The inspiration for MAIR Peony Silk from Mair Mair Emenogu’s mother who used to wear floral woods and her elementary school teachers, strong florals. But MAIR Peony Silk was largely inspired by the pink peony. She wanted to create something that was personal, but also delicate.
Comparing the original Amouage Epic Woman (2009) to Amouage Epic 56 Woman 56 (2021), it is immediately evident the extrait has enhanced the depth and richness of the entire fragrance, with an emphasis on the base notes. Cecile Zarokian did an wonderful job of keeping the scent from becoming harsh or dark as may have been the case in the hands of a less experienced perfumer. Amouage Epic 56 Woman has succeeded in not only bridging the world of Arabic and Western perfumery but also in creating a sense of continuity between what was created in the past and what is yet to come.
Gold Man by Amouage is opulent but never heavy, rich but not overwhelming, and a masterclass in how to go big without going overboard.
CoSTUME NATIONAL is an Italian fashion house founded in 1986 by designers Ennio and Carlo Capasa. The House is known for its urban” rocker” chic with slim and sexy silhouettes. Well-known to fashionistas, but not so much to perfumistas are CosTUME National’s perfumes. The fragrances and the flacons are a study of minimalism (the first was Scent which debuted in 2002) then reimagined the same year as CoSTUME NATIONAL Scent Intense, which is darker and more ambery with a pronounced tea and spicy aroma. It is both classic and contemporary almost 20 years later
For the top 10 Holiday fragrances, all are boozy with notes of cognac and brandy, spicy with cardamom and cloves and/ or resinous with pine sap which immediately evoke the holiday season.
True Creativity: inspired holiday gifts from independent perfumers with small businesses who offer authentic and unique offerings. For this gift guide, some ideas of what to buy – but also let you know what you might want to avoid.
