NATIONAL MACAROON DAY



  REGLISSE NOIRE: A Chic & Sexy Gourmand


  Today (May 31st) marks National Macaroon Day in the United States and what a treat it is!


  I simply love the light, baked confection described as either small cakes or meringue-like cookies.


  The macaroon “le macaron” in French (pronounced mah-kah-rone) is a sweet little cookie type that comes in multiple colors with a plush marshmallow/meringue filling and then it is protected with another cookie at the bottom.


  It is sweet but not overly sweet and when it is baked to perfection each incredible ingredient melts in your mouth when cooked at the proper temperature.


  This reminds me of another delicacy in the form of a gourmand eau de toilette.

  REGLISSE NOIRE Eau de Toilette is a tempting tasteful aroma that uses the finest organic notes in a gourmand fragrance.


  It is a sophisticated chic eau de toilette made with the essence of the French macaroons that came to France in 1533 with the pastry chefs of Queen Catherine de Medici, wife of King Henry II.


  REGLISSE NOIRE features…Top Notes: White pepper, ozone, mint, shiso leaf


  Heart Notes: Star anise, ginger, licorice, cocoa


  Base Notes: Patchouli, cedar wood, vanilla, vetiver, and musk


  Ms. Buchanan is not just satisfied with the scent but REGLISSE NOIRE has to be presented in a beautiful bottle.


  The REGLISSE bottle is refillable and has a sleek and sexy vintage bulb atomizer that gravitates to the bygone era.


  I like going into a French pastry shop and when I order multi-color macaroons to go, my experience is like an operetta.


  First, there is a beautiful ornate box layered with wax paper. The colorful macaroons are placed gently in the box side by side like a rainbow. The lid is put on very carefully and then the pastel color ribbon is placed over the entire box and slowly the ribbon is tied and then you have “presentation”.


Jessica September Buchanan
  Ms. Buchanan grew up in Canada and then moved to Grasse, France to study perfumery at the prestigious Grasse Institute of Perfumery. So, Ms. Buchanan has been trained at one of the finest schools and she took her studies very seriously and by wearing REGLISSE NOIRE, you are getting the gift of “presentation”. It is the beautiful scent given in a vintage designed bottle that is the signature design of 1000FLOWERS. Its presentation, is the French way.


  REGLISSE NOIRE is lovely presentation of black licorice.


  It stays at the center of the heart and all the other notes are swept with a husky note of patchouli and musk for stability that makes a great scent for men, too.


  So celebrate today with a French macaroon and the fragrance of REGLISSE NOIRE. Remember, it is the presentation that counts!


  To celebrate National Macaroon Day, I spoke to Jessica September Buchanan about REGLISSE NOIRE. Ms. Buchanan expressed her joy in creating it.






                 THE INTERVIEW

Hi Jessica and thank you for spending time with me today.



You’re very welcome- it’s my pleasure!


First, Jessica when did it become a reality that you would own a perfume company and launch your very first fragrance line?


I have been developing my company since the mid 90’s, so being an entrepreneur was always a priority for me. I began by selling pure essential oils under my own label in 1996, and then slowly developed a collection of natural cosmetics that were aromatherapy based. Eventually this passion was to become focused in the direction of natural perfumery. After my time spent studying in France, I decided to devote myself entirely to a life path of refining my skills in the perfumed art.


Who are your mentor(s) in the perfume industry? The person(s) who inspired you and guided your career?


I have had many mentors along the way. While in France, not only did we have great teachers in our school, but I completed 2 internships (in Mane et Fils and Robertet), in large perfume houses in the Grasse region. During these sejours, I met and was taught by various perfumers, evaluators, chemists, and marketing specialists. I have also been greatly inspired by some of the masters of the perfumed art- those living and those who have passed on. I am very inspired by the teachings and philosophies of Edmond Roudnitska, by the creation style of Jean Claude Ellena (Hermes), and by the classic teachings of Jean Carles. My latest inspiration, a perfumer whom I admire greatly and who I actually pray to for guidance now and then, is Earnest Beaux, the perfumer who created, amongst many other fragrances- Chanel 5. That era, the 20’s and 30’s of perfumery is a fascinating time and the fragrances that were created then are, in my opinion, exquisite.


Jessica how did you come up with the idea of REGLISSE NOIRE EAU DE TOILETTE? Did it start with the fragrance notes?


I began with one raw material actually- Helional. I was fascinated with this material, by its modernity and transparence. I wanted to explore the idea of balancing opposites, of old and new, natural and ‘high-tech’, masculine and feminine. Mostly, I wanted to find a way to explore the place of connection where opposites meet. So to counter-balance Helional, the concept I chose was black licorice, and Liquorice Allsorts in particular. These old-fashioned candies also have personal meaning to me and are associated with my childhood. I decided to write a scent story that explored a merging of past memory with the present, and of familiar with new discovery, of technology and mysticism.


You describe REGLISSE NOIRE as “A CHIC SEXY GOURMAND”. Is this due to the Black Licorice?


Reglisse Noire holds notes of cocoa, spices and vanilla in addition to the black licorice- so as much as it can be considered a gourmand fragrance- it is not sugary nor a singular literal licorice scent. The perfume is an interpretation of licorice, while remaining sophisticated and elegant. There is a sexiness and sensuality as well, since the perfume is a warm and close ‘skin scent’, rich in wood and musks- one has to lean in close to fully appreciate it.


What does 1000 FLOWERS represent?


1000 Flowers represents the idea of limitlessness in flowers. It is associated with the Eastern concept of the thousand petalled lotus that can symbolize higher consciousness and freedom from illusion. The most beautiful perfumes on the planet are created by flowers- and flowers have been held in the highest esteem as expressions of love and celebration since the dawn of time. My company name pays homage to all that beauty.


Jessica, the packaging is simply beautiful! What is it about the packaging of the bygone era that inspires you to replicate it?


That’s very kind of you to say. Thank you. I worked for a long time to find a packaging solution that would be a thing of beauty to be kept, rather than just being thrown away like most packaging in the world. I have a small collection of old cigar boxes and I suddenly realized that this was exactly the idea I wanted to capture for my fragrance packaging. I also saw many examples of beautiful traditional fragrance and cosmetic containers in the perfume museums in Grasse. I spent most of the summer of 2010 working on the designs and prototypes of these boxes. Most people don’t realize that I do all the work by hand to bring each piece from raw cedarwood to the finished product.


Lastly, Jessica what is the message of REGLISSE NOIRE? What impression should it have on your customers?


Reglisse Noire is about fun. I wanted to play a bit and draw attention away from all the seriousness in the world. We are all far too serious and we could all do with a bit of ‘lightening up’! At the same time I have deep respect for classic perfumery, so I didn’t want to create some light confectionary cavity-inducing perfume. Therefore Reglisse is an elegant and well-constructed fragrance created with the best quality raw materials (organic cedarwood and wild French fennel for example). It’s possible to explore irreverence and play with finesse and sensuality !

PURCHASE: 1000flowers.ca    indiescents.com

CONTACT: nectar@1000flowers.ca

PHOTO CREDIT: Picture of Macaroon Museum (dyingforchocolate.com)



*********************DRAW******************
Due to the generosity of Jessica September Buchanan & the 1000FLOWERS staff, there will be a draw for two samples of REGLISSE NOIRE EAU DE TOILETTE.

ONE sample will be given to each person. To enter the DRAW, please write a comment at the end of the review on this site and indicate that you want to be entered in the DRAW. 

Thank you so much for participating!! 
 
 
 
F.H.

3 comments

  1. jessica Says:
  2. Thank you for this beautiful edition Felicia! It is so much fun to be paired with such a light and colourful sweet as the macaroon- and so French as well! And good luck to those who enter to win a sample of Reglisse Noire! xo

     
  3. Bellatrix Says:
  4. Love you interviews. :) I once spoked with J. and she was really friendly and great. I want to enter in the draw. :D

     
  5. Anonymous Says:
  6. I am intrigued by the idea of a licorice-scented perfume (one of my favorite sweets) and would love to try this one...please enter me for the draw!
    Leslie Robinson
    leslierobinson@carlbrook.org

     

Post a Comment

International Perfume Foundation

International Perfume Foundation
IPF Certified Natural Perfumery Media

House of Matriarch

House of Matriarch
"Nature is the Ultimate Luxury"

Esscentual Alchemy

Esscentual Alchemy
A Luxurious Natural Perfumery

ESXENCE: The Scent of Excellence

ESXENCE: The Scent of Excellence
ESXKIN: The Excellence of Beauty

Fragrance Belles-Lettres Est 2009 CHICAGO

The word "belles lettres" is a French phrase meaning "beautiful or "fine writing. Since this is a term to describe a category of writing, this will pertain to my passion about fragrances. I will review niche,natural, artisan and designer perfumes from all over the world. I write with passion but will use my journalistic skills that I obtained in college. Not only will I feature fragrances but I will feature new books on fragrances/perfumes, fragrance events and interview authors and perfumers.


I hope you take this journey with me and begin your own passion for the ART OF PERFUMERY!

Fragrance Belles-Lettres Magazine is a division of Noblesse Luxe Publication.


Felicia M. Hazzard
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief









Parfums Dusita

Parfums Dusita
"We aim to create great fragrances that can’t be copied."

ANU ESSENTIALS

ANU ESSENTIALS
Meadow Lark Natural Perfume

CULT PERFUMES: The World's Most Exclusive Perfumes

CULT PERFUMES: The World's Most Exclusive Perfumes
Author: Tessa Williams

Alaia Paris Parfum

Alaia Paris Parfum
Designer Azzedine Alaia's first perfume

NOBLESSE LUXE PUBLICATION

NOBLESSE LUXE PUBLICATION
A Publishing Company for the Arts in Perfumery

CHOCOLATE CRAVE PERFUME

CHOCOLATE CRAVE PERFUME
Eau de Parfum made in the USA

Aedes de Venustas

Aedes de Venustas
A perfumery shop in New York

Phul-Nana Eau de Parfum Vintage

Phul-Nana Eau de Parfum Vintage
Advertising

Rose de Nuit

Rose de Nuit
By Serge Lutens

CiocoRosissimo Eau de Parfum

CiocoRosissimo Eau de Parfum
By Hilde Soliani

CiocoSpesizissimo Eau de Parfum

CiocoSpesizissimo Eau de Parfum
By Hilde Soliani

Lumiere Eau de Parfum

Lumiere Eau de Parfum
By Dawn Spencer Hurwitz

Lychee Mousse, Pistachio Ganache, Bergamot Truffle Perfumes

Lychee Mousse, Pistachio Ganache, Bergamot Truffle Perfumes
By Francois Payard

LE CHEVALIER

LE CHEVALIER
EAU DE TOILETTE

Wild Roses

Wild Roses
By: Aftelier Perfumes

ETIQUETTE BLEUE

ETIQUETTE BLEUE
EAU DE TOILETTE

Josephine and Le Vainquer Eau de Parfum

Josephine and Le Vainquer Eau de Parfum
By Francois Rance'

FEMME DE DANDY

FEMME DE DANDY
EAU DE PARFUM

Francois Rance'

Francois Rance'
Founder and Perfumer

LE DANDY

LE DANDY
POUR HOMME

The Blue Egyptian Water Lily

The Blue Egyptian Water Lily
in Ancient Egypt

L'EAU DE BOUQUET PARFUM

L'EAU DE BOUQUET PARFUM
THE FRAGRANCE THAT STARTED IT ALL.

L de Lubin

L de Lubin
Perfume

BEAU BRUMMEL

BEAU BRUMMEL
DANDY & SOCIALITE

COUNTESS MARGUERITE BLESSINGTON

COUNTESS MARGUERITE BLESSINGTON
LOVER AND INSPIRATON TO COUNT D'ORSAY

House of Lubin

House of Lubin
Logo

Blog Archive

William H. Penhaligon

William H. Penhaligon
Founder & Perfumer

Endymion Cologne

Endymion Cologne
A Penhaligon Collection

Hamman Bouquet Eau de Toilette Spray

Hamman Bouquet Eau de Toilette Spray
Created by Wm Penhaligon in 1872

Extract of Limes

Extract of Limes
The Anthology Series

Fragrance Belles-Lettres

Douro Eau de Portugal Cologne

Douro Eau de Portugal Cologne
A Penhaligon Collection

Gardenia

Gardenia
The Anthology Series

Eau de Verveine

Eau de Verveine
The Anthology Series

Piment Brulant Eau de Toilette

Piment Brulant Eau de Toilette
By L' Artisan Parfumeur

RANCE' PERFUME

RANCE' PERFUME
LAETITIA MILLISIME

Eau de Charlotte Parfum

Eau de Charlotte Parfum
by Annick Goutal

Cybele

Cybele
An Oriental Fragrance by Galimard

Alec Guinness

Alec Guinness
Signature & Client

LAETITIA BONAPARTE

LAETITIA BONAPARTE
NAPOLEON BONAPARTE'S MOTHER

JEAN DE GALIMARD, FOUNDER & PERFUMER

JEAN DE GALIMARD, FOUNDER & PERFUMER

Night Scented Stock

Night Scented Stock
The Anthology Series

Shantoung

Shantoung
An Oriental Fragrance by Galimard

Laurence Olivier

Laurence Olivier
Signature & Client

CREED Boutique in New York

CREED Boutique in New York
A sneak preview of the boutique

Queen/Pharoah Hatsheput

Queen/Pharoah Hatsheput
Adorning herself with perfume of a flower

Founder, House of Creed

Founder, House of Creed
James Henry Creed (1710-1798)

Parfum d'Orsay

Parfum d'Orsay
Count Alfred G. d'Orsay

L'Intrigante Eau de Parfum

L'Intrigante Eau de Parfum
by: Parfum d'Orsay

J. H. Tindel

J. H. Tindel
Owner, Chemist & Perfumer

August Doussan

August Doussan
Owner and Perfumer

Bourbon French Parfums

Bourbon French Parfums
164 Years of Success

HOUSE OFBOURBON FRENCH PARFUMS

HOUSE OFBOURBON FRENCH PARFUMS
BOURBON FRENCH COLLECTION

Dress Coat White Marcella Waistcoat

Dress Coat White Marcella Waistcoat
Anderson & Sheppard Exclusive

The House of Anderson & Sheppard

The House of Anderson & Sheppard
A Place Of Elegance

Double-Breasted Navy Herringbone Overcoat

Double-Breasted Navy Herringbone Overcoat
Anderson & Sheppard Exclusive

Jacket Glen

Jacket Glen
Anderson & Sheppard Exclusive

Marguerite Acker

Marguerite Acker
Owner & Perfumer

Alessandra Crain

Alessandra Crain
Owner & Perfumer

Mary Eleftorea Behlar

Mary Eleftorea Behlar
Owner & Perfumer

House Of Grossmith

House Of Grossmith
Three Exquisite Fragrances in Baccarat crystal perfume bottles

Marie Laveau

Marie Laveau
Voodoo Priestess

Popular Posts

Shem-el-Nessim Eau de Parfum Vintage

Shem-el-Nessim Eau de Parfum Vintage
Advertising

Hasu-no-Hana Eau de Parfum Vintage

Hasu-no-Hana Eau de Parfum Vintage
Advertising

Fragrant Florals of the South

Fragrant Florals of the South
Fragrances of Southern Gardens

Bourbon French Collection

Bourbon French Collection
The Scents of Distinguished Clientele

Voodoo Love

Voodoo Love
The Fragrance for the Object of Affection

Florals-Southern,Favorites, Vintage & Exotic

Florals-Southern,Favorites, Vintage & Exotic
The Flowers of Forever