Christopher Chong photo by Jay Brooks©

Fragrance is a form of time travel.  Last year Creative Director Christopher Chong of Amouagetook us to NYC in the 1970s with Imitation Man and Woman. He goes further back in time with the new Portrayal series which is inspired by London’s Roaring 1920s and the flamboyant, glamorous and often disaffected companionship of Bright Young Things. The word flapper in fact has its origins in England!

“A person who dares to defy the norms of their society, Portrayal is for the bold,” says Chong. “It is inspired by times of dramatic social change and the people who pushed beyond the limits of mass culture during their times. It is a reflection of the birth of a new age and the freedoms that come with it.”

Amouage Portrayal Man (Pierre Negrin) and Amouage Portrayal Woman (Pierre Negrin and Annick Menardo)

“Amouage Portrayal Man is an olfactive depiction of 1920s bohemian culture. Its woody and leather aroma exudes an air of exquisite audacity. It is about the arrogance and social tension in the world’s cultural discourse. With Vetiver at its heart and top notes of Violet Leaves, Portrayal Man emits a dandy yet masculine impression. Its light spicy facet enriches its woody base of Cade, allowing the fragrance to illustrate an enlightening energy that is unforgettable. At the heart of Portrayal Woman is a smoky yet sweet mélange created by the fusion of Craven, a Tobacco with a dusting of Vanilla. Brought together with Jasmine at its top and Elemis at its base, it recreates 1920’s liberation. The floral fragrance is for the poised and playfully refined woman who dares to defy. It is heartened with an undertone of the sensuality of Tuberose.”

Portrayal Man: Top: Violet Leaves; Heart: Vetiver; Base: Cade

Portrayal Woman Top: Jasmine; Heart: Craven (Tobacco Accord), Vanilla; Base: Elemi

Amouage’s signature glass crystal bottles are introduced in an iridescent pearl finish adorned with a blue Swarovski crystal for Amouage Portrayal Man and Amouage Portrayal Woman. The boxes are a delicate dusty blue with an elegant art deco inspired jacquard.

Amouage Portrayal Man 100 ml $315 and $240 for 50 ml/  Amouage Portrayal Woman 100 ml $335 and $255 ml

Available on www.amouage.com and select stockists worldwide

 By press release and my own synopsis

Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief