tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27387358251859305192012-02-24T18:24:29.358ZPersolaise - A Perfume BlogIndependent reviews and thoughts on fragrance creation from a Jasmine Award winning writerBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.comBlogger3001100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-57780857499549174522012-02-24T06:30:00.003Z2012-02-24T06:52:31.188ZPersolaise Review: Diorling from Christian Dior (2011)
The re-release of Diorling provides 2012’s first opportunity to raise the thorny subject of reformulation. To his credit, François Demachy – the man behind this re-working of Paul Vacher’s original – makes no secret of the fact that the new bottles bearing names such as Diorissimo and Dioressence don't contain the same smells they did when they were first launched. A few people will assert that Persolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-73193778256142204962012-02-21T06:30:00.000Z2012-02-21T06:55:28.950ZAndy Tauer On Basenotes
Just a link from me today, to a Basenotes article about a 'rose masterclass' by Andy Tauer. Please do read it, if you can spare the time.
The Top Secret Writing Project is progressing well. Many thanks to all of you who've provided help and support; you know who you are. I think it won't be long before I'll be able to resume normal blog services... and then it'll almost be time for me and Persolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-71570980938435807262012-02-15T09:00:00.000Z2012-02-15T09:18:06.908ZBack To The Jasmines One Last Time
There's nothing like a Top Secret Writing Project to make time fly. I told myself I mustn't wait too long before letting you all know a bit more about the Jasmine ceremony, but a week's already gone past and I haven't posted a single thing. So I'm taking a half-hour break to fill you in on a few details.
The two hours Madame P and I spent at Bafta HQ last Wednesday were as thrilling as the Persolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-83519175802437719562012-02-08T22:21:00.001Z2012-02-08T22:22:01.492ZPersolaise London Perfume Shopping Guide Wins Jasmine Award
I still can't quite believe it, but the name that emerged from the envelope above during today's Jasmine Awards presentation was mine! I'll do my best to blog more about the ceremony soon (Top Secret Writing Project permitting) but for now, I just wanted to share the news with you, to thank those of you who've sent good wishes and to express my gratitude to the judges and to Fragrance FoundationPersolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-75890207948251415212012-02-07T06:30:00.001Z2012-02-07T21:50:14.635ZBreakfast At Bafta
Tomorrow morning Madame Persolaise and I will be taking some time off our day jobs to attend this year's Jasmine Awards ceremony, so please keep those fingers and toes crossed for yours truly. May the best articles win!
In other news, the Top Secret Writing Project is coming along just fine, touch wood...
Ciao for now,
Persolaise. Persolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-78884115636041622502012-02-03T06:30:00.001Z2012-02-03T06:30:01.199ZPersolaise Review: Spicebomb from Viktor & Rolf (2012)
Please click here to be taken to Glass Magazine, where you'll find my review of the latest masculine from Viktor & Rolf.Persolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-39589208310213171582012-01-31T08:00:00.000Z2012-01-31T08:00:05.433ZComing Up For Air
Just in case you were wondering: yes, I'm still alive and I'm still tapping away at the keyboard. Hopefully, it won't be too long before I can tell you what I'm working on. To those of you who've offered help and support with questions, ideas, cups of tea etc: many, many thanks.
Ciao for now,
Persolaise.Persolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-64621863706541862522012-01-20T06:30:00.001Z2012-01-20T06:47:00.274ZIt's Goodbye From Persolaise... For A Little While
This is almost certainly going to be the final post from me for several weeks. I'm afraid I've got to get my head down and pour all my energy into a particular writing project, so Blogger will have to be placed firmly on the back burner for a little while. The project in question is too exciting for words (and yes, it is perfume-related) but I'm not supposed to reveal any information about it atPersolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-74330158909936804882012-01-17T21:00:00.001Z2012-01-17T21:40:44.771ZPersolaise Shortlisted Twice For 2011 Jasmine Awards
Very exciting news. The shortlists for the Jasmine Awards were unveiled earlier today, and I'm thrilled to announce that my work came up not once, but twice.
In the Best Website Feature On Fragrance category, I've been shortlisted for Fragrant Fathers (the piece I wrote for Penhaligon's blog) as well as for the London Perfume Shopping Guide published right here on Persolaise.com... which means Persolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-75826514958522291022012-01-17T06:30:00.000Z2012-01-17T06:30:03.085ZWhat's A Chypre When It's At Home?
According to a recent article in the Independent, there is a very large number of words to describe different types of laughter in Marathi (a language spoken by over 40 million Indians). These include: hyahya (superficial, polite laughter); phidipid (vulgar and obscene laughter) and my personal favourite, phisphis (derogatory laughter). I suppose English has its fair share of laughter words too Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-42121482314683714102012-01-13T06:30:00.026Z2012-01-13T07:00:37.461ZPersolaise Review: Idylle extrait (2011) + Shalimar Parfum Initial L'Eau and Guerlain Homme L'Eau Boisée from Guerlain
I’ve always had time for Idylle. Its original, 2009 eau de parfum incarnation angered many critics – who proclaimed that Thierry Wasser had driven yet another nail into the Guerlain coffin – but I found several aspects of its unusual, chypre-like construction enjoyable. Various additions to the line have since followed, including an eau de toilette, a limited edition called Duet and a gentler Persolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-22147587830383488932012-01-10T06:30:00.001Z2012-01-10T06:30:02.504ZSize Zero Perfume
Image: Grant Osborne
Just a link from me today, to a Basenotes article which touches on the issue of body diversity in the fashion world. Although the tone of the piece aims to be light, the subject underlying it is anything but, so please do take a moment to read it and Google more about the topic, if you feel so inclined. And if you've never seen the Dove video below about the way media Persolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-53125663693612896012012-01-06T13:00:00.000Z2012-01-06T13:13:40.412ZPersolaise.com Up For Escentual's Blog Of The Year
Some of you may be aware that last year, Escentual.com - one of the UK's best online perfume retailers - ran a 'Blog Of The Week' feature for which I was fortunate enough to be selected. They've now decided to put forward all of last year's chosen blogs for a special 'Best Of 2011' award, the winner of which will be decided by votes cast on the Escentual.com site. So if you've got a few moments Persolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-9715510634726230832012-01-06T06:30:00.002Z2012-01-11T19:35:52.320ZPersolaise Review: Myrrhiad from Huitième Art (2011) + Cuir Fétiche from Maître Parfumeur Et Gantier
I find this hard to credit from the vantage point of a chilly winter in Britain, but when I was a child growing up in the Middle East, temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius were greeted with complaints that the weather was “freezing.” In fact, anything below 20 degrees prompted people to dig out their cardigans, sweaters and electric fan heaters. We were damn cold and we weren’t going to allow Persolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-37329772158340366602011-12-30T08:00:00.004Z2012-01-06T18:14:50.491ZThe Best Perfumes Of 2011 & Thoughts On Independence
Although I sometimes complain about a lack of interesting perfume releases, I must admit that I found it difficult to whittle today’s list down to ten. Looking back over my notes of the last twelve months, I realise that several worthwhile creations have hit the shelves, some of which (fingers crossed) may still be around in fifteen or twenty years’ time. Like all the best fragrances, those on Persolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-54822325855078930222011-12-28T08:30:00.000Z2011-12-28T08:41:35.409ZPersolaise Does Broadway
How did Day 1 of Christmas 2011 go for you? Did Santa bring you lots of fragrant goodies? Our get-together was a great success, even if its conclusion did come straight out of left field. One member of the family decided to type the words 'Disney Karaoke' into YouTube's search box and then... well, I'm sure you don't need me to tell you what happened next. Two hours later, we were still making Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-43670909867699639572011-12-23T11:45:00.001Z2011-12-24T16:03:35.001ZChristmas Wishes 2011
I'd like to wish all my readers and supporters who celebrate the yuletide season a peaceful, memorable and fragrant Christmas. Enjoy the food. Enjoy the festivities. Enjoy the company of family and friends. Oh, and enjoy hunting for perfume bottles beneath the tree.
I'll be back on the 30th with my list of the Top 10 perfumes of 2011.
Persolaise.Persolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-27323453898700970742011-12-20T06:30:00.000Z2011-12-20T06:30:02.832ZChristmas Break 2011
I'm just checking in today to say that posts will be a bit thin on the ground for the next two weeks as our focus at Maison Persolaise turns from work to family (and a brief hop across the Channel). I hope you all enjoy the hectic, messy madness that comes with preparing turkeys, mince pies and royal icing.
Have fun!
Persolaise.
PS Advance warning: I'll be posting my list of the best perfumesPersolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-30445745347872532902011-12-16T06:30:00.003Z2011-12-29T09:07:12.341ZPersolaise Review: Patchouli Impérial from Christian Dior and Sharif from Profumo Italia (2011)[Review of Patchouli Impérial based on a sample of eau de parfum provided by Christian Dior in 2011; review of Sharif based on a sample provided by Profumo Italia in 2011; fragrances tested on skin.]
Andy Tauer recently wrote on his blog about a distillation of patchouli oil which is particularly rich in patchoulol. The substance is, in his words, a “Fifth Avenue patchouli”, an elegant, refinedPersolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-84448655587243972552011-12-13T06:30:00.002Z2011-12-13T06:43:41.161ZOrmonde Jayne Winner + Back To Grasse
After a weekend spent decorating the house (under the watchful eye of Madame Persolaise, who has had to stay in bed for the last few days thanks to a nasty viral infection) I can confidently announce that we are ready for Yuletide 2011. The gentleman you see in the photo above has taken up residence in his usual spot beneath some fairy lights. He's been part of our decorations for several years Persolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-85940446233580032402011-12-11T09:03:00.001Z2012-01-09T13:04:38.468ZMona Di Orio (1969-2011)
Photo: Les Senteurs
I’m sure most of you have heard the sad news that Mona Di Orio unexpectedly passed away on Friday. Several blogs, Facebook pages and Twitter feeds have featured tributes to the French perfumer, who was one of the last people to have been trained by the great master of 20th century fragrance construction, Edmond Roudnitska.
Although I met her only once for a relatively briefPersolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-64421970764809466012011-12-09T06:30:00.002Z2011-12-10T09:49:24.287ZPersolaise Christmas 2011 Recommendations + Ormonde Jayne Give-Away
My love of list-making isn’t often reflected on my blog – mainly because I rarely seem to have the time to indulge in this most boyish of activities – but Advent is a time of year when everyone gives in to geekery and publishes endless charts of favourites. Fingers crossed, I should be able to post my personal rundown of the best fragrances of 2011 before the year is out, but today, I’d like to Persolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com88tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-80823473254875673442011-12-06T06:30:00.000Z2011-12-06T06:30:02.681ZTauer Winner + Friday Give-Away Teaser...
Well, well, well. Who would've thought that a relatively simple question about the highs and lows of 2011 would've generated so many touching responses? (If you're not sure what I'm referring to, please take a look at the comments on my previous post.) Thank you very much indeed for entering the Tauer draw and for sharing so many personal details about your lives. It's heart-warming to be Persolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-33525613123377457502011-12-04T06:00:00.004Z2011-12-10T22:16:31.864ZPersolaise Interview + End Of Movember + 24 Hour Tauer Advent Give-Away
I know the world of retail has wanted us to believe that it's been Christmas since the end of September, but for those of us who don't shy away from the religious aspect of the celebrations, the countdown to the festive season didn't actually begin until a week ago, when the church calendar marked the first Sunday of Advent. Now's the proper time to begin reflecting on the year that's been... Persolaisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04192014353722036319noreply@blogger.com223tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-50802314436752967202011-12-02T06:30:00.005Z2011-12-03T14:50:30.299ZParis-London from Guerlain & Apuldre from Molton Brown (2011)[Review of Paris-London based on a sample of eau de parfum provided by Guerlain in 2011; review of Apuldre based on a sample of eau de parfum obtained in 2011; fragrances tested on skin.]
Geographical locations are obvious sources of inspiration for fragrances because, unlike films, novels, photographs and sculptures, they come ready-made with their own smells. Of course, these odours are Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-91556888513556228652011-11-29T06:30:00.000Z2011-11-29T06:39:19.355ZMarilyn Monmoe
Day 29: Happy mo, Mr President
I've saved the scariest best for last. Marilyn. Chanel No 5. Prostate cancer research. And a moustache. In other words: a blog post made in heaven.
Movember isn't quite over, but today sees the last of my masked updates, so I'm going to keep it short and sweet and say that if you haven't yet made a donation, you've only got until Wednesday night to do so. As I Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-91119377046346294642011-11-25T06:30:00.004Z2011-11-28T13:47:11.578ZBottega Veneta from Bottega Veneta, Esprit d'Oscar from Oscar De La Renta & 1697 from Frapin (2011)[Reviews based on samples of eau de parfum obtained in 2011*; fragrances tested on skin.]
The first perfume for Bottega Veneta has been made by Michel Almairac. The 2003 version of Gucci Pour Homme was also made by Michel Almairac. As far as I'm concerned, this is reason enough to take the Bottega scent very seriously indeed. His masculine for Gucci remains one of the most refined takes on Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-10274147269583263962011-11-24T06:30:00.000Z2011-11-24T06:30:00.977ZCarmo Miranda
Day 23: Mo samba
I must start today's post with an apology. You'll see from the photo above that I didn't go for a pencil thin mo after all. So if you were hoping to see my John Waters impression this morning, I'm very sorry to disappoint you. The fact is that the man to whom I have entrusted my hair for over a decade (Andrew Tosh of Hair @ Andrew Tosh) decided that due to the - ahem - Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-60857738516166753812011-11-22T06:30:00.006Z2011-11-22T06:51:23.854ZKing Henmo VIII
Day 21: Anti-Catholic mo
Fear not, patient readers: the mask parade will soon be over. Movember is about to enter its final week, which means I haven't got long to go before I can shave off my top lip's hairy friend. However, it also means that if you'd like to make a donation - but haven't managed to yet, for whatever reason - then you need to get your act together. Click here to visit my Mo Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-68229928831187254972011-11-20T08:30:00.000Z2011-11-20T08:39:48.465ZAlmo Einstein + Next Year's Perfume Releases
Day 19: Nobel Prize winning mo
It's Day 19 of Movember and I think the time has come for me to start styling this itchy addition to my face. Question is: what look do I go for? I'm quite tempted by a pencil thin 'tache, but I wonder if it would make me look less like Errol Flynn and more like a spiv. All will be revealed on Wednesday, which is when the good folks at Hair @ Andrew Tosh have Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-49317361573746697692011-11-18T06:30:00.001Z2011-11-18T06:30:02.643ZThe Taste Of Fragrance: A*Men, Alien, Angel & Womanity from Thierry Mugler (2011)[Reviews of Womanity, Angel and Alien based on samples of eau de parfum; review of A*Men based on a sample of eau de toilette; all samples provided by Thierry Mugler in 2011; fragrances tested on skin.]
Even though I hardly ever wear any of the brand’s fragrances myself – with the exception of the discontinued B*Men – I’ve got a lot of time for Thierry Mugler. Bearing in mind that it’s a Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-1314774331739557152011-11-17T06:30:00.001Z2011-11-17T06:30:01.863ZJulius Caemo + Jean-François Laporte Obituary
Day 16: Ave mo
Another day, another photo. (And in case you're wondering, yes, I've got plenty more masks.) I think it's safe to say that the 'tache is now in the 'why does my face feel funny?', 'what's this hairy slug under my nose?', 'how much longer till the 1st of December?' phase. It's also remarkably high maintenance which a) reminds me why I got rid of the goatee when I left Uni and b) Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-53133415257708392522011-11-15T06:30:00.001Z2011-11-15T06:30:01.319ZQueen Mobeth I
Day 14: Shakespeare's favourite mo
As I type these words, it's Day 14 of Movember and my upper lip has got its own winter coat. For those of you who've only just tuned in, I'm taking part in a campaign to raise money for research into prostate and testicular cancer. This involves growing and grooming a moustache, which I have been dutifully doing since the 1st of this month. The alarming Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-72415662813347483092011-11-13T08:30:00.003Z2011-11-15T19:28:31.909ZClint Eastmo + Back On The Topic Of Time
Day 12: Plenty mo
Yes, all right: the picture above is a fake. The handsome moustache I'm sporting in it is part of a set given to me by one of my Movember supporters who obviously felt my follicles needed a bit of help. Here's the real photo:
Day 12: Lucky punk mo
Feel free to chuckle/laugh/question my sanity. More importantly: feel free to keep donating. I'm thrilled to be able to say Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-6490693378190373842011-11-11T06:30:00.000Z2011-11-11T06:30:01.074ZAmouage Home Scents[Review based on samples of home scents provided by Amouage in 2011.]
It’s not often that I publish a review of home scents on Persolaise.com – keeping up with ‘skin fragrance’ releases is hard enough – but every now and then, it’s worth providing a reminder that there are plenty of candles and room sprays out there whose smells have been created with as much care and precision as can be Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-70060188471707157152011-11-10T06:30:00.000Z2011-11-10T06:38:47.941ZClemopatra + Thierry Wasser Interview
Day 9: Have mo, will seduce Roman emperor
As I type these words, Day 9 is coming to a close and I think it's safe to say that there's mo turning back now. I have a 'tache. It may be quite thin and it may not yet know whether it wants to be a Freddie Mercury or a Clark Gable, but it's a 'tache. Now I just need to put up with it keep growing it and groom it for the next 21 days. Thanks again forBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-41302998569945545312011-11-08T06:30:00.001Z2011-11-08T06:30:00.401ZDame Edmo
Day 7: Mo down under
Here’s another photographic update for you. (I hope your enjoyment of these is equal to the embarrassment I feel when publishing them.) Feel free to say what everyone else has been saying: “Oooh, I would’ve expected a much more impressive growth by now.” “Haven’t you got any testosterone, then?” “Is that your moustache? Oh, bless.” And if I hear another woman telling me Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-12496643896939512952011-11-06T08:00:00.000Z2011-11-06T08:54:27.632ZShermo Holmes
Day 5: No pipe; a bit more mo
I'm beginning to think the Middle Eastern half of my genes hasn't got an altruistic nature. As I type these words, it's Day 5 of Movember and I honestly believed that, by now, I'd have a more impressive growth with which to impress you, but my upper lip seems to be quite sluggish. Do they do Baby Bio for human skin...?
Still, this isn't about testosterone-fuelled Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-77985402078112300192011-11-04T06:45:00.001Z2011-11-04T09:57:29.833ZSantal Blush & Jasmin Rouge from Tom Ford Private Blend (2011) + Jersey Winner[Reviews based on samples of eau de parfum obtained in 2011; fragrances tested on skin.]
Oh, I do so enjoy a perfume that takes me on an interesting ride (even if it's to a destination that's popped up a lot on Persolaise.com). For a start, Yann Vasnier's Santal Blush opens with a wholly credible depiction of India - albeit from a tourist's point of view - which is no mean feat, considering Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-51966239128987950512011-11-03T06:30:00.000Z2011-11-03T06:40:35.852ZZiggy Modust + Chanel Reminder
Day 3: Not much mo
Well, well, well, who would've thought that a few days' worth of shaving abstinence would get such a fantastic response? It's only Day 3 of Movember, yet I've already raised more than £150, thanks to the generosity (and promptness!) of several kind people. You will see from the picture above that I have also decided to destroy all my credibility by donning what can only be Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-28984701708071508442011-11-01T06:30:00.001Z2011-11-01T12:59:45.966ZReady Steady Mo
Okay, further to my post from Sunday, I've decided I'm going to do this thing: for the next month, I shall attempt to raise funds for research into prostate cancer by embracing the hairy caterpillar beneath my nose and learning to love him... or it... or whatever. So here we go: it's the 1st of November, and as per the rules, my face is currently a clean slate. Yes, that's right, I did say "Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-43290246010796317262011-10-30T08:30:00.000Z2011-10-30T09:00:57.329ZIs It Time For Some Mo Love?
I've spent the last few days thinking a great deal about facial hair. Those of you who are aware of the annual Movember campaign will know why. Set up in Australia in 2003 to raise money for research into prostate cancer, it has become one of the world's most high-profile charity movements, attracting not just corporate support, but also the involvement of more than 1 million men and women Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-68034761910441523442011-10-28T09:00:00.002+01:002011-11-18T13:45:02.626ZReview: Jersey from Chanel (2011) + Sample Give-Away[Review based on a sample of eau de toilette obtained in 2011; fragrance tested on skin.]
A curious release, this one. Subjectivity aside, it's a musky lavender in which Jacques Polge has chosen to emphasise the lemony, herbaceous aspects of Provence's ubiquitous sachet-filler whilst placing it on a vanillic, caramelised base. He's injected the requisite 'couture' feel by lifting the mix with aBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-12261347918400481082011-10-25T06:30:00.001+01:002011-10-25T06:30:01.415+01:00Let's Ban Those Light, Fresh, Aqua Noirs
I appreciate that coming up with a fitting name for a perfume must be almost as difficult as creating the juice itself. Whether we like it or not, a fragrance's monicker becomes an integral part of its identity, a hook upon which the collective consciousness hangs its responses - positive or otherwise - to the perfumer's creative efforts. What was it William once said? A rose by any other name Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-33423634402621378262011-10-23T07:00:00.001+01:002011-10-23T10:01:34.067+01:00Will M7 Live To Be Hairy Again + Thanks For The Social Stuff
Just a brief post from me today to say thanks to everybody who responded to my recent call for views on the subject of social media. In addition to the comments readers left here on the blog, I also received several emails and a few Facebook messages. All were greatly appreciated.
The presentation for which I needed the info will take place this Tuesday afternoon, so perhaps, after a week or soBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-69119259179283870882011-10-21T06:30:00.001+01:002011-10-21T06:56:40.803+01:00Review: Trayee from Neela Vermeire Créations (2011)[Review based on a sample of eau de parfum provided by Neela Vermeire Créations in 2011; fragrance tested on skin.]
It’s a cliché, but like many clichés, it happens to be true: India is a land in which you’re constantly confronted by smells. Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that it’s often inspired perfumers to bottle the sensation of being overwhelmed by its spices, woods and flowers. Few Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-67776217971601716632011-10-18T06:30:00.002+01:002011-10-18T06:49:40.595+01:00Much Too Wild For Goutal
I’m pleased to add another name to my growing roster of Wonderful Sales Assistants In London Perfumeries. Today it’s Eric, the Parisian employee at London’s sole, standalone branch of Annick Goutal.
I realise it may be as calculated a sales strategy as any other, but I genuinely appreciate it when an SA is unafraid to express opinions not just about his/her wares, but about my own tastes and Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-54612234173621383512011-10-14T06:30:00.002+01:002011-10-14T06:30:02.080+01:00Review: Mon Parfum Chéri from Annick Goutal, Lumière Noire Pour Femme Elixir and Aqua Universalis Forte Elixir from Maison Francis Kurkdjian (2011)[Review of Mon Parfum Chéri based on a sample of eau de toilette provided by Escentual.com in 2011; reviews of Lumière Noire Pour Femme Elixir and Aqua Universalis Forte Elixir based on samples of extraits provided by Maison Francis Kurkdjian in 2011; fragrances tested on skin.]
The moment I tried Goutal’s latest, I knew I had to test it on Madame Persolaise. I rushed to our lounge, where she Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-8901685583731669332011-10-11T06:30:00.000+01:002011-10-11T06:30:01.529+01:00So Tell Me... Do You REALLY Like Tweeting...?
I need to seek your help again. I'm just putting the finishing touches to a presentation I'll soon be delivering at a Fragrance Foundation UK event on the subject of social media, and I'd like to get your views on the subject.
As shoppers and perfume fans, what do you think of the ways the industry uses tools such as Twitter, Facebook and blogs? Do you pay any attention to companies' online Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-19015913646187111082011-10-07T06:30:00.002+01:002011-10-07T06:46:11.760+01:00Review: The Disappointments (2011)
Here's something that doesn't happen very often: I don't have a perfume I'd like to review this week. To be more precise, I've got plenty which I could review, but none that I feel inclined to review. Allow me to expand...
In my tireless attempts to record my thoughts on what I consider to be either a) the best, b) the most important or c) the most notable perfume releases, I end up trying a Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-68711287837904558872011-10-04T06:30:00.000+01:002011-10-04T06:30:01.212+01:00I'll Just Put The Kettle On Sometimes, the most potent scent memories are the ones that come as a complete surprise. Deliberately smelling some vintage Fidji or Aramis in order to conjure a recollection of a fond relative rarely fails to have the desired effect, but a different, perhaps more immediate buzz is created when the past invades our minds without our conscious bidding. As has been my overly-organised, Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-3316879896596766472011-09-30T06:30:00.001+01:002011-09-30T07:40:48.801+01:00Review: Jardin Du Poete from Eau d'Italie and Bang Bang from Marc Jacobs (2011)[Review of Bang Bang based on a sample of eau de toilette provided by Escentual.com in 2011; review of Jardin Du Poete based on a sample of eau de toilette obtained in 2011; fragrances tested on skin.]
The pixies and elves of Marketing Land would have us believe that Bang Bang is for "men who strive for perfection". I could understand if they'd said 'repetition', 'alliteration' or 'exaggerationBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-22253367591290596512011-09-27T06:30:00.000+01:002011-09-27T06:30:00.162+01:00Vintage Sample Winner + Symine Salimpour Interview On Estellana
Oh look, September's nearly over, but good old Blighty's decided to rewind to August for a few days. Time to put the jumpers away again! Yes indeed, it seems we're to be treated to a mini-heatwave this week here on our (not currently) grey little isle. Just wait. Before long everyone will be complaining that it's too hot...
Still, the warmer weather ties in perfectly with my vintage sample Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-82462836990625909322011-09-25T06:30:00.006+01:002011-09-25T06:30:01.013+01:00London Perfume Evening + Give-Away Reminder
I hope you're all having a good weekend, wherever you are. Just two brief items from me today. Firstly, please don't forget that you've got until 10 pm tomorrow night (UK time) to enter my draw for a selection of vintage samples.
And secondly, if you happen to be in the London area this Wednesday evening, and if you're female (sorry boys, this is a Ladies Only night), you might be interested Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-49911561345579769922011-09-23T06:30:00.006+01:002011-09-23T08:58:29.111+01:00Reviews: J'Adore eau de toilette from Christian Dior, Angel eau de toilette from Thierry Mugler and Candy from Prada (2011)[Review of J'Adore based on a sample of eau de toilette provided by Christian Dior in 2011; review of Angel based on a sample of eau de toilette provided by Escentual.com in 2011; review of Candy based on a sample of eau de parfum provided by Escentual.com in 2011; all fragrances tested on skin.]
Over the last few months, I seem to have typed the words 'unnecessary' on Persolaise.com an Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-17387423005289818482011-09-20T06:30:00.004+01:002011-09-20T06:46:35.389+01:00Italians Don't Like Shalimar + End Of Summer Give-Away
I need a few lessons in basic Buddhism. One of the main problems with having an extremely busy Day Job and a tendency to go away on long holidays is that it's often difficult to live in the present: I'm either thinking ahead about the million-and-one-things that always need doing, or I'm drifting into nostalgic yearnings for days spent enjoying Nutella beignets on various French beaches. We're Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-21183710496104367972011-09-16T06:30:00.001+01:002011-09-16T11:39:45.093+01:00Review: No. 19 Poudré from Chanel (2011) and Miriam from Tableau De Parfums (2011) + Miriam Winners
There’s a lot of anti-Chanel feeling around at the moment. Before the venerable house had given everyone an opportunity to recover from the various Chance flankers, they released Bleu which – quite rightly – elicited a torrent of opprobrium. So perhaps it was inevitable that some people would see No. 19 Poudré as the last nail in an increasingly embarrassing coffin.
The original No. 19 is a Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-58019689469279151462011-09-13T06:30:00.006+01:002011-09-13T07:01:28.539+01:00This Is How It's Done: Tanagra And Bouteille On The Côte d'Azur
Although Madame Persolaise's French is pretty good, she thought it might be useful for us to take a culinary dictionary on our travels this year, just to make the process of scanning menus slightly easier. The slim volume fulfilled its purpose so well, that it made me wonder if someone ought to produce a perfume equivalent... although it would be a shame to lose the fun that comes with resortingBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-39531459427602632752011-09-09T06:30:00.000+01:002011-09-09T06:30:00.665+01:00Review: Kokorico from Jean-Paul Gaultier (2011)
There’s at least one person in the world who thinks Kokorico is a work of genius. A couple of weeks ago, when I picked up the scent’s tester at a branch of Sephora in northern France, a fellow shopper rushed up to me, undid the top buttons of her blouse and invited my nose to get friendly with her cleavage. (All in a day’s work for an intrepid perfume critic.) “Smell it on me,” she said. “it’s Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-86800583380908848032011-09-07T06:30:00.001+01:002011-09-07T20:34:25.613+01:00Evelyn Avenue Interview + Miriam Give-Away
Some of you will no doubt be aware that perfumer Andy Tauer has entered into an intriguing collaboration with film-maker Brian Pera (of Evelyn Avenue). Over the course of the next ten years, the latter is going to release a series of movies, each of which will be accompanied by a Tauer scent inspired by the film's central character. In order to celebrate the release of the first film and the Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-8641052047377872932011-09-04T06:30:00.001+01:002011-09-04T11:26:03.427+01:00Give-Away Teaser + Reasons To Be Thankful
We're surrounded by empty suitcases. The washing machine has been whirring away for hours. There's a heap of unopened junk mail in the bin. All this means we're back at Maison Persolaise. Or at least our bodies are. Our souls are still about a thousand miles away, where the air is a blanket of warmth and the sea puts the world's diamonds to shame.
But I don't want this post to sound maudlin. Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-7482260369507126842011-09-02T06:30:00.000+01:002011-09-04T11:21:42.747+01:00Review: Vitriol d'Oeillet from Serge Lutens (2011)
Uncle Serge and Christopher Sheldrake have been up to their old tricks again. Their latest release could easily be dismissed as an old-fashioned feminine, a woody floral stuck somewhere in the late 70s. With its lipstick reds, hospital greens and spice-rack browns, Vitriol d’Oeillet is akin to the sort of painting you might consider hanging in the waiting area of an efficient office. Although Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-1973423569359722372011-08-30T06:30:00.006+01:002011-08-30T06:30:00.813+01:00New Cure For Insomnia: Counting Perfume Releases
It’s the final week of August, the holiday’s nearly over and life will soon have to return to normal at Maison Persolaise. It’s going to take a little while for me to decide which ‘scented summer experiences’ I ought to blog about, but for today, I’ll briefly mention that the main question in my mind whilst I've wandered around perfume shops has centred around the need for the incessant flow of Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-77471381799742225642011-08-26T06:30:00.003+01:002011-08-26T06:30:00.712+01:00Reviews: Yuzu Man from Caron (2011) & Hiroshima Mon Amour from Nez À Nez (2011)
The spirit of orientalism is alive in the latest masculine from Caron. Yuzu takes its inspiration from the East Asian (predominantly Japanese) fruit of the same name, and as you'd expect, it is a refreshing cocktail of citrus notes. Sadly, it's also quite unremarkable, combining all the usual cliches of barbershop cleanliness (soapy notes, synthetic musks etc) with a pink, syrupy pomegranate Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-8464853839399568142011-08-23T06:30:00.001+01:002011-08-23T09:11:00.647+01:00What's My Credit Card Limit Again...?
It's always at this point in our epic summer holidays that Madame Persolaise and I wish we could slow down time. There's still so much to do, so much to see, so many moments to savour, so many memories to make... and so many things to blog about, not least our recent day trip to Venice.
If you'll permit me to slip into writing in bullet points:
Persolaise wanders along labyrinthine streets Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-84005304883391711822011-08-19T06:30:00.007+01:002011-09-10T17:41:11.856+01:00Reviews: Juniper Sling, Esprit Du Roi & Eau Sans Pareil from Penhaligon's (2011)
Would it be too cruel to say that Penhaligon's Anthology series of re-issues comes to a close not with a bang, but a whimper? Eau Sans Pareil is pleasant enough, but there really isn't anything to distinguish it from the endless stream of washed-out florals that seem designed specifically to serve as gifts for those characterless nieces you see only once a year. The official notes call it a Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-76510927808002490532011-08-12T06:30:00.003+01:002011-08-12T06:30:01.993+01:00Review: Stecca from Hilde Soliani (2008)
If I must have a fragrance that isn't flawless in its entirety, then I'll choose one whose weak section is the top notes: at least they fade away fairly rapidly. So I'm willing to ignore the first few minutes of Stecca's existence, which feature a sharp, almost overwhelming synthetic assault reminiscent of the glue used in model making.
After the chemical onslaught, proceedings become decidedlyBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-33442150772466044172011-08-09T06:30:00.001+01:002011-08-09T08:48:04.370+01:00If It's Friday, This Must Be Grasse
Free Wifi hasn’t been as easy to find as I’d hoped, but I’m pleased to say that so far the holiday has gone very well (although I gather the situation in my beloved London isn't quite so happy). As ever, I’ve got so much to write and tell you about, that I’m sure I’ll never be able to cover it all when we return to Maison Persolaise, but I promise I’ll do my best.
One of the topics to which I Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-13183010899195598772011-08-05T06:30:00.011+01:002011-08-05T06:30:03.139+01:00Review: Mon Numero 1, 6, 8, 9 & 10 from L'Artisan Parfumeur (2011)
Is there anyone out there who thinks there should be more perfume releases? Clearly, the answer to that question is a resounding Yes, because the number of new creations emerging from fragrance houses - both niche and mainstream - shows no sign of abating. I may think that a brief respite would be great, and I daresay that the majority of you reading these words would be inclined to agree, but Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-54485279273738582352011-08-02T06:30:00.000+01:002011-08-02T06:30:01.054+01:00Poisonous Candles + Roja Dove At The Wellcome Collection
I hope you're all behaving yourselves while I'm catching up on my summer reading. I'm just breaking my cyber-silence for a few moments to let you know that an article I wrote about a recent Roja Dove lecture in London has been published on Basenotes; please click here to be taken to it.
And whilst I'm posting links, I thought some of you might be interested in this piece from the UK's Daily Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-43575061864945577372011-07-29T06:30:00.000+01:002011-07-29T06:30:01.980+01:00Review: Auburn Pentachord, Verdant Pentachord & White Pentachord from Tauer Perfumes (2011)
One of the reasons I'm an admirer of the music of Björk is that it combines the finest elements of classicism with a reckless love of everything that modernity has to offer. And it struck me the other day that this may also be why I'm a fan of Andy Tauer's perfumery: his most ravishing scents draw inspiration from old school excellence whilst pushing the craft forward into the future.
Bearing Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-86190137769805182412011-07-26T06:30:00.018+01:002012-02-09T20:28:08.489ZLondon Perfume Shopping Guide (Updated 8th December 2011)
ON 8th FEBRUARY 2012
THIS POST WON THE 2011 JASMINE AWARDFOR 'BEST WEBSITE FEATURE ON FRAGRANCE'
During my last visit to Paris, the three most useful things I had in my bag were a notebook, a pen and a printout of the two-part perfume shopping guide from Grain De Musc. When I got back home, I resolved to create a similar guide for London, in the hope that visitors to the city would find it as Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-90716573560894066492011-07-24T07:45:00.006+01:002011-07-24T07:45:01.243+01:00Ciao For Now - Summer Break 2011
It's hard to believe, but almost twelve months ago to the day, I published a post saying that Madame Persolaise and I were busy packing for our summer holiday. Well, that's exactly what we're doing today.
Before we hit the road, I just wanted to say thanks to all of you for continuing to read my blog and to leave comments; your support is always appreciated. Unless I hunt down some Wifi (and Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-28232551163187464022011-07-22T06:30:00.004+01:002011-07-22T06:30:02.677+01:00Reviews: Fareb, Sucre D'Ebène, Manguier Métisse, Ambre Céruléen & Naïviris from Huitième Art (2010)
The unifying concept behind Pierre Guillaume's Huitième Art certainly seems promising on paper. "What would Chanel N° 5 be without its aldehydes," asks the range's dedicated website, "L'Eau Sauvage without Hédione, Angel without Ethyl Maltol, Fahrenheit without Iso E Super, New West Aramis without Calone." Taking his cue from the singular importance of these chemicals, Guillaume has decided to Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-10285658811916193862011-07-19T06:30:00.007+01:002011-07-19T06:30:01.911+01:00The Lynx Effect - Episode 3 Of The BBC's Perfume Documentary
If divisiveness is a measure of the quality of a piece of work, then Ian Denyer’s final entry in his Perfume documentary is probably the best of the series. Whilst presenting the story of the revived Grossmith’s initial forays into the glittering shopping malls of the Middle East, it charts the development of a new Axe (aka Lynx) body spray for the Brazilian market and touches on the extent to Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-19939268361771703392011-07-17T08:00:00.000+01:002011-07-17T08:00:01.843+01:00Is That CK One Summer On Your Dressing Table?
For the last few days, the atmosphere at Maison Persolaise has been filled not with the scents of lilial, isobutyl quinoline and phenyl ethyl alcohol, but melting chocolate, hot butter and vanilla. Yes, I've been avoiding my lab and spending time in the kitchen baking cookies. Sometimes I just need to indulge in activities that produce near-instant results. At least that's what I tell myself as Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-57526853252098852292011-07-15T06:30:00.002+01:002011-07-15T06:30:04.917+01:00Reviews: Shalimar Parfum Initial from Guerlain and Miss Dior Chérie Blooming Bouquet from Christian Dior (2011)
Okay, here we go. Time to bite the bullet and articulate my thoughts on what is unquestionably one of the most important perfume releases of the year, regardless of the merits of the juice itself.
There have, of course, been previous Shalimar flankers, some of them quite highly regarded. But Parfum Initial is asking to be seen in a different light. The packaging calls it an "initiation into Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-77543812931233171652011-07-12T06:30:00.000+01:002011-07-12T06:30:01.578+01:00To Snub Or To Scathe?
You know you're exhausted when you place an order for what you think is a new raw material only to discover that you've already got it in your lab. In this case it's cedryl methyl ether - aka Cedramber - a dry, spiky, vaguely vegetal substance. I saw it listed on the site of one of my suppliers, looked up its odour profile on the net and decided it would be worth buying for one of my current Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-32786303136638863452011-07-10T08:30:00.001+01:002011-07-11T19:42:51.785+01:00Mona Di Orio Draw Winner + Impossible Potion - Episode 2 Of The BBC's Perfume Documentary
Despite the best efforts of an eccentric, pipe-smoking, kilt-wearing American, the trans-Atlantic battle in the second episode of BBC Four's Perfume documentary is again won by France. In this instalment, director Ian Denyer abandons the marketeers and turns his attention to the people without whom the fragrance industry wouldn't exist: the perfumers. Through a succession of contrasting Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-34498699030593954772011-07-08T06:30:00.001+01:002011-07-08T06:30:02.241+01:00Review: 02 Owari from Odin (2009)
You know the onomatopoeic 'sound effect' captions used in comic books? Well, Owari opens with a KA-POW, BANG, SHAZZAM! The top notes leap off the skin in a burst of yellow, green, pink and orange. There's fizzing grapefruit, zesty lime, tart apple and cheeky mandarin, shimmering before you like a near-palpable vision of fruity enticement that dares you not to start licking your lips. It's a Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-83060196584339214362011-07-05T06:30:00.000+01:002011-07-05T06:30:01.701+01:00Persolaise Inhales Again
I don't want to speak too soon, but I think it's safe to say that the Invasion Of The Day Job (Summer 2011) is just about over. If you experience a momentary gale force wind in your corner of the world, that'll be me breathing a sigh of relief.
Thanks very much indeed for bearing with me over these last few weeks. And more importantly, thanks to Mandy Aftel, Ronny Geller, Olfactoria, Carrie Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-83905216843903838362011-07-03T07:45:00.009+01:002011-07-03T08:31:48.729+01:00Wake Up And Smell The PR - Episode 1 Of The BBC's Perfume Documentary
Irony is alive and well... at least in the world of TV documentaries. After months of anticipation, those of us based in the UK finally got to watch part 1 of Perfume on BBC Four, and despite a few shaky moments, the hour-long comparison of Guerlain with Tommy Hilfiger was worth the wait.
As an expose of the empty-headed, patronising, crassness that is mainstream perfume marketing, director IanBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-44617693827011303972011-07-01T06:50:00.001+01:002011-07-01T06:50:45.156+01:00Sample Give-Away + Review: Vanille from Mona Di Orio (2011)
A perfume should be able to speak for itself. But on some occasions, hearing its creator explain the logic behind its formulation adds considerable depth to how the scent is appreciated. Mona Di Orio's Vanille - one of four new additions to the Nombre D'Or line - is a case in point.
Anxious to steer away from more conventional interpretations of vanilla, Di Orio hit upon the idea of an old shipBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-60353366647573551752011-06-28T06:30:00.004+01:002011-10-23T16:28:01.537+01:00Twenty Blotters For... Vero Kern
I'm in the mood for 20 Questions again, and this time, I've turned my spotlight on Zurich-based perfumer Vero Kern, the nose behind Vero Profumo. She was kind enough to exchange queries and responses with me via email... and you'll find the fruits of our little correspondence below. I hope you enjoy reading it.
In the beginning
What are some of your most memorable smell-related childhood Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-18781534927377461642011-06-26T09:40:00.000+01:002011-06-26T09:40:29.703+01:00Persolaise Goes Mobile + BBC Four Perfume Documentary Broadcast Date
I've already mentioned this on Twitter and Basenotes, but just in case some of you aren't yet aware: episode 1 of Ian Denyer's perfume documentary will be broadcast on BBC Four at 9 pm on Tuesday 28th June.
According to BBC Four's website, the first instalment will focus on Guerlain and Estee Lauder (in the guise of the Tommy Hilfiger brand) and will contrast the creation of Shalimar Parfum Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-29926352465200823782011-06-24T06:30:00.003+01:002011-11-22T21:12:13.511ZReview: Santal 33 from Le Labo (2011)
When I first sprayed Le Labo’s latest, I immediately went on Twitter and posted the word, “Wow,” thereby breaking my personal rule about jumping to conclusions. This was India in a bottle, I thought, a warm, opulent presentation of the part-woody, part-smoky and part-milky aspects that make up the unmistakable scent of sandalwood. I closed my eyes and found myself back amongst the colourful Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-78742398105010339792011-06-21T06:35:00.000+01:002011-06-21T06:40:52.837+01:00Guest Post: Fragrance Companies - Beware Of Men And Older Women by Elena Vosnaki
It's a known fact that the fragrance industry generates the majority of its profits from purchases made by women. But men are buyers too, with the need to have their toiletries appeal to them, and the right to choose them on their own, instead of always being presented with them as gifts. Men are now the latest victims of the advertising world's constant evolution, falling prey to ill-judged Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-64722783727055971522011-06-19T08:15:00.001+01:002011-06-19T08:19:20.231+01:00BBC Perfume Documentary + Aftelier Draw Winner
Some of you may remember that a few months ago I wrote about being interviewed for a three-part BBC documentary about perfume, directed by Ian Denyer. Well, I'm pleased to report that episode 1 should be broadcast on BBC Four in the last week of June; I'll post further details as soon as I get them. The bad news is that my contribution has ended up on the cutting room, but never mind. From what Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-86482308350409209602011-06-17T06:30:00.001+01:002011-06-17T15:06:08.769+01:00Review: Honour Man & Honour Woman from Amouage (2011) + Perfume Names
Amouage perfumes don't exactly keep themselves to themselves. Bold and emphatic, they tend to conquer every lily-livered weakling in their path, showing no mercy and taking no prisoners. But Honour Man comes as a complete surprise: despite the presence of several warrior-class materials on its notes list, it is astonishingly and uncharacteristically quiet.
After announcing its presence with a Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-15440391802265889082011-06-14T06:40:00.000+01:002011-06-14T06:40:00.383+01:00Guest Post: Strangers When We Meet - Revisiting L'Heure Bleue by Carrie Meredith
I'm sure you all know the saying "When you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it's yours". Does that also apply to perfume? I set Guerlain's L'Heure Bleue free more than 15 years ago, and just a few weeks ago, I heard its wings gently beating on my bedroom window once again. I have welcomed it back into my life in a way I never thought I would again, and all it took was a Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-52743302755927311392011-06-12T09:54:00.000+01:002011-06-12T09:54:50.101+01:00Aftelier Give-Away + Penhaligon's Link
You’re going to get sick of reading this pretty soon, but yes, the Invasion Of The Day Job is still going strong. I’m hanging on in there… and using lots and lots of samples for sustenance.
Several weeks ago, I’d hoped that today would be the day when I’d be publishing a post about a talk given by Mandy Aftel in London. Sadly, a certain Icelandic volcano recently decided to make its presence Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-72230874264120702242011-06-10T19:00:00.004+01:002011-06-10T19:04:15.969+01:00Review: Aqua Allegoria Jasminora from Guerlain (2011) and Aqua Fahrenheit from Christian Dior (2011)
I’m often asked if price is a good indicator of the quality of a perfume. When I’m told that I must restrict my answer to one word, I always say, “No.” After all, there are plenty of expensive duds on the market as well as several clever, affordable gems. That’s why I tend to look forward to each year’s new Aqua Allegoria. Designed to be refreshing, undemanding edt’s, they present the perfumer Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-46295582896226843732011-06-07T06:30:00.001+01:002011-06-07T06:30:00.464+01:00Twenty Blotters For… Etienne De Swardt
Okay, like last Tuesday’s post, this one isn’t by a guest either, but it does hand the microphone to someone other than myself, which means it’s very much in keeping with the spirit of bringing new voices to Persolaise.com during May and June. In the first of what will hopefully turn out to be a semi-regular series of concise, rapid-fire interviews with industry figures, I’m very pleased to Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-35788916725407986552011-06-03T08:02:00.006+01:002011-07-14T12:12:22.412+01:00Review: Blessings eau de parfum from Belinda Brown (2011)
I think my brain’s vocab centre has had a slight melt-down. I need a synonym for ‘fuzzy’, but none of the ones I’ve come up with so far capture the exact type of ‘fuzziness’ I’d like to convey. ‘Fluffy’, ‘velvety’ and ‘fleecy’ come close, but the first one’s too silly, the second one’s too soft and the third one’s too ovine. The combined talents of Roget and Thesaurus.com haven’t been a great Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-73715151142844478952011-05-31T07:45:00.002+01:002011-05-31T07:49:10.551+01:00Melon Feta... And Other Cultural Matters
If you've come here hoping to find out who my next guest blogger is, I'm sorry to say that, this week, you're going to have to put up with me. As the Invasion Of The Day Job is going through a momentary lull, I thought I'd put together a brief post about an issue that's been on my mind for quite some time.
About a year ago, I attended an excellent Royal Institution lecture at which Procter & Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-59165271598133176942011-05-29T08:45:00.001+01:002011-05-29T12:10:13.830+01:00Lily Of The Valley Winner + IFRA Interview + Silly SearchesI hope your weekend's treating you well so far. As I type these words, the trees outside my window are being manhandled by the wind and the clouds are threatening a showstopper of a downpour. It reminds me of our summer in Mumbai, but there, the trees were full of bats. Sparrows and pigeons can't compete with that. The BBC's weather-man is telling us that we mustn't really expect any sunshine forBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-36206099563899480302011-05-27T06:45:00.006+01:002011-05-29T12:10:50.053+01:00Review: Week-end À Deauville from Nicolaï (2011)Generally speaking, there are two types of perfume labelled with the word 'leather': those which take their inspiration from the stench of a tannery and those which aim to evoke the smell of the tannery's end products. I am, of course, simplifying the matter and ignoring the many leather fragrances which exist between the ends of the spectrum, but in broad terms, those are the main categories. Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-8732852882275063562011-05-24T06:30:00.001+01:002011-05-25T07:29:53.743+01:00Guest Post: A Brief Exploration Of The Sense Of Smell by Ronny Geller
What was the first smell of significance you remember? And the first perfume you loved?
When Persolaise asked whether I might be interested in doing a guest post on his blog he suggested I could write about what it is like to run a small, niche perfume business. I thought to myself, ‘perhaps not’, as the mechanics of this sort of business aren’t particularly unique (trust me, preparing a Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-87897665379748910502011-05-22T18:54:00.007+01:002011-05-22T22:26:00.952+01:00A Brief Pause + Link To Basenotes Dior Article
François Demachy; photo by Dior
A brief, utilitarian post today. I just thought I'd come up for air to let you know that the Invasion Of The Day Job is being battled as well as can be expected. I've got plenty of perfume samples to keep me company, many of which will become the subjects of future reviews.
I hope you've enjoyed the two guest posts I've published so far. (Here's a handy link, Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2738735825185930519.post-70635183268816377942011-05-20T06:30:00.002+01:002011-05-20T06:35:23.104+01:00Sample Give-Away + Review Showcase: Angela Flanders
96 Columbia Road must surely be London's best kept fragrance secret. A cosy shop decorated with Venetian masks, Rajasthani puppets and antique European furniture, it's one of only two places in the world - the other being a mile away - that sells the work of Angela Flanders, a self-taught perfumer who's been bottling her fragrant creations for over 20 years.
Of the 40+ scents bearing her name, Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806816026305227292noreply@blogger.com17