Carine Roitfeld, former editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris, has introduced Carine Roitfeld Parfums. The brand debuts with seven unisex fragrances: Aurélien, George, Kar-Wai, Lawrence, Orson, Sebastian and Vladimir.
Through seven captivating fragrances personifying seven unforgettable lovers in seven iconic cities, Carine evokes the lifetime of adventure and sensuality that has guided her to the furthest reaches of the world. Seductive and emblematic like the men who inspired them, the fragrances symbolize her insatiable quest for romance, passion, experience and love.
Aurélien ~ "Part of renowned French editor Carine Roitfeld's first venture into fragrances, this 'Aurélien' Eau de Parfum is inspired by an unforgettable lover from Paris - she recalls: "We strolled among the orange trees near the Sacré Cœur, my dangerous heels dancing on the cobblestones…" An opulent and warm scent, it opens with a Citrus blend that leads to a deep heart of Davana Oil and Myrrh. It's encased in a dark-green glass vessel that will make the perfect addition to your dressing table." Additional notes include orange blossom, jasmine, benzoin, amber, patchouli and opoponax. Developed by perfumer Aurélien Guichard.
George ~ "Part of a collection inspired by seven fictional lovers, Carine Roitfeld imagines heady nights spent listening to punk rock through her Eau de Parfum, 'George'. Crafted by the former Vogue Paris editor-in-chief alongside French parfumiers, the mesmeric scent unfurls with Violet Leaves, Jasmine, Rose and Cannabis Flowers, and lingers with smokey Galbanum and Chypre at the heart and base." Additional notes include iris, oakmoss and leather. Developed by perfumer Yann Vasnier.
Kar-Wai ~ "The men who inspired Carine Roitfeld's collection of fragrances are fantasies the legendary French editor came up with while drinking a cup of tea in bed. This Eau de Parfum is named after film director Wong Kar-Wei, who Roitfeld says embodies the spirit of Hong Kong. A floral and woody aroma, it's blended with notes of Living Longjing Tea, fruity Osmanthus and earthy Vetiver. The tinted glass vessel and polished silver plaque make it ideal for displaying in your dressing room." Additional notes include bergamot, cardamom, rose, jasmine, musks and leather. Developed by perfumer Pascal Gaurin.
Lawrence (shown) ~ ""Among the colorful silks and glazed pottery, we loved to lose ourselves; I can see myself surrounded by all the mysterious, colorful flacons", reads Carine Roitfeld's 'Seven Lovers' insert - named after Lawrence of Arabia, this Eau de Parfum is inspired by a tale of love and adventure in Dubai. Opening with sweet and peppery notes of Tolu Balsam Resinoid, this genderless fragrance is layered with Jasmine and warm Oud for a musky heart. Spritz a small amount into the hollow of your neck." Additional notes include cumin, coriander, saffron and musk. Developed by perfumer Yann Vasnier.
Orson ~ "Carine Roitfeld's collection of fragrances explores the connection between scent and memory, focusing on real and imagined lovers from seven iconic cities. Inspired by 'Orson' from New York, this feminine perfume is alchemized with Hawthorn Flower, Benzoin and Tonka Bean notes that linger on the skin for hours. Housed in a sleek glass vessel, it's sure to make a lasting impression on someone special." Additional notes include tuberose, ylang ylang, sandalwood and opoponax. Developed by perfumer Aurélien Guichard.
Sebastian ~ "...the former Vogue Paris editor-in-chief envisages bumping into 'Sebastian' in Buenos Aires and dancing the tango together in an Argentinian café. Blended by French perfumers, the spicy fragrance opens with Tuberose and Immortelle Flower layered with heady Sandalwood notes." Additional notes include vanilla. Developed by perfumer Pascal Gaurin.
Vladimir ~ "The insert for her 'Vladimir' Eau de Parfum reads, "We slipped into the wings of the Mariinsky Theatre while the dancers warmed up to the sound of Tchaikovsky." Based on the Russian city of St. Petersburg, this rich Amber scent unfurls with notes of Frankincense and sweet-smelling Orris. It's presented in an equally dark and mysterious glass bottle." Additional notes include grapefruit, bergamot, sate, cedar and geranium. Developed by perfumer Pascal Gaurin.
Carine Roitfeld Parfums Aurélien, George, Kar-Wai, Lawrence, Orson, Sebastian and Vladimir are available at Net-A-Porter, $285 each for 90 ml Eau de Parfum. A coffret with 10 ml bottles of all seven is $275.
(via net-a-porter, additional information via getthegloss)
Seven? Is that really necessary? I thought CR’s style was known to be somewhat minimalist.
I’m cranky today, apparently.
I seriously wonder if it is necessary — by which I mean, maybe it does help in terms of breaking into the market. I would love to see a serious study of new niche brands over the past few years, in terms of what works best — one at at time vs starting with a full wardrobe.
Of course that’s hard to do because there are so many other factors, but it might be that it’s far easier to get distribution and shelf space if you are a ready-made brand right out of the gate.
And sorry to answer your reasonably cranky response in this way. I don’t want 7 more perfumes on the market either, and the whole 7 lovers / 7 cities thing is not my bag either.
I get that it might be necessary by market standards, in order to make a strong impression in a very crowded field…but aesthetically…I just don’t think that a 7-scent debut is EVER necessary! hah.
The “seven men/lovers” thing is a total turn-off for me, too.
Ahhh…. but Vladmir, bonny and blithe, and good and gay ??
Monday’s child is fair of face
Tuesday’s child is full of grace
Wednesday’s child is full of woe
Thursday’s child has far to go,
Friday’s child is loving and giving,
Saturday’s child works hard for a living,
And the child that is born on the Sabbath day
Is bonny and blithe, and good and gay.
(I am sorry, I am having trouble relating any of the copy to actual perfume, but am seriously enjoying the copy!)
I can’t imagine starting like OJ did back in the day, only one (or two.) What would Instagram think????
1) That’s…that’s a lot of perfume.
I get the whole idea of a coffret offering- a scent for every day of the week! – but it occurs to me that this could have been rolled out more gradually?
2) The descriptions are the most hilarious stereotypes EVER. At the end I was all “Do you have Grey Poupon?”
Hahaha!!! Grey Poupon! (Snort!)
Boursin fromage?
Alain Delon?
Jacques Cousteau?
Jacques Pépin?
Ils sentent tout comme. . .
Déjà vu . . .
It seems a bit tacky and I feel sorry for Wong Kar-Wei being used as a sexual fantasy object Sleezy, a bit. . And I can’t imagine Lawrence of Arabia would be too chuffed either. Nice shaped bottles.
I totally agree about T.E.. A safer bet would have D.H. Lawrence.
It seems tacky to me too. Not an appealing concept to me at all.
I am baffled. These fantasy lovers and tryst settings sound like they have sprung straight from the feverish imaginations of a high schooler. Is this supposed to be ironic or can one simultaneously be editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris and 15 years old young at heart?
I agree, but she’s now the former editor-in-chief. Maybe that’s why???
“The men who inspired Carine Roitfeld’s collection of fragrances are fantasies the legendary French editor came up with while drinking a cup of tea in bed.”
Yep. A cup of tea will surely bring on fantasies…
Exactly.
I am just laughing and laughing… is she dabbing the corners of her mouth with her napkin? Oh baby! N’est pas?
All I can think of is Vladimir’s wife waiting at home with a frying pan in her hand
My eyes are tearing, poor guy has never had a chance
Unscientific research shows that at least 4 out of 7 “lovers” will undoubtedly be scrubbers. ?
???!
Oh look, yet another niche brand that debuts with a whole range of very expensive perfumes that can’t be sampled first, complete with ridiculous copy, humph.
The coffret would be tempting if it weren’t for the price.
And by golly, sounds like you better have a dressing room to display them.
Okay. I confess. I couldn’t read through all of the descriptions in my excited glee to race to everyone’s comments. My profound response?:
Oh, lordy!
Okay, now back to reading the descriptions of the perfumes…
Back again. Silver lining? Thanks to Orson, I learned that vessel and special sort of rhyme ????
Lol!?
That copy, and that concept, is excruciatingly cheesy and awful. And I find it weirdly funny that the sexual fantasies are defused by the prim sitting up with a cup of tea image. I agree with Kanuka though: it’s also bit sleazy. And poor Wong Kar Wei, blimey, imagine being co-opted like that for a fantasy *and* a marketing device. At least TE Lawrence never has to bump into her…
I’m even more annoyed then that some of the fragrances sound quite appealing.
Ha, yes I’m also annoyed that many of the perfumes sound appealing based on the note profile. The concept is ridiculous.
I also dislike the font they chose, and really, the bottle too. The packaging altogether certainly doesn’t seem in line with the price.