Perfumers Around the Globe Get into the Olympic Spirit

The 2012 Summer Olympics are rapidly approaching, and the whole world has its eyes on London. This has rekindled an interest in British-based brands, such as Burberry, which has released new renditions of its classic Brit fragrances for both men and women. Not to be outdone, big names like Dolce & Gabbana and Armani have also announced the launch of their own Olympic-inspired fragrances. 

Burberry Brit Summer for Women

This perfume is refreshed version of the original Burberry Brit for Women, which was released in 2003. The fragrance is meant to capture the aroma of a British Summer, and was released this year just in time for the Olympics. 


Its top notes include lime, pear, and green tea, while the heart of the perfume opens to the scent of almonds and peony. The base is composed of musk, mahogany, and amber. 


Burberry Beauty has also launched Burberry Brit Summer for Men. Both can be purchased from Burberry's website and at leading department stores ($62-$67). 


The One Sport by Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana also jumped on the Olympic bandwagon when this fragrance was released as the third installment of their "The One" collection. 


The One Sport was first released in London this past February, before making its debut in Italy, and then finally in the U.S. This schedule allowed the fragrance to go global before the start of the Olympic Games. 


Inspired by sportsmen and outdoorsmen, the fragrance is made up of notes such as water, cardamom, sequoia, and patchouli. It lasts throughout the entire day, persevering through workouts and activity. The One Sport is available through Sephora ($44-$73). 


Armani Code Sport Athlete


Armani couldn't resist the temptations of the Olympic season either, and released this limited edition fragrance earlier in the year. 


Following the lead of its predecessor, Armani Code Sport, this perfume is dedicated to athletes and inspired by hours spent on the field and long days at the gym. 


The light, refreshing fragrance combines three types of mints, Mediterranean citruses, pink pepper, and ginger into an masculine concoction. It's a fitting summer scent for athletes around the globe!


Armani Code Sport Athlete is available at Macy's ($59). 

Madonna and Lady Gaga Compete for Best Scent

This year marks the release of fragrances from two of pop culture's most outstanding icons: Madonna and Lady Gaga. Their competing perfumes are sure to add even more fuel to the already fiery feud that has been unfolding between the two singers. In A Bottle can't wait to see how the perfumes stack up on the market, and although we may have favoritism for Madonna, we must admit Lady Gaga has some noteworthy tricks up her sleeve. 

Truth or Dare by Madonna

Gaga was surely wearing her poker face when this perfume was released in April. Madonna worked closely with perfumer Stephen Nilsen to create this sweet blend of tuberose and gardenia, with additional notes of jasmine, white lily, amber, musk, and vanilla. 


The world famous Material Girl was greatly inspired by the memory of her mother's perfume, and wanted to add a touch of contrast to the clean, flowery scent. 

Truth or Dare has revealed itself to be long-lasting and unique, just like its creator. 


Truth or Dare eau de parfum can be purchased from Macy's in quantities of 1.7 oz ($55) or 2.5 oz ($68). Madonna has also released accompanying body lotion and shower gel. 




Fame by Lady Gaga



Lady Gaga's little monsters are eagerly awaiting the release of her fragrance in September. Photos have been released of the bottle, which is very unique in itself. 

Fame is the very first black eau de parfum, and it sprays on clear thanks to a patent pending fluid technology. Instead of using the typical hierarchy of notes, Lady Gaga has utilized a rare olfactory technology that allows all of the notes to work in synchronized harmony. Its scent — which features elements of honey, saffron, tiger orchids, and jasmine — is meant to reflect darkness, lightness, and sensuality all at the same time. 


Starting on July 26, Fame is available for preorder from Macy's. Gaga has also announced that alongside the regular eau de parfum version, which she has dubbed 'Le Masterpiece,' she will release an additional, more affordable version of the perfume. 

''Coming to My Senses' Chronicles Adventures in Scent

Photo of Alyssa Harad by Erin Mayes.

Fragrance lovers will adore the new book Coming to my Senses: A Story of Perfume, Pleasure and an Unlikely Bride, by Alyssa Harad. The memoir, which hits bookstores this Thursday, chronicles the author's journey into the seductive world of scent. 
Harad, who blogs for Now Smell This, Perfume Smellin’ Things, and writes about fragrant finds for various publications, said she never set out to write a book about herself. 
“My intention was to create a book out of all my favorite bloggers and their great blog posts because I was just an obsessed fan girl,” Harad told In A Bottle. 
Instead, editors became interested in her evolution from shopping-averse academic to scent expert, and urged Harad to tell her own story. 

“I think for me the book is as much about women and pleasure and how to be a girl as it is about perfume,” she said. 
To celebrate the launch of her book, Harad is hosting two special events designed to awaken the senses by blending fragrance and flavor.
The first, set for 7 p.m. July 12 at Book People in Austin, will treat guests to honey truffles and Jasmine Bellinis. 
The second, 7 p.m. July 19 at BookCourt in Brooklyn, will feature Maria McElroy of aroma M perfumes, and perfume cocktails by Julianne Zaleta of Brooklyn Brainery. 
Harad will read from her book and sign copies as well.
“I love that kind of translation work. Perfume was my back door into beauty departments and that high glamour, but I also think it’s fun to take it out of the beauty counter and back into the kitchen,” Harad said. 


Coming to my Senses (Viking, July 5, 2012, hardcover, $29.95) is available at bookstores nationwide.

New Luxury Book Set Includes "Dior Perfume"

A page from "Dior Perfume" offers a glimpse behind the brand's iconic bottles.

"I think of my work as ephemeral architecture, 

dedicated to the beauty of the female body." 

— Christian Dior

Ah cherie, what's not to love about Dior? A new 3-volume slipcase set from ASSOULINE celebrates the luxury brand's range with Dior Fashion, Jewellery and Perfume. 


Of course, In A Bottle is especially excited about Dior Perfume. The beautiful 80-page book, by journalist Jérôme Hanover, contains 60 illustrations of the brand's bottles, ad campaigns and inspirations. 


DIOR, $75, is available at ASSOULINE Boutiques nationwide or at assouline.com.

Guerlain's Marie Line Patry Share 'L'Instant Magic'

Marie Line Patry

As National Director of Beauty and Fragrance for Guerlain, Marie Line Patry helps customers around the world find their signature scent. Her palette consists of more than 80 fragrances currently in Guerlain's rich and storied repertoire. Here, the charming Parisian beauty shares her own favorite scents both 'in a bottle' and beyond:

What is your favorite fragrance that can be captured 'in a bottle?'
 

L'Instant Magic. It was created by Sylvaine Delacourte. I am wearing it right now. It’s a little bit powdery but it’s a gorgeous fragrance. I love it because it makes me feel good and that’s the way perfume should be. When I travel it’s a great fragrance to have. It’s not available in the U.S. but I allow people to order it sometimes in the Bee Bottle. It’s soft and inviting.  

L'Instant Magic in Guerlain's Bee Bottle

Also I think L’Heure Bleue is one of the most beautiful fragrances. Guerlain's inspiration was the "blue hour," the perfect hours when you look up at the sky. It is 100 years old this year. It’s a very romantic fragrance, very feminine. It’s like you smell it and you start to dream. 

What does it evoke for you?

Fragrance for me is something that’s so personal, but also completes your personality. That’s why it’s important to have the right ones because when you pass by you want to leave the right trace.

What is your favorite fragrance that can’t be captured 'in a bottle?'

L'Heure Bleue by Guerlain

I love fresh cut wood. I think it smells so good, and I love also the smell of the white flowers. I think they’re very, very feminine and nice. And the ginger smell. I love it.

My Trip to 'Fragrance Psychic' Marie Line Patry

Marie Line Patry, National Beauty and Fragrance Director, Guerlain.

On a lifelong quest for ethereal enlightenment, I’ve had my palms read, tarot dealt, and astrology charted. It wasn’t until yesterday, though, I had the pleasure to consult with a “fragrance psychic.” 

Marie Line Patry, national beauty and fragrance director for Guerlain, is known for her ability to divine people’s signature scents. I met Patry when she visited Saks Fifth Avenue at The Somerset Collection on Thursday, to greet customers and share a trunk show of the Parisian luxury house’s scents.

After briefly analyzing my skin, Patry deemed me a “very sassy” girl. Then, she recommended a fragrance wardrobe to complement my life as a wife and busy mom of young children.
 
“The beauty is that your own chemistry, after me picking the right notes for you, will be all day dancing with the fragrance and it will change,” Patry said. “That’s when you realize a true perfumer.”
As Patry applied her four fragrance choices to different sections of my arms (with a break for dark chocolate to clean my palate in between) she offered insights on the essence of scent — and life. Here were her picks for me:

Floral Romantique by Guerlain

Floral Romantique: "You have children so we want them to remember mommy with this beautiful floral. It is a very delicate, nice fragrance the kids will enjoy. During summer you want something light. You don’t want a perfume to announce you. You have your own personality. You want a good fragrance that will complement you and will leave that beautiful trace of what you are."

Angelique Noir: "This is made with vanilla and orange. Your skin loves those notes. You have musky skin. You smell your own charnel oud in the morning when you wake up, like when you grab your kids you will recognize their smell, like your husband, or your father, or your mom. Her scarf, when you smell it she will remind you, she will take you someplace. Smell and odors are very, very powerful."

Chypre Fatale by Guerlain

Chypre Fatale: "Exactly like when you go in your closet to see what you will wear for each situation, fragrance is the same thing. You will have a fragrance you wear when you go out at night. You have the seductress with the Chypre Fatale. When you’re with your husband and you want to be romantic, it’s got the white peach, like a femme fatale."

Cologne du Parfumeur: "It’s very fresh, perfect for after you work out or play with the kids. I like to spray my whole body with it after a shower. You can put it on kids’ clothes or if you travel you can spray your pillow at the hotel. I always have this with me and I really call it ‘the home fragrance.’ It was created by Thierry Wassar, who is a very, very, passionate man. He has the powers and capability to express that passion through the notes and the smell. Every house should have this fragrance."

For a fragrance reading of your own, catch Marie Line Patry this summer at Saks Fifth Avenue New York, July 10-13 & Aug. 1-4; Guerlain Boutique at Epcot World Showcase, Orlando, July 18-22; Neiman Marcus Fashion Island, Newport Beach, Aug. 7-8; Neiman Marcus Palo Alto, Aug. 9-10; and Neiman Marcus San Francisco, Aug. 11. Call fragrance counters directly for more information and to make an appointment.

Is Your Dad New Cool or Old School

Although they may not want to admit it, dads like to be pampered too! Why not surprise yours with the gift of fragrance this Father’s Day?

No two fathers are the same, and neither are any two scents. It’s easy to feel lost when selecting for fragrance for another person, but here are a few scents that you just can’t go wrong with:

Armani Code Summer Eau De Toilette

This cologne is all the rage at Macy’s as summer kicks off. Its scent is long-lasting and masculine, without being overpowering. Every 2.5 oz bottle ($67) contains a flawless blend between contrasting scents such as grapefruit, cedar, musk and tarragon. Perfect for the dad who loves to be outside and soak in the sun.

Old Spice

Old Spice has survived the decades and stands out as classic cologne for men, young and old. For generations, children and adults have been pleasantly surprised when this scent takes them back to fond memories of their fathers. Its refreshing, spicy scent captures hints of vanilla, cinnamon, mint, and musk to create a pleasant, masculine fragrance that is perfect for both day and night.


Available at Walgreens in a variety of sizes.