It's a holiday Wednesday here, and I wanted to look at one of the more high-profile releases of 2025 so far, Kurky by Francis Kurkdjian. Even the most passionate supporters of Kurkdjian might find it difficult to praise some of his recent work. Perhaps, through gritted teeth. It's been one uninspiring release after another since … Continue reading Maison Francis Kurkdjian – Kurky – The Curious Case Of Kurkdjian
Tag: Perfume Blog
Santa Maria Novella – Acqua – On Fragrant Pond
Earlier this year, I posted my thoughts on the garden series from Santa Maria Novella – I Giardini Medicei – Quercia. At that time, I'd tried five of the eight fragrances in the line. I've since sampled Ambra and Acqua, with Incenso being the only one left to try. Today I'll share my thoughts on … Continue reading Santa Maria Novella – Acqua – On Fragrant Pond
Fragonard – Flower Of The Year 2025 – Fleur de Citronnier
This year's flower of choice from Fragonard is the lemon blossom. It may not quite reach the heights of last year's Lilas, but it's still an enjoyable, inexpensive novelty. I sampled Fleur de Citronnier in cool weather, but I'm sure it would hit the mark on a hot summer's day. Lemon blossom from my tree. … Continue reading Fragonard – Flower Of The Year 2025 – Fleur de Citronnier
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
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
Fragonard -Flower of the Year 2024 – Lilas
I haven't seen many lilacs growing in my part of the world, but I did have some of these butterfly-bush plants (also known as summer lilacs) blooming in my yard at one point. Every year since 2010, the famous Grasse-based perfume house Fragonard releases a "Flower of the Year Perfume." We've had, among others, jasmine, … Continue reading Fragonard -Flower of the Year 2024 – Lilas
Book Review – 1001 Perfumes – The Guide – Daniel Barros
Sunday mornings are always a good time for relaxing and reading a good book. And what better way to do it than with a new perfume book? 1001 Perfumes, The Guide by Daniel Barros is a well-written book for all fragrance enthusiasts. Barros divides the guide into several sections. The opening chapters feature numerous essays, … Continue reading Book Review – 1001 Perfumes – The Guide – Daniel Barros
Snowflake Season – Zoologist – Penguin & Imaginary Authors – The Language Of Glaciers
'Tis the season for snowflake trees! In late May and into June, my garden's snowflake trees (euphorbia leucocephala from the same genus as the poinsettia) bloom. It's the only way I'll ever get to see "snow" in winter in my part of the world. They have no scent, but their white flowers attract butterflies and … Continue reading Snowflake Season – Zoologist – Penguin & Imaginary Authors – The Language Of Glaciers
Fantasy Florals – Hibiscus
Fragrant flowers form the core of perfumery. The scented delights of rose, jasmine, violet, and lavender are integral ingredients in the perfumer's palette. Not all flowers are created equally, though. For instance, very few flowers have the powerful scented punch of a graceful gardenia. The other day, I was walking around the neighbourhood and spotted … Continue reading Fantasy Florals – Hibiscus