Author: Nice Fragrances

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Day Three Fragances create the official perfume of the 2024 ScentXplore convention

Day Three Fragrances has been selected to create the official perfume for this year’s ScentXplore convention, a gathering of fragrance enthusiasts from around the world. Day Three founder Michael Paul shared the exciting news that the fragrance was developed at the request of ScentXplore founder and YouTube fragrance influencer Max Forti. In a personal touch, the new extrait has been named after and inspired by Paul’s daughter, Dakota Aylan who shares a love of rich and complex scents.

The 50ml extrait de parfum, Aylan, is designed around a lush vanilla base, with nuances of Bulgarian rose absolute, genuine agarwood, elemi, and a hint of orange blossom. Created to honor Paul’s daughter’s scent preferences, this composition draws on her appreciation for oud—a note she’s embraced from high-end perfumes by other brands. The fragrance, matured over a seven-month period for optimal depth, uses a unique vanillin derived from guaiacwood, lending a creamier and sweeter profile than traditional clove-derived vanillin.

A limited “ScentXplore edition” of the fragrance is being offered exclusively for the convention. The first 300 bottles will come with a signed, numbered card and an autograph from both Michael Paul and his daughter, adding a personal collector’s touch for ScentXplore attendees.

Michael Paul expressed both pride and a sense of “imposter syndrome” at being trusted with this project, especially following last year’s ScentXplore fragrance created by renowned perfumer Christian Carbonnel.

The limited-edition bottles are available for pre-order at $180 and can be picked up at ScentXplore or shipped after the event free of charge. You can find more information about the fragrance here, and about ScentXplore here.

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Maison Mona di Orio to close permanently

Independent perfume house, Mona di Orio is to close permanently. In a post on the brand’s website, co-founder, Jeroen Oude Sogtoen said:

“As the founder and creative director of Maison MONA DI ORIO, it has been my honor to carry forward the vision and essence that Mona, Huub, and I built together. Our creations have always been more than just fragrances—they are stories, crafted with heart, drawn from the beauty of art, light, and nature.

Today, I announce the closing of Maison MONA DI ORIO. This decision has not come lightly, but it is made with deep respect for our history and the belief that sometimes, stepping away is necessary for renewal. Though we close our doors, the soul of our brand will endure.

Thank you for being part of our story.”

The brand was launched in 2006, the first range consisting of three fragrances: Lux, Carnation and Nuit Noire. The scents became popular among the niche fragrance community, and were later made into the Signature Collection, joining later collections such as Les Nombres d’Or.

Sadly, in 2011, the house faced a turning point with the untimely passing of Mona di Orio. Despite her absence, Jeroen Oude Sogtoen decided to continue the brand in her honor, working with a team of perfumers such as Fredrik Dalman to keep her legacy alive.

I would like to note a personal thanks to Jeroen, as Mona di Orio was the first brand ever to take Basenotes seriously enough to invite me to my first press launch, so they will always have a special place in my heart.

Hat tip to gunmetal24 on the forums for the heads up

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Le Maroc Pour Elle – ’70s Head Shops and Hippy Music

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Going into the head shop in my city in the late seventies, as a teenager and young adult, was taking a step into another world.

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Black light posters, Indian clothing, lots of cheesecloth, silver jewellery, wall hangings, pipes and paraphernalia, rolling papers, Indian joss sticks, and those incense cones they used to have.

Not to forget all the Spiritual Sky oils – patchouli, musk, rose, lavender, sandalwood, jasmine. Afghan coats – remember them?

It was the place to buy underground comics like Robert Crumb (Mr. Natural) and Gilbert Shelton (Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers). Incense would be burning, music playing, and what seemed to be the coolest people working there. It smelled exotic and divine If only you could bottle it.

Le Maroc pour Elle

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Head Notes : A rich citrus accord with mandarines and hints of lavender
Heart Notes : Moroccan rose of dawn, combines with the seductive evening scent of jasmine
Body Notes : Cedar wood from the High Atlas, balm of oriental woods, patchouli

Andy Tauer created a sumptuous, rich, dream inducing, elixir of the orient. Its smell is exactly that of Medina, my old head shop. As it warms on the skin the oils combine to transport you to another place. (I am aware that I am not the first to compare LMPE to a head shop.) It’s so beautiful and leaves a trail of magic and lasts for hours.

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Val with a new friend

I just spent a week in Greece. I took my bottle of LMPE with me. And wore it every day. The perfect bare feet, brown legs, and silver jewelry scent. Had some fun taking photos of the bottle. Oh and I was with my daughter, she wore it too. We had a number of compliments.

Like in my last piece, I have linked lyrics that encapsulates LMPE for me.

I hear the horses’ thunder
Down in the valley below
I’m waiting for the angels of Avalon
Waiting for the eastern glow ………..

Oh dance in the dark of night
Sing to the morning light

LED ZEPPELIN. The Battle of Evermore.

If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung
Would you hear my voice come through the music
Would you hold it near as it were your own ………..

Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow.

THE GRATEFUL DEAD. Ripple.

Peace, love, and patchouli
Val.

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Sarah’s Baker and McCartney collaborate for new limited edition scent, Tartan Cask

The Scottish Highlands are the inspiration for the latest fragrance from Sarah Baker, Tartan Cask. The extrait de parfum has been created for the brand by London-based independent perfumer, Sarah McCartney.

The company says, “The Scottish Highlands evoke memories of mossy ruins, rustling heather, and rugged coastlines. Savour a smoky, peaty whisky while nestled in a tartan blanket. Warmth and heritage envelop you as a fire roars in the library. Cask-strength and smoked.”

The fragrance is available now at sarahbakerperfumes.com as 50ml extrait de parfum for GB£125 / US$150 / €140

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Submissions are open for the 11th Art and Olfaction Awards

The Institute for Art and Olfaction has launched submissions for the 11th Art and Olfaction Awards.

The awards, nicknamed “The Golden Pears”, was started in 2014 by the Los Angeles-based Institute of Art & Olfaction.

The 11th Awards will be held at the end of May 2025 in Los Angeles, and will be accompanied by “Scent Week” – a week of events, talks, parties and workshops celebrating independent perfumery.

If you are an independent or artisanal perfumer, the awards are currently accepting submissions for perfumes or experimental projects that were (or will be) released to the public between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Online submissions are open until December 6. More information – including submission rules – can be found at https://thegoldenpears.com

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Perry Ellis completes “Sky Trilogy” with Night Sky

Perry Ellis have launched their latest men’s fragrance, Night Sky. The scent follows Sky (2022) and Red Sky (2023).

The company say, “A smooth shift from the aquatic-inspired aroma of Sky and woody, nature-inspired notes of Red Sky, Night Sky makes a bold first impression featuring a spicy blend of cardamom and star anise punctuated by salted bergamot and crisp pear. Followed by an aromatic infusion of lavender and moss with hints of crushed geranium and fig leaves, Night Sky is the epitome of Perry Ellis’ timeless elegance and heritage. Finally, the dry down blends the perfect nightcap of rich patchouli and dual vetiver and vanilla bourbons leaving a captivating signature scent that’s made to last.“

“Fragrance throughout the Perry Ellis International portfolio has been a great opportunity for us to continue illustrating our brands’ heritage and values by crafting timeless and signature scents,” says Oscar Feldenkreis, President and CEO of Perry Ellis International, Inc. “Seeing customers embrace our creations and gravitate toward this new trilogy has been a fulfilling experience as we continue to expand this area of the business.”

Perry Ellis Night Sky

The release of Night Sky features Mexican soccer star and two-time FIFA World Cup competitor, Miguel Layún, the face and figure behind the Perry Ellis Sky Trilogy.

“It’s been an amazing experience coming back to join my Perry Ellis family for the final installment of this fragrance line,” said Miguel Layún. “While Red Sky and Sky were special in their own way, it was truly special bringing the final fragrance, Night Sky to life. There’s a moodiness and sexiness to this fragrance that was fun to capture.”

Night Sky is housed in the same slanted translucent bottle, as the previous fragrances in the collection, but this time it is in black.

Night Sky, along with Red Sky and Sky, are available today in department stores, duty-free shops, and global e-commerce sites, including Macy’s.

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Miller Harris introduces two new fragrances, Staccato and Mìneir

London based perfumery, Miller Harris, have launched two new fragrances, Staccato and Mìneir. They say, “These carefully curated scents are designed to evoke the warmth of winter nights and the refreshing cold air of nature, offering a sophisticated olfactory experience perfect for the colder months”

Both fragrances are part of Miller Harris’ Stories Collection, which includes fragrance such as Scherzo and Celadon. Staccato is inspired by a passage of text in ‘The Age of Innocence’ by Edith Wharton, and was created by perfumer Karine Vinchon Spehner. Virginia Woolf’s ’To the Lighthouse’, was the inspiration for Mìneir, created by perfumer, Emilie Bouge.

Staccato

Seductive Smokiness Meets Sweet Spice

“A luxurious blend of smokey warmth and sweet spice, Staccato is the ultimate fragrance for those seeking depth and sensuality. This woody fragrance opens with the rich, heady scent of tobacco, intertwined with the unmistakable smokiness of Chinese cedarwood. Like a flickering fire on a chilly winter’s evening, Staccato wraps you in a comforting embrace, thanks to its warm base of ambergris and woody undertones.”

Mìneir

Freshness of Cold Air and the Earthy Essence of Nature

“For those who crave the brisk, invigorating air of the outdoors, Mìneir offers a fresh yet grounding fragrance that transports you to the rugged terrain of a coastal forest. Mìneir embodies the duality of land and sea, making it perfect for lovers of nature-inspired scents. Green grass and cedarwood form the earthy base, reminiscent of dense woodlands under a light frost. This natural, grounded feeling is offset by crisp marine notes and a dash of sea salt, evoking the power and freshness of ocean spray on a chilly morning.”

Both fragrances are available now at millerharris.com and Miller Harris stockists as 100ml Eau de Parfum.

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Name change, U.S. Launch, and new fragrance for Boujee Bougies

Boujee Bougies, the UK home fragrance brand founded by Pia Long and Nick Gilbert is changing its name to ‘Eau de Boujee’, to represent the brands focus on personal fragrances. On their instagram, they said “We are shifting our focus and energy towards creating more perfumes and stories that we hope you’ll love as much as we do.”

The brand’s latest fragrance is Infleurno, which was previewed in Milan at Esxence earlier this year. The fragrance is inspired by the story of Persephone, and has notes of Charred grapefruit, creamy white petals and sparkling smoke.

“Goddess of both flowers and hell, Persephone waves the underworld farewell. A passionfruit replaces the pomegranate tainted with deceit. Joy of freedom sparks embers from the heels, leaving behind a pyrotechnic trail. Zest for life arrives each year, in bloom and fruit once more. Smoking embers of resins and woods left in her wake, she bids Hades and demons adieu.”

Eau de Boujee will soon be available in the United States at Indigo Perfumery in Ohio, where you can also purchase the brands’ current four fragrances:

Verdant

Giant green things, fresh water and air with salty concrete

“New verdant air reaches skyscraper heights as millions of green stems weave through brutalist buildings from some distant past when humans ruled the Earth.

A dewy mist lightly hovers over the concrete jungle, and a desert has turned into an oasis. New life can begin.”

Queen

Rose jam, flowers and a tea party as viewed from a rabbit hole

“Alice stepped through the looking glass and was made Queen, and now she’s thrown a tantrum and there are jam tarts everywhere.

The sweetness of Victoriana is set to the soundtrack of a hallucinogenic dream. Honeyed black tea is spilled. Red and white roses dance around a mushroom.”

Queen

Eau de Boujee (2023)

Gilded

Light, space, serenity; incense resin dipped in gold

“All that is gilded will be bold. A celestial temple of golden light transcends earthly reality. The whispered mysteries of ancient spirits, covered in gold by awe and time.

All life endeavors to ascend to a higher plane, a state attained through incense and devoted spirituality.“

Quir

Moreish leather, tobacco and someone looking at you like you’re the most delicious snack they’ve ever seen

“Explicit acceptance and subversive joy in a secret world of leather and pleasure.

A celebration of defiant exuberance, the spectrum of individuality and identity. Patent leather glistens amid well-worn biker jackets, adorned with spiced floral corsages.”

Quir

Eau de Boujee (2023)

In the UK you can order directly from Eau de Boujee, and in the US, you can order from Indigo Perfumery.

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IFF sign up perfumers, Alexandra Carlin and Alex Lee, to join their Paris-based fine fragrance team

IFF have recruited Alexandra Carlin as Senior Fine Fragrance Perfumer and Alex Lee as Fine Fragrance Perfumer to its Paris-based team.

“We’re excited for the talent and creative energy that Alexandra and Alex will bring to IFF Scent,” said Sabrya Meflah, president, Fine Fragrance, IFF. “Alexandra’s ability to translate deep emotions into beautiful and unique olfactory stories, coupled with Alex’s intuitive grasp of fragrance composition and boundless curiosity will undoubtedly enrich our artistic collective.”

Alexandra Carlin, a native Parisian, found her passion for perfumery after hearing a perfumer’s radio interview, which inspired her to shift from a literary career to one in perfumery. She pursued her studies at ISIPCA, delving into the molecular complexities of perfumery. Her early career at Dior Parfums saw her witness the creation of iconic scents like Dior Homme and Pure Poison. Mentored by Maurice Roucel, she developed an experimental approach to ingredient selection and fragrance creation. Her notable works include Diptyque Kyoto, Margiela Replica Matcha Meditation, Amouage Honour Woman, BDK Velvet Tonka and L’Artisan Parfumeur Tonka Blanc.

“IFF is a unique fragrance house that clearly defines the perfumer as an artist,” said Carlin. “I’m thrilled to join IFF and explore new olfactory languages with its unique palette of ingredients, in a company that values profound human connections.”

Alex Lee’s journey into perfumery began with a childhood fascination with freshly shampooed hair, leading him to make the change from pre-medical studies in California to mastering French in Lyon and subsequently studying at the prestigious Grasse Institute of Perfumery and ISIPCA. He subsequently developed a distinctive style, favoring ingredients like orange blossom, patchouli, saffron and orris. His creations include Dolce & Gabbana’s Velvet Infusion, Chloé l’Atelier des Fleurs Nuit d’Oranger, Penhaligon’s Agarbathi and Salvatore Ferragamo Rinascimento.

“This marks a significant milestone in my career,” said Lee. “I’m honored to join such a fantastic, creative team and explore an extensive palette of ingredients at a company where its international reach is reflected in its very name.”

IFF say, “With these appointments, [we] continues to strengthen [our] Paris creative hub, where artistic freedom meets expertise. Alexandra and Alex’s unique career paths embody IFF’s commitment to embracing diverse perspectives that inspire innovation in the art of perfumery.”

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Irish perfumery, Cloon Keen, launch limited seasonal candle duo

Cloon Keen are celebrating the upcoming festive season with The Noble Collection: Two candles – Noble Fir and Noble Myrrh, which are available separately, and as a limited edition coffret (Noble Péire) featuring both.

Noble Fir

“Crisp, resinous pine needles are softened by an aromatic veil of fir balsam, amber and cedar. A subtle blend of clove and cinnamon heighten the festive atmosphere of this addictive scent.”

Noble Myrrh

“Noble Myrrh is artfully blended with a crackle of spicy cinnamon and cumin. Delicate threads of saffron are woven through a billowing oriental base of sandalwood, cedar leaf, patchouli, labdanum and vanilla.”

Noble Péire

“A symbol of remembrance and hope since the 17th century, a lit candle placed in the window of a home during the month of December traditionally signified a warm welcome to those passing through, whether those returning home from abroad or an offer of shelter for strangers.”

Cloon Keen celebrates this tradition with limited edition Noble Péire, a luxury coffret of the brand’s two winter scents for the festive season: Noble Fir and Noble Myrrh.

Both candles and the Noble Péire Coffret set are available at Les Senteurs and Cloonkeen.com from 1st November.