Tag: pairing

The Thursday Murder Club Film – fragrance matching the cast

With The Thursday Murder Club fans in a frenzy over the release of the movie on Netflix, we’re frothing the excitement further by exploring some possible fragrance matches for characters in the main cast.

Something we love to do at The Perfume Society is looking at cultural zeitgeist moments through the lens of scent-matching.

A mere frivolity, you may think (and goodness – let’s allow ourselves some frivolity in troubled times!) But actually, we find pairing a perfume to a character can get to the heart of a matter in double-quick time. Fragrance is so immediately evocative, transporting us to a particular time and place, and instantaneously setting a mood that might otherwise take pages of prose to explain.

 

 

With our sense of smell scientifically proven to be intricately, intimately entwined with memories and emotions, we hope you’ll agree these perfumed parallels provide insight into both the fragrances and characters alike. So, while watching The Thursday Murder Club movie, or reading the books, have a think about which personalities you warm to the most (or perhaps see elements of yourself in), and then having followed their clues, wonder what perfumes you would pick for them to wear…

 

Netflix says: ‘Just because you join a retirement community doesn’t mean you retire. That’s certainly true for the members of The Thursday Murder Club, who solve cold cases in their spare time at their elegant Coopers Chase retirement home in the English countryside.

Based on the bestselling novel by Richard Osman, the film follows four irrepressible retirees — Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahim (Ben Kinsgley), and Joyce (Celia Imrie) — as their crime-solving pastime becomes a real-life whodunit when a murder lands on their doorstep.’

 

Helen Mirren as Elizabeth Best

About the Character

‘With her natural authority and dry wit, Elizabeth is the leader of the Thursday Murder Club. Highly intelligent, fearless, resourceful, and determined, she’s coy when it comes to the subject of her past career, which she describes only as something in “international relations.” Elizabeth certainly has some useful sources of information to call on. She’s extremely loyal to those she loves, particularly her husband, Stephen (Jonathan Pryce).’

 

Fragrance Match: Estée Lauder Knowing

Sophisticated, commanding, and layered with intrigue, with its rich, woody-floral composition, Knowing conveys elegance, intellect, and quiet power, wonderfully mirroring Elizabeth’s sharp wit and natural authority. Its depth has a steely backbone, and suggests hidden complexity, just as Elizabeth conceals her mysterious past. This is a scent that effortlessly embodies loyalty, strength, and understated allure, making it an ideal match for this fearless, resourceful character. Knowing, indeed…

£88 for 75ml eau de parfum selfridges.com

 

 

 

 

Pierce Brosnan as Ron Ritchie

About the Character

‘Ron is the real comedian of the gang. He’s into sports and supports West Ham United Football Club. Once a militant and high-profile trade union activist — he’s dubbed “Red Ron” by the press — even in retirement he still can’t resist a fight for what he feels is right. He’s been married several times, though he’s now a widower. His real pride and joy is his son, Jason (Tom Ellis), an ex-champion boxer turned TV celebrity, who’s a regular visitor to Coopers Chase. Ron is also good friends with Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley), whom he fondly calls ‘Ibsy.’’

 

Fragrance Match: Jimmy Choo Man Extreme

Charismatic, and full of vitality, this scent’s fresh citrus and black pepper top notes reflect Ron’s sharp humour and lively presence. The wonderfully rugged woods and leathery undertones mirror his fiery nature as someone who’s  beliefs are strong, their personality distinctly passionate. Overall, we feel this confident, masculine energy captures Ron’s larger-than-life persona, while its underlying warmth honours his softer side, especially his pride in family and enduring friendships.

From £49 for 30ml eau de parfum thefragranceshop.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Ben Kingsley as Ibrahim Arif

About the Character

‘A confirmed bachelor, Ibrahim is a respected psychiatrist of Egyptian descent. He’s soft-spoken, kind, polite, empathetic, and cultured. He’s also highly intelligent, analytical, a little cautious sometimes, and occasionally a bit pedantic. But his insights are highly valued by his friends. His closest friend is Ron (Brosnan).’

 

Fragrance Match: Atkinson’s Born for Eternity

The regal fanfare of simmering saffron and pink pepper mirrors Ibrahim’s cultured, analytical nature and Egyptian heritage. Soft incense tendrils evoke his calm, empathetic wisdom, while geranium and oudh embody sophistication and depth. The dry down of supple leather, amber, and enigmatic Akigalawood conjures his warm intellect and timeless insight. We think he’d wear this as an olfactive talisman of lasting power and elegance that beautifully suits his compassionate persona.

£230 for 100ml eau de parfum selfridges.com

 

 

 

 

Celia Imrie as Joyce Meadowcroft

About the Character

‘Ex-nurse Joyce is a newcomer to Coopers Chase. “You learn about everybody through her eyes,” says Imrie. The mother of Joanna (Ingrid Oliver), a highly successful hedge fund manager,  Joyce is recently widowed. Kind, thoughtful, chatty, warm, empathetic, and eager to please — particularly when it comes to Elizabeth (Mirren) — Joyce draws people to her.’

 

 

 

Fragrance Match: 4160 Tuesdays Captured by Candlelight

With her love of cake and mysteries, we think Joyce would be entranced by this utterly more-ish gourmand temptation, redolent of dark sugar, dried fruits generously soaked in cognac, and toasted hazelnuts. Having been based on a short story founder and perfumer Sarah McCartney once wrote, the note of candle wax in the scent adds a flickering thrill to the perfumed proceedings, echoing Joyce’s excitement at being in the midst of a murder.

£85 for 50ml eau de parfum in the Shop

 

 

 

 

Naomi Ackie as PC Donna De Freitas

About the Character

‘PC Donna De Freitas is a young police officer who was recently transferred from the London Metropolitan Police to the quiet Kent backwater of Fairhaven. Donna is intelligent, observant, resilient, and determined; but she’s also bored, deeply frustrated, and underused. Working with the Thursday Murder Club alters the course of her career. From then on, mutual like and respect, plus a little quid pro quo, sees them unofficially collaborating — to the annoyance of her boss.’

 

Fragrance Match: Amouage Decision

There could be no more apt fragrance for Naomi, for with its incense-laden clarity cutting through indecision, it reveals Donna’s intelligence and resilient spirit – and her forthcoming transformation. The scent erupts with an electric crackle, like Donna’s sharp mind confronting the quiet frustrations of her new posting, settling into juniper-laced frankincense and cedar that match her analytical focus. As vanilla and myrrh warm the base, Decision’s grounding embrace reflects Donna’s unwavering resolve and the new confidence she finds in trust and teamwork.

£320 for 100ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Summer Spritz! (Matching perfumes to drinks for perfect parties)

Summer is the season for sun-drenched gatherings, laughter with friends, and sipping something cool and delicious in the garden. But why should your glass have all the fun? This summer, let your fragrance be as refreshing and playful as your favourite cocktail. We’ve matched five fabulous perfumes to refreshing summer drinks, so you can spritz and sip your way through every party with style and flair.

Picture yourself at a garden soirée, the clink of ice in your glass and the scent of something wonderful on your skin. Here are our top picks for matching perfumes to drinks – each one as vibrant and irresistible as the cocktail it’s inspired by (which we’ve also provided links to recipes for). Cheers!

 

A classic G&T calls for Penhaligon’s Juniper Sling – a fragrance that fizzes with the energy of London in the roaring twenties. It opens with a sparkling hit of juniper berries, instantly conjuring the crispness of a freshly poured gin and tonic. As you linger, spicy cardamom and black pepper swirl through the air, like laughter in a secret speakeasy. The base – a delicious blend of brown sugar, black cherry and vetiver – leaves a sweetly sophisticated trail, perfect for those who love a dash of nostalgia with their evening tipple.

£175 for 100ml eau de toilette penhaligons.com

 

 

 

 

 

If a piña colada is your summer drink of choice, you’ll adore Kajal Aican. This scent bursts open with juicy pineapple, as if you’re sipping a cocktail straight from the fruit itself. Bergamot and apple add a zesty twist, while jasmine and ylang ylang bring a sun-drenched floral heart. The base of vanilla and musk is as smooth as a lazy afternoon, making this fragrance the ultimate choice for anyone who dreams of tropical escapes and poolside parties.

£191 for 100ml eau de parfum kajalperfumes.com

 

 

 

 

Fancy something truly indulgent? We’re LOVING the sound of this Bakewell Tart-ini, and it’s perfectly paired with EAU.MG Frangi Frenzy. Imagine biting into a sweet – yet tart – cherry and almond tart, the scent of rose absolute weaving through the air. A hint of bitter liquorice keeps things interesting, while creamy musk, woody patchouli and tonka linger like the last crumbs of dessert. This gourmand delight is for those who believe every party needs a little treat.

£95 for 50ml extrait de parfum in the Shop

 

 

For lovers of sangria, 4160Tuesdays Take Me to the River is a must. This fragrance captures the easygoing spirit of summer with a burst of ripe berries and citrus, just like the first sip of a perfectly chilled sangria. As it settles, a rich red wine and rum accord emerges, mingling with subtle spices and woods. It’s the scent of lazy afternoons, laughter, and stories shared as the sun goes down.

£100 for 50ml eau de parfum in the Shop

 

 

 

 

 

And if nothing says summer quite like a mojito, reach for Diptyque Eau de Menthe. This scent is as invigorating as freshly crushed mint leaves, cooled with a breeze of nutmeg and a whisper of sweetness. Geranium and patchouli add an earthy depth, grounding the fragrance like the muddled herbs at the bottom of your glass. It’s pure refreshment in a bottle – the perfect companion for sunlit patios and long, balmy evenings.

£160 for 75ml eau de parfum diptyque.com

 

So, whether you’re mixing up cocktails or simply want to capture the spirit of summer, these perfume and drink pairings are sure to make every party a little more fabulous. Here’s to a season of spritzing and sipping: hoorah!

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Scent Matching The Last Dinner Party Songs

The Last Dinner Party – a British band with theatrical performances and a contemporary baroque-inspired sound – have captured the imagination of critics and fans alike. Their meteoric rise to fame, culminating in sold-out gigs at London’s Apollo this October, and we think this makes them the perfect subject for our ongoing scent matching series…

The quintet’s unique blend of art rock and indie pop, coupled with their Renaissance-inspired aesthetic, creates a rich tapestry of sensory experiences. Their music is a heady mix of dramatic vocals, soaring melodies, and intricate instrumentals that transport listeners to a world of opulence and intrigue. It’s this multifaceted approach to their art that makes The Last Dinner Party ripe for olfactory exploration.

 

The Last Dinner Party

 

At The Perfume Society, we’ve long believed that fragrance has the power to enhance our appreciation of other art forms. By pairing scents with songs, we can delve deeper into the mood and character of both the music and the perfume. It’s a synesthetic journey that adds new dimensions to our understanding of these creative works.

 

The Last Dinner Party has a sound that has been likened to ‘a heady cocktail of influences’, from Kate Bush and David Bowie to ABBA and Florence and the Machine. This eclectic mix is reflected in their visual presentation, with the band often appearing in elaborate, period-inspired costumes that wouldn’t look out of place in a Baroque painting or a Victorian gothic novel. We reckon they probably all smell amazing as well! But which songs are we choosing to scent, and how…?

 

 

Bottle of Peach's Revenge by Sarah Baker Perfumes

 

Their debut single, ‘Nothing Matters‘, burst onto the scene with all the drama and flair we’ve come to expect from the band. The song’s powerful vocals and crescendo of instruments create a sense of euphoria and abandon that begs for a bold, statement scent to match its intensity.

Scent Match: Sarah Baker Peach’s Revenge

This ain’t no innocent prissy peach perfume, that’s for sure. Describing it as a ‘Viciously juicy peach for Renaissance power plays,’ perfumer Chris Maurice leans into the ripe fruitiness, which veritably drips deception, being laced with amaretto and hiding a sizzle of ginger and cinnamon in the flesh. Imagining ‘A handsome villain [strutting] out of the orchard trumpeting an exuberance of salacious fruit,’ the creamy caramel builds a delicious throb of anticipation.

£145 for 50ml extrait de parfum in our shop

 

Another standout track, ‘Sinner‘, showcases the band’s ability to blend the theatrical with the deeply personal. Its introspective lyrics and building instrumental layers pairs beautifully with an opulent, sensual scent that reveals new facets with each listen…

Scent Match: Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal Absolu Parfum Concentré

Monsieur Gaultier cares not for old-fashioned biblical warnings of ‘gilding the lily’: with customary twinkling charm this intensified version of the original dips every petal of a tuberose stem in gold. Thus encased, the floral notes shimmer to ripe, syrup-drenched fig and a silken sandalwood base. Daring the wearer to ‘indulge in the most eccentric and irresistible pleasures,’ we suggest you wear with your most glam party heels and dancing on tables!

£105 for 50ml parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

 

The title track of their debut album, ‘Prelude to Ecstasy‘, hints at the sensual and the sublime. One can imagine a fragrance that captures both the anticipation and the release, with notes that unfold slowly, mirroring the song’s journey…

Scent Match: Amouage Love Delight

Inviting us to ‘savour every moment of indulgence’, this is veritably laced with loveliness. From the warming, aqueous tingle of ginger (unusually used in the top notes, here), juicy mandarin and cinnamon-sprinkled rivulets of rose water; there’s an abundant floral bouquet via entwined swags of jasmine, heliotrope and rose. As the scent warms on skin, the fragrant garden path leads us to an altogether more sensual encounter of rum-swirled cocoa-flecked warm vanilla.

£320 for 100ml eau de parfum harrods.com

 

 

Another track on that album we feel is begging to be scent-matched is ‘Burn Alive’. The concept can symbolise transformation and renewal, akin to the rich, smoky notes that add a sizzle to a scent, and the song’s driving rhythms and passionate lyrics evoke feelings of heat and fervour, suggesting a spicy scent profile…

Scent Match: Marc-Antoine Barrois Ganymede Extrait

With a longevity and projection that will astonish and delight fans of the original Ganymede (and quite possibly summon fragrance lovers from other planets), this olfactive encounter imagines the dry, hot rockiness of Jupiter’s satellite. Brilliantly conceived by founder and designer Barrois, and composed by his good friend and genius nose, Quentin Bisch, waves of warm, sandy immortelle flowers drift with incense to a mineralic, leathery base. Truly otherworldly.

£260 for 50ml extrait harrods.com

 

 

 

Meanwhile, ‘My Lady of Mercy’, with its haunting melody and religious imagery, calls for a scent that balances the sacred and the profane – perhaps an incense-laden perfume with a twist of something unexpectedly modern…?

Scent Match Serges Lutens L’Orpheline

Lutens’ achingly personal inspiration conjures incense swirls, evoking the mystic rituals it’s used for. The cold flagstones of a darkened church echo here to carefully paced footsteps, before billows of smoke clear and slender slivers of brightness appear. L’Orpheline is veiled in a scented, sacred mystery, its emotions running deep.

£191 50ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Eaux-la-la! Scenting Emily in Paris (Season 4)

We’ve so eagerly anticipated the arrival of Season 4 of Emily in Paris, and now it’s here, the excitement is palpable. As are the perfumes we’re matching the characters to! If you’re new to this perfumed-pairing lark, do have a look back at some of our previous posts (including the earlier season 3 of Emily in Paris), where we match characters to the scents we feel best evoke their personalities.

This season is aired in two parts – the first section of episodes available now, the second half launching September 12. Meanwhile, we promise there are NO SPOILERS for the fourth season in our scent-matching feature, below. But what tantalising teasers DO we know about what’s to come…?

 

 

The fourth season of Emily in Paris promises to whisk us away on an enchanting journey through the French Alps and the picturesque piazzas of Rome, all while delving deeper into the delightful chaos of Emily Cooper’s life. With her signature blend of charm and misadventure, Emily (played by Lily Collins) continues to navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and career in the City of Light (and fragrance!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the vibrant spirit of Emily in Paris, we at The Perfume Society are thrilled to once again explore the scents that perfectly encapsulate the essence of each character as they embark on their latest escapades. Just as Emily’s adventures are filled with fashion and flair, the fragrances we choose will reflect their personalities and the intoxicating atmosphere of Parisian life. Join us as we match the beloved characters with their ideal scents, capturing the essence of their journeys and the spirit of the show.

Get ready to indulge your senses and discover which fragrances will accompany Emily and her friends on their stylish escapades this season…

 

 

 

Emily Cooper – DKNY 24/7

She may have been a Chicago gal in Paris for some time now, but we think she needs the spirit of ‘the city that never sleeps’ with her in scented form. She’ll certainly need to use every hour of the day to untangle her love-life, and this new perfume pulsates with unstoppable energy. A fizz of of pink pepper and rhubarb mirrors her adventurous nature, refreshing quince and romantic rose reflect her multifaceted personality, while the textural floral / woody profile encapsulates her journey of self-discovery and ability to navigate the complexities of life.

£45 for 30ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com

 

 

 

Gabriel – AKRO Bake

Zesty lemon, airy vanilla sponge, and rich praline notes mirror Gabriel’s passionate culinary spirit. Just as Gabriel creates delightful dishes that tantalise the senses, this fragrance evokes the warmth and indulgence of a bakery, making it a perfect olfactory companion for a chef who thrives on creativity and flavour. Its enticing aroma captures the essence of his character – irresistibly charming and utterly addictive. But, would you want to share the deliciousness…?

£80 for 30ml eau de parfum fenwick.co.uk

 

 

 

Camille – EAU.MG Diaphanous Delight

Like Camille’s evolving character this season, this unfolds with a delicate balance of strength and grace. The fragrance’s woody floral musk composition mirrors her artistic sensibility and refined tastes. Its waterlily note would undoubtedly transport Camille to Monet’s ethereal garden, a source of solace for her, and resonating with her own artistic soul. Embodying Camille’s journey from newfound self-assurance and impulsive decisions, to her need for comfort and reassurance, this is one to wear when the world seems to be spinning too fast.

£95 for 50ml in our shop

 

 

 

Alfie – Marc-Antoine Barrois B683

B683 captures Alfie’s cheekiness and insouciant style. Opening with a subtle spiciness that mirrors Alfie’s witty banter, while the woody undertones reflect his grounded nature and professional ambition.As the scent develops, the leather notes emerge, emboldening Alfie’s suave confidence and aiding his ability to navigate both the corporate world and romantic entanglements. B683’s unique signature and remarkable longevity would ensure Alfie leaves a lasting impression: in business settings and (perhaps?) Emily’s heart…

£110 for 30ml eau de parfum harrods.com

 

 

 

 

Mindy – Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club

Echoing Mindy’s fun but feisty character, this fragrance exudes depth, the sassy blend of rum, tobacco, and vanilla balancing her aspirations as a singer with her role as a supportive friend to Emily. There’s a real sense of comfort and approachability, too, in the smoothness that hugs your skin as it warms; and along with the spicy and woody notes wearing this creates a bold scent profile. Jazz Club is a scent which reflects Mindy’s confident demeanour, kindness, (and her willingness to take risks in pursuit of her dreams).

£60 for 30ml eau de toilette thefragranceshop.co.uk

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale