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.

Halloween Scents with Pizzazz!

Posted by Unknown 31 October, 2016 0 comments

Noblesse Luxe Publication
Halloween Fragrance Feature

What a great way to celebrate my birthday (October 30) and celebrate Halloween 2016 with stylish and niche scents that capture the essence of Halloween.

I am proud to present "Celebration in Style". An collection of scents that have haunting stories but are beautiful with Pizzazz!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Ayala Moriel Parfums
Black Licorice

Black Licorice Eau de Parfum is a seasonal fragrance for Halloween in the Signature Collection of Ayala Moriel Parfums.

The perfume version of Black Licorice is of black fragrance and sticky candy.

It has rich notes of anise with characteristics of licorice, sweetened with rose and honey!

Its found the in the Gourmand and Oriental Spicy families.

"This categorizes a lush festival feel to a luxurious but wickedly and haunting glamour for an upscale Halloween party."-Felicia Hazzard

Fragrance Notes:
Top Notes: Aniseed, Black Currant Pods, Star Anise
Heart Notes: Ylang Ylang Concrete, Rose Maroc, Honey Absolute
Base Notes: Tarragon Absolute, Rockrose, Patchouli

www.ayalamoriel.com

Raven
Ellis Brooklyn

What a beautiful new fragrance that celebrates the icon symbol for Halloween and poetry, the Raven.

This scent for women gives a stunning dedication to the Raven as a witty, mystifying scent that is characterized by the house of Ellis Brooklyn as humorous!

It comes from literature of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" to the depictions atop Native totem poles.

Raven Eau de Parfum is made in small batches in New York and are paraben-free and phthalates-free.

Composed by Jerome Epinette in 2016.

"What an entrance a woman would make wearing Raven Eau de Parfum. Its that striking designer made costume of a gothic top hat and a long black satin equestrian gown. Truly a Halloween party for the ages!" -Felicia Hazzard

Fragrance Notes:
Top Notes: Mandarin, rhubard
Heart Notes: Peony, pink lotus
Base Notes: Patchouli, blond woods, liquid musks

www.ellisbrooklyn.com

The Revenge of Lady Blanche

Penhaligon

"A darling of London Society, and one of the most influential ladies in Britain. Her aloof beauty, mysterious past and blazing passions are scrutinized by all from shop-girls to Royalty. She would do anything to climb the social ladder still further. Her latest scheme is to poison her husband, Lord George, inheriting his wealth and burying his secrets for ever! Her fragrance reflects her very essence: a green floral narcotic."
I love this description! It's like a Sherlock Holmes novel. What a great way to turn up the spook on All Hallow's Eve!
The bottle and the box of The Revenge of Lady Blanche Eau de Parfum is so ornate. The bottle has a top on it which resembles a cat and the color of the fragrance is a tan/green shade. It reminds me of what poison would look like during that century.

This is a floral scent with the simplest of ingredients but it holds a lot of power for the story of scent. This is an incredible creation of wealth, greed and treachery!

Fragrance Notes:

Top Notes: Powdery Orris

Heart Notes: Narcissus Flower

Base Notes: Hyacinth

www.penhaligon.com

Smores
Demeter

Sitting around a campfire on a chilling night and telling spooky stories from centuries ago.
While camping, you can get hungry. That is what camping is all about. Having a great time with family and friends around an open fire.

Well you get that version of story and flavor with a Trio Collection for the month of October/November 2016 from Demeter Fragrance Library.

This collection offers Dark Chocolate, Graham Cracker and Marshmallow. Once all those ingredients are combined you get some tasty Smores!

Here is how its done from the words of Demeter Fragrance Library.

"Limited Edition Signature Blending Trio

Dark Chocolate, Graham Cracker, Marshmallow

S’MORES Whether it’s the last bonfire before winter or the first time you light the fireplace for fall, S’mores is a perfect memory.

This delectable, almost edible blend is inspired by Julie at
http://swatchandreview.com/making-smores-with-demeter-fragrance-library/

Create the S’mores blend easy as 1-2-3 when blended in these proportions and sequence: 1 Spray: Dark Chocolate 2 Sprays: Graham Cracker 3 Sprays: Marshmallow

Or try your own combinations for a scent that is uniquely you.

Each set contains
• 3 Different Demeter 1 oz Cologne Sprays
• Blend formula and directions for blending directly on the skin

COMBINE. EXPERIMENT. BLEND."

What a great way for the little ones to share in the festive holidays by eating smores and sharing a little bit of this Smores Trio Collection with them.

Room 237

Bruno Fazzolari

This is not a " A Room With A View" the British movie released in 1986 but just Room 237.You know that infamous room in the moving "The Shining" starring Academy Award winner, Jack Nicholson.

This Room 237 is a fragrance for women and men by perfumer and artist, Bruno Fazzolari.

Mr. Fazzolari is a great talent and can transform fragrances into works of arts!

Here is what Mr. Fazzolari description of Room 237.

  "Named after the spotless hotel room and source of all evil in Stanley Kubrick’s film, The Shining. Supernatural green notes and herbs haunt a base of oppoponax and costus root. Ultra-fresh, uncanny, chilling."

Fragrance Notes:
  Angelica :: Flea Bane :: Estragon :: Oppoponax :: Costus :: Olibanum :: Vinyl Shower Curtain

www.brunofazzolari.com


Photo: The photos of the perfume bottles taken from Google and/or the websites of the perfumeries.

The photo of the witch's hat and pumpkin taken from Fine Art America and the photo was taken by Amanda Elwell.
www.americanfineart.com

FMH

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Posted by Unknown 20 October, 2016 0 comments

Noblesse Luxe Publication

International Perfume Foundation
Campaign

Advertisement for Perfumes

This is a very special segment for The International Perfume Foundation Campaign that began on October 15, 2016 and last until November 15, 2016.
Each day there will be a new campaign topic on perfumes...natural perfumes to be exact. Today, the campaign topic has to do with advertisement and perfume.

Just because you see glossy pages advertising a fragrance in a national beauty magazine, does that mean that those ingredients are actually in the fragrance?

I would surely hope so. Are you really getting a natural rose scent or a camellia in a high priced fragrance at a upscale department store. I would surely hope so.

If the marketing and advertising cost more than the creation of the fragrance, do you really think you are getting a scent that states the essence of violet, jasmine and vanilla?

According to The Vanilla Company (article dated July 26, 2016)

there is a tremendous shortage on vanilla! Many, many fragrance companies worldwide are opting for synthetic vanilla aroma because the cost of natural vanilla is very expensive due to the shortage.

Vanilla is the second most expensive spice with Saffron ranking as number ONE as the most expensive spice.

So, what do you do? Do you go for the glossy advertisement in a national beauty magazine or do you purchase a natural fragrance from an artisan perfumery that promotes a beautiful scent that is also good for your body and the Earth.

There are many natural perfumeries that offer the best and they are sharing it with all of us. No, there will be no glossy advertisement for a small natural perfumery in a national beauty magazine due to cost. However, I would rather have a perfume that I know what ingredients are in it, then paying for synthetics.

If you agree, then I suggest you join a MOVEMENT that supports natural perfumes and the natural perfumers who create them.

It's The International Perfume Foundation. I am associated with this great organization and I hope you will join us in Campaign 2016!

Let your voice me heard along with many others in the fragrance industry.

It's very simple to join and let's support companies who want to share the beauty of the ART OF PERFUMERY the correct way.

For more information go to www.perfumefoundation.org

Let's Reconnect With Nature.

-Felicia M. Hazzard
IPF US Ambassador

Note: Photo of flowers in bowl via www.hgtv.com
For more information on The Vanilla Company go to www.vanillaqueen.com

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Pissara Umavijani: The Exclusive

Posted by Unknown 04 September, 2016 1 comments

Noblesse Luxe Publication

Featured Article

Pissara Umavijani
The Perfumer Behind The Scent
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

When I learned about Dusita Parfums, it already had taken social media by storm.

I had to find out more about why Dusita Parfums was receiving rave reviews!

Now I know why. It all started with the creator (self-taught) perfumer and owner of Dusita Parfums, Pissara Umavijani.

I contacted her and explained who I was and that I really wanted to get to know more about herself and Dusita Parfums.

Within a few weeks, I received a package. It was not just an ordinary package.It a was a beautiful orchestration of a perfume layout.

I could smell each scent intertwine with the others coming from the outer package. It was just a matter of time before I was absorb by the oasis of floral, earthy tones, sweet and powdery sensations!

Pissara is a creative master in more ways than just perfumery. She is an actress and for me having more than one talent in the world of the arts is extremely exciting to me.

Do you know of any actors who compose their own perfume collection? Using pure ingredients and extraits. I do not.

So without further adieu , here is Pissara's story on a fragrant journey!

~THE INTERVIEW~

F.H. Pissara, how did you get into perfumery?

My passion for smelling began as a child. I grew up in Bangkok, Thailand in a beautiful house with a big tropical garden. I was always exploring the garden and I loved smelling the soil, the grass after it rained and all the exotic flowers like lotus blossom, frangipani , jasmine, Pandan leaves, and Champaca flowers. It felt so peaceful in that garden and nature’s fragrances gave me a wonderful sense of tranquility.

The smells of that house and garden have remained close to my heart as powerful childhood memories. My father, who was a poet, collected old books, every time I smell the old books, I think of him.

Then, as I traveled, I started to collect old bottles of perfumes because I am fascinated by the beauty of materials and the arts of blending. I began to read more and more about the perfume houses in the past. (see attached file for the perfume library in Bangkok). I started building my own little palette at home (ordering materials everywhere through websites). I would order all the books, natural perfumery, modern perfumery, niche perfume books. At that time, I just do it with my pure passion.

F.H. How did you come to composing your first perfume?

One day, I started to blend it. My first creation was ISSARA. I developed my first perfume to conjure a memory I had of place with lush green rice fields near the sea and of a gentle breeze blowing through trees. It has a pine tree scent blended with fresh smelling Coumarin and mellow earthy fragrances. I associate it with a wonderful feeling of freedom.

F.H. Pissara, you are a self-taught perfumer! What inspired you?

I start everything with respect and appreciation. I read about the greatest perfume creations and find out how they structure it.

Later, I have fun sourcing the materials, when I collect raw materials, I would spend time with them, live with them for days, like getting to know a friend....I want to know every aspect of it. Having quality raw materials is like having a beautiful color palette.

For creating a composition, I would translate the inspiration for each scent into smaller aspect. I always have this hypothesis in mind that how the state of mind can be translated into the smells. When I work, it’s like a meditation because I am totally in the flow of the new discovery. and I also learn to discover many new aspects. I believe that creativity is endless.

F.H. How would you describe your brand and its concept?

My brand and its concept: The meaning of the name “Dusita” means “paradise” and “happiness” in Bali. Happiness differs from person to person and each person has a different definition of it. We feel people who wear a Dusita will enjoy a sense of well being and happiness that is entirely individual and personal. We create French perfumes with oriental inspiration. We bring an eclectic mix of cultural philosophies – the best from different parts of the world. We are inspired by people who travel and know the world and who in turn are inspired by the cultures they have come to know. We are not afraid to be different.

F.H. Why was Paris so important to establish a perfume collection?

Paris is the ultimate destination of fine perfumery. This is where the arts of perfumery have begun. It is the hardest market to enter and the true challenge for the brand to grow. Throughout the time, the truth is, it’s never easy for anyone to start the brand here but I personally believe that, with the quality product and strong teamwork, a brand can flourish anywhere.

I had composed some perfumes four years ago, I took my creations with me and presented to Monsieur Francois Hénin and he encouraged me to start a brand.

I remember that moment very well, I was walking alone, passing Place Vendôme and I asked myself, how many times in life did we have the opportunity to follow our passion, and turn it into the reality. Therefore, I was determined to work hard for this project , although I did not know then what it takes to create a brand. I was fortunate to meet people with a variety of very helpful expertise... some of whom later became my partners. Dusita was founded as a French perfume house in 2014, 3 years after I had started the project.

F.H. Pissara, in just a few words. Would you describe your perfume collection?

I want people to choose for themselves perfumes which represent who they are. They could choose the unisex appeal of Issara to be independent, strong and free. If they search for femininity, they can choose Mélodie de l’amour. A more artistic, confident, and rebellious person should wear Oudh Infini.

For me, the appealing idea of the ultimate happiness is found in freedom of the mind, and spirit. Therefore, the perfume that I wear the most is Issara. It is the first fragrance that I created, with a fresh pine-tree note, blended with oak moss. It comes from a live memory of wandering in green forests in a tropical country like Thailand, enjoying a fresh wind blowing in your face, feeling time standing still, banishing all worries and outside thoughts. This perfume embodies that experience of freedom.

F.H. Lastly. Pissara. I read that you are a actress! When did you start acting and what movies have you been in?

Yes, I have been in several movies (they were in Thailand) since I was 19 years old. They are "Immortal Enemies", "Shakespeare Must Die" and independent films.

F.H. Pissara, Thank You so much for taking the time out to speak with me! Your journey into perfumery has been remarkable and I truly enjoyed it.

Thank you so much for your kind comment. I am so happy that you like the perfumes. Please take time to live with them :).

Felicia M. Hazzard

Editor-in-Chief

Fragrance Belles-Lettres Magazine

To find out information on Mr.Jean-Francois Henin who was mentioned in this interview. Go to www.bloomberg.com

Photo Credit: Picture of Ms. Umavijani courtesy of www.persefume.com and www.frangrantica.com

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Posted by Unknown 18 August, 2016 1 comments

Noblesse Luxe Publication

Feature Article

A Brand New Era in Natural Perfumery with IPF

Greetings!
It has been a few months since I have written a review or article. I apologize for that. Since doing research and writing a book on fragrance for a VERY popular scent that has taken much of my time. Also being a wife and mother of two very active children is a blessing but it also drains my energy.

Lastly, if you haven't heard. I have been appointed US Executive Ambassador for The International Perfume Foundation (IPF). This is wonderful and very important extension to being a publisher for the fragrance industry.

The International Perfume Foundation was founded over 20 years ago by the talented and very passionate Ms. Creezy Courtoy who is also the Chairman. Mostly recently, I have had meetings with Creezy and Mr. Terry Johnson who is the Vice-Chairman of The International Perfume Foundation and he is President of Horticultural Marketing Resources. These discussions are exciting and very important to our advocacy for the natural perfume industry in a NEW ERA!

We feel it is necessary to wear natural perfumes for health reasons and we find that the natural perfume industry is growing due to consumers wanting more benefits for their money.

Its great to spend time and a certain amount of money having gorgeous packaging.But if the bulk of money is spent on advertising for television, radio and magazine ads. Then what money s left to produce a quality fragrance. It should be a fragrance that is GOOD FOR THE EARTH AND LITERALLY GOOD FOR THE PERSON WEARING IT.

I know everyone has a preference. There are people for whatever reason do not prefer a 100% all natural perfume. That is okay. We will not take away your freedom and respect your position.

IPF are advocates only for natural perfumers and organizations who support products that are pure and natural.

Are you a natural perfumer? Are you an organization that promotes and purchase natural perfumes for your retail store or boutique?

If this is YOU, then you should join the International Perfume Foundation and be a part of a growing movement to promote natural perfumery and help this market grow so that we can help one another.

Do you grow flowers? Do you grow raw material/ingredients? We need you. Please join us.

Are you in the media? Do own a magazine outlet, television station or a radio station? Are you a blogger/writer who loves natural products and want to be behind a growing movement?

We need all of YOU!!!

Reach out to us and let us know that you are interested. We would LOVE to hear from you!

My job is to engage with natural perfumers and organizations worldwide who are involved in the development of natural perfumery. Yes my title says US Executive Ambassador because I live in the US but it does not LIMIT from knowing who you are!

There is a very IMPORTANT cause and work we are doing for the continuing development of natural perfumers. We have formed the INTERNATIONAL PERFUME FOUNDATION
NATURAL PERFUMERY CERTIFICATION program.

What is this? This is for natural perfumers to become certified with IPF and we STAND behind you in terms of you being our selection of natural perfumers for anyone seeking your services and the IPF recommending you as our BEST and DEDICATED natural perfumer.

This is just a few of the GREAT benefits!

We are working out all of the details for this very important certification program.

You will be notified of the OFFICIAL launch date.

Are you new to natural perfumery? Do you want to learn more about this market? First, WELCOME and secondly feel free to contact me if you have questions. If I don't personally have the answer, I will look into getting it for you.

My passion is perfume and my passion increases especially when it is good for YOU AND ME!!

Oh by the way look forward to my latest edition in Fragrance Belles-Lettres Magazine with reviews and articles coming soon!

Felicia M. Hazzard
US Executive Ambassador
fh@perfumefoundation.org

To DONATE or JOIN go to...
www.perfumefoundation.org

Thank you in advance!

Photo Credit: International Perfume Foundation, Fragrantica and Moellhausen.com

FMH

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The Fragrance Foundation Awards 2016

Posted by Unknown 27 April, 2016 1 comments

Noblesse Luxe Publication

Featured Article

Joanna Coles
To Receive Inaugural Fragrance Award

Joanna Coles

This year The Fragrance Foundation Awards known for celebrating the global fragrance industry and the best in creative achievements in the world of perfumery will include a new category,

That category is called the "GameChanger" Award and there is already an honoree to receive it.

The inaugural GameChanger Award according to The Fragrance Foundation was "created to honor an individual or organization that exemplifies creativity and business innovation".

You ask, "What does this have to do with fragrance"? Well as you may know, The Fragrance Foundation and The Fragrance Foundation Awards honor fragrance companies large and small (indie category). Plus, there are categories honored for "Editorial Excellence" regarding written articles, features and online submissions. There is another category honored as "Media Campaign Of The Year" for men and women fragrances showcased in print, online and visual.

The GameChanger Award to me features the individual behind the scenes that delegates and leads such excellence in editorial excellence and media campaigns.

This year, The Fragrance Foundation Awards will honor, Joanna Coles who is the Editor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan and Editorial Director of Seventeen magazines.

Joanna Coles empowers young women and inspires the next generation of leaders stated, Elizabeth Musmanno, president of The Fragrance Foundation.

There are many more reasons why Ms. Coles will receive this award but there are just simply too many to mention.

The Fragrance Foundation Awards will be held on June 7, 2016 at the Lincoln Center in the Alice Tully Hall and hosted again this year by actor, Mr. Alec Baldwin.

Congratulations to Joanna Coles for being the first to received such a prestigious and well-though out category. It helps keep the momentum in the ever changing fragrance industry to new highs!

Information: Coverage and information on Joanna Coles and the "GameChanger" Award taken from The Fragrance Foundation "The Latest" dated 3/21/16.

Photo: Ms. Coles taken from the website of The Fragrance Foundation www.fragrance.org

FMH

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Posted by Unknown 24 March, 2016 0 comments

Noblesse Luxe Publication

Featured Article

La Collection Privee Christian Dior Parfum
by Elisabeth de Feydeau

The world of La Collection Privee by Christian Dior is explored in a book to be launched by world-renowned book publisher, Assouline this month.

Elisabeth de Feydeau is a highly respected French historian writer and perfume expert who is the author of La Collection Privee Christian Dior Parfum. It examines in a beautifully 130 illustrated tale of the collection created by Master Perfumer and house perfumer for Dior, Francois Demachy.

La Collection Privee Christian Dior Parfums is a rare collection of sixteen scents plus four precious Elixirs composed by Mr. Demachy that offer the finest rare and bold ingredients that has taken the perfume industry by storm!

Mr. Demachy pays tribute to tradition in perfumery but lets himself create a unique blend of scents to provide a high-end aspect to the La Collection Privee Collection that compliments the DIOR world of artistry.

GRAND BAL by Chrristian Dior

I remember my first purchase of Grand Bal Eau de Parfum (2012) in this collection. The staff at the Christian Dior counter in Neiman-Marcus Chicago were beaming with excitement when I wanted to try and purchase Grand Bal. They couldn't stop talking about how breathtaking the scent is and how Christian Dior's ball gowns were the inspiration for the fragrance.

Grand Bal is a jasmine fragrance but not just using a single note. I was transformed into an oasis of jasmine and citrus scents with a hint of sandalwood to keep it mysterious.

Elisabeth de Feydeau

Elisabeth de Feydeau is a perfume expert and historian writer that will get to the heart of the matter with passion that she has shown in notable books written on fragrance icons.

Assouline is unique and a one of a kind publishing company. It takes a lot of dedication for all involved in creating a book and I noticed that Assouline does it from the beautiful design of the book covers the contents inside the book to the back cover of books.

La Collection Privee Christian Dior Parfum will walk you through the journey with a creative essence that you could almost smell through the book.

In my estimation, this book is a masterpiece and I cannot wait to explore it and share my journey with it to the world!

Purchase Information
La Collection Privee Christian Dior Parfum (book) text by Elisabeth de Feydeau available at Assouline (Publishing).
168 pages; 130 illustrations; hardcover with jacket; March 29, 2016 ISBN#9781614284635 $95.00 USD

www.assouline.com

Information
To learn more about the La Collection Privee Christian Dior Parfum go to www.dior.com

To learn more about the author, Elisabeth de Feydeau www.elisabethdefreydeau.wordpress.com (The site will translate to English).

Accolades
Many thanks to Assouline Publishing for their kindness in submitting the book cover to me and especially to Emma for her words of encouragement and working with her.

Photo
La Collection Privee Christian Dior Parfum book cover courtesy of www.assouline.com; photo of Grand Bal perfume bottle courtesy of www.dior.com; photo of Elisabeth de Feydeau from www.nouvelobs.com

FMH

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The Royal Scent

Posted by Unknown 10 March, 2016 1 comments

NOBLESSE LUXE PUBLICATION

NEW FEATURE

Bella Bellissima
Royal Saffron Parfum

Bella Bellissima is a fine British perfumery created by Bella Crane that captivates globally with an array of exotic fragrances that are created with the world's finest ingredients.

This particular fragrance captured me recently because I have been using a wonderful facial product by Forest Essentials founded in India. One of the ingredients used in this facial product is saffron.

Saffron is the world's most expensive spice and it is virtually used in many spicy and tasty dishes found in India. So, when I discovered Royal Saffron Parfum by Bella Bellissima, I knew I had to try it.

Royal Saffron is created for women and men and it features delicate, dark and spicy notes that I found quite intriguing. As with the facial product I use by Forest Essentials, I found that the saffron is the most outstanding scent that leaves a nutty and earthy scent to my skin. Royal Saffron leaves the same kind of drydown but it would include a flowery essence with the hint of the dark notes from the patchouli, sandalwood and agarwood, better know as oud.

The name says it all. I actually felt quite regal and just a dab will last a long time. On me it lasted for six hours. I am in love with Oriental spicy fragrances because it makes me feel bold, secure and unstoppable.

Bella Crane

Royal Saffron Parfum was launched in 2011 and I think it is one of the best in the collection.

Royal Saffron Parfum featured notes.

Kashmiri Saffron, Green Notes, Violet Leaf, Clove,
Rose, Jasmine, Lavender, Carnation, Agarwood (Oud), Sandalwood, Patchouli, Papyrus, Soft Musk, Gurjan Balsam and Leather.

Royal Saffron Parfum can be purchased at www.selfridges.com

Photo Credits: Royal Saffron Parfum bottle courtesy of www.bellabellissima.co.uk; saffron flower courtesy of www.telegraph.co.uk; Bella Crane photo courtesy of www.twitter.com

FMH

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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