There is no denying that the world of perfume is most definitely an expensive one to inhabit and, with most fragrances beginning in the realms of £100, that’s why the “dupe” market has gained such a foothold in the past few years. There obviously isn’t any defence for copying someone else’s work, whether that be a fragrance, a candle, or even a shower gel, but convincing the more modest-budget customers to try an original perfume can be a struggle. So, what if I told you there was a whole range waiting to be discovered? It’s time to take a closer look at Fragonard, and in particular Homme Élégant.
The excited wait for a new fragrance launch is something that is lost on many people these days, simply because there seems to be a new perfume released every minute! Keeping focused when there are images of bottles assaulting your eyes on social media, and campaigns running on the tv, gets harder every year. Add into this the ever-increasing prices and you’d be forgiven for taking up a more inexpensive hobby. Thankfully there’s one company that always keeps its offerings affordable and exciting. Fragonard have continued their Flower of the Year series into 2024 with Lilas, and the result is deliciously delightful.
The winter this year has felt like a very long, and a decidedly cold three months. That’s why the first signs of spring were eagerly welcomed by us all. Those green shoots bursting through the soil, promising the flowers that were to come, gave off an excitement if not any actual warmth. This period before the garden truly springs into action can be a little barren with regards to colour, but that doesn’t mean delicate white petals aren’t something to be celebrated. For their 2023 Flower of the Year, Fragonard has fixed its sights on the perfectly formed Narcisse, and it’s as captivating as its Grecian inspiration.
When we see a new fragrance appear from our favourite company we often forget that there have been months, or even years of preparation to get to this stage. From deciding on the concept to choosing the perfumer, every brand tries their hardest to look into the future and create a new bestseller. Whether you’re large or small the same goal applies. When Fragonard was deciding on the new fragrance to join their masculine collection they decided it was time to push the boundaries of expectation and, with a nod to faraway travel, the timing of Secret Absolu couldn’t have been more perfect.
One of the questions that I get asked most often is “Which perfume do you wish that they would bring back?” Now this usually ends up relating to the particular fragrance house that you’re talking about, and so the answer is a little weighted in their favour. When you’re given free rein to decide then the decision becomes more about whether you go down the “scholarly” route or choose something more personal. So, in the current climate of reduced launches, I asked myself this question and the answer may surprise you. The fragrance that I would like to see come back is Tiarella by Fragonard.
One of the questions that faces a perfume company when it launches a new fragrance is exactly how the scent will fit into their existing range. The constant drive to provide new products for customers to enjoy is always a balancing act between satisfying established fans but also attracting new followers. However, Fragonard have very cleverly managed to sidestep this issue by reorganising their range into capsule collections. Remaining true to their history, but providing something decidedly more contemporary, Fragonard launched Mon Immortelle in the Tout Ce Que J’aime series and the results truly are "golden."
