I was able to get my first sniff of Speakeasy at the Frapin presentation at the recent Elements Showcase in New York City. Mark-Antoine Corticchiato has made a fragrance in Speakeasy which is very Frapin but also has much of the aesthetic you find in the Parfum D’Empire line, as well.
Brigitte Bardot was discovered in the late 50’s in St. Tropez and ever since imparted a sexy cool to this Cote D’Azur destination. St. Tropez became a playground for the rich and famous . I have never traveled to the Cote D’Azur and so Ms. Mecheri has to become my olfactory tour guide
Serge Lutens debuts the long awaited Une Voix Noire- an homage to the great singer Billie Holiday.
Five years ago, I was told by a prominent perfumer that 75% of all fragrances are created by white, French men. I am not sure if that statistic was accurate but in recent years women perfumers are becoming as well known as their male counterparts by name, but perhaps not by face.
There are many fruity florals on the market, to the point where it is has become a term of derision. In the scheme of things, Amber Queen does a good job of lifting itself above the fray
Joseph Quartana’s Six Scents series is ingenious in its simplicity and thrilling in its execution. The basic premise of each series is Mr. Quartana plays matchmaker with a rising fashion designer and a perfumer. I have had Series Four for a few weeks now and have once again been struck by the breadth and quality of the collection.
