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 →

Book Review – Fragrance: From Plant To Perfume, The Botanical Origins Of Scent

Buying perfume for a perfume enthusiast is risky business. There are no safe bets; we're just too picky. Unless the recipient has directed you to purchase a specific perfume, I would not recommend proceeding with this. An unsuitable selection, such as Calvin Klein’s Escape for Men or Mugler’s Womanity, may result in grievous bodily harm … Continue reading Book Review – Fragrance: From Plant To Perfume, The Botanical Origins Of Scent →

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 →

Acqua di Parma – Buongiorno – Citrus Herbal Joy

Acqua di Parma hasn't exactly cornered the market on citrus aromatics, but its Colonia and a few of its subsequent flankers will go down as classics in the category. If someone asks me for a fresh scent for summer, I'm sure to point them in the direction of the venerable Italian brand, advising them to … Continue reading Acqua di Parma – Buongiorno – Citrus Herbal Joy →