One of the biggest tasks when it comes to fragrance and gender is challenging the traditional idea that “flowers are for girls and woods are for boys”. I know this sounds like a very simplistic statement, but it really is the core of the problem. This stereotype has been ingrained for decades, and it’s become the accepted way of choosing a perfume, but it wasn’t always like this. Fragrance never had a gender. It was simply created to mask another odour or to champion a favourite ingredient. Napoleon loved violets and, if you think that sounds old fashioned, take a look at the ingredients in Dior’s Fahrenheit.
Fragonard is the most famous perfumery in Grasse and, in my opinion, is often dismissed unfairly as a mere “tourist perfumer”. In actual fact, because they no longer have a resident nose, they now use some of the finest perfumers in the world to create their scents. This was the case with Beau de Provence, which was created by Karine Dubreuil. With her previous clients including Guerlain and Jo Malone London, she was the perfect choice to translate the beauty of the area into scent, and contribute to a fragrance that would challenge the traditional positioning of a “masculine-leaning” perfume.
It opens with a sun-drenched hit of bergamot and grapefruit but, just underneath, the first hints of herbaceous mint and basil also start to appear. The fig note then arrives conjuring up the textural skin of the fruit along with its fleshy centre, and is paired beautifully by a banana-esque ylang. There’s even a touch of lavender and rose in there as well, but it never overpowers the fig note. As the fragrance develops, an earthy woodiness presents itself, thanks to a generous dose of vetiver and cedarwood, before sweetened patchouli almost nods to the ancient trees that produce the fruit. My advice to you... apply liberally and wait for the compliments.
Beau de Provence is available from the Fragonard website at fragonard.com, or Cologne & Cotton in the UK, priced at €36 for 100ml. The fragrance is also available as a soap and hand cream. [Sample provided by Fragonard]
Beautiful article, I fully agree, I received so many compliments for this fragrance! It’s gives off a luxurious, masculine and optimistic vibe, a true pleasure to wear for yourself and those around you! It’s so unique! Karine Dubreuil-Sereni; you truly are a master perfumer, if you read this, thank you for creating this beautiful scent, greeting from Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
ReplyDeleteHello Fryslan, Thank you for your message and for also enjoying Beau de Provence. I'll pass your comment on to Fragonard and also Karine. Best wishes, Stephan
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