Tag: fashion

New MCM ‘Park Collection’ fragrances – fun & finessed!

Introducing the MCM Park Fragrance Collection – an array of scents inspired by the iconic animal characters of the Munich House. Explore this daring new fragrance collection (created by some of the world’s top perfumers, as you shall discover) and find your fragrant spirit animal…

These perfumes mark a playful new chapter from the Munich-based luxury house, where scent meets signature style in the most endearing way. Known for its iconic bags and accessories that marry German heritage with cutting-edge innovation, MCM now ventures once again into the perfume world, but this time instead of bottles designed to resemble mini versions of their iconic luxury bags (which you know we squealed about when we first saw them!), these new fragrant faces have a delightful twist — bottles crowned with adorable animal icons that perfectly match the brand’s bold and youthful spirit.

 

 

 

 

This new ‘Park’ collection captures the essence of MCM’s aesthetic and ethos: aimed at dreamers, creatives and global nomads who defy boundaries with confidence. The MCM philosophy is firmly rooted in revolutionising classic design with futuristic materials and a fearless attitude, appealing to a new generation that values empowerment and self-expression. Here, the animal characters aren’t only cute companions but symbolic totems embodying the fragrance’s personality, all crafted by some of the industry’s finest perfumers.

Within these sassy yet sophisticated concoctions, expect well-balanced compositions that invite you to discover your own scented spirit animal. So, read our reviews and see which critter calls your name…

 

 

Zen Elephant

Zen Elephant embodies wisdom and serenity, paying homage to the peaceful state of mind that balance can bring. It opens on brisk grapefruit and delicate freesia, lifted by a subtle touch of seaweed that lends an unexpected freshness. The heart blooms with cardamom, magnolia and earthy truffle, while the base lingers with the softness of cedarwood, oakmoss and ambroxan. ‘Inspired by the pursuit of balance, I experimented with ingredients that complemented each other like yin and yang, striving for a harmonious blend of floral and woody elements,’ explains Hamid Merati-Kashani, principal perfumer.

£130 for 100ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

 

 

 

Darling Doxie

Representing loyalty and friendship, Darling Doxie embodies warm dependability. The perfume unfolds with pepper, nutmeg and a sunny lemon accord, mellowing into a soothing heart of chamomile, ylang-ylang and styrax. Cedarwood, sandalwood, and vetiver anchor the fragrance with enduring depth. Frank Voelkl, the perfumer behind this devotion, remarks, ‘I intended to craft a fragrance that embodies reliability, serving as a genuine signature — timeless and devoted.’

£130 for 100ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

 

 

 

Charming Pup

Charming Pup strikes a poised yet inviting tone with its elegant nature. Citrus notes of bergamot, lemon and orange ripple through the top, giving way to a floral-spiced heart of rose, carrot seed and iris. The base, a seductive blend of cedarwood, tonka bean and vetiver, wraps the scent in smooth confidence. Steve Guo shares his vision: ‘I aimed to encapsulate the subtle texture seen in pearls under sunlight — shimmering delicately without overwhelming, exuding beauty with confidence and charm.’

£127 for 100ml eau de parfum (available at): uk.mcmworldwide.com

 

 

 

 

Daring Dragon

Daring Dragon captures the allure of power and mystery with a confident blend that invites you to embrace the unknown. Its vibrant top notes of bergamot, yuzu and clementine sparkle with energy and sweetness. The heart is a delicate bouquet of almond blossom, lily of the valley and a hint of tea tree, leading into a comforting base of vanilla, cedarwood and sandalwood. Sophie Labbé, the perfumer, says, ‘For the Daring Dragon, enchanted by the mystery and allure of the unknown, I created something unexpected, filled with hidden treasures.’

£130 for 100ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

 

 

 

Jolly Rabbit

Personifying playfulness, Jolly Rabbit is an effervescent burst of vitality and joy. The lively citrus combination of orange, lemon and red currant energises the top, while a charming contrast of ginger, neroli and jasmine blooms at the heart. The fragrance settles with creamy ambroxan, guaiac wood and vetiver to round off the exuberance. Alexandra Monet crafted this as ‘a scent brimming with sparkling ingredients, a true celebration of the exuberance, positivity and vitality that life has to offer.’

£130 for 100ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

 

 

 

Mighty Bear

Finally, we embrace the Mighty Bear, a fragrance that speaks of strength and resilience. Elemi and bergamot ignite the fragrance, while the unexpected heart of sesame and patchouli adds complexity and warmth. Finally, a creamy base of tonka bean, vanilla and sandalwood lends the scent a comforting, powerful finish. Sophie Labbé reflects, ‘I was motivated to create a fragrance infused with strength using powerful ingredients that tell the tale of inner resilience.’

£130 for 100ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

This collection is a vivid reminder that luxury fragrance can be both fun and finessed, marrying the iconic heritage of MCM with seriously accomplished scent-making. Want to discover even more? Do explore the world of MCM, the history of the house and its audacious style further at our dedicated MCM page.

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Exclusive Interview with Paul Guerlain – Valentino: Anatomy of Dreams

This being the fashion focus month around the world, we’re thrilled to present a nose into the Valentino Anatomy of Dreams collection, featuring our Senior Writer Suzy Nightingale’s exclusive interview with perfumer Paul Guerlain, during which she discovered how he translated the heritage and style of Valentino into the sensational Notte D’oro fragrance for this stunning collection…

 

 

Valentino’s Anatomy of Dreams collection is a poetic voyage through the heart of the Maison’s history, the years of creative inspiration and style distilled into scent. Guided by the hedonistic heart of Rome, Anatomy of Dreams is a Haute Couture perfume collection composed of seven distinct narratives – each a bold, imaginative blend; each one crafted by a master perfumer – capturing the Maison’s spirit since their inception in 1959. The collection invites us to wander through a perfumed palazzo, with each scent a room filled with stories, colours and whispers of eras past and present.

 

 

 

 

There are so many stories to uncover, but as I was privileged to gain access to the nose behind it; let us linger on Notte D’oro. As described by Valentino, Notte D’oro conjures a banquet room in a Roman Palazzo, bathed in the dreamy glow of a thousand candles. It is a decadent perfume where the potent elixir of candle wax melds with precious oud, and a glimmering trail of deliciously more-ish almond spins promises of nocturnal indulgence. ‘Notte d’oro shimmers like liquid moonlight, reflecting the symphony of the night,’ they say; further enticing with ‘The intensity of a couture-like amber-y woody oud infused with a generous, deliciously liquor-ous almond.’

The composition weaves sweet orange oil, grapefruit oil and black cherry in the top; jasmine absolute, geranium and rose at the heart; with a base that exudes patchouli, sandalwood and that opulent oudh. It’s utterly enrapturing to wear – but how on earth does one encapsulate the spirit of a fashion house (and all that magnificent heritage) in a perfume bottle? I was lucky enough to be able to ask Paul Guerlain himself.

 

 

 

 

Working with an iconic fashion house such as Valentino, what role do their designs and aesthetic play in your creations? How do you translate a particular style in your compositions?

Paul Guerlain: ‘Our role as perfumers is to capture the spirit and heritage of the house, and balance this with your own convictions and style. So, while you get inspired by the house – which for me Valentino is a mix of heritage, tradition and innovation. With such rich colours and high-quality products – you really need to adapt your creation to match these elements. While it can be a challenge, it’s very interesting to deep dive into the world of one house.’

 

When working with Valentino, do you consider the fabric / materials / colours they use when composing the scents?

‘The colours and the Italian spirit were very important, but it’s also a brand that is very open to the world. It’s what we tried to express in Notte D’oro with very high-end ingredients that strike the balance of tradition and modernity.’

 

When you’re creating a fragrance in a collection, do you prefer for the fragrance to be entirely unique, or does there need to be a link with the other fragrances to create cohesion?

‘It’s dependent on if I’m creating the entire collection. In this case, we were looking after one fragrance, so we created our vision without considering the other fragrances within the collection.  It was interesting to see the interpretations by the other perfumers as you can see their different vision and what creativity can bring.’

 

What was the brief for this collection – did it have a mood board or other prompts? And then, what was your starting point of translating the initial ideas?

‘The brief was quite simple as it was to interpret the identity of the house with this idea of the Roman Palazzo but with a twist. Some briefs are very specific, but it depends on what you want to do with it – you can either be very strict with it or you can interpret it in a completely different way.

The starting point was to create a fragrance using one of the most precious ingredients in the perfumer palette, and make it more accessible, to make it shine and show that it’s not simply an animatic, heavy scent. It can be intense and sensual in another way.

We built the idea around two main ingredients: oudh and almond – it was a strong idea but then we facetted the perfume for over 170 trials, so it took time. The main thing for me is to understand the identity of the house, and the environment that you want to build. For us, we were thinking about the story. We then mix these ideas to find the right balance…’

 

Do you remember the first ever fragrance you purchased for yourself, because you loved it?

‘Actually, I never really had to buy perfumes before but the first one I remember was Dior Homme. I was really in love with it and think it’s just perfectly blended and elegant. It’s super simple, but very complex at the same time.  I think iris is one of the treasures we have in perfumery, and it’s really well balanced so you can really see all the different facets and aspects in the fragrance.’

 

Are there particular ingredients you often find yourself drawn to using again and again?

‘There are some ingredients that I use often but I think you also need to challenge yourself to find new ingredients. If you’re building a collection with only 30 or 40 ingredients, it can limit your creativity. I always try to get out the ingredients I like but find a combination with another ingredient for a new intensity. It’s really key in our line of work to be curious, to find what’s new and behind every door…’

 

 

 

Notte D’oro £105 for 30ml eau de parfum valentino-beauty.co.uk

 

For Valentino and Paul Guerlain alike, it is this restless curiosity and devotion to artistry that ensures each scent in the Anatomy of Dreams collection – and especially the moonlit allure of Notte D’oro – lingers in the memory long after the closing of the famed Palazzo doors. And with these eaux de parfums, we can inhabit this fragrant reverie every single time we select a scent, spritz, and allow ourselves to dream…

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Perfect plum – fruity fragrances for autumn

This autumn, you may notice plum has emerged as one of the most seductive shades of the season – a colour that feels both sumptuous and comforting. Rich with depth, plum has always carried with it a sense of quiet drama, a touch of decadent mystery. In fashion this autumn, it slips between velvet and silk, lipstick and lacquer, embodying a mood that is at once opulent and understated.

Just as colour can carry texture, so too can fragrance. Plum in perfumery is never merely fruity – it’s plush, velvety, and enveloping, often conjuring the sensation of fabric against skin. It can feel juicy and mouthwatering on the one hand, or shadowy and cocooning on the other, and it is this duality that makes it fascinating. Worn as a scent, as on the fashion catwalk or in now-cosier interior furnishings, plum invites us into autumn’s embrace with a richness that lingers, like dusk gently gathering around you.

 

 

While plum scents are what we’re plumping for right now, did you know that creating fruity notes in perfumery is a far more intricate process than it might first appear? Fruit notes are typically recreated synthetically rather than extracted directly from the fruit. This is because the natural extraction process for fruit essences is often challenging due to their high water content and the complexities of their aromatic compounds. Synthetic molecules are cleverly used alongside naturals to mimic the desired scent profiles of these fruits, while some houses may use Head Space technology to capture the scent of the air around the naturally growing fruit, to evoke climate and place as well as it’s smell.

Well luckily, the clever noses who created our curated selection, below, know exactly how to best evoke the complex scent of plum. And so, if perhaps you are casting aside the more summery scents, finally, and looking for a transitional note to welcome the season (without feeling too wintery and swaddling just yet); well then, plum may be the note to seek. Here we array a bounty of perfect plum perfumes just ripe for the picking…

 

 

Affordable niche Fragrance

Soki London Artemis

This enchanting exploration of a moonlit woodland opens with luscious plum, a juicy sweetness evoking ripe fruit kissed by a cool evening dew. The heart reveals delicate osmanthus flower, that apricot-leather-y note settling as warm sandalwood and cedar emerge. Inspired by ancient trees and magic, this plum will have you hooked.

£75 for 50ml eau de parfum shop.sokilondon.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glossier You Rêve

While still designed to adapt to the wearer’s natural skin-scent – the thumbprint on the bottle is a clue to that – Glossier Rêve most definitely has a gourmand sweetness, leading us into temptation with its notes of buttercream, plumptious plum butter and toasted almond, with white sandalwood, iris and an Ambroxan va-va-voom smooch.

£70 for 50ml eau de parfum uk.glossier.com

 

 

Pictor Parfum Silhouette

Inspired by a perfectly composed photograph, vibrant mandarin and lychee are reminiscent of an initial bright flash. but Its heart of powdery rose and plum form a central soft focus that pulls the perfume together. Suede adds texture, spices of clove and pink pepper base provide a sharp contrast, casting deeper shadows as the plum still swirls.

From £84 for 50ml eau de parfum in our shop

 

 

 

 

 

Lalique Velvet Plum

Here, we are invited to wrap ourselves in suede and cashmere, the ripe plum soon to be enfolded in a soft velvety swathe of bohemian lushness via heliotrope with iris and osmanthus – all snuggled up on a dark chocolate-y patchouli base. And that extraordinary coloured juice! In the frosted bottle, it looks (and wears) otherworldly.

Now £67.09 for 100ml eau de parfum superdrug.com

 

 

EAU.MG Berry Fleur

Berries, yes – bursting from first bite with delicious, sticky cassis. But it’s the plum that grounds in a more velvety opulence. From the piquant to the playfully flirtatious, as it warms we find a passionate floral heart of delicate rose and heady white flowers. smoothed and sensorially heightened by creamy vanilla, rich patchouli and more-ish musk.

£95 for 50ml eau de parfum in the Shop

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Brunello Cucinelli’s Incanti Poetici – the art of subtle luxury

Entwining fashion and fragrance in the most stylish way, today we are exploring the Brunello Cucinelli Incanti Poetici Collection, and invite you to daydream with every spritz…

Just for a moment, let’s close our eyes and imagine a sunlit afternoon in Solomeo, mist enfolding honeyed-stone archways, whispers of poetry carried skywards on a gentle breeze. Italy’s aesthetic master of quiet luxury, Brunello Cucinelli, distils this subtle magic into the house’s Incanti Poetici scents – a fragrance collection that feels as though it speaks in low, elegant tones, yet lingers in the memory like the closing lines of a favourite verse.

 

To uncork these bottles is to enter a landscape where fabric, fragrance, and poetry intertwine, each accord lingering with the soft opulence and contemporary refinement that so define the house’s pared back fashion – and indeed, their family values.

 

 

 

 

Every flacon arrives gleaming with the clarity of Italian glass, capped and cupped with a pleasingly cool weight in recyclable aluminium, cosseted in a hand-crafted box spun from the paper mills of Solomeo. True to Cucinelli’s ethos, the compositions balance remarkable natural materials with a kind of narrative elegance – a thread of beauty winding from tailored jacket to outstretched wrist, in the softest exhalation of skin and air.

Perfumery’s brightest talents have composed this fragrant anthology, and they chose the perfumers so well to capture the feeling of the fashions, to truly embody their ethos.

 

 

Benoist Lapouza’s Vie Eteree is a bright, breezy day in a bottle: basil and cardamom tumble over Italian bergamot and citron, then tumble again to rest at cedarwood’s reassuring threshold. This is the gentle nudge of dawn, something quietly vital, inviting a moment’s contemplation and possibility.

£255 for 100ml eau de parfum harrods.com

 

 

Soffio Zenit, crafted by Florian Gallo, radiates Mediterranean purity. The milky-green hush of fig is gilded by lavender and rosemary, while labdanum’s leathery glow unfurls through the base like sun shot across ancient stone. There is something weightless yet grounding here – a fresco painted in sunlight and shaded leaves.

£255 for 100ml eau de parfum harrods.com

 

Quentin Bisch’s Sogno Notturno, meanwhile, sways sideways into sandalwood and cumin, edged with osmanthus, as dreamlike as half-remembered stories murmured in the dark. Vetiver sinks in, smokily smooth, a susurrus of comfort and intrigue. It’s the soft hush between wishing and waking, wrapped around the pulse-point like silk.

£255 for 100ml eau de parfum brunellocucinelli.com

 

 

Daphné Bugey’s Brezza Gentile opens with the crisp zesty prickle of bitter orange, deepens to earthy patchouli, then warms with a gentle ambrox accord. Inspired by Solomeo’s Garden of Philosophers, this is a gentle breath, a reminder to walk a little slower, listen a little longer, as afternoon stretches lazily into contemplative dusk.

£255 for 100ml eau de parfum harrods.com

 

 

In Ombra Lirica, Alberto Morillas blends ancient woods and volcanic olibanum around oudh’s mysterious richness, never tipping into gloom – instead casting an intricate, lyrical shadow that dances quietly in the background. One for libraries with velvet chairs, for the secret page turned in candlelight.

£255 for 100ml eau de parfum harrods.com

 

 

At last, Jordi Fernandez’s Vento Ardente – rich with warm leather, saffron flickering among amyris, cedar and sandalwood. This is all fire and resonance, yet never ostentatious – as soul-nourishing and reassuring as the perfect jumper slung around suntanned shoulders, as quietly memorable as sun-baked stone cooling at midnight.

£255 for 100ml eau de parfum harrods.com

Incanti Poetici gathers up the spirit of Brunello Cucinelli: understated yet full of atmosphere, exquisitely textured and always composed with both poise and heart. Each bottle offers not only a distinctive aroma, but an invitation to experience the world with heightened awareness – composed (in every sense), creative, and brilliantly Italian in its pursuit of beauty. For those new to Brunello Cucinelli’s scented world, this is perfumed poetry to be worn – and treasured as it resonates – every single day…

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Textures of Scent – The Fabric of Fragrance

September has always felt like a time of new beginnings, the turning of a perfumed page, as the fashion world steps out from its long summer pause and sweeps us straight onto the catwalks of New York, London, Milan and Paris. There is such theatre to it all – the flutter of fabric hems, the tactile delight of swishing silks and structured cottons, the way clothes move around the models who, in turn, set all of us dreaming.

Because fragrance is so entwined with fashion, here at The Perfume Society we anticipate this moment every year with particular joy. You’ll soon see our annual Fashion & Fragrance edition of The Scented Letter magazine – coming very soon, so do ensure you are signed up to receive your free digital copy the moment it launches!

One theme we’re exploring in the blog this month, meanwhile, is fabric and fragrance, and how often our language around scent borrows from the lexicon of touch and texture. A perfume can be velvety, suede like, cashmere soft, opulently plush, intricately woven like linen or taut with a leather-ish bite.

 

 

And just as, in September, we shift the textiles we live with – perhaps bringing a thicker throw to the sofa or swapping lightweight cottons for fondly worn but still lightweight woollens – so too do we begin to crave scents with a comforting weight, offering a touch of warmth without quite the enveloping density of winter perfumes.

We hope you enjoy this sensory plunge into likening perfume’s characters to the colours, density and feel of the following fabrics. And just imagine, the next time you reach for a favourite fragrance: what fabric might you liken it to? Do you even dress to ‘match’ your scent of the day – without having previously been aware of it – we wonder…?

 

 

AKRO Bake immediately conjures the simplicity of a favourite Breton striped jersey, the kind slipped on for a wander to the sanctuary of your favourite bakery. With fluffy tendrils of dark vanilla pods threaded through silky white musk and warm, doughy gourmand notes, it sits against your skin like that trusty striped top – casual yet stylish, deliciously effortless, and with a sweetness that feels unfussy and free spirited.

From £80 for 30ml eau de parfum thefragranceshop.co.uk

Fabric matched: Breton Stripe Jersey Dress Fabric – White/Vanilla by Higgs & Higgs

 

 

 

Granado Cedro, by contrast, wears its character as lightly as whimsical illustrations on a roll of cedar patterned fabric. Imagine a room dressed in charming, line drawn trees, their branches unfurling across the walls in a quietly playful rhythm. This fragrance brings that woody freshness into being, cedar wood made forever breezy, sketch like, graceful. It feels as though the fabric itself might ripple in a soft September wind, grounding and invigorating in equal measure.

Try it in the Granado Coleção Elixir Discovery Set £48 for 5 x 10ml in the Shop

Fabric Matched: Cedar in Slate Apple & Ivy by Scion

 

 

 

 

Connock England Kukui Noir drapes itself like a distortion of romance, a Gothic velvet in deepest rose and ink black shadows. The sensation is of brushing fingertips across velvet pile, that faint shiver of plush texture and silky darkness intertwined. Florals smoulder instead of blooming, petals painted in chiaroscuro light, while amber and woods cocoon the wearer in cinematic mystery. A perfume with presence and depth, but kept supple and inviting, as though beckoning you into a velvet curtained alcove.

From £25 for 10ml eau de parfum connockengland.co.uk

Fabric Matched: Gothic Rose Noir velvet by Foy & Co

 

 

 

 

Goldfield & Banks Ingenious Ginger is a weighted linen in a warm ochre tone, we feel, flung wide like a tablecloth joyously thrown to grab a languorous lunch in early autumn’s golden sunlight. House of Hackney’s glorious ginger hued fabric here exudes the fragrance’s flamboyance, glowing with radiant spices and an almost citrus tinted effervescence. It brings a lift and an optimistic crackle of brightness, ensuring that autumn need not be draped in solemn tones, but enlivened with bursts of sunshine rendered in spice.

£130 for 100ml perfume concentrate selfridges.com

Fabric Matched: Caspar linen by House of Hackney x Nickey Kehoe

 

 

 

 

EAUMG Amber Addict has the fluidity and drape of an amber toned twill. Twill always carries a sense of structure softened by pliability – the way the weave appears diagonal yet flowing. The amber in this addictive fragrance performs a similar balancing act: molten, opulent, richly hued, yet never too heavy, being shot through with piquant cassis and riven with roses. Instead, it folds around the wearer in waves of perfumed comfort, like being enveloped in the swish of a fabric that seems impossibly chic yet remains intimately wearable.

£95 for 50ml eau de parfum in the Shop

Fabric Matched: Amber Flow viscose twill by Pound Fabrics

 

September asks us to dress, and scent, in layers – not yet swaddling wintry drapery, but certainly with a hint of warmth, a painterly depth, an assurance of poise. Just as an outfit is completed with the perfect finishing touch of fabric, so a fragrance transforms the way we carry ourselves, swathing us in invisible texture we waft in our wake with every scented spritz…

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Aromatic Ensembles: Dressing Your Senses for Spring

The fashion landscape is blossoming with exciting new trends that promise to refresh our wardrobes. But we say: why stop at clothing? The perfect fragrance can add extra frolic to your sartorial choices, creating a truly complementary sensory experience! So, let’s explore how this season’s most coveted fashion trends can be paired with exquisite scents from some of the most distinguished perfume houses…

 

 

 

 

The revival of bubble hems (yes, really) brings a playful bounce to spring silhouettes. This whimsical trend calls for Goutal’s Rose Pompon, a fragrance that mirrors the same joyful spirit. The scent captures the essence of plump, dewy rose petals mingled with blackcurrant and raspberry, creating a buoyant, effervescent aura that perfectly complements the structured yet carefree nature of bubble-hemmed garments. The fragrance dances between sweet and tart notes, echoing the delicate balance of volume and shape in this nostalgic silhouette.

£178 for 100ml eau de parfum thefragranceshop.co.uk

 

 

 

For those embracing the sharp suiting trend, Atkinsons’ 24 Old Bond Street offers an impeccable olfactory companion. This sophisticated blend of juniper, black tea, and whisky notes creates a composed, confident presence that enhances the authoritative elegance of tailored pieces. The fragrance’s refined freshness last much longer than its Cologne strength may suggest, behaving like a well-constructed blazer forming the foundation of a polished wardrobe. Its British heritage resonates particularly well with the corporate chic aesthetic, feeling put-together yet effortless.

£122 for 100ml Cologne atkinsons1799.com

 

 

 

 

It’s Ahoy! once again for the nautical-inspired trend sailing into spring, and gorgeous match is the modern classic of Diptyque’s Philosykos. As designers showcase maritime-inspired pieces in cobalt blue and crisp white stripes, this fragrance evokes Mediterranean coastlines with its verdant fig leaf, coconut, and cedar composition. The scent captures the essence of sun-drenched shores and salt-kissed breezes, complementing the seafaring style with its fresh yet sophisticated character. Like a perfectly striped Breton top, Philosykos balances casual charm with timeless appeal.

£135 for 100ml eau de toilette libertylondon.com

 

 

 

 

The desert storm trend, with its dusty neutrals and billowing silhouettes, demands a fragrance with warmth and equally effusive character. BDK’s Gris Charnel offers an addictive trail of fig, black tea, and sandalwood that mirrors the dry, earthy sophistication of these windswept designs. The fragrance’s spicy cardamom and creamy fig notes develop beautifully throughout the day, evolving as neutral tones take on different dimensions as they catch the spring sunshine or highlight the shady, darker tones. Its beguiling complexity perfectly enhances the understated elegance of this adventurous yet refined trend.

£240 for 100ml extrait de parfum libertylondon.com

 

 

 

 

The romantic trend, with its flowing fabrics and delicate details, calls for Coach’s Wild Rose – a fragrance that perfectly captures this unashamedly frilly and feminine aesthetic. Opening with sparkling redcurrant and spicy bergamot, it blooms into a lush heart of delicate rose and jasmine sambac before settling into a warm base of crystal moss and dusky ambroxan. With romantic silhouettes ruling the runways, this scent balances strength with softness, creating an aura that’s both bold and beautifully nuanced. The fragrance’s rich character evokes the untamed beauty of wildflower fields (we’re gambolling amidst them in our minds, even if it’s a bit too chilly yet!), and complementing the dreamy, ethereal quality of spring’s most romantic garments.

£40 for 30ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

Whether you’re embracing bubble hems or shouldering the sharp suiting this spring, remember that the right fragrance can elevate your fashion choices to create a signature style that engages all the senses. After all, the most memorable impressions are created when what we see and what we smell work in perfect harmony, so why not consider matching your style to your scent choices, too…?

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Dress Code Red: Scarlet Scented

National Dress in Red Day is here, and this time we’re leaning in to the theme. Fragrantly, of course!

Yes, we get it, National Dress in Red Day might sound like a hashtag-friendly gimmick, but in fact it commemorates an important day to raise awareness for heart disease. But how about taking this theme further, in a fragrantly theatrical vibe?

 

 

At The Perfume Society, we’ve long believed fragrance is the ultimate accessory – an invisible mood board – so why not let your outfit play co-star and make your scent see-able?

 

Suddenly, a crimson silk slip worn beneath a leather jacket isn’t just fabric; it’s an olfactory amplifier for that resinous, smoky oudh, and the nuanced textures within. A scarlet pashmina doubles as a sartorial echo of rose absolute’s velvety warmth. Your wardrobe can become a perfumed playground.

 

 

Red’s allure is primal: the flush of desire, the warning of danger, the pulse of life itself. It’s no wonder perfumers harness the symbolism of the colour red – in juice tinted like crushed berries, bottles and glossy packaging glowing like embers, or names evoking passion’s flame. Red fragrances aren’t shy – they’re declarations. Here’s how to wear seven of our scarlet-themed faves…

 

 

 

Coach Love

Strawberry gloss meets rose-laced optimism. Playful, juicy, and unapologetically pretty – like twirling in a red polka-dot dress with a heart-shaped clutch.

£40 for 30ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

 

 

Maison Crivelli Patchouli Magnetik

Earthy patchouli entwined with spicy red pepper – a bohemian rhapsody in scent. Don flowing silks and stack those shiny red bangles high.

£205 for 50ml extrait de parfum selfridges.com

 

 

 

 

Memoize Ghzalh

Tart bergamot cuts through maple’s syrup – a scarlet stiletto stomping on propriety. For nights demanding a zing of rebellion.

£197 for 100ml extrait de parfum in our Shop

 

 

 

The Merchant of Venice Red Potion

Immortelle caramel meets lichen’s earthiness. Baroque, opulent, with a wink – pair with gold cuffs and a red velvet choker.

£205 for 100ml eau de parfum harrods.com

 

 

 

 

Fragrance du Bois Lovers

Passion fruit’s neon tang, saffron’s golden haze. A scent for unbuttoning collars and pouring out passion in a red hot love letter.

£285 for 100ml extrait de parfum harveynichols.com

 

 

 

 

 

BDK Rouge Smoking

Cherry liqueur, almond’s powdered cheek. Noir glamour – think red satin gloves and an insouciant cigarette holder.

£250 for 100ml extrait de parfum harveynichols.com

 

 

Floral Street London Poppy

Zesty lemon, salty sea spray – this is effortless as a linen shirt rolled at the sleeves, hair tousled, a bare face but bright red lippy for kaPOW!

£74 for 50ml eau de parfum floralstreet.com

 

 

 

YSL Sì Passione Éclat

Blackcurrant’s dark gleam, flaming roses, and vanilla’s creamy resolve. Power-dressing in a bottle – suits optional. Say YES to this confidence-boosting red scent!

£69 for 30ml eau de parfum thefragranceshop.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Jimmy Choo Man Extreme

Red thyme’s peppery crackle, vetiver’s smoky trail. For sharp tailoring (worn with sunglasses, no matter the weather, we reckon) and sharper comebacks.

£65 for 50ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

 

 

 

 

Tumi Kinetic

Spiced woods, frankincense’s glow. Urban energy bottled – wear with crisp denim and a cool red-dial watch you actually use.

£85 for 100ml eau de parfum fenwick.co.uk

 

So – will you join the red regiment on February 7th? Or (better yet) borrow its audacity year-round? After all, we’ve had enough of grey weather, and life’s too short for ‘beige’ days.

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Layering scents like clothes (for seasonal perfumed perfection)

As the leaves turn and the air cools, layering fragrances becomes an art akin to dressing for the season. Just as you might add a cosy scarf or a warm sweater, fragrance layering allows you to envelop yourself in comforting scents that mirror the textures and warmth of your autumn wardrobe.

 

Yes, we could moan about missing summer, and the fact we’re back in tights again; but instead, at The Perfume Society, we urge you to have some fun and make the most of this season with perfumed layering possibilities. It’s an olfactory opportunity to get creative and create a personalised, multi-dimensional fragrance that evolves with you throughout the day.

 

  • To start, consider using a scented body oil or lotion as a base. This not only hydrates the skin but also locks in the base notes of your chosen fragrance, ensuring longevity. Begin with rich, grounding base notes like sandalwood, patchouli, or vanilla (these can be in your perfumed body product, or perhaps a perfume with an oil base), which act as the sturdy foundation of your scent ensemble.
  • Next, layer on heart notes that provide depth and complexity. Think of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, which add a warm, inviting touch. These middle notes should harmonise with your base, creating a seamless transition.
  • Finally, add a splash of top notes to brighten the blend. Citrus or light floral notes can add a touch of autumn sunshine, preventing the fragrance from feeling too heavy. Apply each layer strategically on pulse points such as wrists and neck, where the warmth of your skin will help diffuse the scent beautifully.

 

If that feels a bit complex for now, try layering two fragrances you already have in this way: organise your scents by their most dominant notes (those that smell most obvious on your skin); then, consider the following suggestions to try changing-up both perfumes for seasonal perfection…

 

 

Layering fragrances for autumn

 

 

Layering combinations of fruity and woody scents:

1. Cedarwood & Apple

Start with a rich cedarwood base, which provides a warm, earthy foundation. Layer it with crisp apple notes to add a fresh, fruity brightness. This combination captures the essence of autumn, evoking images of apple orchards and fallen leaves.

2. Sandalwood & Plum

Sandalwood’s creamy, soft woodiness pairs beautifully with the juicy sweetness of plum. This blend creates a warm, inviting scent that feels both luxurious and comforting during the cooler months.

3. Patchouli & Pear

The earthy depth of patchouli complements the sweet, ripe notes of pear. This combination balances the richness of patchouli with the lightness of pear, making it an intriguing choice for autumn.

4. Oudh & Fig

Oudh brings a deep, smoky richness that pairs well with the sweet, slightly earthy notes of fig. This combination creates a complex and sophisticated fragrance that is perfect for the season.

5. Birch & Blackberry

Birch offers a fresh, woodsy aroma that works well with the tart sweetness of blackberry. This blend captures the essence of autumn with its contrasting notes, making it lively yet grounded (and utterly delicious!)

Layering these combinations can create a unique fragrance that reflects the warmth and richness of autumn, making each scent experience personal and inviting. Which fragrance combo might you like to give a go first, we wonder…?

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Scented Textiles: Weaving Fragrance into Fabric Inspirations

As London Fashion Week 2024 weaves to a close, we look back at how the vibrant interplay of fabric and fragrance took centre stage, making it the perfect time to explore how scents can evoke the textures and emotions of textiles.

In our first part, we delved into the luxurious world of fragrances inspired by silk, suede, and velvet. Now, we continue our exploration with three key fragrances that beautifully embody the essence of leather, tartan, and cashmere, revealing how these scents can transport us into the tactile realms of fashion.

In the tapestry of olfactory artistry, fragrances inspired by fabrics weave a sensory story that transcends the visual and tactile. These scents invite us to experience textures, patterns, and hues through the medium of aroma, creating a synaesthetic journey that blurs the lines between our senses…

 

Tartan Dreams

Sarah Baker Tartan Extrait, crafted by the ingenious Sarah McCartney, unfurls like a Highland mist. This fragrance captures the essence of a cozy fireside evening after a brisk walk through heather-clad hills. Notes of smoky whiskey and leather intertwine with the crisp freshness of pine, evoking the rich heritage and rugged beauty of Scotland’s iconic fabric. The scent’s complexity mirrors the intricate weave of tartan itself, each layer revealing new depths with every breath

£145 for 50ml extrait de parfum in our shop

 

Leather’s Exotic Journey

MEMO Indian Leather transports us to the bustling markets of Rajasthan, where supple leather goods mingle with exotic spices. This fragrance is a sensory expedition, blending the raw, animalic power of leather with the warmth of saffron and the sweetness of vanilla. Like a well-worn saddle infused with the essence of far-flung adventures, Indian Leather tells a story of journeys taken and memories etched into every crease and fold.

£235 for 75ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com

 

Cashmere’s Gentle Embrace

Guerlain Eau de Cashmere from their Les Matières Confidentielles collection is a masterclass in olfactory subtlety. This scent captures the gossamer-light touch of the world’s most luxurious wool against bare skin. Delicate notes of iris and white musk create an airy, almost ethereal fragrance that whispers rather than shouts. Like the finest cashmere shawl, it wraps the wearer in a cocoon of comfort and understated elegance.

£145 for 100ml eau de toilette selfridges.com

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Giddy-up for Equestrian-inspired fragrances

The allure of equestrian-inspired fragrances is galloping into the world of scent, I’ve noted lately; these emotionally-evocative perfumes capturing the essence of horses and the nostalgia of the stables with an artistic flourish. These olfactory creations bring the romance and adventure of horseback riding in fragrant form, blending notes that transport wearers to a world of leather saddles, grassy fields, and sunlit stables. 

So, giddy-up to jump on this trend, let’s see what’s inspired it, and some of the scents I’m cantering towards right now…

The Emotional Pull of Equestrian Fragrances

Nostalgia and Emotion: (A key fragrant trend, as you will soon see in the forthcoming issue of The Scented Letter magazine – sign up here for your FREE digital copy to be sent as soon as it publishes…)

These scents weave a tapestry of memories, conjuring the rustic charm of barns and the comforting aroma of leather, hay, and saddle soap. They evoke a profound emotional connection to cherished past experiences, and even if you never grew up as part of the horsey set, they’re scents we can cleave to for olfactory connection. A feeling of closeness that brings to mind the comforting textures of soft nuzzles, smooth leather, buttery suede, woollen blankets, dry straw, and of crisp country air – gaspingly fresh, a sparkling, frosted verdancy passing in a galloping blur of green; and the feeling that something strong is carrying you forward.

There’s a sensory complexity to equine-themed fragrances. A symphony of earthy, leathery, and animalic notes creates a rich, layered narrative. This overlapping of notes appeals to those who savour fragrances that tell a story, each ingredient unfolding like chapters in a novel as it slowly warms on your skin. Horses, symbols of freedom and strength, have galloped through human history and culture. So, fragrances inspired by these themes also tap into this deep cultural significance, offering a sensory journey through time.

Amidst a sea of floral and citrus scents, horse-inspired fragrances stand out with their unusual yet somehow soothing familiar elements, so deeply resinous, long-lasting notes such as oudh meld with throbbingly animalic accords, but are often balanced with an unexpected tenderness that can make you think of wild flower meadows, chamomile, clover-filled grassy paddocks and bales of hay slowly baked in the sun.

 

 

 

Key Notes in Equine-Inspired Fragrances

  • Leather: Evoking saddles and reins, a staple in equine scents.
  • Hay and Grassy Notes: Coumarin adds pastoral freshness.
  • Animalic Accords: Cumin or oudh evokes the spacial presence of a horse.
  • Saddle Soap: Adds a nostalgic, clean element.

These notes are central to evoking the nostalgic emotions we may experience when smelling a scent inspired by the equestrian world. Used separately, or in wonderful harmony, they give  a unique blend of rustic and refined elements that capture the imagination and transport wearers to the heart of this world – and it doesn’t matter if you’re not a ‘horsey’ person with walls of rosettes. Even if you’ve never been in a saddle, there’s something we can all relate to, here, on a human level or being comforted, feeling in control of your life again, and being at one with nature.

Saddle Up for These Scents…

 

 

Sarah Baker Riders: A sunlit stable where leather saddles meet verdant fields and ripe peaches, this fragrance is a harmonious blend of grass, peach, and leather, with a touch of tobacco and amber.

£150 for 50ml eau de parfum sarahbakerperfumes.com

 

 

 

 

Hermès Barenia: Named after Hermès saddles, this scent is a sophisticated blend of powdery iris and sweet butterfly lily, grounded by patchouli, capturing the elegance of aged leather.

£100 for 60ml eau de parfum thefragranceshop.co.uk

 

 

 

Maison Crivelli Oud Stallion: A daring blend of smoky leather and oud wood, accented with cardamom, nutmeg, and saffron, resting on a base of cedarwood and roasted tonka bean.

£220 for 50ml extrait de parfum harrods.com

 

 

 

Perfumer H Saddle: The warmth of worn leather with bergamot, orange flower, and patchouli, balanced by vanilla and amber, creating a scent both tenacious and elegant.

£130 for 50ml eau de parfum perfumerh.com

 

 

 

Papillon Epona: Inspired by the Celtic goddess of horses, this fragrance blends leather, saddle soap, and horse skin accords with vetiver and violet, capturing equine essence and pastoral tranquility.

£147 for 50ml eau de parfum papillonperfumery.co.uk

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale