Perfume Pilgrim

With a promise of a rose scent and gorgeous bottling, I really wanted to like  Chloe Eau de Parfum.  But why oh why did I smell insect repellant? I was shocked but bashfully asked for a sample, I had to give this another chance.  The first curious sensation is of sticking a feather up my nose and giving it a twirl… My next  response is to avoid getting powdered soap flakes in my nose. (As a child I used to grate soap and sprinkle it into the bath to fool my mother into thinking I had washed really well.) This is unlike any reaction I have had to a perfume before and if for nothing else it is a worthwhile experience, just for the uniqueness. But I can imagine people loving it or loathing it.

With a massive launch party in Paris back in October and its very own three muses, I was interested. Anja Rubik, a model described it as a “floral and unique”, The actress Clemence Poesy declares it “young, fresh and romantic” and finally the third muse, Chloe Sevigny thinks it is “almost edibe and beautiful”. Since last Sunday Londoners can sample this perfume at Harrods on  pretty ballet slipper coloured ribbons.  I checked with two different sales staff and they both described the scent as rose with lychee, honey and cedarwood base.

One of the two perfumers, Michel Almairac, commissioned by Coty to create this perfume created the beautiful Ambrette  for Le Labo (available at Liberty). According to the publicity this fragrance is composed of rose, peony, lychee, freesia, magnolia, lily of the valley, amber and cederwood. Chandler Burr described it as being like fabric softener, but for a more positive take try reading the review at the Moodie Report .

The bottles are are very attractive though, with silver tops and  ribbed ribbons, with miniature bottles as a gift with purchases. The marketing, packaging and promotion are all exemplary and I am sure this fragrance will find a devoted following. The black and white photos are reminiscent of 1970’s photos and the flesh toned accessories are chic, but not all of a perfumes success is dependent on the exterior and without inner beauty and attraction I will sadly be passing this one by.

Prices: 30ml  £35, 50ml £45, 75ml £60