The seasonal release from any perfume company is often looked forward to with a greater anticipation than their main ranges, because the excitement of discovering the latest treat, and also knowing that it’s a limited edition, turns the act of wearing fragrance into something even more special. Summer and Spring launches were historically dominated by Bronze Goddess from Estée Lauder and the Aqua Allegoria collection from Guerlain, but all of that was challenged in 2010 when Fragonard began its own seasonal scent range. This year sees Fleur de Citronnier take centre stage, and the result is an uplifting delight.
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 think about perfume our thoughts instinctively go to the scented spritz that comes out of our favourite bottle. However, we forget that our daily lives are also scented with everything from fabric softener to shower gel. It’s natural then that customers have started to ask questions about the suitability of fragrance within certain products, and especially within skincare. The scent of your favourite face cream or hand lotion is often as important as the result, but can scent and substance be made to work together? Fragonard have just launched their Soins Essentiels range, and the results are a little piece of Provençal perfection.
The subject of gender in fragrance is something that is still being discussed at length, and it’s just as vocal in the niche sector as it is in the high street. The fragrances that you’ll find in the department stores are clearly split into masculine, feminine and unisex because this helps to guide customers to their “safe” choice. The more independent boutiques will split by fragrance family or style, but this does mean that the customer has to take a much bigger journey of discovery. It’s very hard for established companies to break this cycle, but that is exactly what Fragonard have done with Beau de Provence.
With every new year comes a new selection of perfume releases, and 2022 shows no signs of disappointing. From Guerlain right through to Jo Malone London, this year’s latest launches have been created, bottled and are waiting to be unveiled to the public. However, even though we may only just be coming out of the Christmas period, one company have already revealed their newest fragrance. The latest addition to Fragonard’s Flower of the Year collection is Eglantine and, in the clever hands of perfumer Karine Dubreuil, you will be powerless to resist it. So, you'd better get ready for a well-timed rose resurgence.
