Marni, the Italian fashion house started in 1994 by Consuelo and Gianni Castiglioni, is known for an eclectic mix of fashion and accessories that become must-have items for fashionistas and trendsetters. Last spring, a collection exclusive to H&M flew out the doors. Browsing the website will introduce you to fashion that is at once breezy and comfortable, but unique and stylish. Although the brand fits neither my body (the clothing tops out at a 10) nor my budget (not as bad as some but a t-shirt is more than $250), I saw plenty of great pieces that would be a treat to own. My Handbag Problem was not helped looking at the accessories pages. Recently, Marni partnered with Estee Lauder and perfumer Daniela Andrier to create a scent that would complement the free-spirited brand, and the fragrance launched this month as an exclusive to Saks Fifth Avenue.
Marni Pre-Fall 2012 collection
Marni opens with a high peppery note, then moves quickly to a slightly vegetal aroma that is hard to peg. Spicier notes begin to come forward within a few minutes, creating a scent that is unique and instantly addictive. I spritzed, then spritzed again. After about a half an hour, I sensed the presence of a deep, dark rose, wandering around in the air. It surprised me when I first realized that this altogether pleasant aroma I was noticing was coming from me. I love it when perfume surprises me like that. The rose in this composition serves less to stand out as a flower than to enrich the heady, gingery, spice notes. It was delightful, when I reached the drydown, to find no laundry detergent or chemical stew. Marni becomes a subtle, warm, woodsy skin scent that seems very lived-in, like a favorite soft t-shirt. The fragrance is a pleasure from beginning to end. My to-buy list just got longer.
I would have easily pegged Marni as a more artisanal niche scent than a design house creation, but after researching the Marni brand, I can see that the perfume matches the playful, easy, yet somewhat eccentric aesthetic of the fashion and accessory lines. It is definitely unisex, too. The wonderful bottle is based on a vintage perfume flacon owned by Consuelo Castglioni, with the addition of the trademark Marni dots. The fragrance is available in several sizes and ancillary body products; I sniffed the body cream and it was really alluring.
Notes: bergamot, pepper, ginger, pink peppercorn, cardamon, rose, cinnamon bark, patchouli, incense, vetiver and cedarwood
Hanneli Mustaparta at NYC Launch Party
I received my sample from my pals at Saks in San Francisco. I have an extra sample to give away, but thanks to rising international postal costs and perfume smackdowns by carriers, I can only send it to a winner in the U.S. Please leave a comment and let us know the state you live in. Draw ends on February 22, 2013.
We announce the winners only onsite and on our Facebook page, so Like CaFleureBon and use our RSS option…..or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.
–Tama Blough, Senior Editor