I always wonder how the fragrance industry can possibly improve on its previous twelve months of releases, but 2023 has once again been an incredible year for perfume. It felt like a big melting pot of styles this year, with no particular “trend” overtaking any other, but the independent companies really did take the big corporations on at their own game. Whether you are a niche lover or a high street stalwart, there was something for everyone. So, as we approach the end of 2023, it’s time to look back at twelve months of articles on stephanmatthews.com and, while once again channelling my inner Blyton, pick My Favourite Five.
The reaction a customer feels towards a fragrance is something that is almost impossible for a perfumer to predict when they're creating a new release. Beyond the standard ideas of citruses being uplifting and vanilla comforting, the nature of fragrance is that it's individual to the wearer. This notion is challenged though when perfumer Liz Moores enters the line-up. She has an incredible gift of translating her inspiration into scent, and communicating it seamlessly to the wearer. This ability is instinctive, it cannot be taught, and her latest release proves once again why she is a leading British perfumer. It’s time to discover the astonishing Hera.
The release of a second collection of fragrances brings with it double the amount of nerves that are experienced with the first one. Not only are you thinking about the response to the latest release, you’re also banking on it continuing the success of the original ones. As businesses grow so to do the demands for newness and originality, and this is where a solid scented inspiration is paramount. Karen Timson is no stranger to seeking out the unusual and, with her latest duo of Grecian inspired perfumes, once again weaves storytelling into scent. It’s time for you to discover the violet-imbued Envide.
