Shopping For
PERFUME
An aroma can trigger so many memories.
Giving a wistful recall of far off places,
age old cultures or happy events. Ascott
Living sniffs out the best buys
Exclusive top notes
Harrods’ salon de parfum offers
a memorable retail experience.
The iconic London store’s salon
hosts the fragrant work of 11
of the world’s top perfumers.
Many of the almost magical
creations are exclusive.
A legendary aroma
The influence of fashion icon Coco
Chanel still remains, decades after
her demise. One of the leading
brands in the world, the oriental
appeal of Coco Noir (pictured) is
a recent addition to the fragrance
collection. The original Chanel
No 5, launched in 1921, still
remains a fragrant bestseller.
Photos: Getty Images (Coco Chanel); Ägyptisches Museum, Universität Bonn Egyptian Museum, University of Bonn (Perfume vessel)
Illustration: The Illustration Room's Maya Beus
An ethereal essence
Perfume has always been
held in high regard. In ancient
Egypt, only the priests were
allowed to produce the
coveted elixir, which was
usually reserved for the sole
purpose of mummifying
the Egyptian elite.
Buying
Tips
A traditional aroma
One of the oldest perfumes is
4711 Original Eau de Cologne
by Maurer & Wirtz, a popular
fragrance with both sexes since
1792. Citrus notes of bergamot,
orange and lemon are said to
revitalise while lavender and
rosemary have a calming effect.
signature scent
If the thought of a truly personal
scent appeals to you then head to
Grasse, the home of the French
fragrance industry. Galimard,
renowned perfumers since 1747,
run workshops which give would-be
olfactory aficionados the chance
to create their own perfume.
Once they are applied to
the skin, perfumes all have
three aromatic phases.
After 15 minutes you’ll be
aware of citrus, around
two hours later woody
notes will be detected
and finally, after about
four hours, the aroma will
become spicy. Try before
you buy — and if you
like all three notes, this
is the fragrance for you.
Ascott LIVING 11