Lalique is preparing to launch a new fragrance called Perles de Lalique. Nathalie Lorson of Firmenich incorporated the high quality raw materials into her composition, including Bulgarian rose, Bourbon pepper, iris, Indonesian patchouli and Cashmeran. The handmade Lalique bottle is inspired by the Cactus powder case designed by Rene Lalique in 1928. As fragrance expert Roja Dove said, “this creation is the perfect successor to the perfumery’s most outstanding launch of 2005 – Le Parfum; it is both fragrance and bottle of true originality.” From Lalique press release and cosmeticsbusiness.

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

With the newest fragrance from The Different Company, Sel de Vetiver, on my arm and a paper blotter, I am reflecting on whether a point ever comes when the world does not need another Vetiver, another tribute to the roots of grass native to tropical Asia that smell of earth and sweet woods. For devoted vetiver fans, there are dark roots that still have soil clinging to them, in case of Maitre Gantier et Parfumeur Route de Vétiver, or seaweed, in case of Annick Goutal Vétiver. Pale earthy whispers wrapped around flower petals in Guerlain Vetiver Pour Elle would delight those who prefer their vetiver rendered in a lighter manner. Frédéric Malle Vétiver Extraordinaire is quite true to its name, the smooth darkness resting on an ambery base. Etro Vetiver is a dry rendition, emphasizing the fresh hazelnut aspect of the root. Hermes Vétiver Tonka is a gourmand take on the vetiver theme.

Sel de Vetiver is an elegantly cut gem–a transparent veil of sweet spices over the layers of earthy vetiver. Created by Celine Ellena, it intricately folds the herbal and floral nuances into the bitter citrus punctuated sharpness, accenting the earthy, woody qualities of vetiver and lending it a delicate sparkle. …

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Which of her fragrances does Britney Spears prefer? According to WWD, In Control Curious is her favorite. Curious, Fantasy and In Control Curious have done remarkably well, with Elizabeth Arden celebrating more than $300 million in global retail sales this week. Indeed, Arden executives note that the launch of a flanker for Fantasy is being planned for October or November. Other celebrity fragrances are in the works by Arden: Hilary Duff’s scent, expected in Sept­ember, novelist Danielle Steel’s in October, and Mariah Carey’s next spring.

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

An animalic fruity chypre, Balenciaga Talisman exemplifies the type of genre that while still explored in the transitional period between the heft and opulence of the 80s perfumes and the minimalism of the 1990s, has been on the steady decline ever since. In general, animalic chypre inaugurated by Chanel Cuir de Russie (1921) cannot be named as a popular category, although over the years, especially when crossed with the fruity chypre, it has produced beautiful compositions that are still considered to be the gold standards of the classical perfumery—aggressive leather of Robert Piguet Bandit (1944), civet melted on honey of Schiaparelli Shocking (1937), refinement of Christian Dior Miss Dior (1947), exquisite dryness of Grés Cabochard(1959), to name a few. …

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A new niche perfume boutique is about to come to New York City at the end of 2006. La Barfumeria was originally opened in 2003 in the basement of fashion store La Rosa Que No Muere in Madrid. It carries about 20 different niche lines. Given its target US market, I wonder how much the marketing board had pondered about the name. From cosmeticnews.