Perfumery has changed a lot over the years. The reasons are many: availability of certain raw materials, fashion, and, of course, IFRA. This doesn't change the fact that sometimes you do want a perfume that feels and smells like a classic without hunting high and low for a vintage bottle. Here are twelve perfectly modern perfume that offer a certain old world charm and are still in production:
- Hermes- Kelly Caleche (2007)- While having little (if any) in common with the classic and badly reformulated Caleche, this floral leather is elegant and meticulously composed.
- Amouage Gold Woman (1983, though it's been reformulated since then and the current version is lovely). They don't make them like this anymore, unless "they" are Amouage. An abstract floral that smells like it's worth its weight in, well, gold.
- Tommi Sooni- Tarantella (2008). This green chypre with all its galbanum and marigold comes from Australia. Who would have thought?
- Chanel- 31 Rue Cambon and Bel Respiro (both 2007). An abstract iris and a green iris, and both say" Chanel".
- Serge Lutens- Bas de Soie (2010). A beautiful interpretation of hyacinth and iris; green and powdery notes and lots of sex appeal.
- Tauer Perfumes- Une Rose Chypre (2009). Simply one of the most beautiful and romantic perfumes ever created.
- Tableau de Parfum- Miriam (2011). An offshoot of Tauer Perfumes, Tableau is a nostalgic line, and Miriam has quite a vintage vibe. An aldehydic floral with a cinched waist and perfect red lips.
- DSH Perfumes- Celadon and Jitterbug. Dawn Spencer Hurwitz has the magic hand and nose for creating classic green fragrances, and Celadon is one of many perfect examples. Jitterbug is a complex oriental with an incredible depth.
- Sonoma Scent Studio- Champagne de Bois (2008). Sandalwood and more sandalwood that will appeal to anyone who misses the previous incarnations of Bois des Iles.
- Keiko Mecheri Bespoke- Canyon Dreams (2012). A classic Oriental with a modern twist that sits somewhere between Shalimar and its sequel, Eau Legere.
Adding: SSS Notalgie, and and many of the earlier Patricia de Nicolai fragrances.
ReplyDeleteGreat list Gaia ! Ormonde Woman is another I think is classically and strangely beautiful with a great sandalwood note.Took me years to truly appreciate and love.
ReplyDeleteMmmmm.... Une Rose Chypre, love..... I just received a sample of Miriam and am looking forward to trying that. Thanks for the beautiful fragrance suggestions!
ReplyDeleteGreat list! I completely agree with a number of them and there are new ones I really need to try!
ReplyDeleteThis is a valuable post. There are modern perfumes that are just dreck; others like CdG and anything by Duchaufour that represent totally new takes on perfume and are good; and then there are modern perfumes like the ones you list that are both classical and modern.
ReplyDeleteI'd also include Chanel 31 Rue de Cambon and, for men (or women who like unisex fragrances), Guerlain Arsene Lupin. ~~nozknoz
24 Faubourg
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