As I enter the latter days of 2010 I begin to consider which perfumers have produced a body of work which will have me consider them for my perfumer of the year. With Coup de Foudre, Bang and now Panache I can tell you Yann Vasnier will be on my short list as I consider who will receive that accolade. M. Vasnier has fashioned his own panache quite brilliantly.
Liz has been working on a new line of oil –based fragrances – alcohol-free, fuss-free, unplugged [to paraphrase the lady], and a full-bodied free-for-all.
FUN.
These are tiny treasures.
Intense.
A little dab’ll do ya.
A ‘perfume created early in my career’, intended to utilize as many best beloved aromas of the finest quality available …
Such was Mandy Aftel’s aspiration for her solid perfume Alchemy.
2010 has been a year of cologne releases that have helped redefine and revolutionize the idea of eau de cologne. One of those revolutionary ideas was that of a “cologne absolue”. It is a version of perfumery that I was hopeful to see more of. It only took six months for me to see my aspiration come true. Francis Kurkdjian followed up with absolue formulations of the two colognes from his Maison Francis Kurkdjian line. These are not flankers they are truly as M. Kurkdjian calls them “alter egos” to the corresponding Cologne.
Shelley Waddington, of En Voyage Perfumes, has just opened a brand new website!
She was kind enough to send me beautiful photographs, a sample of Peche Noir, and a list of the notes she used.
Shelley’s intention was to create a smoldering, smoky juicy chypre that is
“evocative of an elegant second skin”.
When I usually encounter Pierre Montale’s concoctions I buckle myself in for a fragrant thrill ride. There are some times where the fragrance is more carousel than roller coaster but it is a ride. Imagine my surprise when upon trying his latest release, Roses Elixir, I wasn’t sent to the fragrant amusement park. Instead I was talking with a charming ingénue who smelt of a delightful blend of fruit and flowers but mostly of roses.
