After sun comes amber

I must admit, even a base note woman like myself can find pleasure in a perky summery fragrance. Not many, but a few. But I do look forward to boots, blankets and fuller blends. A launch that makes me curious is L’Ambre des Merveilles, a new interpretation of Hermès’ Eau des Merveilles from 2004 that will be in stores in August. Eau des Merveilles was created by Ralf Schwieger and Nathalie Feisthauer but the new interpretation is created by Jean-Claude Ellena (as were L’Elixir des Merveilles and Eau Claire des Merveilles). Ellena often speaks of how a perfume’s identity and character can be given different olfactive expressions. It is always interesting to study his creations, just take the EdT and the EdP of Voyage, and compare them for example.

Lovely detail with the two bases on the bottle of L’Ambre des Merveilles that can be used to create movement of the sparkly stars.

Scents of Poland

I have infinite amounts of scent memories from my childhood that are linked to Poland and my grand mother. From the smell of chicken broth when she opened her window as she saw us arriving by car from the airport – to the Lancôme powder in her handbag. My Poland is a Poland with so many olfactory codes and sentimental signs that go through my nose straight to my soul.

This summer I am spending some time in Sopot and the surrounding area. A place where my mother spent childhood summers and where I have been as a child as well. And so many scents… The fish restaurants by the sea, the corn, the grilled little cheeses “Oscypek” that you can buy as street finger food – and my favorite smell… Gofry. A kind of waffle that you can buy every ten steps, you get them with cream or ice cream, berries, chocolate what have you… I don’t eat them but the smell of them that covers the entire coast in a soft vanilla embrace… It’s divine. And then there is the pop corn smell by the beautiful outdoor cinema at the pier, the fruits, the homemade soups and pierogi, and the perfumes that leave a trail after all the dressed up people at night.

Oh, and today… the most amazing one. Driving to Krokowa there was this scent outside in the infinite woods. So poetic and so gentle. Sand, sea and warm pine trees. It smelled of innocence, eternity and fairytale.

My beloved Poland. How much you offer all senses.

“The poetics of perfume”

Been playing around with words as a tool for fragrance composing… And found a new olfactory-and-creativity-friend! Alexis Karl, Persona Très Cool!

You’ll find my word world here: bodymadeluminous.tumblr.com/

image from http://www.facebook.com/scentbyalexis

"The poetics of perfume"

Been playing around with words as a tool for fragrance composing… And found a new olfactory-and-creativity-friend! Alexis Karl, Persona Très Cool!

You’ll find my word world here: bodymadeluminous.tumblr.com/

image from http://www.facebook.com/scentbyalexis

Not everything is top-heart-base. Linear Scents!

Yep, it is true. Not ALL perfumes are created with top note, heart and base. Not all perfume experiences are designed with this narrative. Most. But there are other ways and we should all encourage the diversity.

Brilliant article from Perfume Shrine on linear scents.

Perfume Shrine: Perfume Term: Linear Scents ~Deceptive Simplicity

Vanilla fierceness

I love this. For being vanilla that is not trying to be cute. For being vanilla that a man can wear. For being soft and fierce. For being strong but undemanding. For feeling like the crème in the crème brûlée and like leather. For it’s intimacy blended with a feeling of ancient heritage. I really love this admirable creation.

Risqué

One of my best friends is a flower queen. Totally. She smells of romance, dessert and petals. I have  been dying for ages to see if I can tempt her to leave the flowers or at least go in an olfactory direction that conveys some of her amazing fierceness. This is my first attempt. To be continued. No floral notes what so ever.

Voltaire La Petite Mort

Watched Wes Anderson’s movie “The Darjeeling Limited” yesterday. Those of you who know your Wes will recognize this.

Two questions…
1) Your thoughts on this symbol and the movie and the relationship? Any thoughts.
2) Do you have other favorite perfume-in-film-appearances?

Let’s talk about this. 🙂