Monday 29 April 2019

STEPHAN'S SIX - CHRIS RUSAK


From visual art to experimental scent, New England born Chris Rusak is one of an emerging group of American perfumers that is challenging the way that we wear fragrance. He understands the fine balance between individuality and wearability but where does this inspiration come from? It’s time to discover his fragrance memories during “Stephan’s Six”.

Thursday 25 April 2019

PICAFLOR and CHOYITA by Perfumera Curandera

Even in the heavily publicised niche market there are still some companies that are quietly going about their business almost undiscovered. These individuals are the true artisans of their craft and they often don’t get the attention that they deserve. From sourcing ingredients, preparing tinctures, hand blending, and even bottling it themselves, there are absolute gems out their waiting to be uncovered. One such company is Perfumera Curandera. It was founded by Leanne Hirsh in 2009 and very quickly gathered a loyal band of followers. The twelve fragrances share a theme of healing, but there are two that absolutely grabbed me.

Monday 22 April 2019

STEPHAN'S SIX - AMANDA BEADLE


A career in accountancy was not what Amanda Beadle originally envisaged for herself. A dream of going to art school was put to one side and a “sensible” job was encouraged instead. Many years later Amanda returned to her artistic roots, both as a painter and a perfumer, and went on to win the 2018 Art and Olfaction Artisan Award for her debut fragrance, Chienoir. So, after creating for others, it’s time to discover her own fragrance memories during “Stephan’s Six”.

Thursday 18 April 2019

VALENTIN by Olivier Pescheux

There is nothing better than receiving a glowing review from Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez, but it does make the imminent launch of your new fragrance a little bit of a nail-biting experience. This was the position that Fragonard found themselves in this year after the reviewing pair fell for the charms of L’Aventurier. It had been created by Jordi Fernandez of Givaudan, and built upon the success of the previous Homme Élégant by Quentin Bisch, but 2019 had already been scheduled for the release of the company's new male fragrance. So, how does the romantic Valentin by Olivier Pescheux fare?

Monday 15 April 2019

STEPHAN'S SIX - QUENTIN BISCH


In a world of instant fame it is easy to forget that, for many, success comes after years of perfecting their craft. This can be said of Quentin Bisch, one of the current stars of the Givaudan stable of perfumers. From Yves Saint Laurent to Mugler and Fragonard to Jean Paul Gaultier, Quentin’s creations are varied and exciting. So, I thought it was time to discover his fragrance memories during “Stephan’s Six”.

Thursday 11 April 2019

ALEJANDRO KLEIN Scents Spring

It’s springtime and that means that many people will be ditching the heavy household scents of winter and moving onto something that has a fresher and more vibrant nature to it. There are a few classic scents that we always bring out of hibernation at this time of year but, if you’re looking for something a little different to the citrus and windswept aromas, it’s always tricky to put together a collection that compliments each other. This is where Alejandro Klein has come up with the great idea of curating it for you by combining a diffuser, candle, and room spray. So, let’s see what his Spring Collection 2019 has to offer.

Monday 8 April 2019

STEPHAN'S SIX - JESSICA BUCHANAN


After originally training as an aromatherapist, Jessica Buchanan moved from her native Canada to train at the Grasse Institute of Perfumery. Internships at Robertet and Mane followed and finally, in 2010, she launched her own perfume company in the heart of Grasse. Nine years after founding 1000 Flowers I thought it was time to find out a little more about Jessica during “Stephan’s Six”.

Thursday 4 April 2019

HOGGAR by Yves Rocher

The decision that faces every perfume house at some point in their lives is which fragrances will be discontinued and which will remain. The outcome can often be met with anger from die-hard fans that think the company have made a mistake but the choice, more often than not, is made due to declining sales. Yves Rocher have majorly reduced their classic range of fragrances in recent years, both male and female, in favour of new releases but one fragrance has just been given a new lease of life. Hoggar by Marie-Aude Couture-Bluche has been spruced up to perfectly complement their masculine range.

Monday 1 April 2019

COLONIA CLUB by Acqua di Parma

I don’t know who originally coined the expression “reinvention is the key to success” but it’s definitely one that could be applied to the company behind Colonia Club. With a history dating back over one hundred years you could be forgiven for thinking that Acqua di Parma could rest on its laurels, but times have not always been as secure as they are today for this famous brand. Taking inspiration from the company’s iconic burst of hesperidic freshness, Colonia Club is firmly anchored into the timeless tradition of colognes, but an overdose of aromatics makes this wonderfully engaging. So, it’s time to head to Italy.