News: 582 posts

The Fragrance Foundation held its annual FiFi Awards (the Oscar’s of the fragrance industry) on Wednesday, May 25 in New York. As always, it was an evening charged with much excitement and anticipation. One of my favorite moments during the ceremony was when actress Halle Berry acknowledged Givaudan perfumer Rodrigo Flores-Roux in contributing to her winning fragrance, Halle Berry Pure Orchid. She thanked him profusely and then pulled him onstage to enjoy a round of applause. It is not something that celebrities nor brands do that often so it was wonderful to see.

So, as we prepare to enjoy a long Memorial Day weekend, a poll!
What would you nominate as your top favorite fragrances from last year?

I listed mine in the Best of 2010 post, and I was pleased to see that Martin Margiela Untitled scored a win, while Frédéric Malle’s splendid Portrait of a Lady made it into finals.

All The 2011 FiFi® Winners

Continue reading →

I thought that I could care less about the royal wedding, yet I woke up early on Friday to see the pictures of the dress and by the end of the day, I knew all of the details of the ceremony and had strong opinions on random things, from Princess Beatrice’s hat to Sally Bercow’s cleavage. Ok, I admit it, the wedding was enjoyable.  I loved it all–the dress, the jewelry, the bouquet, Prince’s red uniform!

Later that day I learned via Basenotes that Kate Middleton (now, the Duchess of Cambridge) wore White Gardenia Petals by Illuminum, the creation of British perfumer Michael Boadi. It is described as, “As fragrant as a bouquet of white flowers, quivering in the gentle April breeze, this is a delicate and nuanced scent. The top note of stately gardenia evokes classicism, whilst heart notes of ylang ylang, muguet and jasmine bring a trio of frivolous white flowers into play. Amber wood underscores this light, fresh bouquet, adding depth and deep rooted tradition.”

For those who are curious, White Gardenia Petals is available via Roullier White for 70 British pounds, 50ml.

Le Labo is launching a new fragrance Santal 33 on May 1st. It is the second addition to the classic perfume collection. Santal 33 includes notes of Australian sandalwood, papyrus, cedarwood, cardamom, iris, violet, ambrox and leather accord. Update: the perfumer is Frank Voekl. Le Labo has already collaborated with him on Iris 39, Baie Rose 26, Musc 25 and their Santal 26 candle. Santal 33 contains 30% of essential oils, and it is classified as the Eau de Parfum. It is currently available from Colette and is priced at 170 euros/100ml.

Inspiration: “Do you remember the old Marlboro ads? A man and his horse in front of the fire on a great plain under tall, blue evening skies – A defining image of the spirit of the American West with all it implied about masculinity and personal freedom.  This man, firelight in his face, leaning on the worn leather saddle, alone with the desert wind, an icon so powerful that every man wanted to be him and every woman wanted to have him…

Continue reading →

In April, Caron is launching two new fragrances, Délir de Roses and Yuzu Man. Both fragrances are created by Richard Fraysse. Délir de Roses includes notes of jasmine, lily of the valley, lychee, lotus flower and rose. Despite the list of notes that reads like every other fruity-floral on the market, Délir de Roses is quite an interesting rose focused composition, with a pronounced gourmand accord. The fragrance is reminiscent of a Turkish delight confection scented with roses and almonds. Another addition to the roses trend this spring.

Continue reading →

In addition to Jasminora, Guerlain’s Aqua Allègoria collection will receive another addition this spring: Rosa Blanca. Created by Guerlain in-house perfumer Thierry Wasser, Rosa Blanca includes the notes of peach, jasmine, rose and magnolia. The fragrance is described as a fresh, crisp rose. It debuts this month at the Guerlain counters. 2.5oz bottle, $59.