Last year, niche house Bond No. 9 released three fragrances that captured the energy, freedom and love for New York City (for Him, for Her and For All) to coincide with the tenth anniversary of 9/11. This year they are releasing four new scents in the line: Earth Day (available now), for Mothers (available May 1st), for Fathers (available June 1st) and for Marriage Equality (available July 1st). It is rumored this line will eventually number fifteen scents.
One of the things I love about Bond No. 9 is that they are attempting to capture every part and essence of New York City in perfume. No mean feat! In a city like New York you have a never ending diversity, so to with their perfumes. The two most recent releases center on NYC’s love of green along with its environmental “smarts” and its celebration of mothers and motherhood.
I Love New York for Earth Day is an amazingly green floral perfume. This opens slightly sweet with juicy tangerines and subtle orange flower water balanced with a rather dry, but full, orchid note. Described by Bond as “a fresh, green metro-sophisticated eau de parfum”, I agree wholeheartedly. Visions of sunlight striking dewy grass, fresh new leaves and gently opening flowers spring to mind. When it begins to open more fully tuberose appears. Not the full powdery somewhat naughty tuberose in full bloom that calls moths to pollenate it at night, but a gorgeous green tuberose that is just beginning to open and blossom and has an almost elegant innocence about it. Tuberose is joined by sheer muguet (lily-of-the-valley) and a cool orris (iris root) as this perfume braids together three of the most verdant floral notes in perfumery. Some may find it a bit feminine. I find it a fitting olfactory homage to our “Mother”, the Earth.
This perfume has amazing projection after its initial application (one spritz applied to the back of my hand spread vaporously throughout my kitchen, and was keenly noticed by those in the next room). After a while that quiets somewhat, but continues to softly enchant and allure without being too arrogant or “haughty”. The finish of a rather clean and clear musk along with an airy moss, alongside touches of amber and sandalwood creates a firm enough anchor for the scent, yet it never overpowers the beauty of the heart notes but sustains them, rather than eclipsing them. If you enjoy green scents resplendent with fresh floral notes, I would definitely recommend this. This perfume veers more towards the feminine for most of its development, yet ends a bit more unisex. It has excellent sillage and very good longevity.
I Love New York for Mothers is something I would gladly give my mother for Mother’s Day. It begins bright and lively, focusing on the sweet tangerines and a delicate yet firm freesia. Freesia is one of those notes I used to abhor. It always reminded me of hand crème or great grandma’s floral perfumed talcum powder. Now, as I grow older, I appreciate its soft and silky aroma and find it a fitting inclusion to this perfume that celebrates mothers. Like the proud smile from your Mom that brought joy to your heart, as a child, when you presented her with milky dandelions and back yard violets, this perfume is simple but lovely. Creamy jasmine and soft lilac blooms hint at her femininity, her soft kisses and loving embrace. Without going overboard, Bond has captured the ideal of “mom” in a fragrance.
This scent actually reminds me of an obscure Jethro Tull song called “For a Thousand Mothers”, a simple but profound thing that pays tribute to all the little things our moms do for us. This is not the most complex fragrance, but it does not need to be. Some will call it linear, as it does not change all that much. From its gentle opening to its soft and floral heart to the loving caress of warm amber, soft musk and sandalwood, with its reassuring strength, in the dry down-this perfume is subtle, comfy and surrounds you …just like a hug shared with your mother. Sometimes nothing else says “thank you” like a small bouquet of simple unassuming flowers. Bond has created something that is demure, yet very pretty, to say “Thanks, Mom” for all the little things you’ve done for us. Sillage: gentle, but good. Longevity: above average.
Earth Day is April 22nd. Walk barefoot through the grass, hug a tree, stop and smell the flowers…roll down a grassy hill like you used to when you were little. Show the Earth how much you appreciate it!!
Disclosure: These reviews are based on samples provided by Bond No.9.
Thanks to Bond No. 9 we have a deluxe sample of both I Love NY for Earth Day and I Love New York for Mothers. To be eligible leave a comment on how you try to be green in honor of Earth Day or choose your favorite Bond No. 9 fragrance. We will draw one winner via random.org on April 22, 2012.
We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.
–John Reasinger, Editor