Each of the classic perfume houses seems to have a flagship fragrance that defines the house, yet would never make it past the marketing team today. Chanel has No. 5, a fusty, lovely veil-hatted scent worn by millions and probably truly loved for its scent by only a small fraction. Guerlain has Mitsouko, a perfume aficionado’s most loved and most want-to-love walk through rotting peaches, rainwater, and mold. Jean Patou has Joy, and Caron has Tabac Blond.
And then there’s Christian Dior Miss Dior, perhaps the most off-putting and, to me, deliciously irresistible icon of them all…