One of the things that drew me to Oriflame was the word “natural”. When I first heard about them I was intrigued with the names of their scents: Amethyst Fatale, Eclat (radiance), and Free Motion. From what I have tried, I would say that this company’s fragrances are better than Avon’s and some of the modern Yves Rochers are.
Ben Gorham, the creative force behind the Byredo perfume line, has interpreted the Dance of the Seven Veils literally. I am transported and seduced and left longing for more.
New York City is a crazy quilt made up of its neighborhoods. Bond No. 9 is going to eventually make a fragrant statement about every one of these neighborhoods before Laurice Rahme is done. The most recent piece of NYC real estate to get the Bond No. 9 interpretation is one of my favorites in the entire city, Central Park West.
I think as an American perfume reviewer it becomes very easy for me to keep my eyes trained on the bounty of independent perfumers that abound close to home. The latest perfumer to help cure me of my myopia is Maria Candida Gentile. . I soon ended up with the six fragrances which make up Mme Gentile’s Classic Collection in front of me and over the course of a couple of weeks let them impose their will and Mme Gentile’s vision upon me. A couple of them have left indelible imprints.
In late 2011 the House of Liz Claiborne released the first new flankers of the classic Curve line (launched in 1996). I had naturally assumed that since over three years had passed since the last ones (his and hers Connects in 2008), there would be no more. The Curves have created quite the loyal following. Now, 15 years after the release of the initial pair, the Appeals seem to be doing just the same.
Probably the hoariest pick-up line of all time is “What’s your sign?” It truly takes someone of phenomenal talent to rehabilitate that corny come-on. Alexandra Balahoutis of Strange Invisible Perfumes has that level of talent. Ms. Balahoutis is easily one of the top botanical perfumers working and all of her compositions are examples of the complexity that natural perfume can reach.
