Indie line Dawn Spencer Hurwitz has launched the Brilliant Collection, a quartet of fragrances for the Denver Art Museum's Brilliant: Cartier in the 20th Century exhibit. The collection explores "the effect of gemstones (translated into perfume) inspired by Cartier and some of the famous personages who donned those fabulous jewels".

Deco Diamonds ~ "Deco Diamonds is bold, impeccable, stylish, hard, and brilliant; a force to be reckoned with. Tints of neroli, peach, and galbanum working their magic along side the aldehydes in the topnote. It gets richer and more floral as the heart opens with indolic sambac jasmine, gardenia, tuberose, and gorgeous honeysuckle absolute. The drydown reveals an animalic chypre backdrop. It then becomes a study in contrasts; sharp and rich, white on black. Oakmoss, sandalwood, civet, and ambergris come in to fulfill the promised vintage aspect of an Art Deco inspired design. Inspired by Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor."

Rubis Rosé (Rosy Ruby) ~ "Rubis Rosé is meant to give the impression of a pure, flawless ruby gemstone, faceted to release it's inner fire. Rubis Rosé opens with a luscious red raspberry note accented by pink pepper which unfolds to reveal a lush, red rose accord. As it dries down a darker, more provocative mood develops with nuances from ambergris, frankincense, myrrh, guaiacwood, and a touch of oakmoss. Inspired by Elizabeth Taylor."

Jacinthe de Sapphir (Sapphire Hyacinth) ~ "This is the fragrant hyacinth of opulence; the scented equivalent to a radiant blue sapphire. Jacinthe de Sapphir begins with a dewy, moist green waft of violet leaf, galbanum, and bergamot to open into the full bloom of the hyacinth flower. Notes of rose de mai, narcissus, and tuberose absolute augment the depth of the flower accord only to settle on a luscious and earthy base of tolu and peru balsams, vetiver, styrax resin, and civet. Inspired by Queen Marie of Romania (c.1922)"

Fumée d’Or (Golden Smoke) ~ "Inspired to evoke the imaginary aroma of a Paris goldsmith's workshop...what it should be. Fumée d'Or brings together some odd 'bedfellows' and materials to achieve its aim. Among them are birch tar, metallic aldehydes, indolic jasmine, neroli, and a big dose of civet. The result is something unique and delicious."

The Dawn Spencer Hurwitz Brilliant Collection fragrances are available at the brand website, in 10 ($55) or 30 ml ($125) Eau de Parfum or in 1 dram ($48) or 10 ml ($142; shown) Extrait. Sample sets are also sold.

(via newsletter from Dawn Spencer Hurwitz)

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