Penhaligon’s will launch five more fragrances in the Portraits collection: Countess Dorothea, Beauregard, Sohan, Yasmine and Mr. Harrod. The new scents make up "Chapter 3", and follow Clandestine Clara and Roaring Radcliff, released as "Chapter 2" earlier this year.
(The Ruthless) Countess Dorothea ~ "A most ferocious matriarch, Countess Dorothea is known for her sharp mind, even sharper wit and a secret fondness for the company of young men, scones and you could call it black-mail. When not holding court, dispensing intergenerational wisdom, checking in on household correspondence or playing cards, she can often be heard observing “How terribly modern.” Indeed, modernity, is nothing if not the most tasteless of crimes." A spicy oriental with bergamot, red ginger, beeswax, clary sage, cinnamon, vanilla, sherry and cashmere woood.
(Monsieur) Beauregard ~ "“Our French friend” is how this unknown but over-familiar houseguest is typically introduced. His lingering gaze lets you know he’ll take things from here. Studiously ignored by the female members of the household - and not only because of the large gifts he receives from Lady Dorothea are a little de trop — he is always where you least expect him, especially first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Thank goodness his monumental beauty and sex-appeal alert you to his presence a long time before he comes into sight. Forewarned is forearmed. Oh and what beautiful arms… " The spicy woody oriental features lemon, pink pepper, cinnamon, orris, benzoin, tonka bean, sandalwood and patchouli.
(The Uncompromising) Sohan ~ "Ambitious and astute Sohan has worked diligently and with flair to establish himself in the world of troublesome affairs. Visionary, some would say right time-right place, nudge-nudge wink-wink don’t mention the Suez Canal, his business relationships have (al)most naturally turned into amicable ties: Lord George and Lady Blanche are always thrilled to welcome a well-travelled guest." A woody chypre with rose, vetiver and oud.
(The Bewitching) Yasmine ~ Sohan's sister. "Quietly charming, Yasmine holds herself with rare beauty. En route to London, her itinerary is resolutely one-way, she has decided to find herself an established man whom she can marry - and enjoy, above all, the kinder British climate. Her conversation-arresting physique and most novel allure does mean the she has one’s attention. (Often when one is male)." With coffee, spices, cardamom, jasmine, incense, vanilla and oud.
(The Remarkable Success of) Mr. Harrod ~ exclusive to Harrods, with a bear head cap and notes of cinnamon bark, oud and cedar. Update: additional notes include plum, raspberry, jasmine and patchouli.
Penhaligon's Countess Dorothea, Monsieur Beauregard, Sohan, Yasmine and Mr. Harrod will be available in 75 ml; look for them in September.
(quotes via penhaligons, additional information via buro247.sg, angelitamblog)
Not a an of the bottles but the notes sound interesting, especially the first two.
Yasmine sounds tempting to me, but not so tempting I will chase after it. This series is apparently doing well though — its 20% of their business, according to WWD.
Oh dear, they are aiming for whimsy with the copy writing but it’s a bit leaden isn’t it?
I always thought that Atelier Cologne got this sort of thing exactly right with its first releases. Less so with the later ones. Imaginary Authors do it well.
And all this before we even get to the actual perfumes.
It doesn’t do anything for me, but they’re selling! (See my comment above.)
Poor Mr. Harrod wasn’t worth any pretentious copy at all!
The rest sound like caricatures I don’t even wish to socialise with.
Ha, I am sure he will have plenty of pretentious copy once he goes on sale at Harrods. He just isn’t on the Penhaligon’s website.
I don’t want my perfume to have a story.
I am the story.
Indeed you are, Bear! Thank you for always making me laugh
Fast losing me as a customer of many years’ standing = a shame.
I won’t be seeking these out…I had such a horrible experience with a really pushy SA at the Rock Center store who was mortified that my mom and I were not each purchasing two full bottles from this line after he “showed us” a few of them…even though I am still on a no buy I may be boycotting this line in my mind-LOL! (although I perked up when I read coffee listed as one of the notes )
Why can’t they launch just two? (i know why but still feels overwhelmed by those simultaneous launches)
I just can’t muster any interest in these. And the marketing is a turn-off for me, despite my love of Downton Abbey, etc.
Too many. Just too many of them.
Sounds like their little clan of rich white Brits is diversifying! Sohan sounds like an Indian name, and Yasmine sounds Arabic. Good; Penhaligon’s could use a splash of color.
I actually like a few from this line, from the second batch of releases (there were two lovely vanillas), though nothing seems worth those prices. I definitely want to try out Yasmine. Sounds delicious!
I think Sohan and Yasmine are supposed to be visitors from Egypt.
I will definitely do a sniff by the next time I am near a boutique. I have an “official” Penhaligon’s Travalo filled with Clandestine Clara. I will wear it when it is not oppressively humid out.