Guerlain has launched London, a new addition to their Une Ville, Un Parfum series. London joins Moscow, Tokyo and New York, which launched in 2009, but since we did not announce them then I've included descriptions below. The range is part of Guerlain's "Exclusive Fragrances" collection, so is in limited distribution.
London ~ "With its fruity, woody and green floral notes, London transports us to the heart of an ultra-trendy capital that is both eccentric and classic. A rhubarb accord, tangy and vegetal, instantly teases the nose, along with the grapefruit and the bergamot. At the heart of ""London"", a duo of roses – the essence and the absolute – is strewn with cardamom and violets, which are interpreted here in a candied version. The light woody base adds a breeze of fantasy, very British, of course." Additional notes include vetiver and cedar.
Moscow ~ "With its musk, fruit and wood notes, the ultra-feminine Moscow perfume echoes the heartbeat that pounds through the Russian capital. You are intoxicated by the heady fragrance of white musk and tonka bean. A carnal, sensual and elegant trace of vanilla and bergamot stays with you. A sudden aroma of red currants delights your senses. Electrified, you take in the hint of absinthe, a sparkling lemon, a note of plum. In the distance, you glimpse a verdant forest of pine needles. You can still hear the heart of Moscow beating." Additional notes include sandalwood.
Tokyo ~ "Green and floral, fresh and delicate,Tokyo evokes all the subtlety of the Japanese capital. Wilful, yet subtle. Ultra-modern, yet bound to its traditions.The sun is still low in the sky; it is the perfect time to awaken your senses in Hibiya Park, a rare green space designed with a Western aesthetic. As you stroll along a pond, the morning dew gives off a fragrance of jasmine and violet, intertwined with Hinoki cypress.You stop in a teahouse. In this world apart where green tea and jasmine scent the air, you allow yourself be transported by the legendary, almost magical tea-drinking tradition." Additional notes include vanilla.
New York ~ "A woody oriental fragrance, sparkling and sweet, New York excites the taste buds by transporting the senses to the heart of Manhattan on Christmas Eve. From the elegant Uptown to bohemian Downtown, children are dreaming of their Christmas pudding. Smells of vanilla and cinnamon float out of kitchen windows. Already, the air is thick with a scent of cedar, cardamom and bergamot."
Guerlain's Une Ville, Un Parfum fragrances are available in 100 ml Eau de Parfum.
(via guerlain, hat tip to Donna)
Is Patricia de Nicolai, a member of the Guerlain family, going to take issue with a fragrance named “New York”?
It’s been on the market since 2009, so I would think not. Would also think you could not get a trademark on that fragrance name.
have any of you nst-ers smelled any of these?
I haven’t, but there was a review of “London” on Persolaise’s blog this week that might interest you.
And you can find lots of reviews of the older 3. I’ve never smelled any of them.
I have smelled Moscow and found it an utterly pedestrian fruity concoction. Very underwhelming and not at all worth going out of one’s way to test, imo.
I smelled all three back in September at the Guerlain boutique in Las Vegas. New York was my least favorite. I recall distinctly not liking it. Tokyo was ‘meh’ and not memorable. Moscow was the best, but that’s not saying much. It was fruity, floral, sweet, well-done, but sharpish. It wasn’t enough to entice me. I bought a FB of Eau de Fleurs de Cedrat instead.
Moscou is a wonderfully well-blended fragrance, with distinct notes in harmony in keeping with what Guerlain does well. It’s crisp because of the citrus but holiday-y because of the juniper, vanilla, pine and musk. THAT having been said, I can’t wear it because of the red currant and the patchouli which is very green like it is in the drydown to Shalimar Parfum Initial. It gets very sharp on my skin.
New York is more pedestrian, you can find better elsewhere. Have not tried Tokyo.
Also, I had tried the EDTs but this year they are coming out as EDPs to keep the series more uniform with Guerlain’s others. Moscou as an EDT seemed suitably concentrated.
Selfriges in Oxford Street London have London & Tokyo and they told me they were going to get New York. London is very rhubarb! It’s a note I personally don’t care for – it sets my teeth on edge. Tokyo had a lovely green tea opening that is nice but it was not a winner for me. NY sounds wonderful and I am looking forward to smelling it soon. I hope they get Moscow too.
I am very keen on trying London, I’m hoping the rose isn’t too soapy or green.
I bought Moscow when I was at Guerlain boutique on the Champs-Elysees. I wouldn’t describe it as “Ultra feminine” – then gain – I also wear/own Tonka Imperiale, SDV, Gourman Coquin, and Iris Ganache.
I tried the first three a couple of summers ago and remember liking Moscow the best. Reading the description of New York sounds like something I would enjoy but I guess it didn’t make much of an impression on me. I was in a different city, nobody here carries them, so I haven’t tried them again.
Smelled all the first three in the boutique on Champs-Elysees and they smelled very mainstream (read: fruity-floral, musks, etc.) and did not leave a strong impression on me. The London one sounds like it could be more interesting – like the idea of rose, violet and cardamom together.