Latest news from the fragrance world and other interesting reading
Those who are contemplating their holiday shopping might like to know that Guerlain counter at Bergdorf Goodman is offering free shipping on any of their products from December 1 to December 6th as well as a free gift with $100 purchase.
When every other celebrity or celebrity wannabe has a perfume, it was surprising that Madonna still did not launch one. This will change in spring of 2012, when Truth or Dare by Madonna will be released. Created by Givaudan perfumer Stephen Nilsen in collaboration with Madonna and Coty, the fragrance will be a white floral with gourmand accents. Truth or Dare by Madonna will aim at an older demographic than most celebrity scents, women aged 27 to 50.
As Madonna said to WWD, “My oldest memory of my mother is her perfume, I carry it with me everywhere. She always smelled like gardenias and tuberose, an intoxicating mixture [that was] feminine and mysterious. I wanted to re-create this scent, but with something fresh and new about it as well.”
Elisabeth de Feydeau, an author of A Scented Palace: The Secret History of Marie Antoinette’s Perfumer has released a new book on fragrance. Just like her previous book, Les Parfums : Histoire, Anthologie, Dictionnaire is a fruit of extended and thorough research. It looks at the history of fragrance and explores the customs and traditions surrounding its use. The author also includes fascinating materials based on the interviews with perfumers working for Chanel, Guerlain, Dior, Hermès and other fragrance houses. I find it to be one of the best perfume themed books I have come across recently, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to those who speak French. Available from amazon.fr.
A new niche fragrance line has been born. Neela Vermeire Créations offers three fragrances (Trayee, Mohur and Bombay Bling) developed by perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour, which have been inspired by India.
Neela’s main sources of inspiration are memories of her childhood in India and many travels to visit her family there. Neela herself is proof that, though one may wander far and live in vastly different places, the fascination of India can never be left behind!
Neela’s love for art and fragrances was fostered in her early years by her family, and this project stems from an intimacy with the three great historic periods of India gained through her lifelong journey. Each fragrance, like each period, is unique yet totally connected. Each pays tribute based on the olfactive inspiration from various sources such as Indian spirituality, history, the amazing landscape, the peaceful Himalayas, the trips to hill stations and sea ports, the arts, the varied architecture, the amazing food, music, cinema and vivid colours of India.
This fall the perfume lovers will have some new books to anticipate. Pictured above is the English translation of perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena’s Le Parfum. Perfume: The Alchemy of Scent contains Ellena’s views on perfumery, marketing, materials and composition. The book is full of many interesting details about his own creative process, but on the whole, it is a general analysis. Available for pre-order on amazon.com. The official launch is November 2011.
Recording of a seminar.
Luca and Victoria speak for 1.5h on topics included, but not limited to: vintage perfumes, our favorite fragrances, trends we hate, industry gossip. No one will be spared. All will be entertained. Funds will be used to support charity projects in Ukraine.
Recording of our session on the future of perfumery.
Price: €50
Class location: Brussels
Date: contact for availability
Class duration: 2.5 hours
200€/per person
Students of all levels of interest in perfumery will find much to learn in this series of lectures. The lecture is designed to sharpen your sense smell and improve your enjoyment and appreciation of scents. You will learn professional smelling techniques and receive personalized tips. You will learn how to smell complex aromas and about the main criteria of a well-made fragrance–and how to look for them.
Online and in-person classes are available.
