Lancôme Idôle, worlds thinnest perfume

French Maison Lancôme was founded in 1935 by Armand Petitjean, a former coty employee. The company’s name was inspired by the ruins of a castle, Le Chateau de Lacosme, and the Maison’s rose symbol was inspired by the roses that surround it.

Lancôme orginated as a perfume compagny, launching five fragrances – Bocages, Conquete, Kypre, Tendre Nuit, and Tropiques – in time for the 1935 World’s Fair in Brussels, Belgium. The company later expanded its offerings to include cosmetics and skincare products. Lancôme joined the L’Oréal family in 1964, after which many of their classic and best loved fragrances were created, including Climat (1967), Ô de Lancome (1969), Sikkim (1971), Magie Noire (1978),  Trésor (1990), Poême (1995), Miracle (2000), and La Vie est Belle (2012).

A new pillar fragrance from Lancôme always constitutes hot news. Besides the endless flankers of Trésor, Miracle and La Vie est Belle, and the more exclusive line Grand Crus, the brand rarely launches a brand new concept. So, rejoice, all Lancôme fans, for there is a new streak of creativity waiting for you to be discovered. You just have to wait until August 22.

Idôle is a name that was previously used by Lancôme in their makeup line, but also we have seen the same name in a perfume by sister company Armani (2009), not to mention Lubin’s Idole (2005). I don’t like new perfumes who has stolen somebody elses name. Isn’t it ridiculous how Idôle d’Armani flawlessly disappeared and reincarnated in Idôle de Lancôme thanks to L’Oréal marketing machine. It can be compared only with LVMH’s acquiring of Jean Patou with following launch of Joy by Dior like the legendary Joy from Jean Patou never existed. And recent news, it’s turned into Patou now with a new logo, all the history forgotten and ‘brand new start’ for the Maison. No more legacy and more respect, just juggling with names and brands with some hype added.

The flacon even has a case designed like a smartphone case! Is Lancôme trying to compete with Paco Rabanne now ? And that image with the text behind the bottle is so very Chanel L’Eau. Let’s see if this Idol defeats all other Idols. We just have to wait a little more than a month to smell it and see what it brings to the game.

Idôle is a modern musky, floral chypre fragrance, created by three female perfumers: Adriana Medina, Nadège Le Garlantezec, and Shyamala Maisondieu. A sustainably sourced Isparta Rose Petal Essence from Turkey exclusively made for Lancôme, along with a Centifolia Rose grown in France, shine among notes of bergamot, accords of pear, India Jasmine Grandiflorum, and a new ‘clean and glow’ accord.

As part of L’Oréal’s (who own Lancôme) socially productive purchasing program ‘Solidarity Sourcing’, which supports social inclusion and maintains sustainable, Fairtrade and eco-friendly supply chains. The rose petals, for instance, are harvested by a family-based cooperative with Fairtrade working conditions that helps women employees to be recognised for their contributions. But for such a ‘revolutionary’ perfume, I wish they had used some more unique notes.

Lancôme Idôle, embodied by the new face of the brand, American actress, singer, and fashion authority Zendaya Coleman. Zendaya Coleman has been fighting for women’s rights, WOC inclusion, non-gender-stereotyping and media bullying since 2013, when she ripped apart the role Disney prescribed to her for K.C. Undercover. She insisted her character was socially awkward, smart and skilled in martial arts, instead of miraculously gifted in singing and dancing. She demanded to be a producer and changed the show’s name (from Super Awesome Katy – cringe).

I am thrilled to be the face of this new Lancôme fragrance. Idôle is a perfume that has meaning. I like the fact that it’s fresh and light. I am very particular about perfumes, and Idôle smells absolutely beautiful and I love it.

Zendaya Coleman

Since then, she’s been a professional boundary-pusher: on style (hello, Met Gala cyber Cinderella), on stage (her speeches remind young people of their responsibility and power), on social (she’s openly shamed publications that digitally slim down and manipulate her body) and on screen (the majority of her stunts in The Greatest Showman were her own). All this at just 22.

With this scent, Lancôme is another brand that joins the strange trend of making political and feminist statements with just a perfume. Françoise Lehmann, Lancôme Global Brand President, said, “We are excited to be able to create a fragrance for a new generation of women questioning the status quo, breaking free from tradition and re-defining the meaning of success. Collective and beneficial for all women, this new confidence is inciting them to raise the bar a little higher every time. Idôle is a strategic launch for Lancôme and we are delighted to present it with Zendaya to the world”.

 

 

 

The Idôle flacon, designed by Algerian architect and industrial designer Chafik Gasmi, is the fitting tribute to the industry’s technical advances and innovations. The Idôle flacon being arguably one of the slimmest in the world at just 15mm thick. is made to lay down flat, not stand up. I bet Lancôme decided that a perfume designed to attract millennials should look like a touchscreen.

I am personally extremely curious about the bottle design and will definitely run to the perfume store to look at it as soon as it arrivés. I already can sense the flankers to come: Idôle Fleurs, Idôle Tendre, Idôle Fraiche, Idôle l’Eau….

Lancôme Idôle will be available as 25 ml, 50 ml, and 75 ml Eau de Parfum. Like ‘the old days’ Idôle will be accompanied by a perfume fountain – ‘La Recharge’ – to refil the flacons.

Lancôme Idôle will be out in stores starting from August 22nd, 2019. Come into the beautiful world of Lancôme.

 

 

 

 

 

Genderless Mugler Colognes

The newest Mugler Cologne collection is made of five fragrances which, individually and as a whole, propose endless extraordinary experiences inspired by thrilling sensations; olfactory creations distilled by unusual ingredients. Each cologne is a sensation. A collection following in the footsteps of the first Cologne designed by Mr Mugler in 2001, already taking a free approach to fragrance.

To embody this completely original line, an advertising campaign like no other was deemed essential. No spokesmodel, no photo shoot; only emotion in its rawest form. It is a pop-inspired, eccentric creation, a highly graphic surrealist perspective and an intense psychedelic digression, brought to life by illustrator Ugo Bienvenu.

Aimed at being worn on their own or mixed together. Here are the options:

Take Me Out

Created by Jean-Christophe Hérault, whom we know as the author of many perfumes from the Le Exceptions line and Alien Man, created the fragrance in the orange flacon. its nearly immaculate orange blossom illuminates the freshness of just-picked shiso leaf. On the skin, its trail leaves behind a sparkling pulsation and tenacious freshness. Its secret ‘P’ note releases surging energy to electrify the senses.

Fly Away

In this Cologne, created by Sonia Constant, the biting radiance of yellow grapefruit intermingles with a devilishly aromatic hemp accord. It then leaves behind an intense and powerful trail. The invigorating secret ‘C’ note caresses the senses.

Come Together

The original unifying cult cologne by Mugler boasts the same scandalously addictive sensual trail. A liberated blend of petitgrain and white musk releases the carnal, tenacious freshness of intermingling skin. At the fragrance’s core, the secret ‘S’ note sparks exciting sensations and leaves the memory of the hottest encounter on the skin: fresh, sexy, unforgettable.

Love You All

It is another work by Jean-Christophe Hérault for this collection. This carnal, ultra-sensual fragrance exudes both hot and cold. The velvety smoothness of blue licorice, the sensuality of white amber and the unsettling vibrancy of the secret ‘E’ note make it the most voluptuous second skin imaginable.

Run Free

The cologne opens with an explosion of purple ginger to reveal a surprising freshness. Shyamala Maisondieu decided to decorate the original Cologne with woody notes, so she added the sterile and clear patchouli of Akigalawood. The woody vibrancy of Akigalawood gives this fragrance a sophisticated signature, with a secret ‘D’ note that releases electrifying waves of pleasure.

Mugler Colognes are available at selected stores worldwide. Come into the beautiful world of Mugler.

Coach Floral

The fragrance that represents the Coach free spirit attitude The fragrance that is individual, authentic and cool

This year, Coach launches a new perfume for women part of the brand’s signature collection Coach Eau de Parfum. Coach Floral Eau de Parfum, the new perfume, perfectly embodies the Coach woman with the feminine charms and free spirit. It is an elegant perfume with modern elements, truly joyful and energetic.

Top notes: Citrus, Pink pepper, Pineapple sorbet
Heart: Gardenia, Jasmine sambac, Tea roses
Base: Musk, Patchouli, Creamy wood

Created by Nadège Le Garlantezec, Shyamala Maisondieu and Nathalie Gracia-Cetto, Coach Floral Eau de Parfum opens with a fresh splash of citrusy notes along with a touch of effervescent pink pepper and refreshing pineapple sorbet. the floral bouquet of tea roses, Jasmine Sambac, and gardenia nicely balances with the elegant creamy wood, patchouli, and musky notes.

 

Floral Eau de Parfum preserves the same bottle shape as the previous editions, yet comes in a pale pink color adorned with a nice pink flower. Chloë Grace Moretz is the face of this gorgeous, stunning and elegant new perfume by Coach.

Coach Floral is available as 30, 50 and 90ml Eau de Parfum.

 

 

 

 

 

L’Occitane Terre de Lumiere L’Eau

Famous French house L’Occitane launches a new fresh version perfume for women Terre de Lumiere L’Eau – flanker to last year’s bestseller Terre de Lumiere. Last year’s edition earned big success among its fans, one if the fans were me. I bought the perfume and body care products as a gift this summer and because of it’s pleasant, yet intense and long-lasting result – but they have to be used together (body-washer plus the perfume). It is not that kind of a very expensive perfume, nor too cheap, yet with a satisfying and airily enough aroma to make your day happier.

Top notes: Cassis
Heart: Freesia, Roses
Base: Amber, Vanilla, Patchouli

This autumn, Terre de Lumiere L’Eau appears as a soft/floral perfume for women created by famous perfumers: Nadège Le Garlantezec, Calice Becker, and Shyamala Maisondieu. It blends fresh bergamot, spicy pink pepper, and blackcurrant along with bitter almond, peony, Tonka bean and musk notes.

In Provence, there exists a unique moment where the light of the dawn ignites the sky and nourishes the Earth of a moment of ephemeral grace. When this light in the perfume is born it creates a tender, feminine and emblematic signature. The perfect match between the blossoming of a luminous floral heart, delicate like a cloud of petals and the unique and enveloping sensation of the sweetness of dawn.

L’Occitane Terre de Lumiere L’Eau is available as 50 or 90ml Eau de Toilette and body care products.

 

 

 

 

 

The light of Provence: L’Occitane Terre de Lumiere

Inspired by nature, beauty and light, L’Occitane’s new fragrance is the season’s olfactory must-have.

Fragrance and beauty specialist L’Occitane is set to launch its highly anticipated new fragrance, Terre de Lumière. Created by a trio of master perfumers – Calice Becker, Shyamala Maisondieu and Nadège Le Garlantezec – the new olfactory must-have captures the golden glow of the Provence sky during dusk, dubbed the Golden Hour, and transports the user onto the vast, colourful and scent-filled fields of the French region.

Terre de Lumière is a smooth aromatic gourmand that is sweet, yet sophisticated and feminine. I love the concept of it being inspired by light, and I almost want to describe the fragrance itself as ‘glowing’ even though I know that doesn’t really make sense. The top notes are actually quite fresh, with Bergamot and Pink Pepper, but they dry down quickly into an intoxicating, velvety veil of scent.

Terre de Lumière plays on the tension between masculine freshness and delicious feminine softness. It’s a very innovative scent, the first gourmand aromatic fragrance from L’Occitane, absolutely addictive.

Calice Becker

The smooth sweetness is thanks to the dominant heart note of Lavender Honey, although neither the lavender or the honey stand out alone in the scent. It’s balanced out by a musky base of White Musk, Tonka Bean and Bitter Almond. It’s warm, comforting and feminine.

The multi-faceted nature of the fragrance is owed to the combination of different experiences by its three creators; from Shyamala’s memory of lavender honey to Nadège’s subtle additions of almond to Calice’s final touches of a floral element.

To complement the breathtaking scent a special bottle had to also be created. “To find the ideal shape, we decided to focus on the luxury of simplicity, which Provence embodies,” said Olivier Baussan, Founder of L’Occitane. “The bottle is iconic and elegant. The cap represents a pebble picked up in a field of lavender as the sun sets. There’s something very sensorial about it”.

Terre de Lumiére is available now from L’Occitane stores, retailers and online here. It’s available in 50ml and 90ml and there’s also a shower get and body lotion as part of the collection.

 

 

 

 

 

Tom Ford to launch new fragrance: Velvet Orchid

Fashion designer Tom Ford will bring out his new fragrance Velvet Orchid this year, the brain child of a creative team that consisted of no less than five persons including Ford himself – working with expert perfumers Yann Vasnier, Calice Becker, Shyamala Maisondieu and Antoine Maisondieu from the fragrance company Givaudan.

Velvet Orchid retains Black Orchid’s instantly recognisable elements: a fresh, lush petal facet; animalic notes and skin-lacquering warmth, and re-imagines these elements into a fragrance with a uniquely compelling nature.

Tom Ford

Tom Ford Velvet Orchid opens itself with bergamot, mandarin, Succan absolute (purified rum extract) and honey. At the core of this creation (made of ‘corporeal floral notes’). is Tom Ford’s distinctive, ‘timeless’ signature – an imaginary accord of black orchid blended with notes of velvet orchid, which gives the perfume its name, with intense Turkish rose oil and jasmine and a new accord of purple orchid that grows in the wilds of southern Brazilian coast. There are also additional floral notes of orange blossom, rose absolute, narcissus, hyacinth and heliotrope. The base is warm due to the rich flavors of Peru balsam, myrrh, labdanum, sandalwood, suede and vanilla.

 

 

This new luxurious perfume is available in beautiful purple bottles of the classic Tom Ford design in 50 and 100 ml Eau de Parfum concentration.

Come in the world of Tom Ford.

 

 

 

 

Lanvin Avant Garde

French Maison launches a new masculine fragrance Avant Garde. It will show up in November as a modern and casual fragrance recommended for everyday wear. Lanvin Avant Garde perfectly reflects Lanvin’s immortal elegance and luxury. This perfume will suit anybody’s senses as its delightful and calm aroma is not intensive yet fresh and lovely.  

Lanvin Avant Garde was created by perfumer Shyamala Maisondieu as a woody/oriental and a little bit spicy fragrance. It blends bergamot, black pepper, pink pepper, juniper, nutmeg, cardamom, beeswax, lavender, tobacco, vetiver, georgywood and benzoin. Avant Garde has a modern design as its black oval bottle is accentuated with a turquoise line.

Lanvin Avant Garde will be available in stores in November as 30, 50 and 100 ml Eau de Toilette. More about this fragrance soon here on Yakymour….