Room 1015 – Jasmine Freak – Not In The Least Bit Freakish

Scour Room 1015's website, https://room1015.com/, and you'll see references to rock 'n' roll, counterculture, and punk. The brand founder, Michael Partouche, a trained pharmacist, uses his fragrance to express rebellion and alternative ideology. From what I've sampled, I've been unimpressed. However, like many brands and bands, they got off to a good start. They launched … Continue reading Room 1015 – Jasmine Freak – Not In The Least Bit Freakish →

Penhaligon’s – The Dandy – A Bit Of A Non-Event

The Dandy stands alongside his British pals at the department store. Penhaligon's continues to churn them out, almost in a vain attempt to see what sticks. At least this time, they haven't ventured too far from their home shores for inspiration. Typically, it's a good sign when they stick close to home. For The Dandy, … Continue reading Penhaligon’s – The Dandy – A Bit Of A Non-Event →

Francesca Bianchi – The Code Of Emotion – Fruity Fougere

Francesca Bianchi's latest creation, The Code of Emotion, veers from her usual stylings. Gone are the powdery orris and sepia-toned animalic leathers. Instead, the focus shifts to an appealing fruity scent built around a fougère framework. Indeed, I had a surprising emotional reaction after spraying The Code of Emotion. I found it positively smile-inducing. I … Continue reading Francesca Bianchi – The Code Of Emotion – Fruity Fougere →

First Impressions – Marc-Antoine Barrois – Aldebaran

Aldebaran is pictured here with tuberose and pear. Oddly, I don't get fruit but something vegetal. Aldebaran, sounding like a planet from Star Wars, sees the dynamic duo of Marc Antoine Barrois (MAB) and Quentin Bisch take on tuberose. Curiosity got the better of me, and I looked it up. It was the planet Alderaan, … Continue reading First Impressions – Marc-Antoine Barrois – Aldebaran →

Atelier Materi – Extraits – Essentially More Of The Same

Here are my initial impressions of yet another line of extraits—this time from Atelier Materi. The line contains three fragrances, all composed by Céline Perdriel. I tried Ambre Papier last year after receiving a free sample with an order from Indigo Perfumery. So, I thought I'd purchase samples of the other two, Burgundy Oud and … Continue reading Atelier Materi – Extraits – Essentially More Of The Same →

First Impressions – BDK – Impadia -Misguided Rose

I tried another fragrance (in addition to Tom Ford—Bois Pacifique—Sharp, Woody And Hostile) at the store last week: BDK's Impadia. I'd heard good things, but Impadia falls flat in the originality stakes. The Parisian outfit's best work came early in its existence, with its first release in 2016, and over the years, it's produced hits like … Continue reading First Impressions – BDK – Impadia -Misguided Rose →

Tom Ford – Bois Pacifique – Sharp, Woody And Hostile

Tom Ford releases a billion fragrances yearly but rarely offers something new in their more reasonably priced Signature line. Most of the time, the consumer gets a cast-off from their Private collection. Unfortunately, Bois Pacifique fails to excite me and certainly won't become my signature scent any time soon. I think what it's trying to … Continue reading Tom Ford – Bois Pacifique – Sharp, Woody And Hostile →

Parfums Quartana – Forest Of The Golden Dream – Unfamiliar Surrounds

Ierofante, Parfums Quartana's 2022 release may not quite have matched its marketing to the product Parfums Quartana – Ierofante – Burning That Gasoline. But it wasn't a million miles away, and I still thought it worthy of praise. Fast forward a year, and it's safe to say that Joseph Quartana seems to like a challenge. Their … Continue reading Parfums Quartana – Forest Of The Golden Dream – Unfamiliar Surrounds →

Parfums Quartana – Ierofante – Burning That Gasoline

When I first sprayed Joseph Quartana's award-winning Ierofante, I was transported back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. Instantly, the light bulb went off, and I thought of Annick Menardo's Black for Bvlgari. Certainly, Ierofante has all the makings: the same rubbery tyre note, the smooth velvety suede accord, and the warm, cosy, ambery, … Continue reading Parfums Quartana – Ierofante – Burning That Gasoline →