Guerlain Aqua Allegoria (sometimes called Guerlain for beginners!)

Yeah, I know, it’s Aqua Allegoria.   Good ole Aqua Allegoria…right from the get go just hearing those two words uttered together turns off many an upturned nose of Guerlain fans.  I can hear many of them simply dismiss them with a quick, “Pfft, pfftt….no.”  Well, I am here to say I don’t subscribe to that nonsense.  I look at each one and every one as a potential classic in waiting.  Without fail, every single year since their inception I have eagerly awaited what would be presented to my nose from this line. It’s intriguing to me to think that each is basically an experiment.  What will succeed and what will fail?  It’s certainly fun to see what the final result will be.  I can say some are better that others, and I don’t love every single one of them to pieces;  but  what really, really astounds me is how quickly some of these are written off by some without so much as a second thought.  I think this is a horrible, horrible mistake on many accounts.  Matter-of-factly, many of the ones that were discontinued are akin to collector’s items now.  In my opinion, that in itself makes each one worth having a bottle.  As a self-proclaimed “Guerlainaholic”, I am proud to say my Aqua Allegoria collection is complete.   There is a full bottle of each and every one in my archive and I love them even if I may not “like” some of them.  To me, they are still an important part of Guerlain history.  If they are discontinued, they are even more important.

Guerlain Une Ville, Un Parfum Collection Les Voyages Olfactifs

The first of 2015’s Aqua Allegoria Collection was the green tea infused Teazzurra.  Of course, green tea has been the subject of many other houses for more than a few years.  However, it’s one that Guerlain seemingly hasn’t put a lot of focus on.  In all honestly, that is not a true statement; green tea played a role in some of the Cherry Blossom series (released mainly in Japan) and the much overlooked Jean Paul Guerlain gem, Secret Intention.   To a great many, the main “big” release featuring the note was Annick Ménardo’s Tokyo from the Une Ville, Un Parfum Collection. 

AQUA ALLEGORIA Teazurra 2015 photo Guerlain

It is gloriously good, but prohibitively expensive for a huge demographic.  Sadly, it was announced as discontinued recently and everyone will be left wanting that desired it.  Good news is, if you were a fan of Tokyo, Teazzurra maybe your answer.  They are different, but still very similar.

Frank T Heard Tea Party

Teazzurra opens with an absolutely wonderful blast of yuzu supported by grapefruit and a tiny bit of lemon.  I find it absolutely refreshing without being too bright or citrusy as to be an annoyance (I’m more of a fan of florals that citrus).  Shortly after the in initial blast bergamot takes control and pretty much doesn’t let go for a very long time on my skin.  I observed it’s presence for the better part of 2 hours.  I am pretty astounded at the longevity.  Bravo, Thierry!

Aaron's Teazzura and Cafe Paris by Isaac maimon, an Isreali Artist who studied in Paris

As we move into the mid the aspect of tea begins to move to the forefront.  This is where I think it gets interesting and a story starts to develop in my mind.  Not only do you have standard green tea, but with the bergamot, there is very underlying hint of Earl Grey (Green or White too!) in the mix…and it’s LOVELY.  Soon there afterward a demure jasmine and chamomile come into play making me think of another type of tea altogether.  I have to admit that I love every second of it and this is when the story starts- it’s like a little tea party that Green Tea is hosting along with some beloved friends!  As each guest arrives, the party gets livelier, and when they all get together, it’s a marvelous affair.  It starts a party that goes on and on and on all day plus some!  It doesn’t bother the neighbors either!   In fact, it attracts them!  I can happily say that I received many compliments whilst wearing it. Best of all, I was having one great time relaxing, but still having fun at this little party as it turned into a soirée.

 

Isaac Maimon Cup of Tea

As the soirée begins, hints of musk come out to make things a bit sexier.  Mind you, it’s not too much, just enough to make one more alluring. When it mixes in with all the other quests, the air becomes so pleasant that it’s impossible not to notice.   It’s sublime, beautiful, and very attractive.  At this point is when I almost unconsciously notice there’s something else in the air… it’s refreshing, and somewhat familiar – almost romantic.   That would be Calone.  Its use here is very clever.   Its aquatic uplifting effects have been ever present all along, but in a manner as not be noticeable.  It simply fits in with the environment…and I love it. The very last quest to the party is vanilla.  A gorgeous, fantastic vanilla that just screams Guerlain.   Trusty Vanilla shows up just in time to make the last few hours going, but it’s not long before everything has wound quite a bit and only memories remain.    However, the lingering effects are absorbed in the fabric of everything around, and that memory can last a long, long time.   All I can think of is…what a great party.

–Aaron Potterman, Contributor

Art Direction MC Aaron chose Teazurra as one of his favorite fragrances of 2015