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.

ASIAN TALES by Kilian

Posted by Unknown 25 April, 2012 0 comments

Noblesse Luxe Publishing
"Redefining The High Life"

ASIAN TALES:The Art of Writing through Fragrance & Serenity

Monet Bridge Lily Pond

   It brings me great delight to review the latest and most extravagant collection by the house of Kilian.
I received my deluxe samples of ASIAN TALES by Kilian yesterday. It arrived in the most distinguished packaging of black and silver.

   I was so impressed with the story behind two fragrances that define and relish in the history of Chinese Calligraphy and the most stable and serene plant of the bamboo.

   I wondered how owner and founder of "Kilian" himself Kilian Hennessey could top his previous collection with the most climatic ending to a novel of fragrances with "Sweet Redemption" that has become one of the most beloved fragrances of all times thanks to the sensational perfumer, Calice Becker.

ASIAN TALES comes to me in a quiet and serene statement. It isn't bold but it holds it own with delicate and sweet cascades of dripping leaves of bamboo with intricate drops of harmonious notes of nature, while sipping a cup of white tea. I was able to compose a letter from the heart and soul that makes writing simply spiritual with sweet and poetic water lilies floating in a pond.

ASIAN TALES consist of two elegant and divine fragrances which are BAMBOO HARMONY and WATER CALLIGRAPHY.

These scents take you into another world of ancient Chinese history that books can only provide a glimpse of serenity but experiencing and wearing these scents at a quiet moment will give you an actual scene that you see and feel.

BAMBOO HARMONY comes with notes of bergamot, bigarde and neroli, white tea leaves, mimosa, spices, fig leaves and oak moss

WATER CALLIGRAPHY enhances BAMBOO HARMONY as I used it in a combining mode and WATER CALLIGRAPHY gives you all the essences and notes of grapefruit, raseda blossom, jasmine sambac, magnolia, cardamom and vetiver.

This joint venture is the beginning of a beautiful oasis and another novel of scents to reach beyond the obvious but it nurtures your entire being with a soft and dewy scent that gives you that spring renewal of quietness, pure water, plants and most importantly- peace.

www.bykilian.com

Note: BAMBOO HARMONY and WATER CALLIGRAPHY composed by Master Perfumer, Calice Becker.

Photo: Photos courtesy of house of Kilian (byKilian.com)

F.H.

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ARTISAN FRAGRANCE SALON

Posted by Unknown 24 April, 2012 0 comments

Noblesse Luxe Publishing
"Redefining The High Life"

A Fresh New Approach for Niche Fragrances

    TasteTV and The Taste Awards proudly presents the First Annual (1st Annual) ARTISAN FRAGRANCE SALON. A feast for the eyes, nose and mouth. This unique approach to perfumery comes from TasteTV approach to the creation of fine cuisine...specializing in chocolate (chocolat).

    This presentation is the first of its kind to include fragrance as the main cuisine centered around natural and niche perfumes.

    ARTISAN FRAGRANCE SALON is a must for all fragrance aficionados, fanatics, buyers and journalist (like myself) to encounter on the West Coast. Yes, this elegant and extravagant artisan affair will take place in San Francisco, California.

   This unique event will house the best in the niche industry such as Yosh, Ineke, Sarah Horowitz, Sonoma Scent Studio, Velvet & Sweet Pea's Perfumery, Artemisia, Leila Castle Botanical Fragrance and many more.

Tickets for this event will be on sale starting May 16, 2012, so don't delay because I know tickets for this showcase will sell out!!

ARTISAN FRAGRANCE SALON will debut on July 8, 2012 at the Gallery 4n5 on 863 Mission Street from 11am to 4pm.

   So, if you want to be a part of the "in crowd" and be the first to experience a new fresh approach to fine fragrance, art, wine and conversation, then experience perfumery from the world's finest designers and creators in the artisan and niche category of perfumery.

F.H.

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Alec Lawless Dies

Posted by Unknown 16 April, 2012 0 comments

Noblesse Luxe Publishing
"Redefining the High Life"

A Great Perfumer Passes Away

British perfumer, Alec Lawless founder of Essentially Me and author of several books died in a crash.
Essentially Me was honored last year (2011) with a UK FIFI AWARD nomination and finalist for the highly successful and beautiful natural perfume, EMPRESS OF INDIA.

I got to know Mr. Lawless last year through email discussions and recognizing his passion for natural perfumes. He was such a wonderful and nice man and this news deeply saddens me.

EMPRESS OF INDIA perfume showcased a spirit of freedom and historical culture aspects that makes it a true masterpiece that truly embraced me with the first sniff from the bottle.

I will always remember Mr. Lawless's numerous classes focusing on the making of natural perfumes and how much he gave of himself.

Fragrance Belles Lettres Magazine salutes a great perfumer with a purpose that goes beyond the fragrance.

F.H.

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VALENTINE DAY 2012 FRAGRANCES

Posted by Unknown 20 February, 2012 0 comments

Noblesse Luxe Publishing
"Redefining the High Life"
ESTABLISHED IN CHICAGO

                   VALENTINE DAY
          ALL MONTH IN FEBRUARY:
       New Fragrance Announcement
                                   Sweets to the Sweet

Happy Valentine's Day everyday in Febuary! to one and all! This is such a wonderful time of the year for me. I love to share these tender moments with my children as they eat my homemade Red Velvet cupcakes smothered in Cream Cheese frosting with sprinkles of red, yellow and gold hearts. Delightful!

Well this year, I celebrate this entire month with my favorite fragrance picks for February by starting out with new fragrance launches. Then, I will post in the second part of this segment, fragrance reviews of scents that I have used given to me in the form of samples and decants.

Here the NEW and EXCITING fragrances that are true gems of the ocean.

Ambre Nue Cologne Absolue by Atelier Cologne
Blue Jasmine by Bellyflowers (Elise Pearlstine)
*Hindu Honeysuckle by Providence Perfume Company
Violette by Fragonard
Tiara by House of Sillage
Eau Pear Tingle by Opus Oils
Bouquet de la Reine by Floris
Island Vanilla by Pacifica
*Eau Eternelle by S. Poncet
Amber Oud by Kilian
Water Calligraphy by Kilian
Coconut Milk by Sarah Horowitz
*Secret Garden & Oud Luban by Aftelier Perfumes
  Cologne du Maghreb by Tauer
  Esoteric by JoAnne Bassett
Lovebird by Suzy Larsen
  *Star F*****by Opus Oils for Tiger Powers
Chronos Eau De Parfum, Anthea Eau De Parfum, Aphella Concrete De Parfum and Hermes Eau De Parfum by Lord's Jester
Electron by A Dozen Roses
*Trayee, Mohur and Bombay Bling by Neela Vermeire Creations
*Only For Her by Hayari
*Carmine and Forbidden by House of Matriarch
*Azagury by Jacques Azagury
*Lemon Cloud by Jordi Roca and Agusti Vidal
*EFJ by Gydja
*Carmel Boheme (New Edition) and Go Ask Alice by En Voyage
  *Osirius by Therapeutate Parfums (Rodney Hughes)

Note: Fragrances with asterick will be followed with a review, coming soon.

F.H.

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Pre-Valentine Day Reviews + Giveaways

Posted by Unknown 11 February, 2012 10 comments

Noblesse Luxe Publishing
"Redefining the High Life"
Established in Chicago

PRE-VALENTINE'S DAY CELEBRATION
Reviews + Giveaways

   I simply love Valentine's Day for so many reason and thank goodness non of them are for commercial purposes.
   My sentiments draw back to my childhood when a simple paper cut-out were given to classmates to show your appreciation and if you had a crush on a certain someone, perhaps quietly and discreetly you were showing affection.

Now, I show my sentiments and affections in the form of reviewing my passion for fragrances-given a nod to niche and natural fragrances.

This year, I introduce my first giveaway for Valentine's Day featuring two natural fragrance houses.

These electrifying perfumeries are Rebel & Mercury created by Nikki Sherritt, a huge success at etsy.com and Anya's Garden created by Anya McCoy, who thrives in all things natural in perfumery and by the way she is the President of the Natural Perfumers Guild.

  Nikki describes naturally composed fragrances in the Rebel & Mercury line to be "inspirations of life". I had the pleasure of being introduced to Var en Provence and Cerise en Cocoa.

Var en Provence Pure Botanical Parfum is such a joy because for me it stayed in tune with my own body scent. I love earthy scents and Var en Provence is truly as close to nature as you can get. However, it is not those deep in the forest scents that can get confused with being a scent for men.

It is evenly toned and it blends itself elegantly as a light floral for day with a touch of spice that is just right for the evening.

Nikki composed Var en Provence after spending sometime in southern France.

Notes: Green, Pink and Black Pepper, Peppery Orchid, Lavender Absolute, Mimosa Absolute, Olive Leaf, Orris

   Cerise En Cocoa Pure Botanical Parfum is the perfect Valentine's Day gift because it is rich in holsum chocolate that is lively in a floral description with a unique dollop of cherry.

   This is my six year old son's favorite scent because he loves cherries. It is indeed a robust scent but the cherry in the center makes it light-hearted and fresh. I love the way it lingers on the skin and the cherry scent never goes away. It has the rose accord that is vibrant and not old-fashioned but it brings the classic aroma of rose to the 21st century.

Cerise En Cocoa is perfect for day and evening and the sillage is a perfection.

   The inspiration behind Cerise En Cocoa is Nikki's obsession with "all things cherry scented and a deep love for chocolate".

   Notes: Ruby Red Grapefruit, Osmanthus, White and Red Rose Accord, Cocoa, Vetiver

   www.etsy.com/shop/rebelandmercury

   Royal Lotus by Anya's Garden Perfume was composed by Anya for the Brave New Scents Project, a Natural Perfumers Guild exclusive.

Royal Lotus is made with the world's most expensive and rarest notes. It contains Night Queen absolute that is so rare in itself and a rarity in perfumes due to the cost, but for Anya having the best in real natural scents is worth the cost to produce a world class fragrance and Anya is an astute gardener, her garden in Florida is full of rare and exotic plants that she uses in her fragrance compositions.

  Anya's inspiration for Royal Lotus comes from "ancient India brought into the present".

I love this concept because I truly love the culture of India then and now. The bright colors, music, language and history represents a beauty in so many forms and Royal Lotus brings that ambiance with a worldwide view.

Secondly, what I love is that Anya suggest wearing Royal Lotus in the hair as it will give the wearer 24 hours of floral and woody pleasure. How fabulous is this! In addition to its rare ingredients, having a perfume for the hair is not done as it was in ancient Egypt for example. So, Royal Lotus is truly a wonderful experience that provides a healthy and lovely aroma.

   Top Notes: Wild Orange from the Dominican Republic, Yuzu from Korea, orange juice essential oil from Brazil, Clementine from the USA

   Heart Notes: Blue Lotus Absolute from Thailand, Blue Lotus concentrate from India, Pink Lotus concentrate from India, Queen of the Night absolute from India, Jasmine Grandiflorum tincture from Anya's Garden in Florida, Jasmine Sambac Grand Duke of Tuscany tincture from Anya's Garden in Florida

Base Notes: Sandalwood from Australia, Ambergris absolute from Utah, Tonka Bean absolute from France

   www.anyasgarden.com

***************************GIVEAWAYS**************************
It gives me great pleasure to announce the Pre-Valentine Giveaways featuring Var en Provence and Cerise en Cocoa by Rebel & Mercury and Royal Lotus by Anya's Garden Perfume.

Var en Provence and Cerise en Cocoa will arrive to you each in a 1.5 ML Large Sample Vial with a Black Velvet Pouch to protect them.

Royal Lotus will arrive to you as a mini 3.5ML bottle.

There will be two (2) separate winners for each giveway. I want to spread the wealth among all entries and give the best opportunity.

To Enter: Please comment in the Box after the reviews to give your choice of Rebel & Mercury or Anya's Garden. Please leave your email address so that you can be contacted in the event you are a winner.

Thank you so much for reading the article and entering the contest. I truly appreciate your kind spirits and fragrance fascination!
********************************************

Photo Credits: etsy.com, anyasgarden.com

   F.H.

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Maurice Roucel

Posted by Unknown 06 February, 2012 0 comments

Noblesse Luxe Publishing
"Redefining the Hight Life"
ESTABLISHED IN CHICAGO

Prestigious Award for Master Perfumer Maurice Roucel

Congratulations to Monsieur Maurice Roucel for receiving The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. It is a French award from the Minister of Culture and Communications.

This highly respectable award was established on May 2, 1957.

The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres was given to Monsieur Roucel for his "

olfactive creativity over the last four decades".

The esteemed committee was truly impressed with his work in perfumery and with this award, Monsieur Roucel is now appointed Chevalier l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Although this is a French award, it is not only given to awardees of French heritage or living in France. Prior recipients were not exclusively French nationals.

Maurice Roucel started as a chemist at Chanel in 1973 and then became a perfumer in 1978. He has worked for companies such as IFF, Dragoco, Quest but now Monsieur Roucel is currently at Symrise.

Photo Credit: photo of Maurice Roucel is a Facebook profile picture.

F.H.

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THE 2012 "INDIE" FIFI Award

Posted by Unknown 01 February, 2012 0 comments

Noblesse Luxe Publishing
"Redefining the High Life"
ESTABLISHED in CHICAGO

The 2012 "INDIE FIFI Award Goes to...

The winner of the first ever FIFI "INDIE" Award was announced on Monday, January 30th and the honor went to...Odin New York 06 for 'Amanu'.

The Odin New York perfumery received a check for $10,000 courtesy of Givaudan and walked away with a beautiful crystal FIFI trophy.

This special event was held at the ELEMENTS SHOWCASE in New York City who recently partnered with the Fragrance Foundation to create an "INDIE" category for this award.

Odin Eau de Toilette 06 Amanu is sold exclusively for Barney's New York. This delectable unisex scent is steeped in exotic notes that go beyond your wildest dreams with fragraments of modern tones that makes it a classic fragrance among the world's finest.

TOP NOTES: Blood Orange, Green Galbanum, Lentisque

MIDDLE NOTES: Aged Cedarleaf, Jasmin Sambac, Magnolia

BASE NOTES: Amberwood, Sheer Musk, Live Moss

PURCHASE: Odin Eau de Toilette 06 Amanu comes in 100 ml/3.4 FL OZ for $110.00

www.barneys.com

CREDITS: photos of members of Odin New York perfumery and photos of five finalists by beautypress (beautypress.com. Photo of Odin Eau de Toilette 06 Amanu by Odin New York (odinnewyork.com)

F.H.

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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