Humiecki & Graef advertises Eau Radieuse as a “futuristic remake of an Eau de Cologne” that will transport us (mentally, I assume) to “a wondrous place on an unknown planet”. I don’t know what’s futuristic or otherworldly about green banana, mandarin peel, lemon, mint, rhubarb, and bamboo sap (all have been Earth-bound for millennia) but the aromas of banana, rhubarb and bamboo should provide an unusual “kick” when incorporated into the venerable Eau de Cologne formula.
Humiecki & Graef was founded by Sebastian Fischenich and Tobias Mueksch, and the company is based in Cologne (Köln), Germany. Fischenich and Mueksch named the company after their maternal grandmothers (using their favorite grandmothers’ maiden names). I can only imagine the family resentments — after all, the paternal grandmothers were omitted! Humiecki & Graef debuted four new fragrances in 2008 — all created by perfumer Christophe Laudamiel: Geste, Eau Radieuse, Multiple Rouge and Askew. (A fifth scent, Skarb, was originally launched in 2007.)
Eau Radieuse starts off with the scent of fresh citrus peel and a vibrant, tart-green aroma that does remind me of unripe bananas…