News: 582 posts

“Open a jar of Givenchy’s Skin Drink and inhale. It’s one of the most wonderful scents I’ve ever smelled, the fragrance of a newborn mixed with the scent of a flower still in half bud. It’s an all-but-invisible scent, as beautiful as it is translucently unpalpable. I call Françoise Donche, Givenchy’s olfactologist in Paris, and ask, “C’mon, tell me — who is this?” After a bit, she does. The scent of this cream was created by a perfumer named Pierre Bourdon.” Read the rest of the article about scented skin care by Chandler Burr in New York Times.  Thanks to Miriam for the link!

Speaking of scented skin care, if you have not tried Annick Goutal rose scented Crème Splendide, I would highly recommend it. It is simply wonderful on all counts (other than its old-fashioned screw top jar packaging). More information is available from Annick Goutal website.

Monday: Jean Patou Sira des Indes review.

The new fragrance from the Angel family will be Rose Angel, created by Olivier Cresp, the nose behind the original Angel. It seems that with Rose Angel, the line will end, because Cresp was noted to say, “It’s a saga, with the best one for the end to finish the story.” The Angel’s formula will remain the same, however it will add a strong combination of Bulgarian rose oil with patchouli originally used. in Angel. WWD reports that Rose Angel “has a fruitiness like a plum, the harmony of patchouli and rose and traces of pink pepper.”

If you are near the NYU, you can enroll in the course starting in March which will explore the link between scent and gastronomy. The speakers include natural perfumer Mandy Aftel, director of Development of the James Beard Foundation Diane Harris Brown, perfume consultant Michelle Krell Kydd, IFF perfumer Christophe Laudamiel, manager of Josephs Citarella Restaurant Ron Levine, writer on the chemistry of foods and cooking Harold McGee, owner of Creative Concepts Jean Pierre Subrenat, and executive chef of Josephs Citarella Restaurant Bill Yosses. Please consult the NYU website for details. Thank you to Anya for the info.

This year’s new limited edition fragrance from L’Artisan will be called Mandarine, tout simplement. Based on mandarin, the fragrance will be packaged in the same rounded bottle as Zeste d’Ete and Mure et Musc Cologne. The fragrance is expected to be released in April/May.

Moreover, the new Eau de Parfum for men will be released. Called Fou d’Absinthe, it is described as woody anisy composition with notes of angelica, blackberry bud, star anise, spices, patchouli and pine needles. The line will also undertake a repackaging of its bottles, withe Fou d’Absinthe being launched in the new packaging–seven sides instead of eight and with new shape of caps. Fou d’Absinthe should be expected in May/June of 2006. Thanks to Cedric for the news!

The new Jean Patou fragrance, Sira des Indes, is already available for sale in France. The notes of this fragrance inspired by India include the native Indian flower magnolia champaca, banana accord, bergamot, pear, red berries, cardamom, musk, amber, vanilla and sandalwood. The name refers to the South Indian dessert of cream of wheat, butter and sugar, which is usually served with banana slices on the side. It is also a tribute to Sita, the loyal queen from the epic Ramayana and the Sari.

The fragrance is delicately fruity, with milky notes, sandalwood and champaca balancing out the subtle gourmand sweetness. There is also a welcome green touch. The parfum of Sira des Indes is also available, and as Neela mentions, it is very gorgeous and less green. “It is a perfect spring perfume even for a non-fruity lover.” Thank you Neela for the news! Sira des Indes should be available in the States after March of 2006.