Thomas, who lives in Berlin, wants to find a new “handsome and rich” fragrance for personal and casual wear. He does not know much about perfume, but he is interested in exploring — especially the world of niche fragrance —and has good access to perfume stores. His price limit is about the same as a 50 ml bottle of a Tom Ford Private Blend, and he’d like his new scent to be long lasting, but without overwhelming sillage. Here is what we know about Thomas…
Although I tend to wear rose fragrances of all kinds when I’m “off-duty” and not testing something to review here, I also keep an eye and a nose out for interesting violet perfumes. Some of my violet-y favorites over the years have been soliflores (e.g., Annick Goutal Violette) but others are more complex or quirky. I also enjoy encountering violet when I don’t necessarily expect it, or when it’s included way down in a list of notes but turns out to be one of the stars of the composition.
House of Cherry Bomb Iris Oud is a recent example of the “stealth violet” experience for me…
It’s February, and Diptyque has launched a new fragrance named Eau Capitale for its permanent collection, as well as a new limited edition scented candle called Paris en Fleur. All these products (Eau de Parfum and solid perfume for Eau Capitale, candles and scented wax oval for Paris En Fleur) are decorated with truly beautiful Art Nouveau-inspired patterns that feature “emblematic roses.” I have to admit, this launch is all very well-timed for Valentine’s Day, yet it’s not your average candy-sweet throwaway treat.
Eau Capitale is an homage to Diptyque’s hometown…
Bees. One of life’s essentials. I’m thankful my garden in Seattle has swarms of bees in summer, gorging on flowers and filling the air with their hypnotizing buzzes. My mailman is not so happy with their sounds or numbers along the path to my front door, and he often employs the “drop (packages) and run” maneuver in high summer (used most often with snarling dogs, but in my case, with bees).
One of my favorite perfumes of all time was a honey fragrance: eccentric, bold, with a “I have no more f**ks to give!” character. Yes, it was Serge Lutens Miel de Bois (beloved by the most discerning, intelligent and delightful people on this earth…like Robin here at NST and myself). Miel de Bois has been reformulated, so Robin’s review no longer has a perfume to match its words…
I’ve been house sitting in Guanajuato, Mexico, for almost two and a half weeks now, and it’s been wonderful. I feel relaxed and stimulated at the same time. I’ve gotten a lot of writing done, and my brain is stuffed with beauty, from the soundscape of church bells, barking dogs and crowing roosters to the old tile floors and street shrines I see during my daily walks. I’m the luckiest person ever.
There’s just one thing: I really miss my perfume.1
Sure, I miss my friends, but we talk…