Peoneve, one of the scent highlights of 2012, has crept into a few Penhaligon’s boutiques in a new extrait form. In order to create it, Olivier Cresp returned to his original formula and cranked up the heavier materials – mainly the vetivert, as well as a sensuous honey note – to take our bookish heroine from breezy afternoon to sultry evening. The result is as commendable as the eau de toilette: a delightful, natural-smelling peony with an outgoing disposition and an ability to be noticed without shouting. Just watch out for the price tag: you’ll have to part with £550 for 60 ml of this stuff!
[Review based on a sample of extrait provided by Penhaligon’s in 2012.]
Persolaise.
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There is something quite sickening about the way British perfume manufacturers like Penhaligons and Ormande Jayne are pitching towards rich, foreign visitors from the middle east during this recession. £550 for ml? Feck off.
Woah, Kev! You almost didn't make it past the Persolaise Swear-o-meter!
I understand what you mean, but I wonder if Penhaligon's really are going only for non-UK customers. There are still plenty of Brits with healthy piles of 'disposable' income. That said, I know the brand is popular in certain foreign markets.
I don't want to put words in Penhaligon's mouth, but I suspect they'd argue that the price of this extrait is a result of the cost of the juice, added to the cosr of the bottle (which, admittedly, is very beautiful) and the cost of the piece of jewellery around the bottle's neck. Of course, this would lead some to suggest that perhaps they could've released a more affordable version of the extrait minus the bells and whistles, but evidently, they're going for ultra-exclusive with this one.
Do you know what sales of the original were like last year? I didn't personally notice much interest in it, not that I saying I know much, so struggle to understand why someone would step up the ante and part with £550 well-earned pounds! But hey, as you say, plenty of very wealthy people knocking about!
Michael, thanks for stopping by. Sorry, I have no idea about sales. However, the general view – whatever that is! – is that Peoneve was a success.
I suspect Penhaligon's have decided to release this as a very limited edition, special item, as they did with their Amaranthine extrait. Given time, I expect it'll find some customers.
I've tried the Peoneve Eau de Parfum and was thoroughly unimpressed. Definitely one of the fragrances I'd like to cull from their line, and replace with Lily & Spice which is sadly discontinued.
Joshuaang, fair enough. I agree it's a shame that Lily & Spice has had to go, but I do like Peoneve. I think it works extremely well as a modern Penhaligon's scent.
I love Lily and Spice and was so sad it has been discontinued. I like it better than I like Peoneve which I too was disappointed with. I wanted to love it and I didn't. I do hear there is a new leather and lily based scent coming in October….excited!
Anon, thanks for writing. I don't have precise details yet about Penhaligon's 2013 releases, but I think something India-inspired is coming our way, so yes, maybe that'll be a leather lily.