Monday 31 July 2017

STEPHAN'S SIX - HELEN CAMPBELL


In 2009 Helen Campbell picked up a paintbrush for the first time and within a year was commissioned to catalogue the orchard fruits that Westons Cider used at their factory in Much Marcle, Herefordshire. These beautiful botanical paintings eventually came to the attention of Bronnley and her image of the peony was used on last year’s Pink Peony & Rhubarb. Now living in Spain, and with her latest collaboration with Bronnley about to launch, I though it was time to find out a little bit more about Helen during “Stephan’s Six”.

Thursday 27 July 2017

MONOÏ EAU DES VAHINÉS by Yves Rocher

There are times when, because I wear something so often, I assume I must have written about it. That's why it was such a surprise when I realised that Monoï Eau des Vahinés by Yves Rocher was absent from my list of Perfume Reviews. It was one of the first Yves Rocher fragrances that I remember smelling and I was surprised at just how well they had achieved the balance between summer sunshine and exotic sweetness. Yves Rocher are everywhere in France but in the UK they just exist as a mail order company. So, let me introduce you to sandy beaches, delicious florals and a scent that screams summer.

Monday 24 July 2017

STEPHAN'S SIX - ANDY TAUER


Andy Tauer has certainly taken the perfume industry by storm since he launched his first fragrance in 2005. Originally born out of an idea at a dinner party, Andy has gone on to create twenty-eight (at the last count) of the finest scents in the “niche” market, and he’s also a really nice guy. So, I thought it was time to find out a little bit more about the man behind the cobalt blue bottles and ask him “Stephan’s Six”.

Thursday 20 July 2017

CHAMPS DE PROVENCE by Eight & Bob

An aristocrat, a butler and a US president ... it's not a combination that screams fragrance house to you but that is exactly what this one does. The colourful story of Eight & Bob has provided an enviable history for the company and, whilst it might need to be taken with a large pinch of salt, it definitely entertains its fans. This year sees the release of Champs de Provence, which is the company's sixth fragrance since they "relaunched" in 2012, and it promises to capture the "freshness and beauty" of the Provençal landscape. It's an area that I adore and visit often, so I was intrigued to see whether it really did take me back.

Monday 17 July 2017

What's New To You?

Every year we see literally thousands of fragrances released both worldwide and also in specific countries. We are already half way through 2017 and if you have managed to smell every one of those launched so far this year then I am very impressed, but also more than a little sceptical. Every time you turn around there seems to be a new advertising campaign, a new “exclusive” ingredient, and a new dreaded flanker. So, you can be forgiven for missing a few of these new releases along the way. This week I was told, “everything is new to someone”, and in the world of perfume releases that couldn't be truer.

Monday 10 July 2017

YOU ... The New Fragrance From Lynx

They're at it again and they've called back the big guns for the launch of their latest body fragrance! I'm talking about Lynx, or Axe if you live outside of the United Kingdom. Once treated with derision, or at best referred to as the scent of a teenage boy, they have recently started to command a real share of the perfume industry. With the launch of their Daily Fragrance range last year they managed to reposition themselves in an older market, and finally gain the recognition that they deserve. Forget Apollo, Phoenix and even Africa, 2017 sees the appearance of YOU and you're in for a very pleasant surprise.

Monday 3 July 2017

BERGAMOTE CALABRIA by Guerlain

Summer means one thing in the world of Guerlain, time to refocus on the new Aqua Allegoria fragrance. The idea of sunshine in a bottle is the cornerstone of the company’s seasonal release and this year is no exception. Bergamote Calabria is the creation of Thierry Wasser and Delphine Jelk, who now co-sign the majority of fragrances that come from this historic house. Bergamote Calabria originally launched back in February but Aqua Allegorias really come into their own as the weather gets warmer, and as we grab something at Duty Free. So, what does this new release have to offer?