Fragrances Boutique

I’ve been craving spring for weeks now. The snow blanketing the landscape after yet another false promise of spring arriving at one point started to seem unbearable. I was desperate for the cool, green scent of new buds, the feeling of mild breeze on my bare legs, the splash of color amidst New York greyness…. These past few days have been wonderful: sunny, warm, caressing. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the spring is here at last. To celebrate the coming of spring and to be inspired by it, I would like to hold a prize draw. You can participate by sharing in the comments whatever tends to put you into a spring mood : wearing particular fragrances, experiencing other scents, reading certain books, watching movies, listening to movies, cooking, etc. In other words, tell me about anything that…

With all the new launch samples piling up on my desk, I instead find myself reflecting upon my old favorites. I have always admired the work of Isabelle Doyen for Annick Goutal, whose contributions range from the startling simpilicity and power of Eau du Fier, to the ethereal beauty of Eau de Ciel, and to the baroque richness of Songes. Un Matin d’Orage feels like yet another page in the Annick Goutal album, a rendition of gardenia that blends the starkness of photorealism with the mystery of abstract art. Given the difficulties in capturing the capricious beauty of gardenia in liquid form, it is not surprising that there are only a few successful renditions on the market: my favorites being, the gauzy gardenia of Marc Jacobs Perfume and the dark Velvet Gardenia by Tom Ford. For a gardenia lover, Un…

My new year has started with an Indian adventure, in which the romance of a wedding was punctuated by the typical stress of wedding planning and last minute arrangements. There were aspects that I nevered expected in my romantic vision: air travel mishaps, packs of wild dogs, naughty milk stealing monkeys. The tailors who insisted on leaving extra fabric were not always helpful — “but you cannot stay this thin after marriage, you will gain weight, how will you wear it then!” And the Indian concept of time as an infinitely stretchable resource required considerable patience. Yet, amidst all the unpredictable and sometimes amusing scenarios, everything turned out be to be even more splendid than we had anticipated.This was mostly due to our friends and family who actively participated in every part of the ritual and made our wedding special…

Dear Readers, Happy Holidays! I hope that 2010 will bring you lots of happiness, love and health. The next time we will meet here will be at the end of January upon my return from the month long India trip. Your answers to the Wedding Perfume Poll gave me lots of ideas. I promise to share the story of my wedding perfume on the pages of Bois de Jasmin. Meanwhile, I am finishing my packing and getting ready for the upcoming adventure. Once again, Happy Holidays and thank you for your constant support and interest in my articles! Photography © Bois de Jasmin. Peacock mosaic from The Kariye Camii in Istanbul.

Harajuku Lovers, the apparel range from Gwen Stefani launched in 2005, has announced five limited edition fragrances collectively titled: Sunshine Cuties. Each of the fragrances has been created by different perfumers.

Today SA Fragrances have announced the signing of a deal to create fragrances for IndyCar driver, Danica Patrick. The first fragrance is due for launch in early 2010.

eBay has responded to a decision by Commercial Court of Paris versus LVMH, to fine eBay EUR1.7 million in relation to an injunction that prevents French eBay users from buying or selling LVMH Group perfumes and cosmetics on any eBay website.

The iconic fist-shaped bottle for Diesel’s Only the Brave fragrance for men, has been transformed by Bunka; the artist behind some of the most coveted designer toys developed by Artoyz. The bottle, originally modelled on Diesel founder Renzo Rosso’s fist, has become an grafitti-inspired explosion of word and colour.

The draw is closed and the winner is Laura! Thank you very much to everyone who participated. We received a range of very interesting responses, and they are going to be very helpful for my friend’s school project. For someone who loves fragrance, it is always interesting to find out why others wear perfume. My annual giveaway this year ties in with a study on the generation Y fragrance usage for an FIT consumer behavior class, and I am excited to hear your thoughts. Likewise, the prize for this giveaway is very special–tailored to your likes, exclusive (you will not find it in stores) and quite unique. Your answers will be submitted anonymously and your personal information shall not be shared in any way, shape or form. Giveaway Questions: How do you choose your fragrances and how many do you…

Until the 28th November, the Chanel fragrance Boutique in Selfridges will be a hosting a Baudrachage Event. Chanel are inviting fans to meet the artisan behind the iconic seal.

Azzaro have revisited their classic fragrance Azzaro pour Homme. Spanish pop star Enrique Iglesias has been chosen by Azzaro to front the advertising campaign. In a timeless black and white image, Iglesias is passionately embraced by a woman bewitched by the scent.

Le Labo are to open a standalone London store early next year. The store, location to be announced, will be the fourth standalone store after New York, Tokyo and Los Angeles. Currently the only place to buy the brand in the UK was at the Le Labo counter in Liberty.

Field Notes from Paris, the latest fragrance from Ineke, is now available. The fragrance is inspired by Ruhland’s perfumery studies in Paris and Versailles. The company have also signed a new distributor for the Nordic region.

People on Twitter have been making up amusing names for fictional perfumes by celebrities, and it is currently the number one trend on the popular social networking site.

Frederic Malle has introduced a line of home fragrances – parfums pour la maison. The range includes candles, and also two other products – a diffuser, and ‘rubber incense’. Malle was in London yesterday to launch the line in the UK and for the 25th Anniversary celebrations of Les Senteurs.

Carlos Benaim will be creating a fragrance for Frederic Malle’s Editions de Parfums collection, Malle revealed in a interview with Basenotes. Benaim has worked with Malle on the new home fragrance collection.

Creed have announced the opening of an official online store offering the world’s largest selection of authentic Creed fragrances, grooming goods, accessories and home products.  The store – creedboutique.com ships to the USA, Canada and Puerto Rico.

This December sees Creed launch a new collection of fragrances, named Royal Exclusives. The first fragrance in the line up is Sublime Vanille, created by father and son, Oliver and Erwin Creed.

After the successful launch in 2008 of their first five unique luxury fragrances, Humiecki & Graef announce the arrival of their latest exclusive perfume creation: Clemency – a scent inspired by a the pride of a mother.

Sonama Scent Studio has added some new products to its line: Purse sprays and Body Silk Lotion and have revealed some new fragrances are on the way.

Christopher Voigt, writer and Editor of Vetivresse.com, a WSET-certified sommelier will lead two 2-hour seminars exploring the shared seduction of wine and perfume on November 17 and 19. The seminars will take place in Manhattan and will be limited to 10 participants each.

Michael Boadi, the man behind British Brand Boadicea the Victorious supported Bill Clinton’s Foundation at a charity event on Friday night.  The Millennium Network Charity Gala was held at the Dorchester Hotel in London on Friday Oct 30th to raise awareness of the issues that the Millennium Network seeks to confront.

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