The past two years will live in people’s memories for the rest of their lives. The world saw one of its biggest upheavals and, after having displayed a “me first” approach to life for far too long, households found themselves reconnecting with their neighbours and communities. How long this ultimately lasts has yet to be seen, but it definitely feels as though many have exited the storm into this new world with a determination to build on newfound ideals and beliefs. This realisation deserved to be celebrated, and that’s exactly what Jonathan Ward has done with his long-awaited debut fragrance Kansas.
To say that it’s been a challenging twelve months would definitely be an understatement but, for the second year running, the fragrance industry has refused to give in. Even with partial restrictions and a decidedly uncertain future, companies have continued to do their very best to bring us some much needed scented escape. Some of the fragrances have been new, some have been classics, but all of them have kept us smiling. So, as we approach the end of 2021, I thought it would be a good moment to look back at twelve months of articles, once again channel my inner Blyton, and pick My Favourite Five.
As we approach the end of a second year of restrictions and complications, I think it’s time that we all took a moment to reflect on the achievements that each of us have made. You don’t need to have learned a new language or raised money for charity, I’m talking about the fact that people simply found the strength to carry on when every day brought new challenges. No one could have predicted the last two years, and that is why it’s so wonderful to find a fragrance that was started back in 2019, launched in 2020 and which actually resonates so perfectly today. I’m talking about Heroic Story from Vines House Parfum.
There are certain ingredients that will forever be associated with a particular decade, and it can be very difficult to shake off those attachments. Just the mention of the name can conjure up forgotten times or misplaced lovers, and it can often be hard to see beyond these memories. However, if we do, there’s a whole new scented world to experience. One such ingredient is patchouli, and it instantly pulls up images of the 1970s. Creating a new interpretation of this iconic aroma has been tried many times, with varying success, but the latest attempt from ånd fragrance is an absolute winner. It’s time to discover Påtch.
The tree has been brought down from the loft and, if you're anything like me, you're also desperately trying to remember where you put the fairy lights. This can only mean one thing, it’s Christmas! Alongside all of the traditions that go with the festive season, my annual contribution is recommending which flickering piece of scented magic needs to take pride of place in your home this year. We often fall back on the old favourites in December, but I'm going to ask you to try something a little different. This year’s choices have been harder than ever, but the time has finally arrived to reveal my Top Five Candles for Christmas.
There are many accolades that are thrown around the world of perfumery but, when it comes to choosing the person who has singlehandedly championed the cause of synthetics, there’s only one Geza Schoen. His earth shattering release of Molecule 01 back in 2006 created ripples that are still being felt in both commercial and niche perfumery today. The public became fascinated with the futuristic Iso E Super ingredient and there was a stampede to try the first “scent of yourself” fragrance. More Escentric Molecules perfumes followed but the love of the original never disappeared. So, fifteen years later, Molecule 01 has had an exciting facelift.
After the incredible reduction in the number of fragrances that were launched last year, and I’m certainly not saying that it was a bad thing, this year sees some of my favourite perfume companies expanding their catalogues. It feels as though we have definitely been spoiled over the past few months, and I think we all deserved a little scented excitement, but the latest release that should be on everyone’s Christmas list has just arrived. I’m talking about Naples from Gallivant. This is a company that I’ve followed since it first started back in 2017 and, fantastically, they’ve struck gold for the tenth time.
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” There can’t be anyone that hasn’t heard that expression, and the past year and half has tested it to the extreme. Changes in circumstances have forced companies and individuals to adapt like never before. When the usual way of earning a living suddenly disappeared, it quickly became apparent that there would be little help. The theatre industry was severely hit, with shows cancelled and closed, but one actor had the idea to turn the uncertainty into some much needed relaxation. Paul Keating launched RestN, and he is tipped for some seriously scented success.
I don’t know whether you would call it a trend anymore, because it feels like it’s now part of our everyday lives, but the drive for natural products shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. With a greater interest in what goes into our fragrances, creams and potions, a whole new group of companies have appeared with the promise that they can offer what customers are demanding. Balancing natural credentials with legal formulation requirements can often be difficult though, but one company that have achieved it with their debut fragrance is Jones & Modha. Let me introduce you to no.1 and their promise of “natural plant alchemy”.
