Blanche Immortelle and Santal Carmin composed by Jerome Epinette

Atelier Cologne, founded in 2010 by Sylvie Ganter and Christophe Cervasel, in a few short years has garnered global attention with their modern reinterpretations of the classic cologne genre. They are releasing two additions to the Collection Métal, which currently consists of Gold Leather and Silver Iris. Housed in bottles that have been coated in a precious metal, this line represents the celebration of rare essences in the Cologne Absolue style. For these new fragrances, the inspiration is immortelle in Blanche Immortelle, with a rose gold bottle, and sandalwood in Santal Carmin, in a yellow gold bottle.

“I used to be a Southern Belle” by Ann Marshall

Immortelle is an interesting note. If used too abundantly, its similarity to maple syrup can make you feel like you are wearing a stack of pancakes. Used in more discreet quantities, it provides a lovely aromatic floral aura that has just a touch of sweetness. Jerome Epinette, the perfumer for both of the new fragrances, has achieved that harmonious balance in Blanche Immortelle. This perfume has one of the most delicate openings I have experienced in quite some time. A touch of citrus gives way to a gauzy floral choir that sings a soothing, harmonious hymn, with the immortelle providing the melody. I feel a little bit Southern Belle when I am wearing this perfume; it is demure and pretty, but with a distinct personality. The drydown is smooth and easy, a bit sweet, and quite comfortable. The longevity is great for a light fragrance, and the sillage plays hide-and-seek all day.

Notes: Calabrian bergamot, Italian mandarin, mimosa from Grasse; Corsican immortelle absolue, Indian jasmine sambac, and Turkish rose absolue; Indonesian heart of patchouli, Haitian vetiver from and Australian sandalwood. Concentration 18%

“Agent” Editorial by Tyson Vick

Santal Carmin is a real treat for sandalwood lovers. M. Epinette has skillfully blended this scent to be reminiscent of the creaminess of the rare Mysore sandalwood whilst still achieving a good modern sandalwood fragrance. I suspect that the saffron and gaiac play a part in this, but before that, the sassy limette in the opening helps the perfume to open on skin with a bright fanfare. Soon after, the woods take over and run the show. There are no rough edges to these woods; they have been sanded and polished to be as smooth as silk. Vanilla adds a touch of sweetness in the drydown to keep those edges smooth. Santal Carmin is well-suited for a modern gentleman, but ladies will like it, too. It is very nicely done, with good close-in longevity and moderate sillage.

Notes: Calabrian bergamot, Mexican limette, Indian saffron, New Caledonian sandalwood, Indian gaiac wood, white musc, Indian papyrus, Texan cedarwood, and vanilla from Madagascar. Concentration 18%

 

My samples were graciously provided by Atelier Cologne. Blanche Immortelle and Santal Carmin are scheduled for a Fall 2014 launch, but you can get Blanche Immortelle for a limited time on the Atelier Cologne website, at Atelier stores, and at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus while supplies last. Both scents are being offered in 200 ml with a 30 ml travel bottle for $315 or 200 ml for $285. Soaps and candles will be available as well.

Tama Blough, Managing Editor

Thanks to our friends at Atelier Cologne, we have a prize of a 30 ml of either Blanche Immortelle or Santal Carmin that will be hand decanted by Atelier Cologne for one lucky CaFleureBon reader in the EU, US or Canada. In the comments, let us know which you might prefer, your favorite from Atelier Cologne, and where you live. Draw ends on May 15, 2014.

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.