Azagury Perfume: Rule Brittania + British Style Draw

 

 

There is an undeniable British style. The country that has a Royal Family and was also the birthplace of punk rock definitely has its own style. Jacques Azagury is one of those English designers who exemplify the style. Mr. Azagury has dressed national icons Princess Diana and Helen Mirren. Three years ago he followed the path of many other designers and released a fragrance which was only available in England. Now it has crossed the pond, like many other British imports, and is available in the US.

 

 

Mr. Azagury made his imprint on the fashion scene with his first collection dubbed the “New Romantics”. Azagury Perfume could also be a part of that collection. On the website he says:

“Jacques Azagury has gone back to go forward. Back to the white flowers and the woods of the grand perfumes of the 20's and 30's and catapulted them into the 21st Century by reformulating them with the latest futuristic materials to create space and excitement, resulting in a new grand totally modern scent for the woman of tomorrow.

 

 

Mr. Azagury chose to focus Azagury Perfume on two notes; a version of jasmine found in the Himalayas, Mogra and a strong cedar component which reminds Mr. Azagury of a cedar he smelled while on vacation in Morocco. The Mogra is a clean, crisp version of jasmine. If you are looking for indoles with your jasmine Azagury is not going to be for you. Mogra, along with the strong cedar, comes off cleaner than any perfume centered around jasmine has a right to but it also is what makes Azagury Perfume feel more classic.

 

 

The opening of Azagury perfume is a mix of fizzy aldehydes and zippy ginger. A couple of years ago it seemed like every masculine department store fragrance was raving about the “energizing” quality of ginger without ever achieving it. Azagury Perfume succeeds where all of those failed by pairing ginger with aldehydes, the combination adds a frisson to the early going on my skin. Those of you who read my reviews know I prefer my jasmine with a full serving of indoles; which was why I thought I might not lake the clean version Azagury Perfume presents. Actually a fully indolic jasmine would have been jarring coming out of the ginger and aldehyde top notes. The Mogra, which presents a clear floral note as if against a Himalayan snowfield, compliments the opening almost perfectly. The base notes of cedar and amber add some warmth to what could be a very chilly fragrance without their presence. In the end the hint of warmth is all that is needed to allow Azagury Perfume to come to life.

 

 

Azagury Perfume has above average longevity and below average sillage, so much so that it is almost a skin scent.

Azagury Perfume like its namesake exudes a distinctive British style that those who enjoy Miller Harris or Penhaligon’s would easily recognize. Like Mr. Azagury’s fashion it also has a uniqueness which adds to that national foundation. Azagury Perfume is a versatile everyday perfume that fits…. a princess, a movie star, or you.

Disclosure: This review was based on a sample provided by Luckyscent.

Mark Behnke, Managing Editor

Courtesy of Luckyscent we have two samples to give away to two commenters. Leave a comment about your favorite example of British style. The draw will close on May 14, 2011 at 10pm est.

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12 comments

  • All i am going to say is…one beautiful fragrance and a MUST have for anybody wanting to smell divine

  • I have never seen this on sale anywhere in the UK but you make it sound wonderful.  I think British style is more mix and match than most other stereotypes of style (French, American, Italian etc).  Perhaps because of the weather, you have to put things together here rather than just wear a dress.  I think Thandie Newton always looks elegant, Tilda Swinton always looks interesting and Alexa Chung has an unusual style for someone her age and doing her job.

  • I would love to try this. I was going to buy it unsniffed from Luckyscent, but instead exhibited excellent will power. As for British Style, I really adore Alexander McQueen and the mix of punk with everyday styles.
    Thank you for this great opportunity. 

  • Mary Beth says:

    A clean jasmine? One that won't make me run screaming?
    Apparently not an impossibilty.  And with cedar and aldehydes… ::eyes sparkle::

  • After the recent Royal Wedding all I can think of when imagining the British style is hats, hats and more hats.

  • I can tell you that a mini cooper (in British Racing Green) and a Burberry trench with popped collar is as UK-ish as fish and chips to me! When I visited London, I used a shower gel that will forever resurect my memories of all things British.

  • My idea of British style is from back in the day and is exemplified by the wives and girlfriends of the Beatles and models like Jean Shrimpton and Twiggy.  British style was modern, fun, sassy, and, most of all, independent.  I was a young girl and those women made a big impression on me.  I loved them and their look.  Still do.