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.

Geeks Get Chic with Avengers Cologne

Buzz is brewing for The Avengers, which opens Friday after a blockbuster premiere in London over the weekend.

But did you know the Marvel characters in the movie have actually inspired their own fragrances?

A men's cologne set includes Mark VII, Patriot, Smash! and Worthy, designed by JADS International to make everyday men feel godlike.

Because In A Bottle dreams of being godesslike, we are focusing on the scent inspired by Scarlett Johansson, who reprises her role as Black Widow in the upcoming film.

The character's namesake fragrance ($39.99), released in March, opens with citrus and fresh berries, gives way to sensual caramel, honey and Australian sandalwood, and "like a spider spindling silently from above," lingers with bitter chocolate, patchouli and praline.

According to the scent's creators, a mere spritz will allow you to channel the Russian spy, trained assassin, world class ballerina, and "girl from the legal department" that Scarlett's character embodies.

"Like changing clothes in the back of a chauffeured car, strip away the facade and live that life ... and many more ..."

Author M.J. Rose Inspired by Lost Fragrances

Writer M.J. Rose’s latest novel, “The Book of Lost Fragrances,” is a sweeping tale of history, passion and suspense told through scent. The fictional fragrance at the heart of the novel, which carries readers from the days of ancient Egypt to the streets of modern Paris, is Âmes Sœurs, or “soul mates.” Rose, bestselling author of 11 novels and founder of AuthorBuzz.com, said her fascination with fragrance dates back to her days in advertising.
“I got to work on Opium, the perfume. From then on I was really in love with it and thought it was very interesting,” she said during an interview with In A Bottle. When Rose read about Cleopatra's obsession with scent, and the lost recipe book in which the pharaoh is said to have kept her fragrance formulas, she knew she had the idea for a new book.
Here, the author shares her favorite scents in a bottle and beyond.

What is your favorite fragrance “in a bottle?”
I’ve been wearing Âmes Sœurs, the fragrance that was created for the book.

What does it evoke for you?
While writing The Book of Lost Fragrances, to keep in the world of scent, I burned candles. When I was finished I searched out the perfumer who’d created the candles that had inspired me the most — Frederick Bouchardy, owner of Joya Studios—and gave him a copy of the manuscript as a thank you. Inspired by the book, Bouchardy has brought the perfume to life with his version: Âmes Sœurs, The Scent of Soul Mates. Bouchardy interpreted the novel's imagined fragrance with notes of Frankincense, Myrrh, Orange Blossom, and Jasmine.

What is your favorite scent that can’t be captured “in a bottle?”
The smell of wisteria when it’s in bloom, which actually can’t really be turned into a perfume. Because of how perfumes are made and different essences are captured, not all of them can be used in fragrance. Wisteria is one of them. I just love the way it smells.

Âmes Sœurs: The Scent of Soul Mates has top notes of tamarind, grapefruit and cypress; mid-notes of bulgar, ginger and orange blossom; and a dry down of cedarwood, incense, amber and sweet musk. The fragrance, including a limited edition run of 15 special containers with hammered gold covers, will be available later this spring at select stores and JoyaStudio.com.

Erwin Creed Crafts Fragrance of Kings

Here is a reprint of one of my first articles on perfume, published November, 2006 by Fashion Group International.

Like a hint of fragrance, Erwin Creed left his audience wanting more.

The 7^th generation perfumer and heir to the luxury fragrance house of CREED was featured speaker at an FGI luncheon Nov. 8, 2006 at the Hotel St. Regis in Detroit.

It was Creed’s first visit to Detroit, and the 26-year-old charmed guests by visiting each table and shaking hands with every individual. The personal greeting set the stage for an intimate talk during which Creed explained the history of his legendary company, and the secrets behind some of its signature scents.

CREED was founded in 1760 in London as a leather goods company, creating costumes and gloves for nobility. Making fragrance was a natural evolution. “When you’re dressed, you put on perfume, it’s the final touch before you go out,” Creed said.

In 1854 the company moved to Paris, where it remains today.

There, Erwin works under his father, master perfumer Olivier Creed. They spare no expense on ingredients, and together they travel to collect the best iris, sandalwood, bergamot and roses from around the world. CREED continues to use hand infusion techniques to this day.

“We work with quality and it’s not possible to make quantity. We are limited edition and we want to stay like this,” Creed said. “That’s the beauty of CREED.”

Erwin and his father complement each other as they come up with new perfumes.

“I push a bit for trendy. He goes for classic. It is a good combination,” Erwin said.

Among Erwin’s creations is Virgin Island Water, a unique blend of lemon, coconut and jasmine that became the company’s all-time bestseller.

“To make a perfume you imagine something in your head then try to make it,” he said. “A lot of perfumers they are too mathematic. They know everything but they don’t take risks. I may not be the best perfumer in the world but I take more risks.”

CREED has made signature scents for famous personalities ranging from Napoleon to Princess Di. Fleurissimo was created for Grace Kelly; Green Irish Tweed for Carey Grant. But you don’t have to be a celebrity to get a personalized scent. Customers can visit Creed’s storefronts in New York City and London to commission their own perfume.

“We make a personal perfume not because you are rich or famous but because you knock on our door and we are available,” he said.

Creed said there is a lot of pressure on him to continue the long and storied legacy of CREED. Growing up, he dreamed of being a fireman, racecar driver or astronaut.

“But after all I fall in love with perfume,” he said.

CREED representatives shared perfume samples with FGI guests and passed around CREED’s new leather grooming kit, the second time it had been unveiled to the public. Erwin stayed to pose for photos and sign bottles purchased that day. Creed fragrances are available at Neiman Marcus and select Saks Fifth Avenue locations.

Cognac Heir Kilian Hennessy's Insight on Scent

"In a Bottle" caught up with Kilian Hennesy at Saks Fifth Avenue, Somerset Collection today. The French cognac heir and grandson of the founder of Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, spoke with us about his 10-scent "L'Oeuvre Noire" collection, and why he can't pick a favorite fragrance when virtually anything can be captured "in a bottle."

What is your favorite fragrance?

I don't have one because I consider perfume as a luxury and I use the collection as a wardrobe of scents according to the way I'm dressed, according to the weather, according to my mood. I pick a perfume to go with the day. I pick perfume last, once I'm dressed. It's like a tie. Today, it's beautiful weather, Bamboo Harmony will be great.

What does it evoke for you?

It's a perfume we created with the Japanese tale The Bamboo Cutter in mind. Imagine somebody having a sip of white tea in the heart of the bamboo forest.

What is your favorite scent that can't be captured "in a bottle"?

Anything can be captured in a bottle today. Anything you want. That opens the palette of perfume in a fantastic way.