When Julien Foucher bought Prestige de Menton in 2017 it was with the goal to modernise the packaging and relaunch five of its classic colognes. They were grouped under the original Eau de Menton name and, whilst these proved popular, it quickly became clear to Julien that his customers were also looking for Eau de Toilette fragrances that were slightly more complex. The history attached to the company’s name meant that this was going to be difficult, and so he took the brave decision to launch a new brand alongside the original to appeal to a more contemporary audience.
Let’s start at the very beginning with an early morning walk along Nice’s famous seafront courtesy of Morning Promenade. It opens with an arresting combination of lemon and an aquatic note, reminiscent of the sunshine and sea salt, but very quickly starts to pull in the aromatic black pepper and cardamom. That airy oceanic quality continues alongside a smooth lavender and cypress, which definitely hints at the trees and shrubs that are dotted along the walkway, before a touch of tonka bean and musk adds a feeling of sun-warmed skin. The final whisper of cedarwood and rose completes a beautifully unisex scent.
We complete our travel with a move inland to the hills above Cannes and experience the historic olive farms thanks to Buzzing Oliveraie. The first impressions of bergamot and juniper combine to give a spiced citrus that almost immediately draws in notes of honeyed olives, but think more of an expensive soap rather than fruits. A touch of mint and eucalyptus summon images of warmed leaves but, in the background, a dose of cedarwood hints at crisp air drifting up from the ocean below. A final pairing of tonka and tobacco gives a nod to the hay-like aromas that surround the trees, and makes you long for a time when we can travel once more.
The complete Rivæ collection is available from the website at rivae.fr priced at €18 for 30ml, €22 for 50ml, and €30 for 100ml. [Samples provided by Rivæ]
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