The second in the Untitled series is a fragrance by Tristan Brando, the creator of Monyette Paris. As Luckyscent newsletter indicates, “We’re thrilled to continue this unique series with Tristan Brando, one of the premier perfumers in the country. Tristan really pushed the envelope and the fragrance is unique and addictive.” Franco Wright, co-founder of LuckyScent noted that “Untitled #2 isn’t your typical suntan oil and pina colada mix. It’s the simple float of crisp oceanic breeze, the floral and fauna awakening to the break of day.”

The Untitled series is a joint effort between LuckyScent and perfumers. Untitled #2 retails for $65 and will be sold exclusively in two outlets worldwide: online at LuckyScent and at Scent Bar in Los Angeles, the retail branch of LuckyScent.com. It features notes of black coconut milk, green coconut, tahitian vanilla, madagascar vanilla, heliotrope, light driftwood musk, and Sicilian tangelo zest.

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

The initial crisp clarity of Fou d’Absinthe gives only a slight hint to its beguiling character. Although the newest release created by Olivia Giacobetti for L’Artisan Parfumeur retains the luminous quality present in her other work, it is a substantial composition, especially for the perfumer known to create fragrances that are better understood as olfactory dreams rather than cold realities. Yet, considering the mysterious and controversial drink serving as an inspiration for the perfume, Giacobetti’s latest creation weaves a fantasy of its own, and I cannot resist partaking in it. …

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Update: the bar is no longer open to public.

I pick up a delicate Bordeaux wine glass and bring it close to my face. However, instead of taking a sip, I inhale deeply and lose myself in the banana jam redolent sweetness of the prized jasmin de Grasse. The rose walls are lined with shelves of liquid filled bottles and the counter is graced with the silver martini shaker, however despite the illusion, I am not at a bar. At least, this place does not serve alcoholic cocktails for internal consumption. Instead, the glasses are especially made for fragrance testing by Henry de Monclin, and the traditional perfumery bottles on the shelves contain 200 of the finest raw materials and essential oils. Mme. Catherine Saudubray tending the bar has a degree from ISIPCA, the most prestigious perfumery school in the world, and as she gracefully threads paper strips dipped in various absolutes through the upturned Monclins, she narrates the history of the house, interspersing it with the absorbing comments on the materials I am smelling. …

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Kenzo Parfums is presenting Kenzo Amour, or Kenzo Love, its biggest launch since Flower by Kenzo, a highly successful 2000 release. “The scent is an olfactory voyage through Asia, meant to evoke frangipani flowers from Bali, Japanese cherry blossom and rice and vanilla from China.” Kenzo Amour is created by Daphné Bugey (Le Labo Bergamote 22, Rose 31, Neroli 36), who chose the notes and Olivier Cresp (Paco Rabanne Black XS), who formulated the perfume.

It includes “top notes of cherry blossom, rice and white tea; heart notes of frangipani and heliotrope, and base notes of thanaka wood, vanilla and musk.” The lacquered glass bottles will come in three designs: freesia (30ml), white (50ml) and orange (100ml). It will be distribution in Western markets starting in September 2006, and in Asian in 2007. From Cosmeticnews and WWD.

Fragrance Foundation is holding its Junior Advisory Board meeting, which will be held Thursday, June 8th, 2006 in New York City. It will be open to both members and non-members. The topic of discussion shall be natural perfumery. Featured speakers include Mandy Aftel, author of Essence and Alchemy, Jean Michel Duriez, house nose of Jean Patou, Richard Louapre, sales director of Danisco’s Flavor and Fragrance Division, Camille McDonald, executive of Bath & Body Works, Paul Seplowitz, vice president of product development for Coty Beauty. The meeting titled “Let’s Talk About Naturals in Fragrance” will be moderated by Jeb Gleason-Allured, the editor of “Perfumer and Flavorist Magazine”. More details about the event can be obtained from Natural Perfumery website. Thanks to Anya for the news.