Persolaise Review: Entre Naranjos from Ramon Monegal (Ramon Monegal; 2012)
Persolaise I seem to be somewhat out of step with my colleagues in the critical community, as I’ve found myself unmoved by most of Ramon Monegal’s eponymous scents. However, I’d like…
Reviews: Yuzu Man from Caron (2011) & Hiroshima Mon Amour from Nez À Nez (2011)
The spirit of orientalism is alive in the latest masculine from Caron. Yuzu takes its inspiration from the East Asian (predominantly Japanese) fruit of the same name, and as you’d…
Review: 02 Owari from Odin (2009)
You know the onomatopoeic ‘sound effect’ captions used in comic books? Well, Owari opens with a KA-POW, BANG, SHAZZAM! The top notes leap off the skin in a burst of…
Review: Opus IV from Amouage (2010)
The house of Amouage – one of a tiny number of international brands with bona fide Middle Eastern credentials – has often produced dazzling perfumes by taking classical, old-world structures…
Preview: Opus IV by Amouage (2010)
Popping into Amouage’s London boutique is always a pleasure, but the experience is made even more special when there’s an opportunity to try a brand new scent. The other day,…
Review: The One Gentleman by Dolce & Gabbana (2010)
I confess this one had me fooled for a while. The initial impression it made was undeniably positive; in fact, the sweep of citrus, woods and irones had me making…
Review: Orange Star by Tauer Perfumes (2010)
Confession time: over the last two weeks, I’ve made several failed attempts to write this review. It’s one thing to put down your thoughts on a fragrance whose maker is…
Review: Orange Blossom by Penhaligon's (2010)
Many scents are described as soft, but few actually convey the sensation of resting your head on a floating pillow of immaculately-shaped petals. Penhaligon’s Orange Blossom – the latest release…
Review: L'Eau by Serge Lutens (2010)
Artists are allowed to change direction. But their fans aren’t obliged to follow them wherever they go. So when Serge Lutens decide to propel themselves as far away as they…
Review: Malabah by Penhaligon's (2003)
This isn’t quite a scrubber, but it outstays its welcome very quickly and adds fuel to the argument made by several critics that Penhaligon’s scents aren’t nearly weighty and meaningful…
Review: Voyage d'Hermès by Hermès (2010)
The idea of a perfume taking you on a trip has been a cliché for quite some time, so when you encounter a new creation which dares to call itself…