Fragrance Belles-Lettres Magazine

Fragrance Belles-Lettres: The Magazine is an online fragrance magazine established in 2009 dedicated to niche perfumes which includes natural/organic perfumes. This magazine is created to explore vintage and modern with a journalistic approach and an aristocratic flair. This magazine consist of perfume reviews, articles and exclusive interviews conducted with industry leaders, perfumers and authors. Fragrance Belles-Lettres: The Magazine is published through NOBLESSE LUXE PUBLISHING LLC.

Showing posts with label Kedra Hart. Show all posts

Posted by Unknown 19 September, 2013 0 comments

Noblese Luxe Publishing

FRAGRANCE REVIEW

MOTHER
One simple word for an Earthy scent

      MOTHER, an eau de parfum by Kedra Hart, Master Perfumer and owner of Opus Oils was inspired by many different facets to created this sensual, earthy and surprisingly fruity appeal.

      This creation is surrounded with all things that are pure and reminds us of what a mother is...simplistic, warrior, compassionate and the helper in the creation of life.

       My experience with Mother Eau de Parfum was a swirl of different non-anticipated scents bellowing in a fantastic medieval form that took me back into a world I have never known.

     Kedra took part in a project with other perfumers called the Primordial Scents Project in 2012 that was created and hosted by Monica Miller, natural perfumer and owner of the blog, Perfume Pharmer.

   This inspirational journey and a book read by Kedra called, "The 5th Sacred Thing" by Earth Activist Starhawk was the reason for Mother Eau de Parfum was formed into being.

   What a wonderful first impression of this gourmand scent for both men and women with a warmth of chocolate infused with what is called "boozy figs". It leaves a delicate burning sensation metaphor that creates a surrounding protection of wild roses and woody scents.

   I love how the scent lingers in an effervescent way that reminds me of castle, wrought iron gate with a beautiful landscape of earthy flowers in a light balmy breeze highlighed by a sweet innocence.

Mother Eau de Parfum was launched in May 2013 but this time of the year is equally manifesting to this scent.

I wore it on a few chillers days recently and the sillage has never been more bold and beautiful.

It is truly a scent for all seasons and its captivating packaging will give you that sense of maturity with an adorning decorative art nouveau mediallion for a LIMITED TIME.

MOTHER Eau de Parfum is considered an earthy gourmand that is not too sweet but fits perfectly for that man or woman who are pristine professionals that do not want to be considered as overbearing individuals.

I am just wild about MOTHER Eau de Parfum. It is just right for my spiritual personality that is considerate of others.

This is another masterpiece by Kedra Hart.

www.opusoils.com

Photo Courtesy: www.opusoils.com

FMH

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Posted by Unknown 13 February, 2013 0 comments

A Noblesse Luxe Publication

NEW FRAGRANCE ANNOUNCEMENT

BABYLON NOIR
A Devilscent Perfume Project

Valentine's Day is truly my most favorite day of the year. Retail stores embraced the various shades of reds and pinks for a delightful day full of love and devotion. But how about a little darkness here and there.

For the daring lovers that are into fabulous fragrances, I have just the one you are going to love.
BABYLON NOIR ( Dark Babylon) by Opus Oils and owner and perfumer, Kedra Hart.

I have been most privileged to experience Ms. Hart's supreme talent first hand. The combination of rich and exotic fragrance notes with creative and spellbinding blends are simply divine.

Not only do you get a rare scent but you get a beautiful LIMITED EDITION Artisan Bottle that is adorned with vintage lace and fancy feathers.

It is rarity for me to boast about a scent that I have yet to try but I know the mighty hand of Kedra Hart. No, she does not disappoint. It is out of reach not to create a truly earthy scent filled with room for imagination and filled with the art of perfumery that goes beyond the scale of a perfumer.

I love the way Ms. Hart creates a scent without any inhibitions. She explores uncharted territories that I truly admire.

BABYLON NOIR OFFICIALLY launches on Valentine's Day (February 12, 2013) and it is part of the Devilscent Perfume Project. This is a clever and a most wonderful way of allowing niche perfumers to explore and create fragrances on the edgy side for such an organization and put it on the market to sell.

BABYLON NOIR consists of Indecent Tuberose, Narcotic Peaches, Luscious Lychee, Civet, Smoke and Leather.

To Purchase go to www.opusoils.com

For the Curious order Babylon Noir sample 1 ml for $5.00 USD
For the Anxious order Babylon Noir 1/2 oz Parfum Roll-On for $85.00 USD
For the Romantic order Babylon Noir 1 oz Eau de Parfum Spray for $95.00 USD
For the Adventurer order Babylon Noir 1.7 oz Fancy Atomizer (alcohol only) for $185.00

*Babylon Noir is available in alcohol or fractionated coconut oil.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

FMH

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WILD CHILD#13-THIS SUMMER SCREAMS A WINNER

Posted by Unknown 14 August, 2011 0 comments

WILD CHILD #13

A Summer SCENTSATIONAL Winner

I must say in the World of Perfumery, this summer for me has been one of the most interesting and emotionally entertaining aspects of my summer experience. I took part as one of the “patch testers” with Monica Miller’s eclectic and unique scent event, SUMMER OF PATCHOULI LOVE 2011 PERFUME PHARMER & THE PATCH TEST BUNNIES soiree dedicated to the Patchouli fragrance note.

I eagerly tested 13 patchouli sample creations by various natural perfumers and I was instructed to indicate my 3 most favorites. This was a very hard task for me, as I loved many of them but I did what I was told and my most favorite is #13.

Grant it at the time, the bottles were just numbered not named. So, like all of the patch testers, we had no idea who created them. This is why I call this scent event “unique”. You had to concentrate on the notes, not the person who created it. So much of the time I notice in this industry that we are caught up in “who” created the fragrance and not the character of the scent and the inspiration that prompt its arrival. Finally when the unveiling occurred and I found out that my first pick was created by Kedra Hart of OPUS OILS, I wasn’t surprised because it’s the unique character that she leaves behind every perfume creation and for that reason, WILD CHILD #13 was the overall favorite among voters in SUMMER OF PATCHOULI LOVE 2011.

The criteria for the natural perfumers were to create a patchouli fragrance with the theme of the 60’s/70's era Peace, Love and in this case, Patchouli.

Reports indicate that during the famous “hippie” era in the US and in the UK, Patchouli was the most favored scent, especially in the form of incense.

What struck me about WILD CHILD#13 is the smoothness of the scent yet there is an edginess that represents the artistic and charisma of the musical geniuses of that time such as The Doors’ Jim Morrison and the world’s best guitarist, Jimi Hendrix. Jim and Jimi were masters at engaging the audience into their world of musical embellishment that has become an icon in the music industry.

WILD CHILD#13 screams with celebration and liberation of a time when going against the establishment was within your rights and being yourself and expressing yourself in peace, love and happiness was the way of life.

Kedra left a trail of “character and inspiration that “spoke to mind, heart and soul of us who were so fortunate to be a part of this scent event and the first to smell it before it was known as WILD CHILD#13.

Obamas at Martha's Vineyard

Now that summer is coming to a close for SUMMER OF PATCHOULI LOVE 2011 in Martha’s Vineyard, a good time was had by all and we will always remember this beach party and WILD CHILD#13 that made it happen for us just like it was done over 40 years ago for them. Goodbye!

WILD CHILD#13, “The Primal Scream in a Bottle” features…

TOP NOTES: saffron, cabreuva, blood cedar wood, peach tree leaf, Clementine, yellow mandarin and wild orange

MIDDLE NOTES: honey, milk accord, black currant bud, tuberose and peach accord

BASE NOTES: aged dark patchouli, sandalwood, ambergris, dark amber, vetiver and vanilla

NOTE: WILD CHILD#13 is available in both Alcohol & Fractioned Coconut Oil, but please make that request.

PURCHASE: opusoils.com

To read more about SUMMER OF PATCHOULI LOVE 2011 PERFUME PHARMER & THE PATCH TEST BUNNIES go to perfumepharmer.com/organic-perfume-skincare-remedies

Photo Credits: photo of Perfume Pharmer design banner is designed by Katlyn Breene(mermadearts.com) and Summer of Patchouli Love 2011 banner is designed by Elizabeth Whelan (elizabethwehelanillustrator.com)

F.H.

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CHAMPAGNE ROSES with EDIBLE ROSE PETALS TEA

Posted by Unknown 27 July, 2011 0 comments

HIGH TEA with CHAMPAGNE ROSES

A Beverage fit for Royalty

Last month my husband and I celebrated 11 years of marriage. So what is the most common thing to do to celebrate such an occasion? Drink champagne! We opened a bottle of our favorite champagne, Billecart- Salmon and my husband poured it into the flutes that we received as a wedding gift and then…well not quite.

You probably thought we made a toast to one another and then started sipping but that is not quite what happened. I received a beautiful tin can of edible rose petals by Kedra Hart, perfumer and owner of OPUS OILS in West Hollywood, California.

Kedra was so nice to send this to me by request. Believe it or not this was my first time trying out edible rose petals. More importantly it is the OO’s Jitterbug Perfume Parlour Teas & Champagne Roses collection. Kedra sent me the CHAMPAGNE ROSES PERFUMED TEA that is hand infused with floral absolutes (tuberose).

I was eager to find out exactly how this would work with champagne or wine because honestly I love ROSE’ champagnes, so having edible rose petals in my expensive glass of champagne would ruin the whole effect, Right? Wrong, having CHAMPAGNE ROSES in my champagne was one of the best experiences I have ever had.

It is very simple. According to the direction, all I have to do is “just put a spoonful or 2 in your glass of champagne or wine and let it steep for 3-5 minutes” and that is it.

Not only do you have delicious soft and chewy rose petals but you have a beautiful light pink tint to your champagne. I love this idea because it cost me a lot less than buying a bottle of Rose’ champagne and it is the natural way to add color to any beverage.

I used it in my favorite teas and it boosts the flavor by 50%. The rose petals are so chewy and it glides down your throat when swallowed.

My husband is a skeptic but after I told him about it, he tried it and now my tin can of CHAMPAGNE ROSES with EDIBLE ROSE PETALS is almost gone!!

Jitterbug Perfume Parlour Tea Collection comes in an array of flavors and themes that is a fit for everyone you know.

Many thanks to Kedra for adding more spice to my champagne and my marriage.

Jitterbug Perfume Parlour Tea Collection also includes…

• ABSINTHE TEA

• BURLESQUE TEA

• DIVINE TEA

• GRETCHEN BONADUCE’S UNEARTHLY BEAUTY? TEA

• ISLAND GIRL TEA

• JITTERBUG TEA

• ROLLER GIRL TEA

• SATAN’S ANGEL

• TIGER TEA

PURCHASE: opusoils.com

F.H.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Kedra Hart of OPUS OILS

Posted by Unknown 06 July, 2011 0 comments

EXCLUSIVE interview with Kedra Hart
The genius behind OPUS OILS perfumes

Kedra Hart, perfumer and owner of OPUS OILS JITTERBUG PERFUME PARLOUR in Hollywood, California is a perfumer with a unique style but with a simple approach to perfumery that has made her a household name around the globe.

The OPUS OILS collection include an eclectic of fragrances and themes to suit everyone such as The Absinthe Collection, The Afraid of the Dark Collection, Burlesque Collection, Dirty Sexy Wilde, The Divine Collection, The Fetish Collection, Island Girl Collection, Jitterbug, Les Bohemes, Roller Girl and introducing as of July 2011, Wild Child#13 Collection.

My discussion with Ms. Hart is about THE DIVINE COLLECTION. This is due to its historical and mythical aromas around deities that surround beliefs from around the world and for the summer Scent Event, SUMMER OF PATCHOULI LOVE 2011 where the main theme is peace-love and “patchouli “scent.

THE INTERVIEW

Kedra, I think THE DIVINE COLLECTION is just wonderful and it is 100% ALL NATURAL. Why is it important to have THE DIVINE COLLECTION an all natural perfume?

It felt like the best choice for the subject matter... With this Perfume Collection I wanted to tap into the concept of "Magical Perfumery," the practice of using the energy in Aromatic essences for the purpose of stimulating and affecting one's conscious states. While Aroma Chemicals may be pleasing to our noses, there is no power in them whatsoever, "energetically" speaking. Natural Aromatics have often been referred to as the "SOUL" of the plant, and these concentrated essences are capable of having a considerable effect on our physical and mental bodies.

Kedra, what is it that you like best about THE DIVINE COLLECTION?

While I was working on this collection I used lots of rare and unusual essences to create the scents. Several of them were a bit challenging (Seaweed Absolute, Choya Nakh) and so it was especially rewarding to be able to find a harmonious balance within these blends.

ISIS perfume is a representation of the GODDESS ISIS. How did you determine what notes to use to describe "mystical enchanting blend"?

For each perfume in the Divine Collection I incorporated notes that were somehow linked to the Deity that was the theme of the scent... The Blue Lotus flower is considered sacred to Isis, and Frankincense & Myrrh are two of the most ancient aromatics in existence, and they were used heavily in Egypt for Religious & ceremonial practices to produce a heightened awareness of the spiritual realms.

Kedra for PAN perfume, how did you come up with the name for it?

The Goat God Pan has long been one of my all time favorite God archetypes... What's not to love about a musky, earthy Goat-Man/God who "rocks" his Nymphs with his pipes, whilst celebrating nature by "stinking up" the place?... Of course his association with the world of fragrance was cemented in Tom Robbins' "Jitterbug Perfume," a treasure of a novel that blew my mind wide open when I was a youth, and continues to blow my mind every time I visit it again... I always felt especially kindred to this book as “KUDRA” is only one letter off from my name, after all...

PAN has a note of PATCHOULI and I know the 'Summer of Love PATCHOULI 2011' Scent Event created by Perfume Pharmer's Monica Miller favors PAN perfume. Kedra, what does it mean to be apart of this unique event dedicated to PATCHOULI?

Participating in Monica's Summer of Patchouli Love 2011 Event has been an absolute blast!!!... I am really enjoying the community spirit that it is inspiring, and not to mention some very DEEP experiences, as far as Scent Memories and all the deep dark secrets that Patchouli has unearthed for me personally...

Kedra, I love the notes you chose in Venus! It is an array of rich notes with highlights of floral. Kedra, what did you want to capture in this fragrance that gives a unique and edgy scent?

What I wanted to capture in this scent was the "Birth from the Sea," aspect of the Venus Mythology... This led me to include several unusual Natural Marine-type notes such as Seaweed Absolute, Choya Nakh (burned crushed Seashells), and Beach Found Ambergris. I chose to create a heart of floral notes with a chorus line of Rose, Jasmine, & Ylang Ylang (the notes most traditionally associated with Venus), in support of the "Leading Lady" Pink Lotus, an aquatic perennial.

I have noticed more and more creations of "green" fragrances on the market. Eros has the right balance of notes with a citrus flavor. How important is it to have a "green" fragrance in a perfume collection?

Thank you for the compliment! I am so very pleased to hear this :~)...

Yes, I definitely know what you mean about the "GREEN" Trend... And it is most definitely one of “THE” most important Categories of Fragrance to have in a Perfume Collection at the moment. I first noticed this trend stirring last February 2010, when
I was working with The Four Seasons in Beverly Hills on a Valentines Day Custom Blend Perfume
Event. It was sort of a phenomenon actually - every single client that I worked with (from the Tourists, to the Producer & His Wife) requested a "Green Scent." Some of them wanted a "Gourmand Green," some wanted an 'Earthy Green," and some wanted "A Green Green," but it was across the board "GREEN" with a capitol G, literally EVERY time!

There was a really special moment at Twilight on Valentine's Day/Eve (I was totally saturated, covered in GREEN Bases with Orange Blossom Hearts, at this point) when the husband of one of my "Couples" was out on the wrap-a-round balcony (on the 16th Floor) and he called to his wife and I to…, "Come out her right now!" because there was a "Hummingbird going crazy!!!"... When we went out to join him, the Hummingbird flew up to me at eye level moving in to my Personal Space and started "buzzing" around me, circling like a Dervish as he proceeded to "Check Me Out," at close range... Let’s just say, it was clearly very erotic on His part, and I'm quite certain that he was responding to my green scent... So, I would have to say that even as far as "Nature" is concerned, “GREEN” is very alive as a premiere choice on our Aromatic Palates right now.

Thank you Kedra so much. I truly appreciate getting to know more about THE DIVINE COLLECTION.

Thank You, Felicia! I really enjoyed your very thoughtful and interesting questions!

F.H.

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OPUS OILS: DIVINE COLLECTION

Posted by Unknown 1 comments

OPUS OILS

Divine Collection… with a hint of Summer of

Patchouli Love starring Kedra Hart

Kedra Hart is no stranger to success. Ms. Hart is a perfumer and owner of OPUS OILS Jitterbug Perfume Parlor, a Perfume Atelier located among the stars in the sky and the ones in Hollywood, California.

Ms. Hart not only owns an Atelier but she offers an incredible array of products and services such as perfumes, skincare, perfumed teas, Bespoke service, Private Label service and a perfume school. Not only does Ms. Hart teach perfumery in California but also at OPUS OILS in Paris, France. Did I say that Ms. Hart is no stranger to success?

I had the honor of sampling two collections but I will talk about only one for this review, not that I am saving the best for last. There is no one best because both are equally engaging and spiritually uplifting with so much attention to detail, it is truly unbelievable!

My focus is on the Divine Collection that features four scents that are 100% All Natural. It’s composed using the world’s finest ingredients that are blended to perfection and leaves room for the imagination among your wildest dreams.

ISIS- An Egyptian goddess in Ancient Egyptian religious beliefs is the symbol of fertility and motherhood is blended with a note known to Ancient Egypt such as the Blue Lotus that grows along the Nile. This exotic scent of a divine deity brilliantly showcases the Blue Lotus. Reports indicates this flower opens in the morning, rising to the surface of water and then close and sink at dusk.

Ms. Hart’s attention and understanding of ISIS being and essence is truly visible in this fragrance that represents the opening of a womb and closing after childbirth.

ISIS is a temple of mystic blends that are smooth and soothing with a heady feature which represents the gem of the ocean.

Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Blue Lotus Absolute, White Water Lily Absolute, Jasmine Absolute

PAN- Is the controversial God that is wild and outlandish but loves and protects nature. This beautiful fragrance reminds me of the forest that led Alice in Wonderland into a blissful fantasy world filled with gigantic mushrooms, overbearing trees and the illusions of Peter Pan’s “Neverland”, but for only just a moment until Alice eats the cake and then…

PAN is also a representation of SUMMER OF PATCHOULI LOVE 2011, a scent event dedicated to the dark and mysterious Patchouli created by Monica Miller who provides a unique 60’s/70’s theme of Peace-Love and "Patchouli".

Fir Balsam Absolute, Patchouli, Oak moss, Vetiver, Mushroom Cepes Absolute, Violet Leaf Absolute and Wild Orange

VENUS- Who was a Roman goddess associated with love, beauty and fertility. This is a true representation of a fragrance that features the Pink Lotus, a flower that grows in aquatic areas like a pond. Its long time history dates back to Ancient Egypt were it grew along the banks of the Niles. The soft and feminine scent billows with an architectual essence and a guide for all women to aspire.

Rose, Pink Lotus, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Choya Nakah (roasted crushed seashells), seaweed absolute, dark chocolate, beach found ambergris

EROS- The God of sexual love and beauty is worshipped as the fertility deity. EROS has the same meaning but called by different names pertaining to those religions. This unisex fragrance reaches its full capacity and peak of perfection with its citrus aroma and its deep and meaningful darker notes that speaks the only language, religion or belief that we should all care about and that is LOVE.

Amber, Mandarin Orange, Rose, Vetiver

PURCHASE: opusoils.com

PHOTO CREDITS: photos of perfume, storefront and inside of store by opusoils.com, photo of Summer of Patchouli Love 2011 courtesy of Monica Miller perfumepharmer.com/organic-perfume-skincare-remedies

Next review is on WILD CHILD #13 by Opus Oils...The fragrance that "ROCKS" a culture and I will tell you why. Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, George Harrison, psychedelic...

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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