Products that are sighted at a male market with point blank aim have a terrible history of actually missing the target altogether. They can end up languishing on the bottom shelf or, worse still, relegated to the "bargain" section. So it was with some apprehension that I approached GRUHME NO.14, a male Eau de Toilette. I imagined a gym-butch masculine scent with the subtlety of a hammer that existed just to deplete the worlds supply of patchouli and vetiver, but I was wrong. I was very wrong. Put preconceived ideas to one side and let me introduce you to a beautifully refined men's fragrance, which ladies are bound to steal.
Thursday, 19 May 2016
Monday, 16 May 2016
STEPHAN'S SIX - CAROL ROYLE
She describes herself as “a mum and actress”, in that order, but Carol Royle has had a hugely successful career in television, film and theatre. Chanel lovers may recognise her as the face of No.19, but it was her recent role as Emilie in the BBC drama Casualty that people now remember her for. Her character had Huntington’s Disease and was the mother of two of the regular doctors, Cal and Ethan. After this emotional storyline I met with her to ask her “Stephan’s Six”.
Thursday, 12 May 2016
LEIGHTON'S DESIRE
When a company launches its first fragrance a lot hangs in the balance. One of the biggest gambles is whether it will gain an audience in an ever expanding perfume market. Some excellent scents come and go without making an impact, some novelties are badly judged, and some of the breakthroughs surprise everyone. An existing customer following is an advantage, but not a guarantee, so it was still a gamble when Leighton Denny launched LIGHT & DARK in 2014. With a further two fragrances arriving at the end of 2015 it's now time to look at the complete set of three, and see whether Leighton's fragrances offer the same variety as his celebrated nail varnishes.
Wednesday, 11 May 2016
STEPHAN'S SIX - FRAGRANCE FOUNDATION NOMINEES 2016
On Thursday 12th May the results will be announced for the UK Fragrance Foundation Awards 2016. Four of the nominees were featured on "Stephan's Six" during 2015, and I am thrilled that 4160 Tuesdays and Papillon Artisan Perfumery are on the list alongside the usual big hitters. Leighton Denny is back for another year, along with the regular addition of Roja Dove, so let's look at these nominees and revisit the secrets that they revealed when they succumbed to "Stephan's Six".
Monday, 9 May 2016
STEPHAN'S SIX - CLARE REES
When Demeter Colognes launched in the UK under the name of The Library of Fragrance it was with Clare Rees at the helm. An unconventional perfume lover, which is why she was perfect for the brand, Clare has FINALLY succumbed to "Stephan's Six". I've subtitled this interview, "From Hairspray to Haute Couture", and with her eclectic selection you'll quickly understand why.
Thursday, 5 May 2016
My Perfume Society Favourites
It's my birthday, sort of. One year ago I started stephanmatthews.com, a twice-weekly observation on the perfume industry, and in that time we've had ninety four articles, two events, and an occasional "heated debate". One of the things that kickstarted my writing was the Perfume Society, and they have given me a wonderful birthday present ... five memberships to give away to my readers. Before we get to the competition I want to share with you my five favourite articles from the Perfume Society's magazine, the Scented Letter. It was great re-reading the current sixteen issues, and I hope that you enjoy the choices.
Labels:
Alice Jones,
Carven,
Galbanum,
Guerlain,
Jean Desprez,
Ma Griffe,
Marks And Spencer,
Muguet,
Perfume Society,
Ralf Schwieger,
Rosie,
Scented Letter,
Suzy Nightingale,
Vol de Nuit
Monday, 2 May 2016
STEPHAN'S SIX - SARAH MOYLE
Since leaving Middlesex University Sarah Moyle's acting career has taken her in many different directions. A successful list of theatre credits runs alongside her many television appearances, including Born And Bred, Emmerdale and WPC 56, but it was her regular role as Kimberley in Ricky Gervais' Extras 2 that brought her to most people's attention. Sarah is now permanently to be found in the fictional town of Letherbridge playing the eccentric Valerie in the BBC soap Doctors. In a break from filming I took the chance to find out her perfume memories for "Stephan's Six".
Thursday, 28 April 2016
THE CELEBRITY FRAGRANCE
They arrive in a blaze of publicity and either hold onto their market share or silently disappear. I'm talking about CELEBRITY FRAGRANCES. There has been a lot of talk about the scourge of this genre recently, but in my opinion the reviewers are missing the point. The world has changed since Guerlain launched Mitsouko in 1919 and L.T. Piver gave us Rêve D'Or in 1889, not least because of the number of releases every year, so are Beyoncé and Rihanna being unfairly criticised? Let's compare a century of perfume habits and see whether twelve months might actually become the norm for a fragrance's life.Monday, 25 April 2016
STEPHAN'S SIX - THOMAS DUNCKLEY (CandyPerfumeBoy)
Perfume bloggers are two a penny, I know because I'm one of that crowd. What is different about some though is that their passion and measured approach are in perfect unison. That is the way to best describe Thomas Dunckley who created the enigma that is CandyPerfumeBoy. A Jasmine Award winner and a self-confessed champion for Mugler’s Angel, what would we learn about his wider fragranced memories during “Stephan’s Six”?
Labels:
Angel,
Armani,
Armani Pour Homme,
Basenotes,
CandyBoy,
Chyprissime,
Creed,
Frederic Malle,
Les Exceptions,
Oriental Express,
Ralph Lauren,
Safari,
Shalimar,
Thierry Mugler,
Thomas Dunkley,
Tobacco Rose
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