LA MUSIQUE DE CHRISTIE by Eight & Bob

With the similarity between music and perfume, it’s no surprise that the former often acts as inspiration for the latter. I’ve talked before about the crossover of “notes” and “chords”, and even the array of ingredient bottles being described as a perfumer’s “organ”, and so it’s always fun to find a new fragrance that takes up the thread. Perfumes have been inspired by specific pieces of music, or particular pop bands, but an operatic season is a slightly different approach. Eight & Bob have taken the world-famous Glyndebourne Festival as their starting point, and the resulting La Musique de Christie hits all of the right notes.

Eight & Bob is a perfume company that relaunched in 2012, with a history that could have been taken straight out of the pages of any opera. Albert Fouquet, the son of a Parisian aristocrat, was a self-taught perfumer who created scents for his own personal use. He delighted in wearing his fragrances at social events but continually refused approaches to market them. During the summer of 1937 he met an American student called John F. K. (can you see where we're headed) who was captivated by Albert's fragrance, and was persuaded to part with a small sample of it.

Albert later received a letter from JFK asking for eight further samples plus "another one for Bob”. He duly packaged up and labelled the bottles and boxes Eight & Bob, without realising he was creating a future company name. The fragrance soon became a hit with stars such as Cary Grant and James Stewart, but unfortunately Albert died in 1939 in a motorcar accident near Biarritz. The original fragrance magically resurfaced in 2012, thanks to the family of his butler Philippe rediscovering Albert’s original ledger, and the latest perfumes in the range continue the legacy but bring things up to date.

La Musique de Christie takes us to the heart of the English countryside, and in particular Glyndebourne. The opera festival that shares its name was founded in 1934 by John Christie and his wife, Audrey Mildmay, and famously takes place against the backdrop of the stately manor itself. Along with world-class performers, and the manor’s elegant gardens, there's a sense of sophistication that runs through every moment. And while the dress code might be significantly more relaxed than it originally was, you’ll still often see traditional black tie and evening gowns. With so much to take as inspiration, it’s time to pull back the curtain.

The perfume opens with a blend of saffron and the most beautiful plush leather accord. This sets the standard for the whole fragrance, before seamlessly welcoming a touch of bergamot along with its aromatic lavender nuances. Mirroring the inspiration, you then have echoes of the vintage perfumes of the period in the heart - conjuring Shalimar, Mitsouko, and even a touch of Ma Griffe - so you definitely feel as if you’re surrounded by opulence. It’s this heart that brings touches of oakmoss, rose, jasmine, violet and clove to the gathering, before a final wash of musk produces memories of fur coats and Guerlain lipsticks. La Musique de Christie is perfect for vintage perfume lovers, and also for those looking for some scented indulgence.

La Musique de Christie is available from the Eight & Bob website at eightandbob.com, and also Harvey Nichols, priced at £238 for 50ml. [Sample provided by Aspects Beauty]