As I stood in front of Dior’s Collection Privée at Bergdorf Goodman, I realized how fortunate I was. Roberta, Dior’s fragrance expert was engaged and super helpful with additional insights. I had Eau Noire in my hand and on my pulse points. I left knowing the evening was off to an excellent start, perhaps even a noble one.
“This is not a needle, I am not going to poke you.” said Dawn Spencer Hurwitz putting on me the tiniest amount of her Special Formula X. This is how my smell and tell fragrance consultation started. A few minutes later the entire large counter of her Essence Studio was covered by bottles one of which was Cardamom and Khyphi.
Many lovers of vintage perfumes, like me, cringe at the word “reformulation”. It usually means cashing in on a legend and results in something pale and ghostly, compared to the original. In the case of Balmain Ivoire, it is not so much a ghost as it is a stunning and crisp homage that does justice to the original.
I am a recent fan of the lovely Hermès Eau des Merveilles. have not been as lucky with the flankers, so far. When I was offered a sample of the new L’Ambre des Merveilles, I accepted it, but was not hopeful.
The four new fragrances from Agonist Parfums are Arctic Jade, Black Amber, Onyx Pearl, and Vanilla Marble and while they are not as progressive as The Infidels or Liquid Crystal they do manage to have a Nordic vibe all their own.
I have continued to look forward to each new Laboratorio Olfattivo release and I took the time to become more familiar with Marie Duchene’s portfolio with Italian niche brand Nobile 1942. Both of those pursuits happily broadened my olfactory horizons. The new release from Laboratorio Olfattivo, Rosamunda, brings Mme Duchene back for an encore.
