Snuggly Sweater Perfumes

Sonia Rykiel advertising campaign photograph by Dominica Issermann, Autumn-Winter 1980 collection

Our furnace died the other day. It was not much of a surprise, as it was original to the house, which is just slightly younger than us. Still, the space heaters are making a guest appearance in the early hours until the new one is installed, and we're wearing various sweaters (and cat-proof hoodies) inside at night. It made me think about "sweater perfumes", a beloved fall and winter category.

Years ago, Luckyscent had two perfumes by Cristiano Fissore, Cashmere for Men and Cashmere for Women (now discontinued, I think). I was unimpressed with the latter and anosmic to the former, so they're off the list. Then there's Sonia Rykiel Le Parfum (discontinued, of course) the original "black cashmere sweater perfume" that was composed for this very purpose. And, of course, the most famous cashmere fragrances are those by Donna Karan: the soapy musk of the original Cashmere Mist, its various flankers (I actually like the Luxe EDP limited edition), and my favorite, Black Cashmere. But these are all obvious choices. I decided to dig a bit deeper and come up with a list of fuzzy sweater perfumes:

* First; a combination: layering Serge Lutens Rousse, Louve, and Clair de Musc is delightful, warm, and thick like a favorite shawl.

* Guerlain Angelique Noire. I can't even explain this one, but I tend to reach for it when I wear a particular fuchsia colored cashmere cardigan.

* Another Angelique, this time Creed Angelique Encens. This one is mysterious and slightly elusive, and smells as expensive as it actually is.

* Ineke- Field Notes From Paris. Maybe it's a Pavlovian thing. A Paris sunset, a jacket, and this coffee and leather perfume.

*  Nez a Nez- Marron Chic. I think this little gem might be discontinued, Labdanum and Iris. Need I say more?

* Parfumerie Generale- Felanilla. Kitten paws in perfume. Fuzzy and snuggly, highly recommended for when you're not alone.

* Dorissima- Goldmund. This semi-forgotten gem is an opulent floriental. It hits a similar spot as the classic Sonia Rykiel I mentioned above (and is even harder to find, but completely worth it).

Bonus three chosen by the Husband, for whom a "cashmere sweater perfume" is also one that clings to said sweater and becomes part of both skin and wool (and usually can't be washed off). He considers Guerlain Songe d'Une Boise d'Ete just the thing (summer? what summer). The animalic part of Parfumerie Generale Cuir d'Iris speaks to him in a similar way. And the last one is Tom Ford Private Blend Italian Cypress. It's funny since I consider it a perfect cooling summer perfume, and the Husband perceives it as cozy.