When we talk about luxury fragrances the focus is often firmly fixed on the rarity of ingredients, the limited quantity produced, and even the perfumer behind the scent. It all goes to create that appearance of luxury, and to explain the price that is usually attached to the perfume. However, the other way to simulate luxury is to align with an existing luxurious product. Whether that’s a celebrity, a destination, or a clothing brand, their kudos brings an established and dedicated following. This was the route that Bentley took when they entered the perfume market, and their latest fragrance Become continues the experience.
Bentley is a name that is synonymous with luxury thanks to a history of car manufacture that dates back to 1919. Founded in Cricklewood, North London, and still proudly built in Britain, the company is a successful export of the United Kingdom. The Bentley name is linked with motor sports, as well as being a favourite choice of the rich and famous, but a certain British spy also liked to settle behind the steering wheel. James Bond frequently travelled in a Bentley, and if it’s good enough for 007 then it’s good enough for all of us!
The perfume side of Bentley came about in 2013 with the release of Bentley For Men, which was created by perfumer Nathalie Lorson. This Spicy Amber scent put the scented side of the company on the map, and it was quickly followed by the watery Bentley For Men Azure. The Beyond Bentley collection arrived in 2019, which combined both gendered and unisex scents, and these joined the already established Infinite and Momentum ranges. However, 2024 would be the year that we all moved up a gear and were introduced to a perfume for “the bold and the daring”.
Bentley Become was created by perfumer Aliénor Massenet and was inspired by “the beauty and magic of nature”. She said at the launch that she wanted to evoke “the feeling of being truly alive and powerful”, and this definitely comes through in the combination of citruses and resins. The link to Bentley was that the bottle echoed the design elements from the company, with its sleek and refined silhouette, but also celebrated the coming together of elegance, sophistication and modernity. With so many perfumes launching every year, and so many car companies vying for the ultimate in driving experience, the similarities are clear to see.
Bentley Become opens with a bracing blend of citruses, spices and aromatics. You have the sweet orange, which is given a lavender-esque edge thanks to the bergamot, and a daring blend of black pepper and juniper. You don’t have the traditional floral heart in here, although there is a whisper of spiced rose, but instead you’re treated to liquorice qualities that come from the myrrh and deliciously dry pencil-like cedarwood - which definitely combine to conjure childhood thoughts of fast cars. The development of the scent sees a classic trio of vetiver, patchouli and sandalwood appear, so the earthy roots against the smooth wood contrasts excitement with sophistication. A final echo of leather completes a fragrance that is an absolute joy to wear, and allows us all to dream of sitting behind a Bentley steering wheel.
Bentley Become is available from Harrods, both in-store and online at harrods.com, priced at £80 for 100ml. [Sample provided by Helen McTiffen]
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