News: 582 posts

The origins of Grasse perfume industry can be traced to the 16th century. Currently, it is home to about 30 perfume companies. “Scents of the City” article (p. E-32, section Enterprise) in this week’s Newsweek gives the history and the current state of affairs in Grasse, along with tourism suggestions. (Link is no longer active)

Parfum d’Or Naturel has already debuted from Ormonde Jayne. Solid fragrance packed with shimmering gold in an alcohol-free base is available in Tolu, Ta’if and Ormonde Woman scents. Priced at £44.00 for 15ml, Parfum d’Or Naturel can be obtained from Ormonde Jayne.

November issue of US Vogue is featuring an interesting article by Vicki Woods on Jean-Claude Ellena. In the article, the author talks about the link Ellena sees between perfumery and cuisine, as well as about his inspirations. About upcoming Hermessence Osmanthe Yunnan, Ellena mentions that his trip to China was an important influence.

“Ellena caught on the breeze that blew from the imperial palace in Beijing, when he was there on a scent searching mission last fall. ‘At the end of October, the garden is blooming with osmanthus, white flower, pale white, creamy and you have this really beautiful smell, a very strong smell between tea and apricot,’” says Ellena in the article. The new fragrance for Hermès became inspired by this wonderful scent encountered in China.

Prix François Coty for 2005, which recognizes the perfumer’s achievements, both over the span of the career as well as the most recent ones, was awarded to Sophie Labbé, a senior perfumer with International Flavors & Fragrances. She is the first woman to receive the prize, which has been in effect since 2000. Her creations include Nina Ricci Premier Jour, Givenchy Organza, Hugo Boss Boss Woman, and Comme des Garçons Series 1: Tea.

Previous recipients of the prize were perfumers such as Alberto Morillas (the creator of Giorgio Armani Emporio White She, Bvlgari Omnia, Calvin Klein cK One), Maurice Roucel (the nose behind Helmut Lang Eau de Cologne and Parfum, Gucci Envy, Serge Lutens Iris Silver Mist) and Francis Kurkdjian (Jean-Paul Gaultier Le Male, Christian Dior Eau Noire and Cologne Blanche, Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile). From cosmeticnews.com.

New fragrance is about to be added to Armani Privé line, which already includes Ambre Soie, Bois d’Encens, Pierre de Lune, and Eau de Jade. It is called Cuir Améthyste, and is about to debut in the UK in November of 2005. In the States, it will appear early next year (according to Giorgio Armani fragrance representative). Notes include bergamot, amber and florals.