As an illustration of the idea that time doesn’t always separate the wheat from the chaff, two gems–Bulgari Black and Guerlain Nahéma extrait de parfum–have been discontinued. Black has been in limited distribution for some time, but the news of its discontinuation is now official. It has a peculiar odor of rubber and lapsang souchong tea, an anti-trend perfume as it were. As for Nahéma, the parfum was one of Guerlain’s treasures.
Other perfumes to bid goodbye to this year include Fleur de Chine, Lys Fume, Jonquille de Nuit, and Azure Lime, all from Tom Ford’s Private Blend collection. Azure Lime was Ford’s attempt to do an expensive take on a cheap sports cologne, so I’m not going to miss it, but Fleur de Chine was a brilliant aldehydic floral, modern but with a clever retro twist.
In other even sadder news, the Pinacothèque de Paris, a private art museum located at Place de la Madeleine, is now permanently closed. As ArtNet reported, the owner Marc Restellini cited a large drop in attendance following the terrorist attacks in Paris and his inability to maintain the prime location. I love how the Pinacothèque curated its exhibits, in a way that highlighted the contemporary relevance of art, questioned conventional assumptions and brought some of the most extraordinary pieces under one roof. I can only hope that it will find another home.
But here is something exciting to look forward to this year. Those who enjoy the fascinating and grotesque art of Hieronymous Bosch will have two chances to see his work up close: Hieronymous Bosch: Visions of Genius at the Noordbrabants Museum, Den Bosch, Netherlands (from 13 February to 8 May) and Bosch: The Centenary Exhibition at the Museo del Prado, Madrid (from 31 May to 11 September). The Dutch exhibit in Bosch’s hometown is described by art critics as the event of our century and is promising to be extraordinary.
I’m also pleased about the return of Andrée Putman’s Préparation Parfumée, a hazy, wispy perfume that gives driftwood its olfactory form. Now called L’Original, it will be joined by five new fragrances: Formidable Man, Magnolys, Un Peu D’Amour, Figue En Fleur, and Tan D’Epices (only L’Original was created by Olivia Giacobetti.)
Third image: The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch, detail. via Wiki-images, some rights reserved.
122 Comments
Alicia: Very sad news insdeed. Black is a staple of mine in the cooler seasons, and Nahema Parfume my beloved of years. ‘La vita fugge e non s’arresta un hora/ e la morte vien dietro…”.
I admire Bosch. Perhaps the Prado Museum might lend some of his masterpieces. Extraordinary and strange paintings…
Victoria, I forgot to tell you that Julio Cortazar was born in Brussels, although he was an Argentine citizen, and lived a long time in Paris. Borges’ will was to be buried in Geneva, where he lived when very young, and there is his grave. February 19, 2016 at 7:34am
Victoria: I didn’t know this. I actually have a friend in Geneva who loves Borges, so I wonder if he visited his grave.
The Prado lent some pieces, but there was a dispute over attributions, and a couple of works weren’t sent to the museum in Den Bosch. On the other hand, the Prado decided to hold their own exhibit later in the year, so there are more opportunities for the Bosch lovers to feast their eye. February 19, 2016 at 10:19am
Irina: Borges is at a cemetery near Rue du Stand, almost in the Jonction neighborhood. Officially it’s called the Cimetière de Plainpalais, but it’s better known as the Cimetière des Rois. He has a very striking monument that has always made me think of the Tolkien worlds! Calvin and the daughter of Dostoevsky are also buried there.
Sorry to be butting in – though I don’t live in Geneva anymore, I will always be a Genevoise at heart 🙂 February 19, 2016 at 11:17am
Victoria: I have never visited Geneva, but if I do, I know where I will go. 🙂
(Don’t apologize, Irina! Such interesting comments are more than welcome.) February 20, 2016 at 8:20am
Elisa: Oh, sad about Black! I heard at least one formulation of Volutes is going, too. February 19, 2016 at 8:13am
Nick: Hello, Elisa!
Which plants are you working on now? February 19, 2016 at 8:50am
IPhyllis Iervello: I read that both Volutes EDT and EDP are being discontinued. I still have some juice left in my opened bottle of Black and I have a unopened back-up bottle. February 19, 2016 at 9:55am
Lin: Reports of Volutes’ discontinuation are confusing. The Luckyscent email I received suggests both the EDT and EDP are being discontinued, yet the Diptyque rep at my Nordstrom store says only the EDT is being discontinued. The former case would make me very sad, as Volutes is my favourite Diptyque scent.
The recent discontinuations (Nahema extrait, Cherry Blossom, Mayotte) at Guerlain have been harsh, I hope it isn’t a sign of things to come. February 19, 2016 at 1:10pm
Victoria: That’s why I was puzzled and decided to wait before posting about Volutes. February 20, 2016 at 8:48am
Victoria: So did I, but I don’t remember which concentration it is. February 19, 2016 at 10:19am
Fazal: I think volutes edt is going February 19, 2016 at 9:18pm
Victoria: Ah, I see. Thank you for clarifying, Fazal. February 20, 2016 at 9:03am
Nick: I should have visited it on my last trip. There are many, myself included, who have just come to understand and appreciate art in various forms. It is a pity, therefore, to see that such a museum has been closed down. Still, there is the Singapore branch and I do have hopes!
As for perfume discontinuations, I feel the same. Who could have known that Fougère Royale would be brought back 128 years after its conception? Though not in the same form, it allows some glimpse of the past. February 19, 2016 at 8:40am
Nick: And, you could always ask the Guerlain SA to decant that Nahéma extrait from the 30 ml flacon 😉 February 19, 2016 at 8:42am
Victoria: I also hope that he finds a new locations in Paris. The Pinacotheque’s curation was excellent. February 19, 2016 at 10:20am
Hildegerd: Too bad about Black. February 19, 2016 at 9:05am
Victoria: I’m especially sad to hear about it going. February 19, 2016 at 10:21am
Hildegerd: Me too, it is a favorite of mine. February 19, 2016 at 10:23am
Gretchen: Oh, the loss of Nahema makes me so sad. I have the extrait and wore it yesterday, as a matter of fact, to counteract the sharp wind and cold. It’s the only rose fragrance that ever worked for me. Now I need to decide whether to invest in a stash bottle, or merely cherish what’s left of mine. February 19, 2016 at 9:09am
Victoria: I would just enjoy whatever you have. The perfume doesn’t last forever, and it’s better to have something fresh on hand. February 19, 2016 at 10:22am
limegreen: Nothing to add but, “expensive take on a cheap sports cologne” — nice sneaking in a little snark on a Friday, thanks for the chuckle! February 19, 2016 at 9:15am
Victoria: My pleasure! 🙂 February 19, 2016 at 10:22am
Raluca: So many great perfumes being discontinued! Breaks my heart. I bought a full bottle of Fleur de Chine a few months ago. It’s a masterpiece that i discovered thanks to you. Your review caused me to ask for a sample and once I tried it,there was no going back. February 19, 2016 at 9:35am
Victoria: It’s a beauty! February 19, 2016 at 10:28am
Notturno7: I’m going to the store tomorrow to try it (Fleur de Chine)and see if they have any left for sale.
Still have full bottle of Nahema perfume and few smaller bottles they made me as generous samples in NeimanMarcus few years ago—and Black EdP or whatever formulation that is in the black bottle. I’ll cherish these even more now. So glad I bought them ?
Guerlain also discontinued Insolence perfume few years ago. Why do they discontinue these classics??!! February 21, 2016 at 4:12am
Victoria: It might be that they don’t sell or that they are hard to reformulate. Or they are under a pressure to trim their very large collection. I’m not sure what it is in this case, but all the same, I’m disappointed about Nahema. February 22, 2016 at 2:51pm
Raluca: To clarify, the full bottle I bought a few months ago was my second bottle. I bought once I found out it was being discontinued. I like FdC more than Carnal Flower which I also discovered thanks to you, Victoria. February 19, 2016 at 9:37am
Victoria: Enjoy it! I can see how someone might find both perfumes appealing. February 19, 2016 at 10:29am
Notturno7: Wow! Thanks for this comparison! I love Carnal Flower and hearing this, now definitely have to try a sniff of Fleur de Chine! February 21, 2016 at 4:15am
Raluca: They’re very different perfumes beautiful in their own way. February 22, 2016 at 11:00am
maja: I am sad Fleur de Chine is being discontinued also because I can’t afford a bottle before it’s gone. 🙁 A lovely floral, indeed. It wasn’t selling much probably. February 19, 2016 at 9:54am
spe: Maja – do you live in the U.S.? February 19, 2016 at 10:12am
maja: Hi Spe, I don’t, I live in Europe. Not too many discounts on Tom Ford in Italy. 🙂 February 19, 2016 at 11:31am
Victoria: It wasn’t a top seller for them, no. February 19, 2016 at 10:30am
spe: Interesting comment regarding the impact of decreased tourism in Paris. I’m most sad about the museum closing.
Regarding perfumes, reformulation and discontinuation doesn’t bother me anymore.
I’ve had a change in attitude toward these issues.
For about a year and a half, I’ve been purging my perfume “collection”. Letting go of fragrances that I thought were important to my well-being and happiness. It has been liberating! My sister picked up a random Chanel, sniffed it and said, “Why not just wear this every day? I mean, isn’t it pretty much perfect? This smells like you!” Obviously this type of support makes the sorting process much easier.
Anyway, sorry for getting slightly off track, but there are many smell alikes if a fragrance you love gets d/c. It’s an opportunity for exploration.
But I’m sad about the museum. February 19, 2016 at 10:11am
Victoria: That’s a good attitude, and I mostly feel this way too. But there are people who remain loyal to a couple of perfumes only, or those who find that a particular fragrance reflects their idea of beauty so much. Discontinuations of their favorites really touch them. February 19, 2016 at 10:28am
Gretchen: That’s a good attitude (but only wear one perfume? That’s like eating the same dinner every day) to hold – and as Victoria responded, enjoy and use what you have, as new experiences will always present themselves if we are open to them. I’m saddened by the museum closing, too. What a shame that one of the joys in life – viewing art, and doing so in a public space – was cut off because of fear. I do hope he reopens it some day. February 19, 2016 at 10:29am
spe: Oh, no, not one! I have 24 bottles remaining from a few hundred purged. I don’t think I could ever have just one – and my preference is to have 3-6 fragrances for each season of the year. February 19, 2016 at 10:45am
Gretchen: Kindred spirits, then-I’m aiming to use up what I have (around 40, I think, plus decants), but then I find new ones to fall in love with (de Profundus, shall we say. Ahem) and my “don’t buy more” becomes problematic. February 19, 2016 at 10:49am
Gretchen: Here’s an editorial in the NYT that might bring some comfort that Paris will continue to reinvigorate the sensual soul:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/19/opinion/in-paris-the-secular-is-the-holy.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-left-region®ion=opinion-c-col-left-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-left-region&_r=0 February 19, 2016 at 11:16am
Victoria: Thank you for sharing it! February 20, 2016 at 8:19am
spe: I skipped the”using up” part and just got rid of the ones I no longer wanted.
De Profundis is intriguing! February 19, 2016 at 12:18pm
SublimiSomnium: For most discontinuations I feel the same, however there are some that are completely unique and special. Both Bvlgari Black and Nahema have been around for a long time, so it is like they are saying goodbye to pieces of history. In addition, Bvlgari Black is so unique and beautiful that I can’t imagine another fragrance will replace it – which is why I’ll be getting a backup bottle. February 19, 2016 at 2:10pm
Stephanie: Sad news indeed. Museum closures break my heart.
I’ve had Bvlgari Black on my wishlist for ages, so I just pulled the trigger on a bottle. Luckily it is still an incredibly good deal.
I would love to see that Bosch exhibition…! February 19, 2016 at 10:32am
Victoria: Yes, you can still find Black at good prices, which is why I wanted to share the news. I’m sure it won’t be the case very soon. February 20, 2016 at 8:08am
Tulsi: Sad to hear about Black, I’ve been wearing my sample this week, it’s beautiful. But I also have too much perfume and am decluttering. I’m saving up for Neela Vermeire’s Mohur as it’s made many of my other perfumes pale in comparison. So I’ve resisted the urge to buy Black. February 19, 2016 at 11:18am
Victoria: Enjoy Mohur. It’s a worthy acquisition. February 20, 2016 at 8:21am
Austenfan: I maybe sorry about losing 2 beautiful fragrances, but I’m way more saddened about the closure of that art gallery/ museum. I watched a documentary last night that was broadcast on Canvas in January. It was a registration of an editorial meeting that took place in early 2006 at Charlie Hebdo headquarters. Most of the people filmed, died in January last year. Very sobering to watch. February 19, 2016 at 11:44am
Victoria: The Pinacotheque has been struggling for some time–the rents are through the roof in that part of Paris, although its exhibits have drawn a big crowd in the past. And Paris has suffered a lot last year. February 20, 2016 at 8:24am
Austenfan: Thanks for your explanation V. much appreciated as usual!
I guessed there was more to it, than just the drop in tourism after the attacks, but having just watched that documentary, it sort of really hit me, how big the impact of all this has been. And no easy answers either.
Wearing Ostara today, of course I caved in and ordered a bottle, and it’s much better sprayed from a larger nozzle. February 20, 2016 at 11:53am
Notturno7: I got a big bottle of Ostara right after seeing V’s review, without even trying it- and the review was right on!!
Glad you got it! February 21, 2016 at 8:06pm
Victoria: But it’s also true that the events compounded the issue. The Pinacotheque even had close their exhibit on Karl Lagerfeld early. February 22, 2016 at 2:42pm
Qwendy: Sad news indeed about a very intresting museum … I always wondered how they kept it open …. The Spanish name was an odd choice and I always felt it added to a bit of a misunderstanding as to what it was all about.
I have been interested in getting a bottle of
Black since another recent post of yours …. Do you think that the new and very inexpensive bottles on ebay are the original formulation ?
Thanks so much for the Bosch info, we will go to one come hell or high water (seems an appropriate turn of phrase for him :-). Xxx February 19, 2016 at 11:46am
Victoria: I thought that it was derived from a Greek word that means “box of paintings”, quite an appropriate name for an art museum.
Black has been tweaked light, so whatever you’ll find today will be good. Thankfully, it’s not a type of fragrance that turns easily, so the bottles should be in decent condition. February 20, 2016 at 8:28am
jeanne: I am traveling to Paris for the first time in many years. If anyone has any suggestions for perfume shopping, shopping in general, or eating, I would love the guidance. February 23, 2016 at 2:41pm
Victoria: I hope this will help:
https://boisdejasmin.com/2011/10/paris-perfume-shopping-directory-fragrance-food-fashion-and-more.html February 24, 2016 at 5:51pm
jeanne: thank you! February 24, 2016 at 6:59pm
DelRae: Sad news about Nahema. One of Guerlain’s treasures. February 19, 2016 at 12:12pm
Victoria: Yes, it is. A piece of perfume history, as someone mentioned earlier. February 20, 2016 at 8:40am
christine: I am also very disappointed that Jo Malone’s Vanilla Anise is discontinued. Only the candle is available at Neimans. I put up a note on Jo’s Facebook page asking to bring VA back. Others here, feel free to follow suit. 🙂 February 19, 2016 at 12:22pm
Victoria: It was one of my favorites at one point. Such a pretty perfume. February 20, 2016 at 8:40am
Notturno7: Victoria, I wonder if we can send a note to Guerlain (but where?) about how we feel about discontinuation of Nahema extrait ??? February 21, 2016 at 8:10pm
mj: I’m looking forward to see El Bosco exhibition in Madrid. Many years ago, I went to El Prado on a school visit and I remember my teacher explaining us “The Garden of Earthly Delights”.
Also, if you happen to visit Madrid these days there’s an exhibition on Georges LaTour at El Prado. February 19, 2016 at 12:23pm
Victoria: That’s one of the few paintings not shared with Den Bosch’s museum (they have later copies, though). You can stand for hours and examine what’s going on in that work. February 20, 2016 at 8:42am
John Biebel: I can’t thank you enough for the news about the Bosch exhibits… what a wonderful thing! I may try to pop over to the Netherlands just to see that show – how amazing that would be! Many thanks for this. February 19, 2016 at 12:52pm
Victoria: As Austenfan says, definitely get tickets in advance. Plus, by all accounts Den Bosch is a charming town, and you can visit the church where Bosch’s works were once displayed. February 20, 2016 at 8:47am
Austenfan: For those interested in visiting the Bosch exhibit in Den Bosch; you have to order tickets in advance and make reservation for your visit online (you book a time slot to enter the museum). It will probably be incredibly crowded, so they try to make the visit as agreeable as they can given the circumstances. February 19, 2016 at 1:05pm
Victoria: A very good reminder! Thank you. February 20, 2016 at 8:48am
Nancy A.: What now, more Oud?! And what will replace the museum — McDonald’s. Cynical as this sounds, I cannot keep abreast of all the changes here and abroad. NYC still holds the pulse if you will for those who visit (tourism) or new residents but for lifelong New Yorkers who built the city and for their forebears they are being forced out or living in a ever-changing NYC (and its environs) that is a “disappearing NY”. February 19, 2016 at 2:22pm
kpaint: Time marches on, I guess.
I live in a city which is in a constant state of overhaul – entire neighborhoods are regularly torn down and replaced with new construction. 10 years seems to be the standard lifespan here now.
It’s really disorienting. I’m constantly finding myself lost in neighborhoods I once knew like the back of my hand, and can’t give driving directions since the landmarks I once used to get around are no longer standing.
Oddly, it’s never a topic of conversation except in terms of gentrification – but never in terms of retaining character or architectural integrity. I’m not sure if it’s because it seems “normal” to people here or – more likely – that it’s evolved into a city of transplants, so none’s the wiser. February 19, 2016 at 6:44pm
spe: Oh, yes – try finding authentic NY pizza now in Manhattan! Almost impossible! It’s still an amazing city, despite the changes. February 19, 2016 at 8:33pm
Victoria: Ah, yes, where would a new line be without yet another oud?
I don’t think McDonald’s will replace the museum, but it’s clear that private funds couldn’t keep it afloat. In Paris, as anywhere else, you can see various quirky boutiques and artisanal shops being replaced by the chain stores–Maje, Berenice, etc. are on every corner. February 20, 2016 at 8:51am
Surbhi: They need to bring more jasmine 🙂 February 21, 2016 at 8:26pm
Victoria: Yes!! February 22, 2016 at 3:00pm
zephyr: Yes, very sad about Nahema. Over thirty years ago I had a small flacon of the extrait, and wore it on my wedding day. I used it up, wearing it for special occasions. But I never replaced it, as it certainly wasn’t an everyday fragrance for me, and I found other “dressy” fragrances. I’m not big on rose, but I loved Nahema. We haven’t been in Paris for eight years now, but the two Guerlain boutiques I visited still had Nahema. May try to find a small vial to bring back memories every so often! February 19, 2016 at 2:37pm
Victoria: What a beautiful perfume to select for your wedding!
Out Jean-Paul Guerlain’s many creations, Nahema and Chamade are his most original, inventive and dramatic. And on a technical level, close to perfection. February 20, 2016 at 8:53am
zephyr: I’m glad you think so, Victoria! My mother thought I was too young for it – I was twenty-five, lol! – but my husband loved it and I still do to this day. One whiff, I’m sure, will bring back so many memories. Yes, I’ll try to find some Nahema.
Why does Guerlain keep discontinuing my favorites?! Parure is the love of my fragrance life, and that’s gone too… February 23, 2016 at 12:16am
Victoria: I liked Parure too. The irony is that I fell in love with shortly before it was discontinued. February 24, 2016 at 5:26pm
Fazal: What a timing for the Bvlgari Black discontinuation. I acquired three more bottles of Bvlgari Black last month in that original attached but faulty spray version. I think I still have 1-2 bottles from 3-4 years ago so 4 bottles will be sufficient for me. I somehow had this feeling Black will be significantly reformulated if not outright discontinued because of that rubber note. The current version had already been changed to lighten that rubber note and emphasize vanilla! It’s unfortunate many people will miss what is, arguably, the most affordable yet one of the finest leather creations! February 19, 2016 at 9:15pm
Victoria: Very true. If it were launched in a niche line, its price would be several times higher. February 20, 2016 at 9:02am
Megan In Sainte Maxime: I find it quite sad regarding these two perfumes. Nahema is a beautiful creation and the other version is a slim lined version. Black I was gifted a long time ago by my boss when he came back from a trip and I was not a lover of perfume then, but I was fascinated by the bottle and the smell. As it was my only perfume I finished it very quickly and loved every drop. February 20, 2016 at 10:50am
Victoria: I remember being moved by Black when I first smelled it. It was like no other perfume I tried. February 22, 2016 at 2:41pm
solanace: On discontinuations: ouch, ouch, ouch. Feels like the day I tried to surf and almost got myself killed. Bulgari Black (Wave strikes my face), Nahema (The taste of sand), Fleur de Chine (The board strikes my head) AND my favorite, Lys Fumé (where is my bikini?). Shame on them all.
Regarding the Bosch exhibits, I hope you can make it to both. Yummy for the soul. We have a painting by him at MASP, and I feel so blessed to be able to visit it often.
And Umberto Eco, Victoria? So very sad. Wearing Mohur Extrait in his honor today. February 20, 2016 at 12:30pm
Victoria: I was reading the news about Umberto Eco just earlier, and I’m so sad. He was such a luminary.
I wonder if the painting from MASP made it to the exhibit. February 22, 2016 at 2:44pm
Karen (A): When I read about Nahema parfum being discontinued a few months ago, I was able to get a bottle. I’ve been enjoying it quite a lot, but have to layer it with the EdP in order for it to last. It is a beautiful sparkly rose. Even though it won’t be replaceable, I’m just using it and loving it.
If Guerlain discontinues Chamade I will be really sad! There are lots of roses to love, but Chamade is so unique – nothing that I’ve smelled is quite like it.
And Fleur de Chine is another very lovely perfume, but I can understand why it may not be a big seller for Tom Ford. February 20, 2016 at 11:52pm
Victoria: Oh, I hope not! Chamade is one of my eternal loves. 🙂
As for Fleur de Chine, I can see the problem too. Also, it would have been better if it had more body and were longer-lasting. February 22, 2016 at 2:50pm
Karen (A): Yeah, Chamade is just a beautiful fragrance that has this melting quality – where it becomes a part of me as opposed to sitting on me.
Fleur de Chine was a spur-of-the-moment purchase. It tested beautifully but in all honesty my bottle feels a little bit more like an EdT, not an EdP. I enjoy it when I wear it, but it’s not I would have repurchased. February 22, 2016 at 3:02pm
Aurora: I am learning of the demise of the pinacotheque through your post. I saw there an exhibition on the Breugel brothers and loved it. Thank you for sharing good news as well as bad on the perfume front. I treasure a parfum de toilette bottle of Nahema, so sorry about the extrait. It’s Jean-Paul Guerlain who must be most upset. Bosch, I discovered in Spain and every time I discover something new to marvel at, the details are so otherworldly. February 21, 2016 at 12:58pm
Aurora: Bruegel brothers of course February 21, 2016 at 3:03pm
Victoria: I can just imagine. It was his baby, a perfume ahead of its time. February 22, 2016 at 2:58pm
Surbhi: I was in Penhaligon’s boutique recently and the salesperson working there confirmed ostara is discontinued. HE said it will not disappear immediately but it has been discontinued. I guess he meant they will not make more. February 21, 2016 at 8:14pm
Victoria: That’s what it sounds like. They will have it until the stocks are gone. That’s too bad. February 22, 2016 at 2:59pm
Nora Szekely: Hi Victoria and perfume lovers,
So sad about the museum and Nahema and Black. My favourite online store still has some of Black and I managed to buy a tester of the extrait Nahema last year for a song but it saddens me that many people will not experience these. Black is indeed a unique scent, not fit for that many people to wear but a great peace of art nevertheless. Hence I feel, nothing can replace it in my heart.
Nahema…such a beautiful creation from my favourite house. I hoped that they would keep it alive out of respect for Jean-Paul Guerlain (as far as I know, it was his favourite creation). February 22, 2016 at 11:10am
Victoria: At least, they have Nahema EDP, so that’s staying for now. February 22, 2016 at 3:40pm
Notturno7: Hi Victoria,
I was in La Jolla, found this little boutique and bought one of the last 2 bottles of Une Fleur de Chine. I LOVE IT!!
It was an instant love! And the sales assistant gave me a whole 50ml tester with my purchase!!
Right now I’m off to bed to snooze and this scent on my wrists is making me feel I’m in heaven. It’s unlike anything I have and it feels so elegant, feminine and luxurious
Thank you for writing about it. February 23, 2016 at 6:03am
Karen (A): What a great deal! Since you love it, how wonderful to have been given the tester. At least you’ve got enough to last for a while (in theory!!) February 23, 2016 at 7:28am
Notturno7: ?yes!
I got La Fille in Berlin last week and love it. Thought of you Karen A and your love for rose. My mom and I are comparing our impressions on La Fille and Fleur de Chine. I’m enjoying Fleur little more at the moment but like both of these beautiful scents. February 23, 2016 at 3:20pm
Karen (A): They are both lovely! I’ve been thinking of which five perfumes would be my “desert island” perfumes, and La Fille is definitely one of them! February 23, 2016 at 3:27pm
Notturno7: What are your other desert island perfumes, Karen A? ? February 24, 2016 at 10:56pm
Karen (A): Good question Notturno7! I play around with the idea sometimes – and of course as I discovered on my last vacation, if it was a hot island, none of my choices would work as they’d all attract mosquitos! (afterword, it was pointed out that citrus and non-florals would have been better choices, fragrant and mosquito repellant)
But, if bug bites aren’t a part of the equation, and I’m limited to 5:
1. Chanel 5 pure parfum
2. La Fille
3. Carnal Flower (but if it’s a tropical island, maybe not necessary, could I get creative and make my own???)
4. Chamade pure parfum (cause it’s my current crush)
5. Just a gorgeous rose perfume. And this is where it gets tricky – Victoria Minya’s Hedonist Rose (beautiful and beautiful bottle), FM Une Rose, or Stella?? Something to remind me of my roses on a late spring morning, sun rising while I drink my latte and eat some of my home made biscottis.
OK, your turn!! February 25, 2016 at 7:09am
Notturno7: Lovely list! Looks like my own! Isn’t Chamade perfume exquisite!! And the bottle is so beautiful,too.
mmmmm, latte and home made biscotti 😋😍…
Let me see, a year ago we went to Caribbean and I took Fracas, Estée Lauder Tuberose Gardenia perfume, Cuir de Russie and No 19 and No 5 I think. Fracas and TG I just loved in that hot weather, it felt like my perfumes matched the outdoors and I felt part of the nature.
But today, I’d change some of that list and add La Fille, Ostara,La Fleur de Chine and Shanghai Lily- thanks to V and her reviews❤️. I bring small vials, so there would be space for Carnal Flower and Lys Mediterranee. I love lily, jasmine and tuberose perfumes in hot weather.
And you are right, I love La Fille, it’s my number one now and friends are asking me to tell them what I’m wearing. I love to share. Someone I just met today, asked to take a photo of La Fille bottle I had in my purse! LOL February 26, 2016 at 3:36am
Karen (A): Very fun! We were down in the Caribbean this past fall (and last May for our son’s destination wedding) – your choices were perfect! Our perfume tastes are so similar, Une Fleur is so exquisite. I think of it as my dress-up perfume, so not sure how many fancy events there would be on a desert island! I couldn’t decide between it and a simple rose, so went with the rose.
My bottle of La Fille is almost empty, it will be the first empty since getting more serious about perfume, and one that will get replaced right away (I’d stock up now, except Chamade extrait and Nahema EdP put a huge dent in my wallet). But, both are so wonderful it’s worth it. The bottles really are beautiful, an added bonus. February 26, 2016 at 5:38am
Notturno7: How lovely! Wedding in Caribbean. Paradise! What islands did you visit? We have been going to Turks and Caicos. Beautiful beaches and white sand.
Yes,we have similar tastes in perfume. So glad you love The Fleur, too. I wore it all day today and kept adding more later in the day so it felt like it had so many layers and the dry down was exquisite
I’m getting quite attached to La Fille. Wish they had 100ml bottle in the store. It was almost a blind buy as I waltzed into the store, went straight to Lutens and after 1 spray I was like ‘I’m getting this!!’
And it grows on you, I love it even more.
Sorry you don’t live closer Karen A. It would be fun sharing my perfume collection with you (while eating home made biscott 😋) February 27, 2016 at 4:50am
Notturno7: That little face ate the ‘i’ in biscotti !! February 27, 2016 at 4:51am
Karen A: It would be so fun sharing/exploring perfumes! The wedding was in St. Thomas, we stayed in a home up on the side of a small mountain, overlooking a beautiful bay where we swam each morning. Much different than the resort places, which aren’t quite our cup of tea. It was really lovely. (and perfect timing as I’d had surgery a few weeks prior. Doctors should be able to order R&R like that as it was incredibly healing)
So happy that La Fille is a love for you!And, it would be so fun having a tea/latte and biscotti party while sharing and testing out different perfumes! February 27, 2016 at 7:44am
Victoria: Wow! Lucky you. 🙂 You can keep your full bottle someplace cool and enjoy your tester for the time being. February 24, 2016 at 5:32pm
Notturno7: Yes! I knew it was my lucky day, when I got that tester bottle as a bonus!!!
Regarding La Fille,now, few days later, after wearing La Fille de Berlin every day, enjoying the beautiful dry down and my friends asking the name of this new fragrance I’m wearing – I’m so grateful for this blog and your lovely writing! Thank you, Victoria! February 24, 2016 at 10:55pm
Karen (A): I wrote this before, so apologies if you remember it – but one of the most beautiful, poignant compliments I’ve ever gotten was when wearing La Fille. A young woman said it reminded her of her best friend’s mother (who she lived and adored) who had passed away.
It was one of those moments when I realized the power of perfume – how it can evoke beautiful memories. February 25, 2016 at 7:13am
Notturno7: Wow! Thanks for sharing that! Yes,a very special memory…
I had a close friend in my school who loved perfumes as much as I and when we’d greet each other every morning in the class, we’d give each other a hug and instead of saying ‘Good morning’, we’d guess and name the perfume the other was wearing. I loved that! I ended up getting YSL Paris cause I loved it on her. Still have that bottle. Brings memories of a much treasured friendship. February 27, 2016 at 5:01am
Notturno7: Hope you recovered really well after that surgery. I tried to reply to your comment above but there was no reply link.
Yes, if you visit San Francisco let me know. We can meet and share our perfume and travel stories. And have latte and biscotti!
Your Caribbean vacation sounds like a dream vacation😃 March 1, 2016 at 11:06pm
Karen A: Thanks for such kind words! Recovery went really well. That would be so fun to meet in San Francisco – I have relatives in (very) Northern California and am seriously overdue to visit there. We have our spring vacation planned, Scotland!!, but maybe in the fall a trip out west. And although the perfume shopping is a bit limited here in the DC metro area, there is now a wonderful shop in northern Virginia, Arielle Shoshona (I’m overdue for a visit there, as well!). March 2, 2016 at 5:29am
Notturno7: Wonderful! Let me know if you come this way. That’s great you are traveling to Scotland. My sister lives there and we went to her wedding few years ago. The countryside is gorgeous and I loved visiting Edinburgh, too.😄 March 2, 2016 at 2:19pm
Dusan: I am heartbroken for Black. Tracking down backup bottles online as we speak. February 23, 2016 at 2:12pm
Notturno7: Hi Dusan,I have a friend named Dusan. Maybe you speak my language. Nadam se da ces naci Black ? February 23, 2016 at 3:22pm
Victoria: I was very disappointed about Black too. Le Labo Patchouli is close, but it’s not as daring. February 24, 2016 at 5:49pm
Elizabeth: How sad to see Nahema extrait go! I have the eau de parfum, but the extrait is truly special.
Another closure I am sad about: This is Pearl River’s last week before it loses its store on Broadway. I was there this morning to stock up on tea one last time. They say they are looking for a new location. I hope they find one soon! February 23, 2016 at 2:39pm
Victoria: Oh no! So it’s final in the end. I hope so much they will simply relocate, because it’s one of my favorite NY haunts for tea. February 24, 2016 at 5:50pm
R: DAMN IT! Black has been discontinued?! How dare them! This news just scares me so I check out their official website immediately, strange, Black is still on the website, it has been classified as men fragrances. I really hope you could be wrong, please tell me there is some misunderstanding. February 28, 2016 at 3:44am
Victoria: That Black for Men is a completely different fragrance. My news are unfortunately true, as confirmed by the brand. February 28, 2016 at 4:26am
R: Sounds desperate… If they officially said so… but what I mentioned before is not Black for Men, it’s Black, THE Black. May you check the link page：http://www.bulgari.com/en-gb/products/85109-e.html
Or I guess that they do discontinue Black but still have some in stock? February 28, 2016 at 7:10am
Victoria: Gotcha. I meant Men in Black.
I have no idea if they have stock. Call them. Around here it’s not sold anywhere. February 28, 2016 at 7:31am
R: I did some shop searching, good news, we have been able to order some from strawberrynet.com and other sites for now at least, one can even get a 75ml bottle for only $33 from FrangranceX! February 28, 2016 at 8:23am