Lancôme creates precious La Vie est Belle fragrance for their 80th Anniversary Celebration

Julia Roberts

Lancôme Paris is celebrating their 80th anniversary. For their celebration, Lancôme commissioned Mellerio dits Meller, the Parisian jewelry house, to create a perfume bottle that captures the essence of the brand’s spirit. Their La Vie Est Belle perfume line was selected as it was the perfect representation of what the brand stands for, a beauty that transcends time.

Lancome La vie est belle Perfume L’Extrait 80th Anniversary Edition

This exquisite bottle features rose-gold-gilded sterling silver clustered on the neck of the bottle. Each petal is hand crafted piece by piece, then carefully assembled using piercing, chiseling or mirroring techniques.

A beautiful fragrance that was created by Dominique Ropion en Anne Flipo.

The luxurious edition La Vie Est Belle L’Extrait de Parfum by Mellerio dits Meller was created in only 80 pieces, one for each year. It is available as 10 ml priced at  $950. For all fans of perfume extracts, Lancôme presents La Vie Est Belle Extrait de Parfum in a flacon of the same design with a bow as a standard Eau De Parfum edition in the amount of 10 ml priced at $160.

Lalique Amethyst

Lalique Amethyst Eau de Parfum

Amethyst is a feminine perfume by Lalique. This beautiful exclusive scent was launched in 2007 and the fragrance was created by perfumer Nathalie Lorson.

Of course, Lalique itself is the designer of the bottle, and it was inspired by René Lalique’s objects for bathroom, Epines (‘Thorns’) designed in 1920. The bottle describes the scent very well, if i could give this smell a colour it would be ‘purple’ of course. The crystal bottle for the perfume extract carries crystal blackberries on the top and is clothed in seductive…. purple.

Lalique Amethyst Eau de Parfum

Honestly, I’m not a fan of modern floral and fruity fragrances (mostly they are too artificial). But Lalique Amethyst is one of the most surprising fruity perfumes, surprising in its longevity. I thought the top notes of fruit would disappear, but they stuck around and overshadowed the floral heart. It smells a little bit like grape bubblegum, but not in an off-putting way and isn’t saccharine like other perfumes with similar fruit notes. The blackberry and blackcurrant are prominent and eventually dissipate into a slightly soapy, clean musk drydown. Amethyst also seems versatile in that it can definitely be layered with other perfumes that have stronger drydowns and are woodier in nature

 

Lalique Crystal Amethyst Parfum Extract (Click photo to enlarge).

Lalique Crystal Amethyst Parfum Extract (Click photo to enlarge).

I love the smell of pure black current in the top notes. It’s so fresh and juicy,- simply wonderful! The heart beats with the accords of intoxicating rose spiced with pepper, peony, lily and sweet, floral ylang-ylang. The base is powdery and soft with Bourbon vanilla and sensual musk.

• Top: Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Rasberry
• Heart: Floral Notes
• Base: Musk, Vanilla

Amethyst has become my signature scent. I should confess that it’s a very sophisticated perfume, not provocative nor sexy, but concentrates on mind not body. This fragrance have much personality, and definitively confirm the very good taste of Nathalie Lorson. . Men and women alike are very attracted to this wonderful scent. Very nice everyday-scent.

It is available as 50 ml and 100 ml Eau de Parfum and 50 ml Perfume extract.

 

The original Joy perfume bottle will be recreated for a collector’s edition

For this special edition, the luxury brand has recreated an iconic bottle from the past. Designed by Jean Patou himself in 1932, the Joy flacon, which was originally inspired by his collection of Chinese snuffboxes, is reborn in the spirit of the couture house’s ‘Nuit de Chine’ dress.

The curvaceous inky black bottle is topped by a ‘rouge capucine’ dome-shaped stopper and wrapped in gold thread.

Having received many requests from our loyal customers, we decided to bring back the Joy fragrance in its iconic bottle, thereby celebrating the centenary of the Jean Patou house

Dilesh Mehta, Jean Patou’s president.

Jean Patou has announced that this new version of Joy is the ‘purest, richest and most concentrated’ of all the variations of its signature fragrance. Its powerful opening notes are rose and jasmine (flowers that are gathered by hand in September and May), combined with ylang-ylang, tuberose and a warm sandalwood base.

Each bottle is filled by hand and sealed. The perfume is available as a limited edition at the Espace Jean Patou and Printemps Haussmann stores initially, then at selected retail outlets from January. Price: €89 for the 30 ml eau de parfum, €155 for the 100 ml eau de parfum, and €300 for the 15 ml perfume.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540

Last year, crystal manufacturer Baccarat celebrated its 250th anniversary with the launch of the Baccarat Rouge 540 fragrance as a high point of the festivities. Presented in a Baccarat crystal bottle, the scent was carefully created by the perfumer Francis Kurkdjian.

The Baccarat Rouge 540 fragrance is the result of a partnership between the crystal manufacturer Baccarat and the perfume house Maison Francis Kurkdjian. This new celebratory fragrance will be available in mid-January 2016.

The name of this very special anniversary limited edition was inspired by the bottle manufacturing process. In Francois Truffaut’s film of Ray Bradbury sci-fi title Fahrenheit 451, this is the temperature of the auto-ignition point of paper — the heat at which it will catch fire without being exposed to an external flame. In the case of the Baccarat crystal, it is a heat of 540 degrees that once applied, with consummate skill, to the raw materials of sand, lead and 24-carat gold powder metamorphosing it into the beautiful red incandescent crystal for which the house is famous.

A few months later, Maison Francis Kurkdjian announced that the Baccarat Rouge 540 fragrance will become part of its celebratory perfume collection, and will be packaged in the perfume house’s iconic bottle.

This woody amber floral fragrance has opening notes of jasmine and saffron, followed by ambergris and cedar.

Baccarat Rouge 540 in the iconic Maison Francis Kurkdjian bottle (70ml) will be available from mid-January in the brand’s Parisian stores. Price: €195. A limited numbered edition of 250 in a Baccarat crystal bottle will also be available. Price: €3,000 for 100 ml.

Chanel Les Exclusifs

 

 

Chanel Les Exclusifs (Click photo to enlarge)

Identical bottles. Individual influences. Chanel Les Exclusifs is a collection of 14 fragrances first created by Ernest Beaux, Mademoiselle Chanel’s exclusive perfume creator to present day by Jacques Polge.

Each fragrance reinventing a moment in the life of Gabrielle Chanel’s life. A home, her atelier, her country side walks. 14 unisex fragrances. Which scent inspires you?

Chanel Les Exclusifs (Click photo to enlarge)

• Cuir de Russie. An imperial fragrance inspired by old Russia
• Coromandel inspired by the exquisite Chinese lacquer screens in Gabrielle Chanel’s rooms
• Jersey, a scent of freedom named after the fabric Gabrielle boldly used in her designs
• Bel Respiro, fresh open air of the French countryside.
• Beige, a colour beloved by Chanel for the simplicity it evokes
• 28 la Pausa, the woody country smell of Chanel’s country home
• 31 Rue Cambon, the couture fragrance named for the location of her atelier.
• 1932, the brilliance of a constellation of diamonds
• Sycomore, woody and noble
• Gardenia, the closest flower to Chanel’s beloved Camellia flower
• Eau de Cologne, simple and refreshing • No 22, created in 1922, graceful powdery florals
• Bois des Iles, an invitation to travel
• No 18, inspired by the Chanel boutique at 18, place Vendome, rich and full of surprises.
• Misia, an ode. Misia Sert and Coco Chanel shared a unique friendship. A rare complicity also because it was marked by curiosity.

Chanel Les Exclusifs Parfums (Click photo to enlarge)

Soon we will review each of these beautiful scents, starting next month….

by Jean Amr

 

Guerlain by Elisabeth Barillé

Novelist, Anais Nin biographer and two-time winner of France’s prestigious prix Jasmin, Elisabeth Barillé has published several books dedicated to fashion and perfume. Also by Elisabeth Barillé: a story of Guerlain and his beautiful and sometimes amazing perfume creations is captured in a wonderful book. A real must have for every Guerlain or perfume addict.

Elisabeth Barillé ‘Guerlain’ (Click photo to enlarge)

Eau de Cologne Impériale, Jicky, l’Heure Bleue, Mitsouko, Shalimar: these immortal classics of the fifth sense are landmarks in the remarkable history of the House of Guerlain.

Since its founding in 1828, Guerlain has created subtle compositions light years away from simple floral imitations. These fragrances invoke a mood in which romanticism and mystery are combinated, and have attracted a prestigious clientele that includes royalty and connoisseurs.

Guerlain Shalimar Perfum (Click photo to enlarge)

Guerlain L’heure Bleue Parfum (Click photo to enlarge)

At the turn of the century, Aimé Guerlain, the creator of Jicky, composed the famous magic formula Guerlinade, a velvety, intoxicating alliance of rose, jasmine, vanilla and tonka bean, which has become the sensual hallmark of every creation, including the most recent ones. It is a note that stirs the emotions and embodies the spirit of a great perfumer and his legend.

The two-time winner of France’s prestigious prix Jasmin, Elisabeth Barillé knows everything when it comes to fashion and perfume. She tells the wonderful story of Guerlain and his beautiful and sometimes amazing perfume creations and captured them in this wonderful book. Not new, but like I said: A real must have for every Guerlain or perfume addict.

Assouline Publishing (November 1, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1614282242

ISBN-13: 978-1614282242

Discover the world of Guerlain
www.guerlain.com

by Jean Amr

Ladies perfect accessories

Vintage perfume purse sprays: from left: Lalique ‘de Lalique’, Jean Patou ‘Sublime’, Cartier, Lanvin (by Cartier), Cartier ‘Must’. Vintage creme/solid perfumes: Paloma Picasso, Jean-Louis Scherrer no.I, and Bulgari ‘Femme’ (Click photo to enlarge).

Now, with the holidays ahead, many stores try to seduce us with the most beautiful evening clothes and accessories for these days. And now that the clutch, that little chique ladies bag, is hotter then ever, you can find them in all price ranges. But what do you take all along in such a small bag? A lipstick….maybe a handkerchief. And don’t forget your perfume purse spray! Our grandmothers used them, our mothers, they are availble in countless models and shapes. Many luxury perfume brands have them in their range.

And now that the clutch is hotter then ever, the beautiful refilable perfume purse sprays are also making their ‘comeback’. That make them the perfect accessories for this season, and to the perfect gift…

Annick Goutal ‘Grand Amour’ 15ml Eau de Parfum refillable purse spray (Click photo to enlarge).

Balenciaga Eau de Parfum Purse Spray (Click photo to enlarge).

Chanel ‘Coco Mademoiselle’ Eau de Parfum Purse Spray set (Click photo to enlarge)

Chanel ‘No.5’ Eau de Parfum Purse Spray set (Click photo to enlarge).

Gucci ‘Flora’ Eau de Toilette Purse Spray set (Click photo to enlarge)

Calypso Figue Eau de Parfum purse spray (Click photo to enlarge)

Gucci ‘by Gucci’ Eau de Parfum purse spray (Click photo to enlarge).

Tory Burch Eau de Parfum Purse Spray Set (Click photo to enlarge).

Christian Dior Purse Spray Set (Click photo to enlarge).

Every holiday season it’s a suprise wich brand brings us what.  Great are the, mostly limited edition, cremer solid perfumes. They come in the most fantastic shapes, sometimes like a Fabergé egg or a small compact powder, as a charm or pill box. But always they turn out to be true collecors items. Famous are the ones from Estée Lauder almost every year.

Houbigant Quelques Fleurs Solid Compact Perfume (Clickphoto to enlarge).

Apothecary Cherry Blossom Solid Perfume Charm (Click photo to enlarge).

Crabtree & Evelyn: Evelyn Rose Solid Perfume (Click photo to enlarge)

Marc jacobs Daisy Solid Perfume Ring (Click photo to enlarge)

by Jean Amr

The Jean Patou experience

Create the perfect legacy with Jean Patou. From its historical home in Rue Saint-Florentin, Paris, the house of Jean Patou returns to creation of bespoke perfume, following an offering of the combined expertise of high-perfume and haute couture.

Just like designer Jean Patou, the approach of the house today discovers the secret tastes of the exceptional customer to embed his or her passions in an unique and personal fragrance.

Jean Patou ‘Bespoke Parfum’ (Click photo to enlarge).

The production of a haute couture fragrance is a work of art, an object of desire, a distincitve monogram, designed with the most precious natural essences, those whose names remind us of a beautiful poem. May Rose, Jasmine from Grasse, Mimosa, Champaca, Iris of Florence, Chinese Osmanthus, Sandalwood Mysore …. A painting of life whose palette carries the colors of ones passion giving the ultimate olfactory reflection of oneself.

When ordering the Bespoke Experience, the client will receive their fragrance in a 100ml Jean Patou octagonal bottle made by Baccarat, designed by Louis Sue and personalized with the name or initials of choice. The gift box will be beautifully presented made by one of three possible baggage specialists: Pinel & Pinel, Elie Bleu or Norline. Marcel Franck will accompany the fragrance with two magnificent purse atomizers.

Developed over an approximate period of one year and a minimum number of three consultations. The process starts with a meeting face to face with the in house perfumer Thomas Fontaine in which the client expresses their tastes and shares olfactive memories which merge with the imagination of the ‘nose’.   Always at the clients disposal, the perfumer then creates proposals by sending samples and adjusting with feedback until the client is happy with his or her formula. After six months of testing and maceration, 5 litres of perfume will be stored safely for refills. Creating a fragrance with Jean Patou is a unique opportunity to become part of the rich heritage of our private perfume archives dating back nearly 100 years, started by our founder Jean Patou. This also means that the record is protected for the client and their future generations to re-order.

To make an appointment for this truly unique experience exclusively at:

Jean Patou Laboratory

9, rue Saint Florentin, Paris.

by Jean Amr

Tom Ford Black Orchid, Ultimate Seduction

Tom Ford Black Orchid Parfum ‘Lalique’ Limited Edition (Click photo to enlarge).

There is always something, a moment in time, that sets us off on a different trajectory in life. That first kiss, first touch, first taste of the luxe… For me, the first whiff that set me on the path towards haute fragrances was Christian Dior Jules. Addicted to this scent, occasionally you come across something new. Up until then I had enjoyed a few good perfumes, but they were mostly ‘mass’ market labels,  Then I discovered Tom Ford Black Orchid. And as Tom Ford put it, it was decades of minimalism up until that point.

Tom Ford Black Orchid Parfum ‘Lalique’ Limited Edition (Click photo to enlarge).

For his very first debut fragrance release, Tom Ford envisioned a bold, sultry scent. It starts out with a big bang, seductive patchouli and earthy black truffle shot through with sparkling bergamot, mandarin and citrus. Once you clear your head of the citrus, a heady bouquet of plumy florals shine through. Ylang ylang, French jasmine, black gardenia and that rare “Tom Ford Black Orchid”. The latter was supposedly specially cultivated just for Mr Ford’s olfactory pleasures, although I think it is the idea of a rarefied black orchid rather than actual distillation of juice that has given birth to this outstanding fragrance.

The first few times I tried wearing Black Orchid I noticed it’s longevity of wear. You need to know how to use, and got the dosage right (just a single short spray, from a 30cm distance) so you can enjoy the fragrance. It’s vèry important otherwise you would think that it’s such a heavy fragrance and that you invariably end up with ‘a headache’. It’s made in the old tradition, so use it as in the old tradition!

This is not about an ordinary orchid, it’s about something a little more strange and rare. I wanted the blackest orchid, and those aren’t easy to find

Tom Ford

After the initial burst, Black Orchid settles down into a warmer, slightly less obnoxious scent with some creamy vanilla notes tampered by spicy sandalwood, incense and warm amber. There are some who prefer the initial heady sensation of the scent, but for me, I actually really enjoy the long drydown. It is much less acrid on the nose, yet stays very true to the character of Black Orchid.

Black Orchid is opulent, classically dark; its fragrance is in line with the best creations of the best perfume houses. Luxurious and sensual fragrance with rich dark trace of black orchid and spices, modern and timeless. It remains to be said that Black Orchid is long lasting and with wide spread aura. It is also one off the longest-lasting fragrance I have worn, remaining consistent and only fading gently as the day extends out into the night.

Tom Ford Black Orchid Parfum ‘Lalique’ Limited Edition (Click photo to enlarge).

What a deep scent this beauty is. Dark and mysterious. beautiful & sexy scent. I’m slightly embarrassed to say, but I love it! Embarressed because some of you would say it’s ‘a female’ fragrance, but I regard it as a unisex scent. Longevity and sillage are awesome. It is, it is by no means a new fragrance. Tom Ford Black Orchid has been in existence since 2006 and was created by perfume creators of fragrance company Givaudan. It is as impactful today as it was back then. And as it gets cooler and we head into the party season, I find myself reaching for Black Orchid more and often. For sure, I have no illusions of being able that it does the same thing to me as how Tom Ford wears his clothing, but regardless, Black Orchid has become the scent with which I hope to make an impression (lol). Just like how you all have the red lipstick or the little black dress that you turn to in times of need. Whether you end up falling in love or hating it, Tom Ford Black Orchid forces you to look up and take notice. And whether worn on male or female, it will eventually seduce you and lure you in….

• Topnote:    French jasmine, black truffle, ylang-ylang, black currant and effervescent citrus, bergamote, mandarine
• Heartnote:  Lotus, Black Orchid, Lotus, Gardenia
• Basenote:   Patchouli, sandelwood,dark chocolate, incense, amber, vetiver, vanilla and balsam

I Love Tom Ford. I love Lalique, I love Art Deco and I love black! Can you imagen how happy I am with this handmade limited edition Lalique black crystal bottle…. ?… No, I don’t open it. It’s to precious!

The perfume is luxurious and the product range includes Eau de Parfum in 50ml (at US$90) and 100ml (at US$135) bottles, and limited edition of 5.000, 15ml handmade Lalique bottles of Parfum at US$600. The distribution is vèry limited.

by Jean Amr

A piece of history: Perfume Houses

What is your favorite bottle? (Click photo to enlarge)

We all have favourite perfume houses, do you? Brands, designers, independent and artisans. But whether you want to dig more deeply into the heritage and stories behind a name that you love, or simply to explore the universe of perfume houses (historic and contemporary) this is where you start.  Discover these fascinating stories through archive material and photography, historic advertising or today’s videos, and bring perfume alive…

What is your favorite perfume? (Click photo to enlarge).

Do you all want to know about perfume house: Guerlain, Acqua di Parma, Caron, or Annick Goutal?

Or would you like to know more background from your favorite designer: Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Patou, Pierre Balmain, Lanvin, Viktor & Rolf, Michael Kors or Calvin Klein ….

Or would you like to go more Italian style like: Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace, Trussardi, Gian Franco Ferré, Moschino, Valentino, Cerruti 1881, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi or Gucci……

Or more interested in the background of your jewelers perfume like: Cartier, Boucheron, Chaumet, Mauboussin, Poiray, Bvlgari,or Van Cleef & Arpels

Or would you like to know everything about the artists who created this beautiful scents?

The houses you will find under there Tags: ‘A Piece of History’, ‘Fragrances & Perfumes’, or look for a specific name…  about the artist, you will find under: ‘The Noses’

Do you prefer a new or a classic perfume (Click photo to enlarge).

‘Everything you wanted to know about fragrances, their creaters, rhe brands……
…………but where afraid to ask’.

Here on Yakymour! Hope you will enjoy!

by Jean Amr