IN B/W + GREEN: "Masque Milano has gained a well-earned reputation as a launching pad for young talent- a brand that takes chances on up-and-coming noses and gives them the freedom to discover their creative voices. So when they met IFF trainee Fanny Bal, apprenticing under the legendary Dominique Ropion, and heard of her facility... Continue Reading →
“Close the blinds and send the kids to bed- Salome, the latest sensation from Papillon Artisan Perfumes, is Sexy with a grown-up, capital "S"-- a swooningly vintage-feeling delight that proves that the golden era of full-bodied perfumery isn't nearly as bygone as the doubters might claim. Built around a strikingly animalic blend of rich, dirty... Continue Reading →
"Rich with contrast, dreamlike in its serenity, Figment Man draws exquisite florals, woods and animalics together to create an utterly original, rapturously imaginative men's scent that will challenge and delight in equal measure. Opening with fresh, tranquil notes of lemon, geranium, and pink pepper, Figment then moves into a luminous heart of sandalwood that entwines... Continue Reading →
DANGLING LEAVES: In a tribute to his Russian ancestry and to celebrate the year of Russia in France, the Different Company's co-founder (with Jean-Claude Ellena) and renowned designer Thierry de Baschmakoff joined forces with the perfumer Céline Ellena to compose the fragrance which bears his name. De Bachmakov is not a literal evocation of Russia,... Continue Reading →
LOOK AGAIN: On Bortnikoff: “When you have access to raw materials as exceptionally high quality as those used in Bortnikoff scents, the word "cologne" should never be mistaken to mean a fragrance is light or fleeting. Instead, it's an invitation to discover the tremendous amount of depth that the traditionally fresh style can contain- something... Continue Reading →
After a year like no other in my lifetime, or likely in human history, it seemed like as good a time as any to respond to the "Covid Blues" with expressions of the sensory variety. Along the way a handful of amazing perfume shops and vendors really helped shape this journey for me (even though... Continue Reading →
“Aristocratic white smoke of prestigious cigars diffuses in chambers heated by peaty Scottish whiskies and the warmth of fireplaces burning oak logs. Fumidus means smoky, and smoky it is. The smokiness of aged Laphroaig scotch served neat, It is also earthy – the earthiness of rich, freshly tilled land surrounded by uncut forest. Deep and... Continue Reading →
WAIT FOR IT..: “Dryad is a sylvan fantasy of friendly trees linking their branches together to form a sunlit, green canopy over your head. When Papillon was founded in 2011 it was our aim to create perfumes that are evocative and unique, using only the finest materials within the industry. Papillon compositions are produced using... Continue Reading →
BEAST(L)Y ESSENCE: “The signature scent of the Bortnikoff house, Mysterious Oud is more than just another westernized agarwood creation- it's a wholly original creation that combines exquisite oud from all over the world (including renowned "10k by Feel Oud") to delight the senses and cast a deep spell of power and wisdom.” Special Thanks go... Continue Reading →
BARBARICIZED: “Invasion Barbare is a tranquil, comforting scent, as soft as it is piquant. It is a soft-spoken fragrance, there is nothing overly forceful about it, and yet it is full of charisma. One gentle whiff of its delicately-spiced notes and we are enthralled. We strongly believe that this beautiful blend might and should be... Continue Reading →
SKIN DEEP: “Many oud-based fragrances smell pungent and oily, but Patchouli Oud plumps for a dry, almost herbal take on its subject matter, for a result that runs surprisingly close to the clipped elegance of vintage powerhouse masculines. The oud, medicinal and slightly dirty, is first out of the gate, quickly followed by a dusty... Continue Reading →
“As a perfume connoisseur, Neela had a keen awareness of the difference good natural raw materials can make. She began her work with Bertrand Duchaufour by giving him free rein to use a costly palette of attars and resins that would do justice to the sensual splendors of the east-west connections.” Click Play, to hear... Continue Reading →
