In my latest Escentual column I talk about the Warm fragrance family. This is a new word we are using in place of ‘Oriental’, because it is outdated and no longer fit for purpose (plus it tells you nothing about the fragrances within the family). So if you want to learn about warm ambers, warm florals, warm spices and warm resins, click here to read my column and find out.
I do love a surprise, especially a fragrant one, and when that fragrant surprise is from one of my favourite (and most-worn perfume houses) well then, I’m a happy boy. So imagine my surprise (I promise that’s the last time I say ‘surprise’ in this review, maybe..) when the first launch from Miller Harris in 18 months landed on my doorstep. Being real with you, MH had been launching A LOT of things before their brief pause and some of those launches (Blousy, Brighton Rock, I’m looking, nay, I’m glaring at you) felt a bit rushed and unfinished, and didn’t set my heart on fire. So it was with great intrigue that I approached their new launch ‘Rêverie de Bergamote’ and (massive spoiler alert!) it did not disappoint.
Rêverie de Bergamote is described by Miller Harris as an “aromatic citrus” fragrance. They say it’s a “bright, soulful scent for a slow Sunday morning” and I feel they’re going for something that sets a mood or a vibe, and that vibe is bergamot-scented relaxation (something we could all do with, let’s face it). Emilie Bouge (Robertet) created the perfume and took inspiration from relaxing mornings listening to music. And whilst the theme is very ‘Bergamot and Chill’, I would say that Rêverie de Bergamote is not to be underestimated – it has a few tricks and unexpected twists up its sleeves to raise the excitement levels. Let’s sniff!
Did you know that you can visit Ormonde Jayne’s boutique in London and personalise a fragrance from their Signature Collection? Well, now you do! The process is actually really cool – you pick your fragrance (from the 15 in the Signature Collection), then the concentration (up to a whopping 50%), followed by the bottle (from 8 beautiful shades). I took a trip to the boutique last week to test out the service and I made a quick Instagram Reel of my experience.
This week’s IGTV is actually a two-parter. I had so many new launches to share for May that I’ve split them over two videos. Part two is live today and features five fragrances, all of which feel a bit summery in tone. Expect unexpected twists on bergamot from Miller Harris, fizzy, summer fun from Guerlain and more. To check out the video, head over to my instagram, or click below the jump.
I am so thrilled to be a finalist in this year’s Fragrance Foundation UK Jasmine Awards (the Oscar’s of perfume writing), with two of my articles nominated across three categories, and an episode of Fume Chat (the fragrance podcast I co-host with Nick Gilbert) in another. I’m especially pleased to see my article ‘Trapped in a Scent Memory’ nominated for the Literary Award. This was an intensely personal (and deeply emotional) piece about how I have come to terms with a difficult scent memory (or maybe, how I’m still coming to terms with it). Congrats to all of the finalists! Such wonderful company to be in.
What do Acqua di Parma’s new fragrance Bergamotto di Calabria La Spugnatura and beloved cartoon icon Spongebob Squarepants have in common? OK, I admit that this is probably not the question you expected to be asked in this review, but bear with me, it’ll make sense, maybe. The answer is simple: they’re both made from sea sponges. What do you mean that doesn’t make sense? Surely it’s obvious? Surely?!
OK, I’ll clear things up for you. La Spugnatura is actually a limited edition version of Acqua di Parma’s popular Bergamotto di Calabria fragrance, which sits within their Blu Mediterraneo collection. What makes this edition different is ‘La Spugnatura’, a traditional and labour-intensive method of extraction which involves, you guessed it, our good friend Spongebob. OK, not Spongebob, but actual sponges. In this process, bergamot fruits are cut and separated from their peel, the peels are then pressed (very carefully) onto sea sponges, which absorb the fruit’s essence. These sponges are then squeezed into terracotta jars. The result is beautiful, brilliant bergamot.
Bergamotto di Calabria La Spugnatura is a limited edition fragrance that features this special bergamot material and because it’s so exceptional, it’s also housed in a gorgeous vessel. For this edition, Acqua di Parma has created a handmade porcelain bottle, adorned with a white and gold bergamot pattern. It’s absolutely beautiful and it really does add to the special feel of this unique, limited edition. But does it smell extraordinary too? Let’s sniff!
This week’s IGTV is actually a two-parter. I had so many new launches to share for May that I’ve split them over two videos. Part one is live today and features five fragrances, all of which feel a bit summery in tone. Expect gorgeousness from CHANEL, bergamot beauty from Acqua di Parma, and scantily-clad cabana boys from MUGLER (of course). To check out the video, head over to my instagram, or click below the jump.
This week’s IGTV is all about delectable, delicious gourmand fragrances, but not your typical, sickly sweet high street gourmands, no, these are something more upmarket. These are some seriously luxurious gourmands that will level up your wardrobe to new heights. Expect booze-soaked vanilla, rose-flavoured marshmallows, and much, much, more. Check the video out below or click here to go directly to instagram.
Patchouli, patchouli, patchouli! That’s the word of the week over on my Escentual column. I’ve rounded up some of my fave patchouli scent to show you just how versatile (and utterly fabulous) this material can be. Check out the full post over on Escentual.
What’s your favourite patchouli fragrance? Let me know in the comments!
The Candy Perfume Boy 