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French Marie-Claire carried a mention of Frédéric Malle Carnal Flower, a new tuberose fragrance composed by Dominique Ropion (Une Fleur de Cassie). The fragrance is supposed to feature notes of tuberose, orange blossom, coconut and camphor. Retail price is 120 € for 50 ml (thank you, I!). If it is anything like Serge Lutens Tubéreuse Criminelle, this is going to be my first fall purchase once it debuts in September.

Agent Provocateur second fragrance Ménage à Trois (classified as feminine) is about to debut in France in February of 2006. UK company famous for its sexy lingerie can be counted on for another ravishingly seductive scent. Definitely worth the wait, especially since the first eponymous fragrance combining rose, saffron and amber was rather interesting.

Always wanted a custom fragrance created by a famous house, but feared that you do not have enough money in your bank account? In comparison with Jean Patou, Cartier and Guerlain who offer a bespoke service in the range of 30,000 euros and up, L’Artisan Parfumeur’s $5,000 seems like a very reasonable sum. I am certainly being facetious; however, the topic of custom fragrances never ceases to amuse me, seeming both decadent and strange. Decadent, because I can imagine better uses for that money, and strange, because I am closer to figuring out perpetuum mobile than a signature fragrance concept.

French perfume house Montale famous for its rich oriental compositions can now be ordered from Aedes or call (212) 206-8674). Pierre Montale’s Parfum and Aoud ranges provide excellent examples of the unusual pairings such as oudh (dark sensual essence of agarwood) and rose, rose attar and saffron, and almonds and Middle Eastern spices among others.

One cannot deny that an appealing perfume bottle lends more allure to the juice inside. The New York Times article “Smoke and Mirrors” by Chandler Burr explores the topic of perfume packaging.