HEROIC STORY by Vines House Parfum

As we approach the end of a second year of restrictions and complications, I think it’s time that we all took a moment to reflect on the achievements that each of us have made. You don’t need to have learned a new language or raised money for charity, I’m talking about the fact that people simply found the strength to carry on when every day brought new challenges. No one could have predicted the last two years, and that is why it’s so wonderful to find a fragrance that was started back in 2019, launched in 2020 and which actually resonates so perfectly today. I’m talking about Heroic Story from Vines House Parfum.

The phrase “Heroes don’t always wear capes” has been spoken about many people over the past 24 months, but some of the smaller wins should also be celebrated with the same gusto as the larger successes. These are the everyday champions, and they truly deserve to be called heroic. When Rebecca Harrison began working on her collection of fragrances back in 2019 she could never have imagined that one particular scent would resonate so deeply with the public. Originally intended as a celebration of cardamom laid over a woody base, Heroic Story took on a life of its own.

The fragrance is described as being inspired by the victorious, and their fresh and assured outlook. You’re asked to “dare to take the leading role in your own story, whether that’s at work or play”. The reason this resonated with me was because it combined the idea of little victories and putting yourself first. We all need to be kinder to ourselves, whether that’s physically or mentally, and so celebrating yourself or others is an important first step. Remember, you are allowed to call yourself heroic, and call others heroic, and adding a scent that emphasises that feeling of pride is a great way to start.

Heroic Story is a wonderful example of an ingredient overdose in the form of cardamom, but it wasn’t originally meant to be this strident. Rebecca told me that fragrances often change direction during development, and I’m so pleased that this happened here. The first person that really showcased the ingredient was Jo Malone in her Mimosa & Cardamom fragrance, but Rebecca Harrison wanted to use it more as an explosive stepping stone to a deeper scent. Its green facet is echoed in the packaging and, with an incredible display of skill, it both opens and supports all that is waiting for you.

Heroic Story opens with an incredible burst of uplifting citrus and aromatics, and in particular the star cardamom ingredient. It’s given extra support thanks to a lemon and ginger pairing but, if you thought that wasn’t bright enough, you’re also treated to a touch of piercing eucalyptus. This galbanum-esque beginning then expands to bring in a slightly campherous rosemary, and a late touch of orange, but a clever note of black pepper links perfectly down to the base of the scent. An earthy vetiver then combines wonderfully with an elegant cedarwood and, with a final pinch of tonka bean, completes a truly celebratory fragrance. Heroic Story is the perfect way to acknowledge all of those little wins this Christmas.

Heroic Story is available from the Vines House Parfum website at vhparfum.com priced at £75 for 30ml, £100 for 50ml, £150 for 100ml and as a 2ml sample priced at £4.95. The company also offer a refill service that saves you 20% off the full retail price. You can click on the image below to read my "Stephan's Six" interview with Rebecca Harrison from August 2021. [Sample was provided by Vines House Parfum]

Posted by Stephan Matthews at 07:00:00

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Labels: cardamom, Heroic Story, Independent, Jo Malone London, Mimosa & Cardamom, Niche, Rebecca Harrison, Vines House Parfum