A friend is going to Paris. A rich friend. A friend who adores you. And s/he says, darling, let me bring you back 3 perfumes from Paris. Whatever you like, money is no object. You choose?
My picks:
Diorama by Christian Dior. Although if Dior Dior was still in production, it would be a hard choice.
Bolt of Lightning by JAR. The line is also available in New York, so this might be a wasted choice. And admittedly, this one I might want only because I know I can never have it. The grass is always greener...
Iris Silver Mist by Serge Lutens. I've always wanted a bell jar, even though I'd never manage to drain one in a million years.
If the friend is really amazing (and obviously they are) they might also want to overnight a few macarons from La Grande Epicerie...
Note: image is one of the many postcards of the Eiffel Tower that you can send free from tour-eiffel.fr.
Hmm, good question, indeed.
Lets see….
Metalys by Guerlain would be my first choice.
Tubereuse Criminelle by Serge Lutens would be my second
The third is a tie between Guet-Apens (Attspe-Couer, No. 68) by Guerlain and Encens et Lavande by Serge Lutens.
Fun to think about!
Happy Friday, R
-MD
MD, great picks! Now I'm waffling, should I take TC instead of ISM? Hard choice.
Have a great weekend!
The friend is going to pay with her own money? Yippee! I need that friend!
Well, she could go to Colette and collect some le Labo Labdanum whatever-the-number-is. The she could trot around to Guerlain to replenish my Bois d'Armenie (and quite possibly snaffle some Metalys while she's there). And to round it off, to les Palais Royal, where I would allow her to decide for me between Iris Silver Mist or Muscs Kulblai Khan.
I wonder if she'd have time to snoop around for the last of the Seve Exquise while she's at it?
Aha — perhaps the rich friend could best use his/her resources by tracking down Victoire Gobin Daude and buying whatever perfumes she still has in stock, and then bankrolling her new line!
Its a ridiculously difficult decision, isn't it? A decision no human should be forced to make. Its funny b/c it was a toss up between ISM and TC for me and TC won out whereas for you, it was the other way around. Perhaps once our friends bring these back for us, R – we should just go halves on ISM and TC with each other, what do you say? Now….where do we find these friends at?
My bell jar of Chene should be here in about a month, I'm going to throw a welcoming party, I think.
LOL at “A decision no human should be forced to make” — too true. We should all have at least 2 bell jars, maybe 3. But happy to do halves, I'm not *too* greedy!
Ok, ok who ever this imaginary person is in my life the could do such a thing, I would let this person bring back what ever they seem fit that thank l would wear, I've never smelled most of what's talked about on this blog, SO LUCK BE A LADY TONIGHT.
Hmmm…She can go to Guerlain and pick up a bottle of Candide Effluve for me. While she is there, she can ask them to put her on the list for when Kadine is finally released…just a little gift for moi.
Colette sounds cool. I can ask her to pick up for me whatever the new “hot” fragrance is.
Does that sound good…or am I being too modest, lol?
Hugs!
A difficult question.
I suppose I would have to get a bottle of Rahat Loukhoum from SL and if it turned out that Chene wasn't going to be in the export releases, I would have to get a bottle of that too. As for No3, I think it would have to be something from Guerlain, either the snail bottle of Mouchoir de Monsieur or one of the other limited edition ones, probably d'Armenie. I love the Carte d'Armenia from SMN and the Guerlain perfume is just like it.
Keeping my fingers crossed for both of us then, LOL…
I don't even know Candide Effluve! They've been so busy over at Guerlain. But surprised nobody has asked for the Quand Vient La Pluie yet.
And I'll take whatever is new & hot from Colette myself…or maybe wait for the Paris-exclusive Le Labo?
I was too greedy to pick Armenie, as I could probably obtain and/or afford it myself. So I'd say go for the MdM!
Caron Tabac Blond parfum
Guerlain Jicky parfum
Creed Verveine Narcisse (is it discontinued?)
Deja vu!
A friend of Mine went to Paris 2 years ago and I asked her to bring me Palisander for my BF and odeur71 for me.
Today I would ask for:
Fleurs de Oranger (Lutens)
Mure et Musk Extreme (L'Artisan Parfumeur)
And either Garage or Tar from de CdG Synthetic Series.
Plus of course one Lagniappe.. The New Jil Sander Man!!!
Robin, If you have such a rich friend that goes to Paris…
Ask him/her to take them with you!!!!
I'd ask for Guerlain's Apres L'Ondee. Oh, I wish my rich friend would offer to take me.
i'm going myself in 10 days!
SL bois de violette will soon be mine. and i'm taking notes on these wish-list items…! am eager to smell diorama and diorling, as well as paying a visit to parfums de nicolai, caron and frederic malle. *can't wait.* too bad i'm not even close to rich.
love, love, love fleurs d'oranger– it's in the import line, did you know? or maybe you just want one of those lovely bell jars…!
Great picks! I am such a heathen that I like Jicky EdT best, LOL…
Not sure on the Creed VN.
Ah, you're right — that is what the *perfect* rich friend should do, take me with them
Great choice, and one of my favorites. You can get it in NY at BG now, or at least, you could last I was there. Do wish they'd sell the Parfum in Paris!
Lucky, lucky you! Diorama is seriously stunning. Diorling too, but like Diorama the best. Have a really great trip!
A bottle of Feminite des Bois, a couple of bars of Mont St Michel orange soap, a bottle of Garnier Ultra Doux Grapefruit and Green Tea shampoo, and anything Cassis flavored they could smuggle back.
I fear that my tastes may be rather pedestrian, but those are the things I miss the *most* from having traveled in France.
Hey, now I want the soap and shampoo too!
Bell Jar!
Yes.
I think I'll meet all your traveling friends at the airport and offer to carry their bags…:)
“Here you are, Madame, your bags. What's that you say? One seems to be missing? However could that have happened?” (wink wink nudge nudge)
In all seriousness, I'd be happy with any of your choices. Such wonderful delectable aromatic bonbons you've chosen.
A very interesting poll: so thought-provoking that I just had to subscribe to this blog!
What would I ask for?
1. Fleur de Narcisse by L'Artisan Parfumeur
2. Serge Lutens Silver Iris Mist (ditto)
3. Eau de Cologne Impériale de Guerlain (3.4 oz. splash in the original bee bottle, please!)
As for the macarons…my choice would be Pierre Hermé, espeically his “Ispahan” (ah, rose and lychee…) and white truffle. In addition, I would kindly ask for a few loaves of artisan rye bread from Poilâne and a few boxes of madeleine (preferably from Fauchon).
She would probably on her way to Cartier by then, so she probably wouldn't mind if she can pick up a tank watch and a Cartier trinity ring for me as well…
What happy speculation! I would pick Guerlain Voilette de Madame and Apres L'Ondee and a bell jar of Serge Lutens Encens et Lavande.
What sort of a fragrance is Diorama? It sounds intriguing!
Oh, I want that one, too…and, while she's at it, she can throw in a JAR so that I can say I have one in my collection, lol!
Robin, you got my head spinning. I can't think straight, heart palpitating, mouth getting dry; which ones to choose, Dior's, Chanel's, Caron's. Goutal's, I can't make up my mind. Have to pass for now. Lovely postcard, isn't it?
And how could I possibly be forgetting the Guerlain's? (And many others).
Sorry, that comment about forgetting the Guerlain's was supposed to go to the end of the comment list, see what you did, Robin?
Now that's a hard question. I think Iris Silver Mist would be my first choice too (just made up a song “bell jar, bell jar, everybody wants a bell jar” lol). Would't mind a bottle of Nahema from Guarlain, although I never smelled it;) Can't pick up my third choice… there are too many things I'd like to have.
Did you notice most of us pick up SL and Guerlain?:)
Great list! Perhaps my friend should wait for L'Artisan to release Iris Pallida. But I will take a few Ispahan macarons as well
And welcome, hope we'll see you again.
I'm too much of a neophyte to be able to contribute, but apropos of that — sorry, everybody, I didn't know where else to ask this, as I searched in vain (probably right in front of my nose) for a general query spot for Robin — I just discovered friends of yours offering fascinating decants online: kind of a beginner's mini-course in niche/legendary scents, from what I understand. What do you think of this line-up? I believe I can also cherry-pick decants, too. I'm dirt-poor but desperate for education. . .thought this might be a good use of my limited resources, as you guys are always talking about benchmarks I've never ever snifffed nor will be likely to, up here in the wilds of Vancouver, B.C.
Thanks, R.
Sorry, didn't paste the line-up:
Chanel Bois des Iles, Caron Parfum Sacre, Patou 1000, Chanel Cuir de Russie, Caron Tabac Blond parfum, Hermessence Osmanthe Yunnan, Serge Lutens Clair de Musc, Bvlgari Au the Blanc, Hermessence Ambre Narguile, Serge Lutens Fleur d'Oranger, Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile, Parfumes de Rosine Ecume de Rose, Borsari Violetta di Parma, Frederic Malle Lys Mediterranee, Guerlain Mitsouko, CB I Hate Perfumes Black March water perfume, Annick Goutal Mandragore, Guerlain Apres L'ondee, Gucci EDP (brown bottle), Hermes Bel Ami, and Bond No. 9 Chinatown.
First, gingerbread macarons please!
Then:
Serge TC
JAR Golconda
Balkis Light
It hurts to leave off Diorama and Apres L'Ondee, but I can't find that bloody Balkis Light over here, and if I save my very generous friend money, perhaps she will go to London next, and bring me back Orris Noir, Frangipani and Ormonde (or maybe a backup bottle of Champaca?)
As a side note and inspired by the Penhaglion's shopping tour below, has anybody tried their Opus 1870? Heard how great this is twice, now…..
It really is a hard dicision but I suppose I'd chose:
Diorling – Christian Dior
Mandarine-Mandarin – Serge Lutens
Mouchoir de Monsieur – Guerlain
All scents I've wanted for a while, but can't find!
Bond no. 9 Chinatown? From Paris? Ha!
Hi Robin, not claiming to be even half an expert, but you understood that correctly that you can cherry-pick any decant you want, you don't have to take a sampler pack. That way you can adjust to your budget.
I'd love to try any of those on your list, too! The ones I've tried and loved are: Parfum Sacre, SL Clair de Musc, AdP Iris Nobile, PdR Ecume de Rose, Guerlain Apres L'Ondee. I know some others, but they're not on your list.
Interesting point about SL and Guerlain! (Two out of my 3 are indeed from these two houses!)
Nahema is quite mesmerizing…I have a soft spot for it because it was the first Guerlain fragrance I've ever sampled. Jean-Paul Guerlain named Catherine Deneuve as the muse of the fragrance and the scent, in a way, describes her introspective off-screen nature: soft, powdery…with a few surprises in between.
The best way I could describe Nahema would be a spicy rose version of Ravel's Bolero. Sure, top, middle, and base notes are all present — but the rose (amplified with a then-novelty molecuole isolated from the damask rose absolute) just keeps on marching to its beats, getting more and more senual as time progresses…
In a way, Nahema, though a bit too audacious for its time, partially inspired classics such as YSL Paris and Lancôme Tresor, although Sophia Grojsman, the nose of both scents, named Après l'Ondée as her muse…
Anyhow, this is what I know: hope this helps
LOL — good planning!
Very beautiful chypre by Edmond Roudnitska, gorgeous animalic base. Marina has a beautiful review on Perfume Smellin' Things!
Hi Norna, nice to see so many fans of ISM! And yes, Guerlain & SL seem to be the big draws today.
Robin, that is a great list of scents, esp. if they're mostly new to you. But if it were me, I'd probably hand pick (unless money is no object) and stick to those I couldn't find in a department store near me.
Great list! And yes, friend needs to do a London run as well, LOL…
BTW, have a question for you — if you see this, could you email me? nowsmellthis at comcast dot net
It's terribly hard. I'd be calling my friend via cell up until the last minute, I guess!
I thought it was nice, but it didn't knock my socks off.
R, I was moved to post less by the poll question than by the lovely postcard image, which reminds me so very much of a photo I took from my hotel window on a trip to Paris in 2000:
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p269/mercurygirl17/Paris%201999-2000/roofs.jpg
P.S. The treasure I bought myself in Paris on my return trip this past spring was a half-ounce of Chanel No. 19 parfum. As long as I have No. 19 in its purest form, who needs bell jars? I *will* take a few of those macarons, however …
LOL — it is really fun to pick things, isn't it? Even if you'll never get them.
And yes — check out the site, they have lots of cool postcards!
Great shot! My last trip to Paris was in (gasp!) 1986 or something like that. At least the Eiffel Tower still looks the same
You must return! Paris awaits you.
And if there really is going to be a Paris-exclusive Le Labo, you will have a traveling companion.:)
What a lovely pic! How I miss Paris (sign…)
The last time I was in Paris was in 1992 for the Bastille Day celebration. Oh well, I will be back someday I hope…
You are right about Chanel No. 19 parfum: it doesn't get any better.
I could make it very easy for this wonderful friend with one stop Guerlain shopping – Jicky, L'Heure Bleue & Vol De Nuit, but if she didn't mind the run around, I would say Jicky, SL Chergui and FM Musc Ravageur….
Thanks for this little reviw of Nahema, and yes, it helps… to want it even more badly!;)
Where to find this rich friend?
How funny that you posted this, since I returned from Paris myself just two days ago! The one treasure I brought back with me is Guerlain's Apres l'Ondee (precious cargo indeed!). If a rich friend were heading back that way, I'd request:
Guerlinade
Chanel Gardenia
L'Artisan Fleur d'Oranger (if it's still to be had)
If any of the above were not available, I'd request a bottle of Fragonard's latest called “Billet Doux” which I sampled and liked very much. Either that or L'Artisan's Mure & Musc in the blackberry bottle (I've never sniffed it, I just love the bottle!)
Dead easy. Iris Silver Mist, Iris Silver Mist, and, uh, Iris Silver Mist. There. Set for life.
ooh..i missed this poll on Friday..
for me it would probably be:
1. Tubereuse Criminelle
2. Jar's Bolt of Lightning..(it *is* lovely and oh so unaffordable isn't it?)
3. hmm..I feel like saying Jar's Diamond Water but since the Jars can also be 'had' from New York (I wish!) I would probably go for Sarassins- unsniffed!!! (Since I dont think I have every bought a full bottle unsniffed- the act holds a forbidden charm for me, akin to drowning oneself in pure dark chocolate..ok..I think I am getting carried away..:))
Sounds like a good plan, if only that rich friend lends me a few $$!
Carol, I'm hoping the rich friend is doing her own running around for perfume and so doesn't mind my additions, but I could happily pick 3 from Guerlain myself.
Hope your trip was perfect, and congrats on the Apres l'Ondee, my very favorite Guerlain!
I don't like Mure & Musc, but want that blackberry bottle too, plus the fig bottle for Premier Figuier.
LOL — I could go for that myself.
BoL is outrageously expensive. At least it isn't expensive and then smells like anything else, which is so often the case!
And as long as you're going for Sarrasins, have the friend pick up the limited edition bottle, it is really gorgeous. I'd be willing to like anything they put inside.
Thanks, Robin and Sabina. Sorry not to respond earlier; just got back into town from a laptopless weekend. Of the list, are there any that stand out to you as absolute must-haves? Any NOT on the list I ought to track down. I want to get a really good education!!!
It is all so subjective. I would think you could try the Bvlgari & Annick Goutal at a department store without having to buy a sample? And possibly the Patou & Hermes as well? And would think you could find a tester of Mitsouko, although the parfum is much better.
Of the others, I'd be tempted to start with Chanel Bois des Iles & Cuir de Russie, Caron Tabac Blond parfum, Serge Lutens Fleur d'Oranger, Guerlain Mitsouko & Apres L'ondee.
That is supremely helpful. Thank you VERY much. You know, I seem to recall you coveting Jicky EDT, and I just saw a bottle here in Vancouver at a store specializing in hard-to-find scents. They probably want the world for it — I didn't check the price — but if you're stuck for a source and I can help by picking up a bottle and sending it your way, I'd be happy to. xo Robin
I am a perfume collector so these are my 3 choices from Paris in order from first to third.
M A Sillage de la Reine-at Chateau de Versailles
Coeur Joie at Nina Ricci
Sarrasins at Serge Lutens
So I picked these 3 because you can't buy them or even request and have them shipped to the US, to my knowledge.
MA Sillage de la Reine was one of Marie Antoinette's perfumes. This can only be purchased at the Court of Versailles and is limited to 1000 flacons at 350 euros each, and the proceeds go to repurchase a trunk that belonged to Marie Antoinette.
Coeur Joie was the first perfume by Nina Ricci and isa reissue in the original Lalique bottle from the 1940's and the flagship store in Paris is the only one who carries it and they don't ship to the US.
I just returned from Paris 2 weeks ago and went to the Serge Lutens store at the Petit Chateau and they didn't have the Sarrasins for sale yet, but was do out next week, I did convince the gentleman to give me a sample and it is a soft floral??? It was really nice and would have brought it home if I could have, but once again they don't ship that scent. Good luck to your friend and hope you get some wonderful perfume's and if she needs any information please contact me, I went to all the perfume stores……Enjoy whatever you decide.
Lovely choices. Have been very curious about the Sillage de la Reine but don't know anyone who has actually smelled it — did you?
I actually broke down and bought this perfume. Versailles was my favorite place to visit in Paris-I can't even begin to explain, but is a wonderful place and we (my mom and I) did a tour with only 3 other people and it was a full day but just wonderful, so for me the parfum is a great memory, the money go's back into the palace, and they were to remake it very close to the original parfum of Marie Antionette. I have to say for my taste it is strong to begin but really did enjoy after the dry down. Check out the web site scented salamander for the description. All I can say is it is a wonderful pc. of history and only 1000 people will be able to enjoy it, and I hope you will be one of them if you decide to.
What a nice souvenir, enjoy your bottle!
I can't promise the shampoo, but I can do the soap for you. Send me a message on Basenotes and let me know your address and I'll send you some Mont St Michel soap. It's my favourite too.