There's a big push at the moment for simplistic designs and uniformity across the fragrances offered by perfume brands. With the bottles remaining constant, it’s often just the label that changes. While the bottle clearly won’t affect the fragrance inside, the pleasure of holding a sculptural item in your hand definitely accentuates the act of applying your favourite perfume. Some bottles are iconic, think of Guerlain’s Shalimar or Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male, and they certainly played a part in their legendary status. Bringing scent and design together is a definite skill, and that can absolutely be said of Soleil Lunar by Lalique.
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.
The discussion around gender within fragrance is a topic that has really come to the fore over the past ten years. There was always an argument that the notion of “flowers are for girls” and “woods are for men” was outdated, if it ever really applied in the first place to be honest, but the advent of more fluidity around gender has meant perfume companies have had to finally start addressing the issue head on. It’s a very fine line to walk, without coming across as if you’re riding off the back of someone else’s cause, but it’s one that Superdry have successfully championed in their new duo of exciting fragrances.
When a company tries to reinvent itself for a new generation the results can often be decidedly mixed. The brand may veer off into unfamiliar territory or accidentally alienate their current customers, neither of which is a desirable outcome. One company that have absolutely achieved this reinvention however is 4711. Arguably the most famous cologne in the world, their yearly limited edition Remix Cologne collection continues to captivate both existing and new fans, to the extent that it’s now become a permanent addition to the catalogue. So, let’s get up to speed by discovering the 2021 edition, and join in the celebration of neroli.
After originally training as an aromatherapist, Jessica Buchanan moved from her native Canada to train at the Grasse Institute of Perfumery. Internships at Robertet and Mane followed and finally, in 2010, she launched her own perfume company in the heart of Grasse. Nine years after founding 1000 Flowers I thought it was time to find out a little more about Jessica during “Stephan’s Six”.
