Bond No. 9 has had an unusually successful collaboration with the two department stores they have developed perfumes for. In England, Bond No. 9 has made a series of fragrances with Harrods (I really enjoyed the oud-based Harrods Swarovski Edition that was released over the 2009 Holiday season).
In the United States, Saks Fifth Avenue is the partner, with the the first two fragrances Saks Fifth Avenue For Him and Saks Fifth Avenue for Her. Now for the middle of 2010, Bond No. 9 is releasing two distinct rose fragrances characteristic of the country that both stores are located in.
Saks-En-Rose
The American Rose is a real outgoing rose full of forward notes and if one wants to stretch the analogy it is the more brash and extroverted of these two fragrances. The opening of Saks-En-Rose is a fascinating study in a dusty green note, identified as lantana leaf in the note list, combined with nutmeg and a desiccated date note. The rose is also evident right from the opening moments, as well. The combination gives the feel of a dried and preserved rose, it has an almost archaeological feel to the combination.
Then, like a magic touch, life floods the rose and it flowers into full lush life partnered with orris and tuberose. The orris adds an opulent facet to the lush rose and tuberose. The rose remains throughout the base as amber, sandalwood and musk bring Saks-En-Rose to an entirely satisfactory close.
Harrods Rose
If Saks-En-Rose is All-American in its style Harrods Rose is a true English Rose restrained in its elegance but every bit as deep as its American compatriot. Harrods Rose begins with what might be my favorite floral note in all of perfumery, narcissus. It is full and indolic in its presence and a deceptively simple opening. The rose doesn’t make its presence known until the heart and there tuberose is used to add more of what narcissus brought to the early development of Harrods Rose.
The contrast of the white flowers versus the rose presents a nice floral duality. The base is almost the same as in Saks-En-Rose amberette, wood and musk. Here it is used with a much lighter hand and it feels like a light touch before Harrods Rose disappears.
Saks-En-Rose and Harrods Rose both have excellent longevity and average sillage.
Both of these Bond No. 9 fragrances are excellent examples of the synergies that can be achieved when a perfume brand works well with their retail partner. Both Saks-En-Rose and Harrods Rose are "go to" rose fragrance, for both daytime and appropriate for a night out.
Depending on which country you live in Bond No. 9 has delivered a bouquet of roses to your local Saks or Harrods.
Disclosure: This review was based on samples provided by Bond No. 9 counters at Saks Fifth Avenue and Harrods