Monday 29 February 2016

STEPHAN'S SIX - CHRISTINE HAMILTON


Britain’s favourite “Battleaxe” Christine Hamilton has left behind the world of politics to become a “Media Butterfly”. Her childhood was spent in the New Forest before becoming a research assistant at the House of Commons. Christine is always ready and willing to stand up for her beliefs and principles, which makes her a favourite on TV and in the press, but what would she make of “Stephan’s Six”?

Thursday 25 February 2016

AMBRE ÉTERNEL by Guerlain

When Guerlain launched Santal Royal in October 2014 it is fair to say that its success took everyone a little by surprise. It seemed that every week brought a new Oud fragrance, and the market was becoming saturated. Somehow this black beacon, itself a reworking of the classic Aqua Allegoria bottle, grabbed the attention of the customer and its place in Guerlain's catalogue was secured. However, in the way of all perfume houses, its success meant that there had to be a successor. It arrived in January 2016 and was called Ambre Éternel. With a lot to live up to, what would the new fragrance bring to this once classic brand?

Monday 22 February 2016

STEPHAN'S SIX - SOPHIA FANNON-HOWELL


A consultant in the oil and gas industry might not be the usual background for a perfumery owner, but that is exactly the background of Sophia Fannon-Howell. Deco London, the latest Niche brand, has launched six fragrances based around a love of the 1920s. So, what would we learn about Sophia's own history during "Stephan's Six"?

Thursday 18 February 2016

BLUEBELL by Penhaligon's and Jo Malone

There are certain flowers which perfectly embody a country or region, but surely none so much as the quintessentially British Bluebell. This tranquil bloom appears at the end of April in the United Kingdom and can usually be found carpeting woodlands in a stunningly fragrant watery blue. Unfortunately it is one of the florals which refuses to give up its essential oil and so always has to be created artificially, in the same way as lily of the valley, using other essences. There are still only two interpretations which truly vie for the top spot, so let's look forward to warmer months and rediscover the Bluebell.

Monday 15 February 2016

STEPHAN'S SIX - BUNNY GALORE


No-one really knows how old the ageing actress Bunny Galore is, but what we do known is that she was thrown out of the Rank Charm School for padding her bra and to a generation of young adolescents she was the girl next door. In her varied career she has appeared in film and tv, from Muffin the Mule to Hammer Horror, and is now a regular weekly performer at London's Wam Bam Club. Well known for her acerbic wit, it was with some trepidation that I dared to ask her "Stephan's Six".

Thursday 11 February 2016

The Imagery of MONSIEUR GUERLAIN

Fan-sites are nothing new, especially in the realm of perfume, but what is unusual is when one of them takes the trouble to create original artwork. This was one of the unique aspects of Monsieur Guerlain’s website, along with an unstinting appreciation and knowledge of the Guerlain brand. It was disappointing then when it became known that Guerlain had demanded the immediate closure of his Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Vimeo accounts on February 5th. The main website is currently dormant [all of his accounts are now active] so let’s take a moment to look back at some of the amazing images that Monsieur Guerlain has given us over the past few years.

Monday 8 February 2016

STEPHAN'S SIX - LORNA McKAY


Lorna McKay is very at home in the beauty departments around the word, she helped to shape them after all! As a buyer at Harrods and QVC, advisor to Liberty and creative consultant for Liz Earle her knowledge and passion is without question. Cofounder of the Perfume Society, what would she reveal about her own habits during "Stephan's Six"?

Thursday 4 February 2016

Three Roses For Valentine's Day

Maybe it's cliched but the rose is still the epitome of romance on Valentine's Day. Inflated prices of a bouquet can take the lustre off the experience, so what are the alternatives? Well, fragrances don't have to have a three figure price tag in order to convey quality and so I thought it would be fun to see what some high street stores can offer. All of these are available from Edinburgh to Eastbourne, because none of them are "exclusives", and so you also don't have to worry about a journey to London or the lottery of mail order. So, here are three fragrances that cannot fail to impress, or break the bank.

Monday 1 February 2016

STEPHAN'S SIX - DANNY YOUNG


Since he started acting in 2001 Danny has built up an enviable list of credits, but he is still fondly remembered for his role as Warren Baldwin, Bradley Walsh’s son in Coronation Street. He continued to work as an actor and presenter when he left the soap in 2006 but it was his performances on Dancing On Ice in 2010 that really got temperatures rising. After taking a short break to concentrate on his fitness training he’s back, larger than life, and ready to set pulses racing again. So, what would he reveal during “Stephan’s Six”?