On October 19th, The Fragrance Foundation will be hosting an exclusive dining event with Aquavit chef Marcus Samuelson (pictured) and perfumer Stephen Nilsen of Quest International that would allow the diners to learn how creative perfumery is inspired by the notes and accords found in food and beverage. Samuelson and Nilsen will share their expertise in creating cocktails, culinary delights and fragrances. Marcus Samuelson “has been heralded as one of the ‘Great Chefs of America’ by the Culinary Institute of America and was the youngest chef ever to receive a three-star review in The New York Times.” Stephen Nilsen started his career as a flavorist before setting upon the path of creative perfumery, an experience that gives him a unique perspective. The dinner held at Restaurant Aquavit in New York is open to public (at $350 per ticket). Given the limited number of seats, early reservations are encouraged. For further information, please call 212-725-7139.

Giorgio Armani is releasing a new fragrance in the Armani Privé series, which currently includes the following five: Ambre Soie, Bois d’Encens, Cuir Améthyste, Eau de Jade and Pierre de Lune. Éclat de Jasmine is based on the classical note of jasmine, made luminous and opulent. Armani was influenced by the rich scent of Egyptian jasmine, “when it is bathed by the light and heated by the sun at its peak… When it reveals all of its olfactive richness.” The notes include bergamot, plum, lemon, jasmine, osmanthus, rose, patchouli, amber, vetiver. (via press release)

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

Perles de Lalique is packaged in a stunning bottle. When François Coty made his famous statement, “Give a woman the best product you can make, present it in a perfect flacon with beautiful simplicity and impeccable taste, ask her to pay a reasonable price, and that will be the birth of a business such as the world has never seen,” Lalique flacon is what he meant. Although the fragrance division is not the main focus of the Lalique business, both beautiful bottles and interesting fragrances have appeared in the line, from Lalique pour Homme (Lion) by Maurice Roucel to Lalique Le Parfum by Dominique Ropion.

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

Lanvin Rumeur was originally created in 1934 by André Fraysse, a perfumer responsible for a number of Lanvin classics, from the sandalwood infused floral warmth of Arpège to the incense tinged Crescendo. Rumeur was Lanvin to the core—elegant and lighthearted, suffused with both the warm fruitiness and the intriguing mossy darkness. One could just imagine a wearer of this striking beaded grey taffeta gown trailing a dark chypre veil of Rumeur. …

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Can one pack up an entire apartment, complete with a vintage fragrance collection in less than 72 hours? From my personal experience, I can tell that this is not a pleasant enterprise; yet, the ballet training has instilled stamina and discipline in me. Every morning when I wake up in the apartment filled with boxes and suitcases, I feel a pang. This was the place where I spent several years, which might seem perfect in the retrospect. I sat down for many hours at this table writing, reading, memorizing chemical formulas and studying aroma-materials. I walk from room to room, observing familiar details that will soon blur into the memories of the past. In a few days, the new routine will engulf me, but right now, indulging in reminiscences seems appropriate. …

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