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

I followed the exchange of letters between perfumers Mandy Aftel and Liz Zorn with much interest. Nathan Branch, via whose blog this communication was made possible, certainly made sure that each installment was thoughtful and insightful. Haute Claire, Mandy Aftel’s fragrance, was developed through these exchanges, which can be found in the Letters to a Fellow Perfumer series*. The name Haute Claire, suggested by Nathan, refers to a famous sword from 12th century French literature, and its evocation of high and clear certainly serves as a great introduction to the fragrance itself. Bright and lively, it is an intriguing pas de deux between galbanum and ylang ylang.

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Those who did not get enough roses this spring can anticipate three new rose fragrances to discover this summer. A Dozen Roses, a niche fragrance brand, is launching three new fragrances, Shakespeare in Love, Gold Rush and Iced White, on July 17th.

The collection is described as, “luxurious, delightful and inspiring, utilizes rose essence as never imagined. Perfumers were given free reign to create the fragrances in the collection based on original artwork and the emotion of roses that inspired them. The results are unique artisanal scents unlike any other: fragrances that are artwork unto themselves. Each uniquely original fragrance is imbued with 100% natural rose absolute essence wrapped in a complex, sophisticated, and modern creation.”

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I recently posted an excerpt from “A Guide to Elegance: For Every Woman Who Wants to be Well and Properly Dressed on All Occasions”, a delightful, little book written in 1964 by Genevieve Antoine Dariaux. Since there was a lot of interest, I decided to compile a series of other advice on selecting and wearing perfume. Some of it might be quite sensible, some–quite personal and esoteric, but I always find it interesting to learn how other women think about perfume and their fragrance wardrobes.

The following excerpt comes from a recently published book, Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Inès de la Fressange.

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Sean John Fragrances is releasing a new fragrance for women called Empress, the female counterpart to men’s fragrance, I Am King. “The woman who wears Empress is a force of nature, powerful, enchanting and uniquely feminine. Her presence captivates and her words inspire, compelling those around her to her cause. Men long to be by her side, women want to know her secrets,” says the press release.

The composition is a crisp, fruity floral with notes of Key Lime accord, mandarin, starfruit, raspberries, passion flower, peony, cardamom, ambrette seeds, vanilla, sandalwood, crystallized caramel and second skin accord. Empress will be released in August 2011 exclusively at Macy’s department stores nationwide. Suggested retail price is $57.00 for 1.7 oz EDP, $74.00 for 3.4 oz EDP and $38.00 for 6.7 oz Body Creme. (via press release)

What perfume comes closest to your idea of a fragrance custom made for you?

If you have not found anything like that yet, you are welcome to describe what you are looking for, and perhaps someone else can help with your search.

It is fun to fantasize about something created just for you, a scent that contains all of your favorite elements and that immediately puts you in a good mood. On the other hand, whenever I put on Serge Lutens Bois de Violette or Guerlain Après l’Ondée, I feel that they are everything I want in a perfume–elegance, mystery, surprise. Of course, it does not prevent me from being curious about other fragrances out there. It is a neverending quest, after all!