I don't get nearly as excited for a Frédéric Malle scent as I used to. Their lackluster recent releases (Uncut Gem, Acne Studios, etc.) and the departure of the brand's editor have further dampened my enthusiasm. The thrill is gone, as BB King would say. Well, not quite. My ears pricked up when I heard … Continue reading Frédéric Malle – Contre-Jour – Ménardo’s First For The Brand
Tag: French Perfumery
Parfums MDCI – Vetyver Messager – Vetiver In A New Light?
Over the years, Parfums MDCI has slipped from my stream of consciousness and completely fallen off my radar. They made such a rollicking entrance when they debuted over 20 years ago. Their Chypre, their amber, and most notably, Invasion Barbare won the hearts of discerning perfume lovers all over the world. However, for various reasons—most … Continue reading Parfums MDCI – Vetyver Messager – Vetiver In A New Light?
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
Bienaimé – Monsieur – Yes Sir, A Good One
Bienaimé is another of the many French houses that have been revived in recent times. Robert Bienaimé founded his eponymous house back in the mid-1930s. A chemist by profession, he started his perfume career at Houbigant, creating several renowned fragrances, including Quelques Fleurs for the brand, before eventually branching out on his own. Parfum de … Continue reading Bienaimé – Monsieur – Yes Sir, A Good One
Akro – Breathe – Natural Born Filler
Nature and the great outdoors served as the inspiration for Breathe from Akro. However, I'm convinced the inspiration for the scent came from men's designer aquatic scents, such as Versace Man Eau Fraiche or Chanel Allure Sport, and to a lesser extent, the Light Blue's from D&G. Breathe resembles the light, faux fougère marine scents … Continue reading Akro – Breathe – Natural Born Filler
Serge Lutens – Point Du Jour – Morning Has Broken
For a house built on its heavy, ambery, syrupy scents, Serge Lutens has produced its fair share of good, lighter fragrances. I've always been intrigued by L'Eau Froide, the brand's icy reprise to Cool Water. Despite its name, though, L'Eau Froide wasn't so much a Cool Water retort, but more of a return to basics … Continue reading Serge Lutens – Point Du Jour – Morning Has Broken
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
L’Artisan Parfumeur – Il Était Un Bois – Back Into The Woods
L'Artisan Parfumeur has disappeared from Australian shores. I believe their distribution deals fell through a couple of years ago, and now, sadly, they no longer feature on our niche fragrance store shelves. It's a shame because although they've fallen far from their halcyon days, I still rate the brand, and they still produce the occasional … Continue reading L’Artisan Parfumeur – Il Était Un Bois – Back Into The Woods
Review – Nicolaï – Riviera Verbena – A Trip To The Côte d’Azur
I love the smell of verbena/lemon verbena. I have some growing in the garden, and I love the herbal, lemony, zesty scent created by rubbing the plant between my fingers. There's nothing better at putting a pep in my step on a warm, humid afternoon in the middle of summer than this enlivening aroma. … Continue reading Review – Nicolaï – Riviera Verbena – A Trip To The Côte d’Azur
Reviews – Jacques Fath – Jasmin de Toscane, Vetiver Gris – Niche Has Gone Nuts
Two scents to change my opinion regarding hazelnut perfumes? Not quite. The nutty fragrance trend shows no sign of subsiding. Pistachio scents, in particular, have been most in the limelight, but hazelnut fragrances don't seem too far behind. I'm not entirely on board with this style of scent. Almond fragrances are the only type of … Continue reading Reviews – Jacques Fath – Jasmin de Toscane, Vetiver Gris – Niche Has Gone Nuts