When companies give perfumers the brief for a new release, there’s always the possibility that it will go in an unexpected direction. We all interpret things differently, whether that’s music or words, and the joy is often discovering how those descriptions have been translated into scent. Some perfumers will accentuate animalic notes, others revel in the piercing aromatics, but a creation will ultimately be born. When Electimuss London began work on their new release, they wanted to realise a fragrance that celebrated the Roman Gladiator in all his glory. Gladiator Oud is the result, and it’s the perfect example of excess within control.
Every year brings its share of triumphs and disasters, with the latter currently being solely reserved for the revolving door of Prime Ministers that the UK has recently had to endure, but the perfume industry always manages to shine a light in the darkness. 2022 was the first year since lockdown that every company's plans could be relied on to go full steam ahead, and the results have been well worth the wait. So, as we approach the end of 2022, it’s time to look back at twelve months of reviews on stephanmatthews.com and, while once again channelling my inner Blyton, pick My Favourite Five.
There are times when the most carefully thought out product launch, whether that be perfume or literature, can end up taking on a whole new relevance. What starts out as a focused interpretation of a place or time can, without any preconceived intention, become associated with a completely different subject. When Electimuss London decided to launch their newest perfume, Vici Leather, it was designed to sit comfortably within the existing Nero collection. Samples had been sent out, reviewers had been briefed, and then the passing of the longest reigning monarch shone a different light on this new launch.
