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

One cannot fault Viktor & Rolf for lacking creativity when it comes either to their fashion collection or their fragrance packaging. The amethyst tinted Flowerbomb is incased in a faceted grenade shaped bottle, while the new masculine fragrance Antidote is presented in an elegant square flacon; its pale emerald liquid contrasting with the ebony black detail on the bottle and the box. Yet, the fragrance inside Flowerbomb was a let down. Instead of the black Victorian gown of a fragrance that I envisioned, it was an ivory satin dress. Lovely and tasteful, but somehow lacking the edginess of Viktor & Rolf fashion. …

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Bond no 9 is presenting its new fragrance on November 1st. West Side with notes of rose, peony, ylang ylang, sandalwood, amber, musk and vanilla was created by perfumer Michel Almairac of Robertet.

This holiday gift sets are going to be exciting: crystallized Nuit de Noho bottle, Custom Blending Box, Swarovski Pocket Spray Box (pictured left), and crystallized Chinatown Candle.

Crystallized Nuits de Noho is a limited edition of the 3.4oz bottle in midnight blue, studded with sparkling Swarovski stars. ($395)

The Perfumista’s Custom Blending Box is a selection of fragrances in refillable, travel wrapped spray flacons, plus one empty. A booklet with Bond no 9’s suggestions on blending will be included. ($240)
The Swarovski Pocket Spray Box includes the black Swarovski crystal encrusted portable spray flacon. Three refills are included. ($195)

The crystallized Chinatown Candle is a limited edition candle studded with Swarovski crystals. ($185)  (Via Bond no 9)

Dedicated to the most famous on the island of Capri, Carthusia is offering a new fragrance. Via Camerelle combines orange blossom with sandalwood.

Another Italian company, Eau d’Italieis presenting two new fragrances this fall. Sienne L’Hiver is inspired by the Tuscan hill town of Siena and is comprised of geranium, violet leaf, fern leaf, iris, incense, mimosa, white truffle, black olive, papyrus root, guaiac wood, cedarwood, and labdanum. Bois d’Ombrie takes one into the forests of Umbria with its blend of leather, iris, cognac accord, wild carrot, vetiver, tobacco, incense, myrrh and patchouli.

Les Parfums de Rosine is introducing a new masculine fragrance. Twill Rose is comprised of the green top notes of tangerine, bergamot, neroli, pink pepper and galbanum, which evoke rose leaves. The heart includes Bulgarian rose, violet and cumin. The drydown is grounded by sandalwood and salty notes.

Twill Rose is already available from First-in-Fragrance.

Thierry Mugler Le Parfum coffret (please see my review of the 15 fragrances here) reinterpreting the work by Patrick Süskind, Perfume: Story of A Murderer, is now available on-line in France, Germany and Swizerland. Le Parfum website offers insights into making of the film as well as inspirations for each of the 15 fragrances, which are contain in the coffret: Baby, Paris 1738, Atelier Grimal, Virgin Number One, Boutique Baldini, Amor & Psyche, Nuit Napolitaine, Ermite, Salon Rouge, Human Existence, Absolu Jasmin, Sea, Noblesse, Orgie and Aura (in the chronological order). Each olfactory interpretation of the scenes from the book comes in a 7.5ml bottle, except for Aura, which is packaged in a 15ml flacon. Aura is described as the elixir which is designed to harmonize with all of the fragrance families.

The project is interesting for many reasons, not least of which being the fact that the marketing concept came from the perfumer, rather than the Thierry Mugler team as would ordinarily be done. Laudamiel has worked on the idea for over 6 years with his partner Christoph Hornetz, therefore the fragrances are his personal interpretations of scenes from Suskind’s book. The coffret will be available in the US in November, around which time the English version of the website should be ready. The Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie at Harrod’s will also be carrying Le Parfum. The price is 550 euros.