Fall Is in the Air
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
With the holidays just a few months off, it’s not too early to think about gifts for those who adore fragrance. The options expand enormously each season when fragrances launch into the marketplace. This fall, clothing labels from L.A.M.B. to Polo Ralph Lauren have new offerings. But not every fragrance is a brand extension: The niche category continues to see some of the most steady growth, and retailers like Henri Bendel are keeping the stocks filled with the latest from independent perfumers.
Kelly Calèche by Hermès
There’s a new member of the Hermès fragrance family, and its name incorporates two of the most popular aspects of the luxury brand: “Calèche” refers to the brand’s woody perfume inspired by the scents encountered on carriage rides; “Kelly” is, of course, the covetable bag created in 1956. Kelly Calèche is inspired by the luxurious feel and smell of fine leather: Its notes include sandalwood and iris, with the freshening strength of mimosa and climbing rose.
Available at Hermès (691 Madison Ave. at 62nd Street, 212-751-3181); $75 for a 50 ml, $110 for a 100 ml bottle.
Memoire Liquide
It looks like a chemist’s laboratory, but the Memoire Liquide counter is a playground for the scent-obsessed. From more than 150 vials of scented oils, the customer chooses (with the help of a trained clerk) up to three to be mixed into a custom-made scent on the spot. The small black bottle of pure perfume extract has a roll-on applicator, but alcohol can be added to the blend for a spray eau de perfume. The scent can be mixed into shower gel, moisturizer, and bath oil. All you need to know is what scents appeal to you.
Available exclusively at Henri Bendel (712 Fifth Ave., between 55th and 56th streets, 212-247-1100); $45 for 1/2 oz. bottle; $60 for eau de perfume spray.
L by L.A.M.B.
Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. is growing strong. The label signed a deal with Coty — known for its fragrances for Calvin Klein and Vera Wang — to create the L.A.M.B. signature scent. The fragrance is whimsical, starting with the packaging: A large square gold box sits on top, covering a more demure bottle underneath. L has sensual bottom notes of musk, but it is buoyed at the top with violet and pear, which adds a whirl of fruit. Could it be a scent for women of all ages? No doubt.
Available at Bloomingdale’s (1000 Third Ave. at 59th Street, 212-494-2486); $55 for a 1.7 oz. bottle, $70 for a 3.4 oz. bottle.
Elegance by Lacoste
The alligator has left the pond and wandered over to the herb garden. The Lacoste line has released Elegance, a welcomingly fresh take on woody colognes. Hints of cedar lie low for staying power while the lighter notes are of pennyroyal peppermint, thyme, and juniper berry. Despite the herbs, Elegance isn’t overly spicy. It’s traditional, but could work for men of almost any sartorial persuasion.
Available at Bloomingdale’s (1000 Third Ave. at 59th Street, 212-494-2486); $50 for 1.6 oz. bottle, $65 for 3 oz. bottle.
Polo Explorer by Ralph Lauren
Polo Explorer is a refreshing, rather than heavy, fragrance. The uplifting top notes come from amber and Australian sandalwood. For those who are devoted to a sustainable lifestyle, this gift has an edge: For every sandalwood tree used in Explorer, another tree is planted in its place. Explorer is a fitting scent for men who are looking for a fragrance that doesn’t sit too thick on the wearer.
Available at Macy’s (151 W. 34th St., between Broadway and SeventhAvenue,212-705-2000); $47.50 for 2.5 oz. bottle, $67.50 for 4.2 oz. bottle.
Lady Vengeance and Miss Charming by Juliette Has a Gun
Loosely inspired by Shakespeare’s fair maiden, the new fragrance brand Juliette Has a Gun is poised to become a cult classic. Feminine, yet with a rock-and-roll edge, each Juliette Has a Gun fragrance is based on the scent of rose. Lady Vengeance is a deep lusty scent made from Bulgarian Rose paired with patchouli and vanilla. Miss Charming is a lighter profile made from Moroccan rose paired with musk and wild fruits. Despite the fragrances’ murderous nomenclature, these are dangerous only in that they can inspire daydreams of late-evening strolls through verdant rose gardens. Created by Romano Ricci, the grandson of fashion designer Nina Ricci, the new brand has been developed in collaboration with master “nose” Francis Kurkdjian. Mr. Ricci plans to introduce five scents; Miss Charming and Lady Vengeance are the first two to be introduced.
Available exclusively at Henri Bendel (712 Fifth Ave., between 55th and 56th streets, 212-247-1100); $105 for a 100 ml bottle.
Saks Fifth Avenue by Bond No. 9
Saks Fifth Avenue has partnered with Bond No. 9 — the Manhattan-based perfume house that creates perfumes inspired by neighborhoods in New York City — to create a signature scent for the retailer. The fragrance comes in two variations: “Saks Fifth Avenue For Her” is topped by jasmine and tuberose, with a base of vanilla. “For Him” has spicy notes of chili and bergamot with a base of amber.
Available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue (611 Fifth Ave. at 50th Street, 212-753-4000) and at Bond No. 9 (9 Bond St. between Broadway and Lafayette Street, 212-794-4480, and other locations); $125 for a 1.7 oz. bottle, $185 for a 3.4 oz. bottle.