The Hermessence collection will introduce a sixth fragrance called Paprika Brasil this fall. The perfume was “inspired by the book Tristes Tropiques. Written by Claude Lévi-Strauss, the anthropologist discusses the precious wood called bois de braise (from which the name “Brazil” is derived) and the effects of the introduction in Europe of American and oriental spices.” Jean-Claude Ellena, Hermès in-house perfumer, is the author of the composition. (from cosmeticnews)

A new line of fragrances has recently come to my attention. Nez à Nez Parfums currently offers 10 fragrances with names like Ambre à Sade and Mille et une Figues. Rosier Ardent with its notes of cardamom, rose and cedarwood has captured my attention in particular. If you have tried it or any other fragrances from the line, please share your impressions.

Add: There is no connection between Nez à Nez and Parfums Pierre Guillaume.

Amouage Cirrus has been launched this month. The press release describes it in the following manner: “Inspired by the ethereal, ice crystal-bearing clouds in the high jet-stream of the earth’s atmosphere, Cirrus is for the man without boundaries, for the man who dares reach for the azure zenith far above the ordinary, the mundane and the earth-bound.” Cirrus features notes of lemon zest, mandarin, green apple, blackcurrant berries, ozonic notes, geranium, lavender, cedarwood, patchouli, sandalwood, oakmoss, amber, and musk.

Women’s Wear Daily article for June 30th mentioned May 2006 top 5 sellers. It is interesting to see what leads in the feminine and masculine fragrances.

Women:
Beautiful (Estée Lauder)
Euphoria (Calvin Klein)
Pleasures (Estée Lauder)
Chanel No 5
Romance (Ralph Lauren)

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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 most compelling aspect of Serge Lutens’s fragrances lies in their exaggerated character, whether it is the tannic bitterness of oak in Chêne, the hay sweetness of coumarin in Chergui or the mineral chill of iris in Iris Silver Mist. Chypre Rouge does not deviate from the jewel encrusted opulence that one can glimpse in other Lutens compositions; however, the finished result reflects a blend of various elements that can equally well recount the story of Scheherazade as well as that of Hänsel und Gretel. …

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