Hez Parfums Muses (Devorah Binkowitz) 2024 + Krewes and Shoes Giveaway 

Hez Parfums Muses by Devorah Binkowitz

 Hez Parfums Muses bottle, courtesy of the brand

 “Happy is the man whom the Muses love: sweet speech flows from his mouth.” — Hesiod

Muses Krewe

Muses Krewe Mardi Gras Parade Floats, collage by Rachel K. Ng

New Orleans is the most unique city in the United States. It is a place with its own culture, standards and traditions that one must know in order to fully appreciate its sheer wonder and madness. One of those traditions is Mardi Gras krewes. Krewes are social organizations run by the citizens of New Orleans that host balls or put on parades each Carnival season. Some krewes have open membership, while others are exclusive or even secret. Historically, krewes only allowed male membership, but that began to change in the early 1900s. Hez Parfums Muses is a fragrance that is inspired by the famous Krewe of Muses, which is an all-female Mardi Gras krewe known for its commitment to philanthropic works, satirical parade floats, and glittered shoe-themed throws (given out during parades.

Artisan Perfumer Devorah Binkowitz

Courtesy of Devorah Binkowitz

Muses is the first fragrance by artisanal perfumer Devorah Binkowitz. Devorah is dedicating this fragrance to “all the amazing and talented female artists of New Orleans and to the fabulous Krewe of Muses. I have always been inspired by this tremendous group of women for their contribution and influence on the city of New Orleans. Beyond their infamously satirical Mardi Gras floats often made to look like a fabulously glittered shoe, they are also known for their year-round philanthropy work. They are a truly inspirational group of women.”

Hez Parfums Muses is a bright citrus floral fragrance perfect for summer. Lemon and bergamot cheerfully open the fragrance followed by a fresh and juicy apple note that brings a huge smile to my face. Carefree and vibrant, a pretty pear note rounds out the optimistic opening. This is a fragrance that invites me to put on my dancing shoes and head out for good time with my Beau. Ozonic touches help the fragrance breathe and a well-constructed marine accord transports me to New Orleans, where you can always smell the water in the air (it is a city entirely surrounded by water).

 Hez Parfums Muses

Muses Krewe Shoes, collage by Rachel K. Ng

Hez Parfums Muses continues its colorful cheer with Polynesian hibiscus, lily of the valley, and orange blossom. Hibiscus is an airy note with open floralcy, slight tartness, and a bit of a cranberry inflection. This breezy floral is weightless and gauzy as it blends with the ozonic marine notes in Hez Parfums Muses. Lily of the valley has a fresh, spring-like floralcy that is light, crisp and watery It’s almost jasmine-like tenderness floats gently in the heart. Orange blossom adds its fresh, soapy clean facet as well as a layer of heady floral-animalic depth. The soapy clean facet is more present to me in this fragrance, with the heady floralcy as a supporting role, keeping the carefree and sunny disposition of the fragrance on full display. Devorah brings insight into her thinking while developing the fragrance, “I know there may have been some expectation that Muses, being themed after a famous Mardi Gras Krewe, would be another boozy fragrance. However, I was more focused on a different aspect of Mardi Gras, which is the bright and colorful floats and costumes. My mind went to the bright citrus fruits to represent the bright colors of the parade, white and pink florals for the femininity of the Krewe of Muses, a salty ozonic note to evoke the feeling of the New Orleans atmosphere, and a woody base as if you’re standing on a Mardi Gras float.”

Muses creates a wonderful representation of the joy that turns out in New Orleans. It is a singular place with a unique kind of jubilation found in the music, dance, food, and general vibe. There is an openness and gladness, an appreciation for the arts and artists, that is a part of the city’s greatness. That cultural warmth is well-represented in the cedarwood, musk, and sandalwood base of Hez Parfums Muses, as it supports and underlies the airy rejoicing and sunny pleasure of all that is happening above. New Orleans Mardi Gras is a must-experience bucket-list event and the city carries on the celebration throughout the rest of the year. Hez Parfums is a beautiful dedication to the Krewe of Muses and all the women and artists of New Orleans who laissez les bons temps roulez!

Notes: lemon, bergamot, red apple, pear, marine accord, ozone, Polynesian hibiscus, lily of the valley, orange blossom, cedarwood, Amberwood©, white musk, sandalwood

Disclaimer: Bottle of Muses kindly provided by Hez Parfums. My opinions, as always, are my own.

~ Rachel K. Ng, Senior Contributor

Editor’s note: Devorah is Hez Binkowitz’s wife and a perfumer as well. Hez was not co-perfumer for Muses. This is her first fragrance and scent was part of her journey to healing.

Hez Parfums Muses

Hez Parfums Muses bottle, courtesy of the brand

Thanks to the generosity of Hez Parfums we have a 50 ml bottle for one registered reader in the USA or EU ONLY. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what sparks your interest based on Rachel’s review and where you live. Draw closes  6/7/2024

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26 comments

  • Ramses Perez says:

    I am now very familiar with Hez following CaFleureBon for a full year or so so I’m glad they keep releasing amazing fragrances still inspired by New Orleans. I was not familiar with the Krewe Of Muses originating from Mardi Gras but I clearly see the inspiration in their bright colors with the notes in Muses. I’m interested to experience the Ozonic notes on this one and how it impacts the fragrance (I’ve never been to New Orleans or Mardi Gras). I, myself, don’t tend to add gender to fragrances (wear what you want, when you want it and how you want it), but I can see someone making a case that this leans feminine (name and notes) but I, a man, will rock this in the high heat without hesitation. This house is one to watch out for. Cheers from USA.

  • Jeremi says:

    cedarwood and citrus notes are one of my favourites they really sparked my interest in this fragrance and I’m sure this mix is beautiful in this perfume. I live in Trzebnica, Poland, EU.

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    I’m interested to floral notes in this summer floral festival. I am from EU

  • Jessica Rauch says:

    Wow! I love how I can visualize and smell Mardi Gras with this perfume! Citrus, apple and florals are some of my favorite notes! Musk and bergamot make the scent more complex. It sounds beautiful! I can visualize putting this on with my dancing shoes in New Orleans!
    New York, NY

  • janelle22 says:

    I met the Binkowitz’s at Sniffapalooza and they were so lovely! I love that they create fragrances paying homage to New Orleans and as part of their healing journey. I purchased Blue Dog there, with getting Muses, which I smelled there as well, too once available to layer. Muses is such a creamy citrus fragrance with white floral nuances. SO GOOD! CT, USA

  • Eris.can.swatch.kaos says:

    I love the light hearted nature of this fragrance and it’s inspiration. To be sitting atop a parade float, surrounded by water, what a lovely vision this is to recreate. I live in Oregon.

  • sherin thomas says:

    Lovely review ! Cedarwood and citrus notes are one of my favourites they really sparked my interest in this fragrance and I’m sure this mix is beautiful in this perfume. From PA,USA

  • John Gahlt says:

    Rachel’s review of Hez Parfums Muses by Devorah Binkowitz captivates me with its vivid depiction of the fragrance’s bright and vibrant notes, evoking the lively spirit of Mardi Gras. The thoughtful blend of citrus, floral, and marine elements sounds like a refreshing tribute to the Krewe of Muses and New Orleans’ unique culture. I’m particularly intrigued by how the scent aims to capture both the joyous atmosphere of the parades and the artistic contributions of the city’s women.

    I am from the EU

  • marla says:

    It seems a very interesting mix. Muses creates a wonderful representation of the joy that turns out in New Orleans. Since this is the first fragrance by artisanal perfumer Devorah Binkowitz and scent was part of her journey to healing, I wish her all the best!
    From EU.

  • hthanass says:

    Rachel’s review beautifully captures the essence of Hez Parfums Muses and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. What sparks my interest most is the fragrance’s unique blend of bright citrus notes and fresh florals, which evoke the colorful and joyful atmosphere of Mardi Gras. The thoughtful inclusion of marine accords and woody base notes that reflect the city’s ambiance adds a layer of depth and authenticity. I am particularly intrigued by how this perfume not only celebrates the Krewe of Muses but also embodies the city’s artistic and cultural warmth. This seems like a truly uplifting and well-crafted fragrance!
    I’m also not Familiar with this brand, looking forward to try it.

    From France EU

  • sarach says:

    Nicoleta’s review vividly brings to life the mysterious and enchanting world of Agarthi, sparking my interest with her detailed descriptions of each olfactive realm. What captivates me most is the imaginative storytelling behind each fragrance, particularly the idea of venturing into a hidden world beneath the Earth’s surface. The depiction of “Waterways Spells” with its refreshing notes of bergamot, mandarin, and the unique waterfall accord evokes a sense of standing near a mystical waterfall, surrounded by lush, moist greenery. This sensory journey sounds truly mesmerizing, blending mythology with a contemporary olfactive experience that I am eager to explore.

    From EU

  • Surya says:

    Living in Nashville, TN, I’m always fascinated by the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions across the United States. Rachel’s review of Hez Parfums Muses captures the vibrant essence of New Orleans and its iconic Mardi Gras celebrations with eloquence. The fragrance seems to embody the lively spirit of the city, from the bright citrus notes that mirror the colorful parade floats to the breezy florals that evoke the femininity and joy of the Krewe of Muses. What strikes me most is Devorah Binkowitz’s thoughtful approach to crafting this fragrance, focusing on the vibrant colors and cultural warmth of Mardi Gras rather than the expected boozy undertones. It’s a testament to the diversity and creativity of perfumery, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved tradition. As someone who appreciates fragrances that tell a story and evoke a sense of place, Hez Parfums Muses intrigues me with its homage to the artistry and camaraderie of New Orleans. It’s like experiencing a slice of the city’s jubilant atmosphere in a bottle, a reminder of the joyous celebrations that bring communities together.

    I live in Nashville, TN

  • Froaderick says:

    New Orleans is our second city, so to speak. Having just celebrated our 25th anniversary there (not sure how we are this old already but, alas…haha), it’s truly one-of-a-kind with its sense of freedom and appreciation for all avenues of expression. Muses seems to encapsulate much of the vibrancy the city offers, paying homage to Krewe of Muses of course, but also pulling in the brightly colored houses dotting the Quarter and artists’ works along Jackson Square. Keeping this one citrus based would make it perfect for those sultry nights stopping to check out street musicians or even strolling the shops on Royal Street! Cheers from Ohio! 🙂

  • chrisskins says:

    I am terribly sorry for her loss. Scent has always curled around me to cfort in times a great pain. Lily of the Valley was a key note in helping my mother to cross over. Muses sounds like an unabashed celebration of life and a wonderful gift to her daughter, herself and now, the rest of us. I also expected a boozy fragrance when I saw New Orleans, but I’m glad Devorah turned left. I live in NY. With love.

  • Michele Miller says:

    I saw the IG post and immediately came here to read the review. The teaser description drew me in. I absolutely love the notes of this fragrance. I am curious how the muse for Muses translates in the fragrance.

  • Daniel Kaplan says:

    I love going to New Orleans during summer vacation trips. I am most interested about the marine and breezy notes as I love the beach and water.

  • Afridi says:

    Thanks for the information about New Orleans and Hez Parfums MUSES related to the culture, standards, and traditions of New Orleans. I have never been a visit to the US, unfortunately.
    Love from Pakistan

  • mdellaroc says:

    I would have thought a cold weather scent inspired by Mardi Gras but then again, I’m not the creative mind behind such a scent. Sounds fabulous. In maryland.

  • opalbear says:

    I adore hibiscus and I’m so happy to see it being used in this!! I can’t wait to try it. And what a wonderful thing to honor and be named after? I feel like this will be a great year round scent. I am in USA thank you for the chance to win this.

  • Annika says:

    Great inspiration for a perfume. I went to Mardi Gras in NO many years and it was a very memorable experience. Muses seems to capture the joie de vivre of the festival with bright citrus, feminine florals and salty and woody notes. I love that it pays homage to the female artists and Krewe of Muses. MD, USA.

  • sherin thomas says:

    Lovely review ! I love the light hearted nature of this fragrance and it’s inspiration. To be sitting atop a parade float, surrounded by water, what a lovely vision this is to recreate. From PA, USA

  • Diana D says:

    What a wonderful overview! I love that the fragrance is dedicated to the female artists of New Orleans!
    The composition sound so fresh and uplifting with citrus and florals. I’d be thrilled to own it!
    I live in the USA.

  • mmerline says:

    Fun review—I wasn’t familiar with the Krewe of Muses and enjoyed learning about them. Hez Parfums Muses checks all the boxes for a fun summer wear, including bright citrus and fruit, some breezy-soapy florals, and a bit of ozone to bring in the Gulf. And I’m glad Binkowitz avoided making this boozy; it’s the kind of fragrance that wants to stay light and carefree.

    I’m in the USA. Thanks for the giveaway.

  • moorhawk says:

    Rachel’s review of Hez Parfums Muses intrigued me with its vivid description of the bright citrus and floral notes, which evoke the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The blend of lemon, bergamot, and red apple creates an inviting, cheerful scent, while the marine and ozonic notes add a refreshing touch. The inclusion of Polynesian hibiscus, lily of the valley, and orange blossom enhances its carefree, summery vibe. Hez Parfums is not a fragrance house I am familiar with, and new brands always pique my interest. As someone who appreciates fragrances that tell a story and evoke strong imagery, Muses sounds like a delightful experience. Thanks for the Draw! From the USA.

  • Michael Prince says:

    What sparks my interest of Rachel’s review of Hez Parfums Muses is this beautiful and delicate fragrance that is inspired by Mardi Gras, but not the boozy tobacco jazz aspect but the soft florals and ozonic side of it. It sounds lovely. I am from the USA.