If there is one thing that we can all agree on, it’s that creating an enduring and beloved collection of fragrances is a goal that many companies have tried but few have actually accomplished. It’s an absolute skill to cement a DNA in every successive fragrance whilst, at the same time, adding new facets and unexpected directions to the latest release. One company that have achieved this more than once, and continue to fly sky-high in the ever-expanding perfume market, is Versace. With a legacy dating back to 1981, it’s time to discover the newest addition to their fragrance stable as we explore Eros Najim.
January is the perfect time to take a pause after the madness of Christmas and hunker down before the deluge of new perfumes start coming at us like cabs off a rank. In the never-ending quest for increased sales and contented customers, the big brands are gearing up to build on the successes of 2024 with the latest flanker and hottest trend, but there are also some hidden gems out there that are waiting to be rediscovered. So, we’re heading to the high street to spend some time with Elizabeth Arden, and perhaps even introduce you to your new perfume in the form of White Tea Eau de Parfum.
The word “cologne” has become a little misunderstood in recent years with the term being used to describe anything from strength to gender. As companies played fast and loose with this classic style of fragrance, customers no longer realised just how wonderful this bottle of freshness could be. In an attempt to unscramble the confusion I asked four perfumers to give their opinion on the style, and also to reveal their favourites. Marina Barcenilla, Pia Long, Sarah McCartney and Andy Tauer have all gathered a loyal following with their mix of creativity and knowledge, so could they help us to revisit the classic cologne?
There are certain flowers which perfectly embody a country or region, but surely none so much as the quintessentially British Bluebell. This tranquil bloom appears at the end of April in the United Kingdom and can usually be found carpeting woodlands in a stunningly fragrant watery blue. Unfortunately it is one of the florals which refuses to give up its essential oil and so always has to be created artificially, in the same way as lily of the valley, using other essences. There are still only two interpretations which truly vie for the top spot, so let's look forward to warmer months and rediscover the Bluebell.
When Gabrielle Chanel launched her famous No5 in 1921 she could never have imagined the effect that it would have on the perfume industry, although her fierce determination would certainly have wanted it to be an international success. What Ernest Beaux's perfume did was to create a completely new category of scents, the Aldehydic Floral. Aldehydes were nothing new, Guerlain had used them in the 1889 Iris Blanc, but what was groundbreaking was using them in such large quantities. Now, copying successful perfumes was commonplace, even then, but let's take a look at the one that almost destroyed No5 ... L'Aimant by Coty.
It's been fourteen months since the Library of Fragrance launched in the UK, and in that time it's had to fight hard to secure a portion of an ever expanding perfume market. Already very well known in America, after one year of trading have they succeeded in converting the British audience? Their uniqueness has actually turned out to be one of their biggest challenges but, with people now becoming more perfume-savvy, this is about to change. So, it's time to take another look at the company that creates the fragrances of everyday life, and even gives you the opportunity to blend your own "erotic" scent.
