will, however, resist this temptation. I simply would like to highlight this underrated fragrance, share why I find it breathtaking and encourage you to smell it.

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

Serge Lutens is best known for his opulent Arabian Tale fantasies in perfume form. It is perhaps for this reason that his simpler, less exotic blends like Sa Majesté la Rose do not draw as much attention. Sa Majesté la Rose, of course, is not missing a fanciful element, because its lush, complex rose accord evokes the sensation of being showered with fragrant rose petals. This is something I have actually experienced in the unromantic setting of a Grasse rose processing plant, but I will never forget the exhilarating scent and the soft touch of petals warm from the sun. To find even a glimpse of this memory in a perfume bottle is already special. Therefore, I picked Sa Majesté la Rose to wear on January 1st to usher a year of excitement, adventure and perhaps, plenty of roses!

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Diptyque has launched a new rose fragrance called Eau Rose. Alongside this permanent collection launch, there is also a limited edition rose scented candle, Rosa Mundi.

“From the springtime and the morning dew, it has retained the invigorating, slightly tangy freshness, with the sharp notes of bergamot and blackcurrant. The fruity freshness of lychee complements the sensation of petals of freshly cut Centifolia and Damascena at daybreak, laden with dew. Coveted in Grasse and the Isparta region in Turkey, Rosa Centifolia and Rosa Damascena infusions sign an essentially natural fragrance whose apparent fragility gives way to a generous heart. And when night falls, its floral wealth radiates more intense, sensual tones. The rose becomes fleshier and voluptuous, carried by the rounded, woody imprint of musks and cedar, and enhanced with a touch of honey.”

Diptyque Eau Rose is available as Eau de Toilette in 20 ml roll-on ($48) and 100 ml spray ($98). The 6.5oz candle is $68.00. Available from Diptyque boutiques and Aedes. Via press release.