The movie Back To The Future was released in 1985. It’s still one of my favourite movie franchises of all time. In the first film, Michael J. Fox’s character, Marty McFly, is accidentally sent back to 1955 to his parent’s high school days by his mad scientist friend. Fun and frivolity ensue, but eventually, Marty secures safe passage back to the future by uniting his parents to be at their high school dance. Everyone lives happily ever after. At least until the next movie, where Marty travels forward in time to the year 2015.
You may be wondering what on the world Back To The Future has to do with perfume. Well, this weekend, I feel like heading back into a time machine and reliving a couple of classic Guerlain’s. You see, this year, I haven’t purchased any new perfumes; I’ve sampled loads but bought nothing. I haven’t found anything compelling enough to own. I’ve run the gamut, sampling niche, designer, and indie, but still nada. The designer side of things has been slipping for years, with only a few worthwhile releases worth crowing about. So, no surprises there. My recent niche samplings have left me cold. I’ll write more about those in the coming weeks.
So it’s back I go, not quite as far as Marty, but to the late 50’s and mid-’60s with Guerlain Vetiver and Habit Rouge. Two perfumes that time has treated well. They still hold up well today. If you haven’t tried either, you really must. Vetiver is a gentlemanly take on the note with a smoky, though airy tobacco note that is deftly woven in, so as to never becomes overbearing. Spicy nutmeg, citrus notes of lemon and bergamot, and a touch of pepper provide able backup.
Habit Rouge, a masculine counterpart to Shalimar, is still an essential part of my perfume arsenal. Remixed for modern tastes, but it remains a masterful blend of powdered orange blossom, lemon and rose, spiced carnation, and cinnamon, giving way to a signature classy, smooth vanilla/leather base. I enjoy it in the EDT form with its amalgam of notes that has struck a chord with generations of perfumistas.
So, at least for this weekend, I’ll be smelling good, though a touch old school. I wonder if the back half of the year has many surprises in store? I won’t be holding my breath. Hopefully, I’ll find something I’ll come back to time and time again, just as I have with Marty, Doc, and their DeLorean.
Have you tried these Guerlain scents? Have you sampled any new releases that have stood out?
Wonderful to keep a no buy for already 1/2 year! When we love what we own already, it makes no sense to purchase more and more! A classic is eternal! Great text!
Thanks very much, Tetê. Yes, maybe the second half of the year will hold some surprises.
I guess you don’t roads where you’re going when wearing classics like those! Nice write up Daniel!
Hahaha. No I don’t. Thanks Marcus.
Classics indeed, dear Daniel. Great writing + pic. Hopefully, something new will come your way in 2021.
Thanks for reading and commenting as always, Rich. Much appreciated.