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Classical perfumes smell of another era and are the best way to time travel, but if you’re new to this style of fragrance, it can be challenging. In my fragrance  column, Picking an iconic scent for a perfume wardrobe, I explore classics that would be best suited for beginners. In addition, I mention some interesting modern fragrances that have a classical character.

“I have no luck with classic perfumes,” confessed a friend. “My grandmother wore Jean Patou’s Joy, my mother loved Chanel No 5, but when I wear these fragrances, I feel as if I’m playing dress up.” She wondered why she completely missed the allure of fragrances that are widely considered to be iconic. It is easy to attribute it to personal tastes and associations, but I decided to embark on a classics challenge. Please read the rest by clicking here.

What beginner friendly classical perfumes would you recommend?

Image via FT/HTSPI

Every year since 2006, Guerlain has been reissuing its limited edition Muguet perfume for the May 1st holiday. In France, May Day is associated with lily of the valley (muguet in French), a symbol of purity and a reminder of spring. The fragrance was originally created by Jacques Guerlain in 1908, although the current formula has been reinterpreted by Jean-Paul Guerlain and Thierry Wasser and features green notes, lily of the valley, lilac, jasmine, and rose.

This year’s limited edition (only 1 872 numbered pieces will be made) is a bee bottle encased in an embossed white porcelain holder. The mold is created by the Parisian ceramic artist and painter Brigitte de Bazelaire, and it features a lily of the valley design. Elle.fr explains how the bottle is made and shows photos of the process.

Muguet will become available for sale starting May 1st at Guerlain boutiques and retail points. 125ml, 400 euros.

Via Guerlain boutique, Elle.fr

The Different Company is offering a new candle line. “Collection des Rêves” and “The Modern House” collections comprise eight scented candles, developed by perfumers Alexandra Monet (Songe, Apesanteur, Nuit Blanche and Wood), Corinne Cachen (Leather, Steel and Roof Top), and Delphine Jelk (Lumière).

Collection des Rêves

Apesanteur
“A moment between awakening and sleep, a feeling of uncontrolled and astonishing lightness.
Floral, musky and iridescent.”

Songe
“Head in the clouds like wrapped in cotton and lulled by soft and flimsy tones.
Floral, aldehyded [sic] and musky.”

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L’Artisan Parfumeur is adding three new fragrances to its Explosions d’Emotions, which currently includes Déliria, Amour Nocturne and Skin on Skin. Haute Voltige, Rappelle-Toi, Onde Sensuelle will join the collection in the beginning of May. All three were designed by perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour.

Haute Voltige embodies exuberance. “True excitement. Feel the goose bumps on your skin as an intense joy takes over. This is an Eau de Parfum with an expansive and extroverted personality: where a generous floral peony note meets with the unexpected fruitiness of pomegranate. An explosion of joy.”

Rappelle-Toi is understated and contemplative. “Silence as a door to our inner thoughts. A contemplative fragrance, anchored in the stillness of our surroundings. With its mesmerising opulence, gardenia evokes this quiet introspection, enlivened with fresh vibrating notes of Sichuan pepper. This magnificent flower is enhanced with musks and smooth sandalwood with honey accents. A beautiful transcendence.”

Onde Sensuelle is about desire and passion. “An insatiable, voracious desire is felt like a deep force, surging under the skin. A wave of sensuality washes over you. This Eau de Parfum is a work in contrasts, between a burning spicy bouquet of ginger, saffron and cumin, and the icy crispness of juniper berries and cardamom. It recreates the sensation, and tension of this urge. A captivating wave of passion.”

Available starting the beginning of May 2014 in the Eau de Parfum concentration, 125ml/140 euros.  Via press release.

Rare Perfumes (Parfums Rares in its French edition) is a new book that takes a close look at the niche/artisanal fragrance movement. Written by Sabine Chabbert and Laurence Férat, it starts its journey in the 1980s and encompasses a wide range of lines, from L’Artisan Parfumeur and Annick Goutal to État libre d’Orange and Comme des Garçons. In the words of perfumer Patricia de Nicolaï, “Rare Perfumes underlines a major breakthrough for our profession: the arrival for more than 20 years of several brands having all the desire to create differently. This other perfumery shakes up a market dominated by big international groups and it is the best thing that could ever happen to the perfume industry!”

The book features 152 pages and more than 300 photos (take a look inside). The publication date is March 2014, but it’s currently available in both French and English at the Osmothèque website. Via press release

Price: 39 €
ISBN 13: 9782909953182
Diffusion Puf – Distribution : UD