Sandra‘s Closet

After the launch of AMBER MUSC in 2013 and ROSE MUSC in 2016, Narciso Rodriguez is launching a new fragrance to complement his Oriental Musc Editions this fall: SANTAL MUSC.

All three stand for pure luxury: addictive modern classics created through a masterful synchrony of East and West. Dedicated to discerning fragrance connoisseurs, I invite you to have a closer look:

AMBER MUSC (2013)

The quintessential fragrance. For centuries, the distinctive nature of both amber and musc have captured a sublime sensuality as scent dissolves into skin. Narciso Rodriguez melds the two iconic notes as one in this captivating Eau de Parfum Intense.

“The idea for the amber musc was to honor two great periods of fragrance with my own modern interpretation,” says Narciso Rodriguez, “and the results have been beyond my dream.”

The perfumer Aurélien Guichard synthesizes a golden balsamic accord with the smoky sweetness of oud wood, the illusive nature of incense and the lush smoothness of black patchouli to create a dusky palette. Narciso Rodriguez’s signature musc acts as a luminous counterpoint to this palette, softened by orange blossom.

ROSE MUSC (2016)

The poetic symbol of perfection in the annals of perfumery: rose, a most mythical ingredient. In both Eastern and Western culture, its rich yet delicate scent has served as the synonym of fragrance for over a millennium. For this creation, the world’s most iconic flower meets an equally iconic note, the signature musc of the famous designer.

“I was very passionate about the idea of creating a new fragrance using rose, the ultimate symbol of refinement, and musc, which is more raw,” says Narciso Rodriguez. “The process to find the precise scent was very challenging and I think we met the challenge.”

The perfumer Sonia Constant has obtained the supreme rose absolute for rose musc from Morocco. Golden saffron lends vibrancy to the top notes as a hint of labdanum adds a unique opulence to the heart of musc. Spicy black pepper and dusky patchouli further refines its intensity.

SANTAL MUSC (2017)

This new beautiful fragrance captures a discreet luxury that’s addictive by transcending boundaries. Narciso Rodriguez conceives a provocative balance of soft woody accords and bright florals with delicacy and nuance. Santal musc reinterprets the masculine-feminine with a sensuality both illusive and potent. It is a surprising contrast of deep warmth and silky softness.

“The santal musc was meant to be an entirely unique fragrance—very magnetic, very intriguing,” says Narciso Rodriguez, “I wanted to capture beauty and desire in a scent that both men and women would covet.”

Sonia Constant and Caroline Sabas create a transformative fragrance, bold yet enigmatic, with eclectic woody accords and floral notes.  The signature heart of musc is surrounded by sumptuous amber accords, sandalwood and vetiver heightened by fresh ylang flowers and a hint of cardamom spice.

Available as Eau de Parfum Intense for CHF 229.00 (100ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Narciso Rodriguez

As promised less than two weeks ago, here is the new fragrance, that I was telling you about: Pleats Please by Issey Miyake – the perfume that moves you.

The launch event took place at the Louvre in Paris with a very different und beautiful presentation. Dressed in pleats of every colour, models leaped and danced, twirled and spinned, motivating the audience to join in the fun.

The designer Issey Miyake is known known globally for his signature pleats – a look that went around the world in more than 80 colours; it is contemporary yet timeless. Today, the iconic line Pleats Please Issey Miyake has its own fragrance. It is a scent that pays homage to a seminal fashion creation: an infusion of emotion and olfactory ode to joy.

The iconic L’Eau d’Issey and L’Eau d’Issey Pour l’Homme burst forth from the fountain of Issey Miyake fragrances; clear and shimmering, the waters heralded Issey Miyake’s first foray into perfumery.
Pleats Please is completely different, a joyous, light-hearted scent with meticulously sculpted facets created by perfumer Aurélien Guichard. For this new fragrance, the exuberance and heartiness of a floral bouquet was a must – flowers to define the femininity of a subtle delicate composition.

Perfumer Aurélien Guichard

Top Note: Nashi (a hybrid fruit that oscillates between pear and apple, with the pear note predominating).

Middle Notes: Peony and sweet pea. Indole adds a fleshly, voluptous touch and „gives substance to the note“, the perfumer explains. The accord is warm and vibrant, like „an invitation to fluidity“. (Remember Roja Dove who explained me the sexual power of indole. Click here if you would like to know more.)

Base notes: Cedar, patchouli, vanilla and white musks.

Available from September 2012. The product range comprises a trio of eau de toilette in three formats: 30, 50 and 100 ml. The EdTs are supplemented by two derivatives infused with the notes of Pleats Please: a creamy, body lotion and a deodorant spray.

The bottle is very interesting. Its shape is reminiscent of a bag that is put down on the floor. The cap takes the form of a floral calyx, a finely pleated abstraction that symbolises both a white flower and the Pleats Please fabric.

In his quest for the timeless and functional in fashion, Issey Miyake found his answer in pleats. Fashion keeps moving, and so does fragrance!

It was such a beautiful presentation at the Louvre! For more details about my look, please click here for the previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht