Inspiration: A perfume as complex and dazzling as the woman who wears it. Perfumer Calice Becker was inspired by the fascinating contrast between the painting’s facets, which she describes as “texturized and brilliant, rich and voluptuous.
Fragrance story: The notes conjure, in scent, the delicate gold leafing and play between light and shadow, for which the painting is celebrated. Its zesty luminosity is the fragrant expression of this brightness. The petal-y rose heart depicts all of the facets of the rose. Finally, vanilla absolute’s unctuosity appears generously in the drydown, adorned by an exclusive patchouli molecule, the Akigalawood.
Key notes: rose, vanilla absolute, Akigalawood
Olfactive Family: Narcotics – From rose to tuberose, from orange blossom to gardenia… Kilian flowers are composed like a narcotic dependence.
Inspiration: On turbulent seas, an inescapably transient pirate ship braves black waters, leagues deep in mystery. Black Phantom “Memento Mori” reveals its hidden treasures to the curious nose in waves.
Fragrance story: Rum accord from Martinique, akin to ‘pirates water’, spikes the scent of strong coffee at its heart, balanced by vetiver essence. A deadly bite of cyanide accord hides menacingly, like the smile from death itself. Smile back as sugar cane and dark, creamy sandalwood assures a trying journey holds a sweet reward.
Musk and amber diffuse into the heart of vibrant spices, warm divan and rich dried fruits.The base of this perfume comprises aromatic fir balsam, mosses and atlas cedar. This perfume is based on more masculines notes with oakwood and a whiskey facet combined with apple and juniper. I Amber Oriental is designed in a pair to be worn with the more feminine I Woody Floral.
The fresh citrus top notes of bergamot and mandarin is combined with touches of red fruits and sparkling spices such as cardamom and pink pepper – bringing to life a feminine perfume with a jasmine and rose heart. Designed in a pair to be worn with the more masculine I Amber Oriental.
The gently herbaceous notes of Thyme are toasted under soft, golden flames of Nutmeg, summoning the spirit of the East while alluding to the rustic idyll of bygone England. Cardamom, Nutmeg, Pimento and Artemisia oil combine in a potent tonic that navigates the Citrus notes of Bergamot, Lime, Sicilian Mandarin and Pink Grapefruit, lightening the fragrance to achieve a more refreshing finish. Mellow Tonka bean is fortified by the deep, rich textures of golden Amber, Sandalwood and Madagascan vanilla, rounding off the fragrance in smooth alabaster, polished in a light spritz of Musk.
One of the world’s rarest and most expensive spices, cool, fresh Cardamom joins fiery Pink Pepper, Ginger and Bergamot in an explosive blend of top notes that immediately enliven the senses.
Rich oil derived from the heart of the Iris flower – a symbol of strength – produces a smooth and silky centre, around which agile notes of Violet and Cinnamon pique the senses, summoning the rich textures of the bazaar.
Coarser textures of Vetiver and Tree moss are sweetened by the delicate touch of Vanilla, balancing the hotter tones of Cinnamon above to create an earthy base reminiscent of the dewy ground at daybreak.
Rich bouquets combine with fresh citrus notes in this romantic tribute to the serenity of British summertime.
Oil distilled from the juice of a hundred Bergamot Oranges delivers cascades of sunlight to every corner of this complex, sumptuous fragrance. Citrus notes are interspersed with the sugary elixir of Pineapple and Blueberry.
Jubilant florals compose a rich and sensuous middle. Soft, velvety petals from 170 Rose de Mai flowers make up each drop, joining a heady mix of Osmanthus, Jasmine, Purple Violet, Freesia, Orchid and Lily of the Valley.
Woodland base notes evoke England’s pastoral heritage, rousing the inner nymph. Warm, earthy notes of Patchouli and hand-harvested Oak Moss combine with Sandalwood, Cedar Wood and Musk.
Mandarin offers a juicy, fresh edge to C Woody Leather. Originated from China where it’s regarded a symbol of good fortune.
Known as “The King of Spices” and “Red Gold” saffron is native to Southeast Asia. The beautiful purple flowers herald the first sign of spring even though it is not harvested until the autumn.
Dry, smoky and warm on first impressions, tobacco excuses notes of maple and caramel. Beautiful when partnered with Oudh and leather, it adds a distinctive masculine element.
Forest textures of Sandalwood and Cedar wood are elevated by an infusion of citrus and spice.
Peach and aromatic Lavender bridge the fruitiness of Petitgrain and pressed Citrus fruit with combined spices Rosemary, Black Pepper and Nutmeg, creating the perfect segue into a complex heart and base.
The heart packs a bold, herbaceous punch. True to its legacy in the military strategies of Emperor Nero, who used it to energize his troops, Clary Sage is infused with Jasmine, Neroli and Musk to give vitality and strength.
Arboreal notes of Cedar wood, Sandalwood and Freesia temper richer surface notes, planting the fragrance in the fertile English countryside and transporting wearers to the heart of the forest.
Accentuated by the perfumer’s delicate sleight of hand, tinctures of Rhubarb and Peach mix with bold strains of Mandarin and Bergamot; clean white expanses off-set against the deep azure of a Mediterranean sky.
Jasmine – an ancient symbol of grace and elegance – is plucked before dawn to retain its scent and combined with Rose, Orris, Narcissus, Lily of the Valley and Tuberose, guiding the senses towards the heart of the Nile Delta.
Sweet, voluptuous notes of Vanilla and Cashmeran Musk envelop wearers in a warm zephyr, stirring the grassier tones of Patchouli, Rum and Sandalwood underfoot.
In deference to some of the Rococo period’s most loved icons, Noble VIII Magnolia draws on the sweet femininity of the pink used throughout the era and on the delicacy of the beloved moss rose; echoes of the frivolity of the time are picked up in the use of sweetpea and in the Chinoiserie design resplendent on the packaging. While the top notes of bergamot, cassis and mandarin provide a refreshingly green tang, the heart notes, compromising of a combination of rose, magnolia, cinnamon and clove give it a heady spiciness that shrouds the wearer in a veil of intoxicating fragrance. A woody base of sandalwood and oakmoss give it a gently earthy finish.
LE LABO 
PHILIP B.
