Le Labo – Violette 30 – A Le Labo Through And Through

I don't have any violets growing in my backyard, but I do have some violet-coloured flowers. The picture below shows a torenia fournieri, also known as wishbone flowers, so named for their distinctive features. Their two curved stamens come together from opposite sides to form a shape like a tiny chicken wishbone. I find them … Continue reading Le Labo – Violette 30 – A Le Labo Through And Through →

Dries Van Noten – Havana Gold – Close But No Cigar

After testing most of the Dries Van Noten perfume range, I've come away relatively satisfied that I don't need a full bottle of any of them. While some of the scents are solid, none have left me thinking, "Wow, I'd really like to starve this week and instead drop $500 on 100ml of perfume". Notably, … Continue reading Dries Van Noten – Havana Gold – Close But No Cigar →

Nissaba – Les Alpes – Root Beer From A Great Height

Australians aren't known for their winter sports prowess. But sometimes you get lucky! One of the most startling moments in Olympic history occurred at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. If you haven't seen the 1000m short track speed skating final featuring Australia's Steven Bradbury, it's worth watching on YouTube. His improbable exploits have become … Continue reading Nissaba – Les Alpes – Root Beer From A Great Height →

27 87 Perfumes – Hakuna Matata – Banana Mania

Sometimes you have to laugh. Especially when it's something as insignificant in the scheme of things as perfume. Yes, we all take it seriously, but we're crazy. Rodrigo Flores-Roux and the folks at 27 87 don't seem to take themselves too seriously. Take, for example, their 2025 offering, Hakuna Matata, which features an uncommon banana … Continue reading 27 87 Perfumes – Hakuna Matata – Banana Mania →

Giorgio Armani – Iris Bleu – More Green Than Blue

Happy New Year! For my first write-up for the year, I wanted to begin on a positive note. It comes from an unlikely source of inspiration: an Armani fragrance. I've paid little heed to their Armani Privé line over the years, despite having relatively easy access to most of their offerings. From time to time, … Continue reading Giorgio Armani – Iris Bleu – More Green Than Blue →

First Impressions – Chambre52 – One Swallow Doesn’t Make A Summer

I admit I can be a shallow guy when it comes to perfume. Whenever I see an attractive fragrance bottle, I can't help but want to sample it. Invariably, I end up disappointed. However, I have high hopes for Chambre52. They're everywhere, winning accolades and awards, and not just for their lovely bottles. For those … Continue reading First Impressions – Chambre52 – One Swallow Doesn’t Make A Summer →

Trudon – Absolu – Orange Blossom And Orris In A Woody Setting

Today's write-up focuses on Absolu, a 2024 release from Trudon. I tend to try most things from the French house, known chiefly for its fine home scents, as its fragrances have been pretty good. A couple of years ago, I reviewed their brilliant green ivy perfume, Aphélie First Impressions – Maison Trudon – Aphélie. Absolu … Continue reading Trudon – Absolu – Orange Blossom And Orris In A Woody Setting →

Arquiste – Tropical – Solar Surprise

Earlier this year, I wrote about the three latest releases from Arquiste Arquiste – Venice Rococo, Almond Suede and A Grove By The Sea. Surprisingly, I found that I enjoyed A Grove By The Sea the most, despite it featuring figs. Indeed, it was far more than just a fig fragrance, possessing a strong backbone … Continue reading Arquiste – Tropical – Solar Surprise →

Amouage – Existence – Loud Lily Of The Valley

I will no longer complain about Amouage's commercial direction. It's too easy to sit back and take potshots at the house. They've gone in a completely different business direction under Renaud Salmon, and that's fine. That's their prerogative. Think about it; it wouldn't have made artistic sense to keep producing scents that mimic the style … Continue reading Amouage – Existence – Loud Lily Of The Valley →

L’Objet – A Solid Set Of Six Scents

L'Objet, a homewares brand with an Israeli owner, a French name, a porcelain atelier in Portugal, and a boutique on Madison Avenue in New York City, has developed a solid set of perfumes. The brand, founded by interior designer Elad Yifrach in 2004, initially specialised in handcrafted luxury decorative pieces for the home. Over the … Continue reading L’Objet – A Solid Set Of Six Scents →