Neil Morris Fragrances I Will Bring You Flowers x ÇaFleureBon (Neil Morris) 2020 + Bottling Spring Draw

March 23, 2020March 24, 2020

Neil Morris Fragrances I Will Bring You Flowers Limited Edition Extrait de Parfum. Bottle photo by Gail Gross ©

As a life-long lover of green, growing things and an inveterate gardener for most of my life, nothing pleases me more or brings me more happiness (with the exception of perfume) than a gift of flowers. Last week, when I received a little package from Neil Morris, one of my all-time favorite perfumers, I immediately fell in love with the gorgeous full-blown bouquet in a bottle that is Neil Morris Fragrances I Will Bring You Flowers, a limited edition Extrait de Parfum created especially for CaFleureBon’s 10th Anniversary.

After luxuriating in the pure pleasures of these sensuous blossoms for several days, I felt compelled to ask Neil a few questions – about himself, his inspiration and process – to learn more about the magic behind (and within) the bottle of I Will Bring You Flowers.

Neil Morris. Courtesy of Neil Morris Fragrances ©

Gail Gross: Neil, you are considered by many of us to be the godfather, so to speak, of American independent perfumery. You have become a model and an inspiration for young artisan perfumers. When did you know that perfumery would be your path? What do you enjoy most about your work?

Neil Morris: “I’m grateful to you for referring to me that way, it’s quite an honor. I knew since an early age that my sense of smell was something I paid attention to! Sitting at the beach, inhaling the salty air, walking in the woods in March or April, being surrounded by the scent of the newly awakened earth. I have always noticed the scents surrounding me, and their power to evoke all kinds of emotions. How could I possibly avoid perfumery! LOL!”

Orchids. Photo by Neil Morris ©

GG: How did you choose the name I Will Bring You Flowers?

NM: I’m a great one for bringing flowers to people I visit, or to those who invite me out to dinner, and especially to those who take the time to cook for me! So I’m either bringing them flowers or perfume, and sometimes both! So bringing flowers is, for me, a way of showing love and gratitude.

GG: My first impressions of aldehydes and narcissus in I Will Bring You Flowers evoke a momentary vintage vibe. Were you inspired by any perfumes of the past?

NM: While I do admire and love many vintage florals, there is no specific perfume that inspired me. Nature herself, with all the gorgeous floral works of art she lovingly creates, offered the inspiration. It was difficult to choose which flowers to include since there are so many that I love. But I think the ones I chose work quite well and hope you will all agree.

Photo by Neil Morris ©

GG: I understand that a friend asked you “Neil, how on earth did you manage to bottle spring?” Can you give us a hint about just how you were able to do this?

NM: Yes, I was testing the composition on various people to see how it behaved on skin and I tried it on my friend Layla. It was she who made that remark! It was the response I was looking for and I knew I was close to completion. How I did it? Trial and error! It went through 5 distinct iterations but number 5 was the charm. I was not interested in giving it a fruity introduction, as many floral perfumes do. I was strictly interested in showcasing the flowers. The florals I chose are among my personal favorites – Plumeria, Narcissus, Gardenia, Rose. The addition of Hedione embraces the flowers and gives the perfume a lovely lift, in conjunction with the Aldehydes. I wanted it to have a warm, slightly animalic drydown (as opposed to using something sweet like Vanilla) so I chose Vetiver, Sea Moss, and Suede and a hint of Civet. I hope I was successful and that people will enjoy it!

GG: What is it about I Will Bring You Flowers that evokes ÇaFleureBon?

NN: I thought it would be the perfect theme to create and dedicate this perfume to ÇaFleureBon because for the past 10 years they have been “Bringing Us Flowers” every day with reviews of exquisite bouquets created by a myriad of talented perfumers and the word wizardry of amazing writers! I would like to give a bouquet of flowers to each and every one of you. This is ÇaFleureBon gift to us and I Will Bring You Flowers is my bouquet to them. Thank you, Michelyn, and thanks to all your gifted writers. With Fragrant Love from Neil.

Perfume Notes: Lavender Aldehyde, Floral Aldehyde, Mandarin, Hedione, Jasmine Sambac, Gardenia, Rose, Heather, Plumeria, Honeysuckle, Dossinia Orchid, Narcissus, Geranium, Amber, Suede, Sea Moss, Civet and Vetiver.

Disclaimer: I would like to thank Neil Morris for my treasured bottle of I Will Bring You Flowers. My opinions are my own.

Gail Gross – Senior Editor

CaFleureBon 10th Anniversary illustration by noted artist Massimo Alfaioli

Editor’s Note: I Will Bring You Flowers is one of four bespoke perfumes created for our 10th Anniversary. Gail will also be reviewing this perfume as well.

Thank you dear Neil… who is as kind as he is talented and who I have known personally since 2008. I live in New York City and there is not much nature to be seen from my window (COVID-19 Stay in Place); smelling I Will Bring you Flowers is as if a fantasy flower garden was blooming indoors… and as if Neil was indeed here to bring me flowers.-Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

Thanks to the generosity of perfumer Neil Morris we have one 30 ml bottle of Neil Morris Fragrances I Will Bring You Flowers X ÇaFleureBon 10th Anniversary Limited Edition Extrait de Parfum for one registered reader worldwide (be sure to register or your comment will not count). To be eligible, tell us what appeals to you about I Will Bring You Flowers, what you enjoy most about ÇaFleureBon and where you live. You can also tell us if you have a favorite Neil Morris fragrance. Draw closes 3/26/20

Available at Indigo Perfumery here where there only six bottles and Online at NeilMorrisfragrances.com, contact (neil@neilmorrisfragrances.com). The price is $70. Please support our artisan perfumers

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