A new season brings new fashion trends which often make their way into the perfume bottle, and this year, there’s a new pop of flavor for your fragrance wardrobe. Cherry red is this Autumn’s “it” color. From runway straight to the perfume shelf, we got cherry scents which are tart and smoky, leathery and boozy.
Here are my top cherry centric perfumes to indulge in.
TOM FORD BEAUTY Cherry Smoke – smoky, dark and oh so sensual. Creed Carmina – a lush floral bouquet with a tart opening of cherry wrapped in sensual musk. Montale Parfums Infinity smoky cherry on the bed of decadent old. BOHOBOCO • PERFUME Wet Cherry Liquor – Boozy, syrupy and ultra delicious. BDK Parfums Rouge Smoking – a Dr. pepper with a touch of dusty almonds. Sultry and seductive. MANCERA perfume Tonka Cola – a sip of cherry cola with a warm cuddle of caramelized amber in the base.
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the unveiling of the “What is love?” project by Givaudan, the eminent global leader in fine fragrances. This innovative initiative translates the language of love and seduction among Gen Z into captivating olfactive creations, presented within an immersive experience in collaboration with Highsnobiety.
This exclusive event will soon enchant Paris from October 9th to 20th. Moreover, it is slated to be a prominent feature at Dubai’s Beautyworld from October 30th to November 1st. If you have an opportunity to check it out, make sure to do so.
Givaudan’s approach transcends conventional perfumery stereotypes by engaging with GenZ, showcasing the company’s adeptness at connecting with this audacious and liberated generation. This collaboration aims to shape the future of fragrance creation by delving into the authentic essence of love as defined by Gen Z.
Interestingly, Gen Z has been instrumental in the recent surge in fragrance usage among consumers in the United States. Over the past year, Gen Z’s adoption of fragrances has risen by an impressive 5%, now standing at a remarkable 83% (according to Cirkana) Notably, this generation exhibits a penchant for purchasing fragrances for themselves multiple times annually, and #PerfumeTok on TikTok has a lot to do with it, it is clear that fragrance proves important when it comes to the emotional expression of Gen Z.
“What is love?” stands as the culmination of meticulous research spanning over two years. This extensive effort was fueled by consumer insights and a keen eye on social media dynamics, ensuring a nuanced and precise olfactive representation of the evolving expressions of love. The project delves into new paradigms of sensuality, gender dynamics, and relationships, placing a substantial emphasis on vulnerability and genuine emotions. For Givaudan perfumers, this became a boundless inspirational realm, where each perfumer got to tell the story through their own olfactory lens.
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, it is imperative to explore fresh narratives that resonate with the younger generation. Understanding and effectively addressing their unique perspectives is vital in establishing and nurturing a successful market tailored to the evolving preferences of the next wave of consumers. The “What is love?” project embodies this ethos, reflecting an insightful and captivating view into Gen Z’s intricate world of sensuality and authentic emotional connections.
Bravo to the entire team at Givaudan for executing this project, staging this #immersive event and allowing us a glimpse into the next generation of consumers which are more vocal and emotionally tuned in to every facet of the fragrance industry.
We’re living in a sugar-obsessed world—and who can blame us? With so much instability across the globe, it’s no surprise that we’re all hooked on things that give us an instant dopamine hit. America has always been the land of candy, and while I’m not endorsing the endless rows of sugar-packed treats in every aisle, I’m definitely here for a fragrance that’s one of the sweetest concoctions to hit the market in 2024.
Shall we indulge? With pleasure, if you ask me! With a slogan that reads “Make Perfume, Not War” and a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices woven into its brand ethos, The & Virtues brand has quickly soared to the top of the most talked-about fragrance brands. They’ve even captured the attention of the ever-elusive Gen Z—known for their high standards, demand for full transparency, and readiness to cancel anything that doesn’t align with the truth. It’s hard not to feel a wave of uplifting energy and sparks of happiness when you land on their site, step up to the counter at Sephora, or, even better, visit their location in Canada—a trip I haven’t made yet, but it’s high on my list. The Atelier even offers custom blending options, the perfect way to celebrate something special and bond while creating a unique perfume with top-notch ingredients. And here’s the fun part: you get to decorate your bottle with custom stickers! As someone who grew up obsessed with all things stickers, I find this seriously exciting—no judgment!
Barbara Stegemann, the CEO and creative director of The 7 Virtues brand, rightly calls this new release the best Candied Lychee scent out there. I can see why; this is a fun and flirtatious blend that highlights lychee in the most youthful and delicious way. The opening notes of The 7 Virtues Candied Lychee instantly made me crave watermelon sour patch candies dusted with sugar—the kind that makes your mouth water just by thinking about them. I might be biased because of my addiction to those candies, but it’s a fun and playful way to kick off a scent.
As the fragrance settles on the skin, it softens, and a beautiful peony accord emerges. Peonies have this magical way of making a scent feel so elegant and soft. The geranium note adds a lovely balance with its touch of greenness and earthiness, bringing depth to the blend. It often smells of roses and is used to build out a rose accord in fragrances, so it’s no wonder that it creates this feeling as if the peony is blended seamlessly with a rose, creating a ghost accord. Finally, the base is warmed by a decadent vanilla note. Vanilla has become a staple in the brand’s portfolio, being featured in multiple releases as the central ingredient. This makes the fragrance perfect for layering—I can see it blending seamlessly with every scent in the collection. With the trend of layering fragrances taking the perfume world by storm in recent years, this fragrance opens up endless possibilities for creating something uniquely yours.
Fragrance Notes: Top notes of Lychee and Peony, Heart notes of Geranium, and Base of vanilla.
The 7 Virtues Candied Lychee is available in 50ml & 10ml sizes on the brand’s site at Sephora.
The sensation of salt-kissed skin, warmed by the sun after a cooling dip in the sea. A sip of chilled wine and a lingering taste of caviar on the lips. Soft jasmine petals float on a gentle breeze, while vetiver fronds sway gracefully. Clove buds sparkle in the distance as the golden sun slowly sinks below the horizon. She is pure perfection. She is decadent and savory, like the summer spent in Corsica, under the blazing rays of the French sun.
She embodies the spirit of indulgence, leaving an unforgettable impression of warmth, elegance, and untamed beauty. She is St. Rose L’ETE in the summer of ’67.
Revered for centuries, pearls are the epitome of sophistication and grace, symbolizing purity and innocence. Among the myriad types of pearls, Akoya pearls stand out for their exceptional roundness, lustrous sheen, and enchanting shades of white, cream, and rose. Originating from the pristine waters of Japan, Akoya pearls are cultivated in the Akoya oyster, which produces pearls renowned for their mirror-like luster and impeccable surface quality. The meticulous process of nurturing these oysters and harvesting their precious gems has been perfected over generations, resulting in pearls that are cherished worldwide for their unparalleled beauty.
White Pearl pays homage to these captivating pearls, drawing inspiration from their marine origins to create a fragrance that intertwines ethereal floral notes with lively spices. The scent opens with a fresh accord of Pink Pepper and Cardamom, setting the stage for a masterful composition. This bright introduction seamlessly melds into a sumptuous floral bouquet of Ylang-Ylang, Rose, and Iris, evoking the iridescent hues and smooth, polished texture of a precious white pearl.
The marine notes anchor this luxurious fragrance, infusing it with a fresh, invigorating edge that sharpens the complexity of its floral and spicy elements. The result is a scent that is both daring and sophisticated, capturing the Akoya pearl’s timeless elegance with a bold, modern twist.
I had the pleasure of meeting the founders of the brand at an interactive event in NYC. We learned about the brand’s essence and got hands-on experience mixing champagne, floral, and gourmand accords into fragrances. It was fascinating to see firsthand how a single ingredient can transform a scent’s structure, making it either more refined and minimalistic or more vibrant and effervescent with a champagne accord.
With cherry obsession in full swing, the latest brand to unveil a cherry centric fragrance is Initio Parfums Prive. I always strive to review fragrances impartially, believing it’s crucial for a professional assessment. However, personal taste inevitably plays a part, so I’ll blend the two perspectives here.
The launch party was a spectacular sensory immersion where the food and drinks are meticulously crafted to complement the perfume’s essence: cocktails mixed with cognac, tart cherry juice, and vanilla pods, creating a vivid palette of flavors. It was a scene buzzing with photo booths, pulsating beats from a DJ, and a guest list of the brand’s devoted followers and original aficionados.
Now, let’s dive into the fragrance itself. This latest offering is a masterpiece, featuring the seductive Hedione accord, a staple in the Carnal Collection. The scent is an intoxicating mix of cherry and pink pepper, with a sensual twist of vanilla bean, all steeped in a heady swirl of cognac. Imagine the boldness of a cigar dipped in this aromatic concoction – that’s the essence of this perfume. The word ‘stunning’ hardly does it justice. As someone who’s always been on a quest for the perfect cherry fragrance, and with about ten cherry-centric perfumes in my collection that didn’t quite hit the mark, this one, aptly named ‘Narcotic Delight’, finally captures the elusive balance of tartness and sensuality. Why resist this epitome of olfactory indulgence?
If you thought the perfect cherry doesn’t exist, think again. It’s here and it’s narcotically delightful.
Honey’s been buzzing up the fragrance charts and 2024’s looking even sweeter with more honey-dripped scents on the horizon. I can’t reveal all the cards just yet but we have more mouthwatering delights coming to our perfume shelves.
From sun-kissed to sinfully rich, or even a bit daring with an animalic edge, honey’s versatility is truly beautiful. In my weekly faves, I’ve rounded up some irresistible honey-infused perfumes that I can’t stop wearing. Trust me, each one’s a fragrant addiction waiting to happen. Get ready to fall into the honey pot!
“Butterfly love is similar to rushing water; it falls, it rolls, it runs away murmuring: it will dry up losing the source, born from a storm, it has its length of time.” Pierre – Joseph Bernard.
Bai Mu Dan, or White Peony, is at the center of this fragrance and it gives it the perfect bone structure. Often considered the second highest grade of white tea it was traditionally produced in the northern Fujian Province of China. It comes from the top two leaves and bud of the tea bush, which can be shade dried and/or lightly fired. This gives White Peony a pale cup color and delicate, nutty aroma. The complex flavor is toasty, slightly sweet and creamy, with a clean aftertaste. It’s enhanced even more by the green slightly nutty scent of the hazelnut leaves.
Soft whiffs of Sakura and its fruity aroma that always signifies spring and the beginning of a new season is wrapped up with a juicy and quite unique scent of Feijoa fruit. An rare sighting in the fragrance world, I grew up eating it as a kid in the winter and its zesty green and tropical flavor always triggers good memories for me.
If you love a juicy treat cherry accord, this composition is for you and will hit all the right spots.
A scented venture born from the creative duo of the co-founders of global beauty brand Fresh, Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg, and hospitality expert Damien Janowicz, the Maker Hotel, a new hotel in the heart of historic downtown Hudson, New York.
Home to a booming circuit of bars, hotels, and brothels frequented by tourists, the last 20 years in Hudson have been a remarkable renaissance, driven by artists, antique dealers and creatives that have made this city their home. And that is precisely what’s at the heart of the candle and fragrance collections of The Maker.
A sensual warmth of the skin between the sheets, early morning hours and sweet memories of the night before. The scent of comfort, of familiar muskiness and nowhere to be but in this exact moment. A soft buttery orris and white fluffy musk. That is the scent of The Naked. If you want the cocoon of soft fragrance that will keep you comforted no matter what, don’t hesitate to reach for it.
If you are in Manhattan, stop by The Maker shop, the bohemian chic atmosphere is woven not every object and every corner of this place.
A few things come to mind when I think of that calm stillness. I often reach for something that feels familiar and comforting, which is a particular note that always does for me. The soft, creamy scent of Palo Santo wood and white Sage, whose use has been secretly passed down through initiation ceremonies dating back to the first lines of Inca shamans.
Palo Santo has been used in Latin American traditions for hundreds of years to promote creativity, reduce pain and help with stress, while White sage is burned for meditation, smudging, and cleansing spirit and dwelling. In some beliefs, white sage smoke is believed to provide a barrier preventing negative energies from entering the room where the ceremony is being held.
It is no wonder that for the third pillar in INITIO Parfums Hedonist collection, this particular blend ingredients was chosen to be at the center of it. Each fragrance embodies a different facet and together they make up one beautiful sensory experience. Rehab is the Physical body, a promise of an ecstatic return to the pleasure of perfume. Musk Therapy is the Emotional body, a magical mood enhancer, paves the way to relaxation and state of well-being Paragon being the Spiritual body, a path of accomplishment helping the spirit to rise enveloped in positivity.
Paragon opens up with a zesty burst of Bergamot, soothing Lavender, and white Sage with a pinch of Pepper to add a touch of fire from the start. The heart is bursting with the juiciness of a ripe Plum, and Palo Santo is enveloped in the comforting sensuality of Sandalwood and Oud. The woods round the composition, pulling together into a warm cocoon I feel like reaching for when I need to center my mind and soul. So go ahead and spritz some on, you will feel transported to a place where stress isn’t allowed to roam free, and everything seems aglow.
OLYABAR