Speaking of exceptions to the rule, Reminiscence Elixir Patchouli, which I reviewed back in 2009, would make the very short list of patchouli fragrances I actually liked. I am pretty sure it's been out of production, but I admit I do not keep track, and I have no idea what newer versions might smell like. Here is a nicely packaged limited edition that appeared on my radar recently. £68 for 100 ml Eau de Parfum at My Origines.
From Caron, a limited edition collector bottle of Pour Un Homme for the Gitana 18 trimaran: "Caron unveils a limited edition of the iconic Pour Un Homme de Caron, the bottle design brings to life the original work conceived by the artists Florian Quistrebert and Michaël Quistrebert for the new artistic signature of Gitana 18: a matrix of dots forming vibratory lines. The label of the bottle is produced from recycled carbon, selected from production scraps of the trimaran." €129 at Sephora in France.
L'Artisan Parfumeur celebrates their 50th this year, and they're reissuing the 1998 Pierre Dinand blackberry-shaped bottle of Mûre et Musc. I think it was last seen in 2005 but I could be wrong. This year's model will hold 100 ml of Mûre et Musc Extrême. 100 bottles were mouth-blown at the Bercauverre workshop, with brass stem and leaves by Atelier Pichard-Balme and a presentation case from Atelier Martial. Reportedly €1500, available next week at the brand's Paris Saint-Honoré boutique, and possibly elsewhere.
A cheerful rendition of Jo Malone Yuzu Zest, decorated by Tokyo-based artist Shogo Sekine and exclusive to the brand's Harajuku boutique. ¥25,960 for 100 ml.
Another Guerlain outing that is not my lemming but might be yours: the brand’s luxury wedding fragrance, Bouquet de la Mariée, recently released as Eau de Tulle for $250, here coming in at a cool €18,000 in a bottle done up by feather artist Julien Vermeulen and featuring gold mesh and Swarovski crystals…