When companies give perfumers the brief for a new release, there’s always the possibility that it will go in an unexpected direction. We all interpret things differently, whether that’s music or words, and the joy is often discovering how those descriptions have been translated into scent. Some perfumers will accentuate animalic notes, others revel in the piercing aromatics, but a creation will ultimately be born. When Electimuss London began work on their new release, they wanted to realise a fragrance that celebrated the Roman Gladiator in all his glory. Gladiator Oud is the result, and it’s the perfect example of excess within control.
One of the hardest things for any perfume company to do is try and improve on an already loved fragrance. It often results in numerous flankers, which is industry speak for variations on a theme which may or may not bear any resemblance to the original. These can be fleeting novelties, or misjudged disasters, and so they should always be approached with caution. However, the other option is to present the original fragrance in a freshly inspired bottle. This is usually accompanied by a price increase, which is why the limited edition of Goldfield & Banks’ Sunset Hour is such a welcome change and the perfect scent to take us into spring.
I know that many people will swear by the mantra “never look back”, but I’m one of millions that is happily enjoying the continued wave of 1980s nostalgia. This was the decade that saw me enter my teens, clumsily plant my first kiss, and begin to notice that the world was rapidly changing around me. From the strikes to the Big Snow, and of course the exciting arrival of the UK’s fourth television channel, these were ten tumultuous years. So, grab your Sony Walkman, and set the VCR to record Crossroads, because we’re heading back to 1988 to discover Ginger from Cosmetics To Go (aka LUSH).
The words “Limited Edition” are enough to strike fear in the wallets of fragrance fans around the world. It’s also usually accompanied by a terrifying thought that you might miss out and, equally as terrifying, that you’ll need to decide which credit card you can fit the purchase onto. Well, just in time for Valentine’s Day, and thankfully at a wonderfully affordable price point, Azzi Glasser has launched a genuinely limited edition collection of candles. In true spring-cleaning style, The Perfumer’s Story has raided its founder’s private collection and released Azzi’s Archive Candles. So, are you ready for some flickering fun?
