I’ve decided to make “New Perfume Releases” a regular feature of the blog. As always, I will try to cover both men and women’s fragrances, niche and mass-market. So, yes, it will be long, but feel free to scroll through to whatever interests you. (Plus, there are some pretty pictures!) All posts are taken via Now Smell This (NST) or Fragrantica. Each site has some discussion of the fragrance in question so, if you’re interested in further details, be sure to check out the original listing.
Today’s entry will cover everything from the re-invention of a Laura Ashley classic to a new Guerlain lingerie spray, a new M. Micallef fragrance inspired by vintage cars, and the first entirely new perfume from Kerosene in seven years. There will be a return to the oldies with a special Youth Dew limited-edition issue, the clothing house of H&M‘s first “luxury” perfume (in conjunction with the Byredo perfumer), and even a brief foray into the Kardashian world with a fragrance from Khloe Kardashian Odom. (Mea Culpa. I couldn’t really resist.) With a few exceptions, it doesn’t seem as though there are a huge number of new niche scents that will be released in the next few weeks or month.
SONOMA SCENT STUDIO:
The much-loved Indie line, Sonoma Scent Studio (SSS), is releasing a new line of natural fragrances. Now Smell This provides the following information:
Indie line Sonoma Scent Studio has launched Cocoa Sandalwood, the first in a new range of all natural fragrances. Upcoming natural fragrances include Spiced Citrus Vetiver and Amber Incense. Also new from the brand is Rose Volupté, which replaces Vintage Rose.
Cocoa Sandalwood ~This all-natural perfume is a gourmand for lovers of natural sandalwood. A luscious cocoa absolute melds with New Caledonia sandalwood absolute, spices, and a lactonic natural peach note. Vanilla and a subtle hint of coffee make the chocolate richer, while woodsy cedar and musky ambrette seed reinforce and complement the sandalwood. For women and men. Additional notes include ginger, cinnamon, clove and rose.
Rose Volupté ~ Rose Volupté is a luxurious plumy rose with a rich base of woods, amber, spices, and labdanum. A warm and long lasting ambery rose. Additional notes include sandalwood, cedar, vetiver, heliotrope, clove, cinnamon, oakmoss and aldehydes.
Sonoma Scent Studio Cocoa Sandalwood and Rose Volupté are available in 5, 17 and 34 ml. (via sonomascentstudio)
RAMON MONEGAL:
According to Fragrantica, one of the most talked-about niche houses in 2012 was the Spanish perfume brand Ramon Monegal. The brand recently announced an exclusive fragrance for Neiman Marcus called Pure Mariposa. The perfume will be released in February 2013, and Fragrantica has the following information:
Pure Mariposa will offer a floral-nectar accord with a festive tone in a dew-covered green forest, surrounded by a breeze of ozonic air, on a rich bottom accord of amber and musk.
PURE MARIPOSA
Top notes: Orange, Grapefruit Bergamot, Yuzu, Black currant, Plum.
Heart: Oakmoss, Grass accord, Fig, Osmanthus, Jasmine, Lily of the Valley, Rose wardia, Tuberose.
Base: Sandalwood, Cashmeran, Iris, Anchouli, Peach, Tonka, Amber
Pure Mariposa will be available exclusively at Neiman Marcus stores beginning in February 2013. The fragrance is an Eau De Parfum, available in a 50 ml/1.7 oz size and priced at $200.
H&M:
The Scandanavian clothing brand, H&M, will present its new luxury line called & Other Stories in 2013. Fragrantica states: “The line offers high-quality clothing, fine lingerie, footwear, fashion accessories and a cosmetics line. The first collection of this brand comes out in Spring/Summer 2013. […] As part of this brand, H&M will launch a perfume called Rose Revival, whose creation is signed by Ben Gorham, the man behind niche house Byredo.” There is no information on the notes (besides the obvious rose one) thus far. However, there is a rather cool video if any of you are interested:
GUERLAIN:
Not a new perfume, but a fabric spray. You see, Guerlain is temporarily going to release a limited-edition lingerie line. (Yes, really. That wasn’t a typo.) And this is the scent that goes with it. NST has the details:
Guerlain will launch Eau de Lingerie, a new scented fabric spray, in February. The spray is being released in conjunction with a limited edition Guerlain lingerie line from Absolutely Pôm.
The powdery floral fragrance will include notes of iris, rose, vanilla, sandalwood, ambrette and white musk.
Guerlain Eau de Lingerie will be available in 125 ml, €65, at Guerlain boutiques.
If you’re interested, NST has a small discussion on what it’s supposed to smell like, as well as links to articles about it in French Marie-Claire and French Vogue. Just click on “details” up above.
PACO RABANNE:
Following on the heels of his successful 1 Million fragrance, Paco Rabanne is launching 1 Million Intense. Fragrantica has the following information:
Masculine fragrance 1 Million from the designer house Paco Rabanne has experienced tremendous popularity since it was launched in 2008. The only previous reissue of this perfume is 1 Million Gold Absolutely, a pure perfume version presented in 2012. In 2013, there is also a new version launched – 1 Million Intense. The new perfume is announced as the embodiment of extravagance.
The spicy – woody – oriental compositions of this intensified and deeper version begins with fresh and spicy notes of blood mandarin, cardamom, black pepper and saffron. Rose absolute, neroli and cinnamon form the perfume’s heart, situated at the base of white leather, orris root, patchouli and sandalwood.
Top notes: blood mandarin, cardamom, pepper, saffron
Heart: rose absolute, neroli, cinnamon
Base: leather, patchouli, sandalwood, orris root
The fragrance is available as 50 and 100 ml Eau de Toilette Intense.
LAURA ASHLEY:
Laura Ashley has re-invented and re-launched their original 1981 fragrance, Laura Ashley No. 1. NST has the following information from the press release:
Exclusively designed for Laura Ashley in 1981, to complement the charming floral prints and delicate geometric designs of that era, the original No.1 fragrance has been reinvented for 2012.
Today’s modern interpretation, designed by renowned perfumer, Azzi Glasser, uses the finest ingredients to create an evocative fragrance with top notes of cassis, Victorian plum, violet leaves, marshmallow and green water stem. Heart notes of wild bluebell, purple rose, white gardenia and chamomile provide a beautiful floral scent, whilst base notes of sandalwood, patchouli oil and creamy musk, complement the blend perfectly.
Retaining all the charm of a very floral, fragrant and famous history, the perfume captures the heart of Laura Ashley’s style. The floral bottle replicates perfectly the brand’s identity of bold, beautiful stand-out print, which has defined their place in home decor and fashion as innovative experts, blending old and new to keep their charm.
Laura Ashley No. 1 is available in 30 ($52) and 60 ($68) ml Eau de Parfum, and can be found now at the Laura Ashley US website.
There is a lively discussion on the NST site about the “modern interpretation,” so if you’re interested, have fond memories of the ’80s, or liked Laura Ashley, don’t hesitate to check it out.
In The “I Don’t Have Any Words” Category:
I truly don’t know what to say about this next one and its supposed “vortex,” so I’ll just quote verbatim from Fragrantica:
Married couple Khloe Kardashian Odom and Lamar Odom launched their first joint fragrance Unbreakable (now renamed Unbreakable Bond) in 2011. The fragrance has experienced rapid success, and so did its festive limited edition Unbreakable Joy from 2012. In February the 2013, the couple will delight their fans with a new fragrance called Unbreakable Love.
The new creation is described as a lively and sensual fragrance vortex for women and men. Its top notes include delicate exotic neroli and the citrus freshness of bergamot, associated with a floral heart and deep notes of cedar and musk.
Unbreakable Love is available as 100 ml Eau de Toilette.
This may be the time to bring up, once again, how celebrity perfumes are made, and how marketing, branding, use of the cheapest or most synthetic ingredients, and the financial bottom line are the driving forces — not the desire to make great, original perfume. A fellow blogger, Scent Bound, has a really great discussion of those things in an article entitled: “The Making of a Celebrity Fragrance.”
GIVENCHY:
Yet another flanker. This time for the Dahlia Noir line. It will be called Dahlia Noir L’Eau and will be released sometime in Spring 2013. Fragrantica has the details:
Dahlia Noir L’Eau is more vivid, livelier and a fresher scent than the original, but it is still elegant and sensual. With this composition Francois Demachy wants to show the delicate side of the dangerous black dahlia flower. The top sparkles with cool crystal citruses and neroli, which lead to the floral heart of rose petals. The base is made of patchouli, cedar and musk, giving a chypre character to the perfume.
Top notes: citrus, neroli
Heart: rose Base: patchouli, cedar, musk
The fragrance will be available as 50, 95 and 125 ml Eau de Toilette.
KEROSENE:
Kerosene Fragrances has a new perfume called Unknown Pleasures. Fragrantica provides the following information:
Kerosene Fragrances Unknown Pleasures is a new fragrance presented in 2013, after seven years. The first fragrance presented by Kerosene Fragrances to the market was R’Oud Elements, and it was followed by seven more editions during 2012.
About the fragrance: “You’re walking down a cold street in Manchester, listening to Joy Division, sipping on a warm cup of London Fog. This fragrance opens up with the smooth sweetness of honey with Earl Grey tea, with a zing of lemon. It dries down to a cozy vanilla, soft tonka bean and waffle cone base, sure to make any gourmand lover smile.” The perfumer of the edition is John Pegg.
Official notes: Earl Grey tea, lemon, honey, bergamot, tonka, caramel, vanilla and waffle cone.
Fragrance Unknown Pleaures has been available in a gold colored flacon 100 ml EDP since 2013.
ESTEE LAUDER:
Estée Lauder’s Youth Dew turns 60! In celebration, the company is releasing a limited-edition anniversary edition in March 2013. You can read all about the history of the famous original in a detailed article on Fragrantica. The site also provides the following information on the special, limited-edition release:
This year, in honor of the jubilee 60th birthday of Youth Dew by Estee Lauder, a limited edition with an unchanged composition has been introduced, in a glass bottle with a ribbon embellished with tiny crystals. The body of the bottle in this case is “tightened with a lovely gold-colored bow that highlights the’waist’ and emphasizes the silhouette.” Small crystals accentuate the festive mood. Youth-Dew Limited Edition 2013 arrives as 67 ml EDP and will be available from March 2013.
Youth-Dew is one of those fragrances that you must try if you really like perfumery. It is one of those that you either love with all your heart or you can never grow fond of it. A fragrance that belongs to history and ancient times, but is also so close and dear to us because it was worn by our grandmothers and mothers. Unique and characteristic. The fragrance that I remember from my early childhood. The fragrance that is respected because of its history and involvement in the development of modern perfumery.
Official notes of the fragrance
YOUTH DEW LIMITED EDITION 2013
(60th birthday of original edition)top notes: rose, daffodil, lavender
heart: jasmin, ginger, spices
base: moss, vetiver, patchouli
Estée Lauder is also releasing a limited-edition flanker to its Bronze Goddess series called Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche SkinScent. Fragrantica provides the following information:
Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche SkinScent is a new, limited edition of the Bronze Goddess collection which will be launched in March 2013. According to Moodiereport, the new fragrance will be available in duty-free stores in Europe, Middle East, Asia and America.
After golden-turquoise and sunny orange bottles sprinkled with golden glitter, here comes the golden edition—a bottle colored in gold evoking warm summer, hot and soft sand, a luxurious vacation full of excitement spiced with exotic and glamour. The fragrance contains notes of amber warming citrusy zests of mandarin and lemon, with a heart blooming with milky white petals.
Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche SkinScent 2013
mandarin, lemon, milky floral notes, amber
Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche SkinScent arrives as limited edition, 100 ml eau fraiche.
L’ARTISAN PARFUMEUR:
The niche house, L’Artisan Parfumeur, will release a new woody-aromatic fragrance called Caligna. Now Smell This has more details via the company’s press release: “French niche line L’Artisan Parfumeur will launch Caligna, a new woody aromatic fragrance. Caligna will be fronted by dancer Gudrun Ghesquière.” 
Addictive and aromatic. Take a stroll through the Grasse countryside, where mountains and the Mediterranean meet…
L’Artisan Parfumeur, together with perfumer Dora Baghriche-Arnaud, honours an emblematic but less well-known ingredient of the Grasse region: the clary sage. Fresh and sensual, green and woody, fruity and ambery, the highly-facetted clary sage was the starting point for this perfume, and is married to, and enhanced with notes of fig and a jasmine marmalade accord, with all the natural richness of this iconic flower, resulting in an incomparable freshness and luminosity. The warm woody effect of the perfume’s base comes from the resinous depth of lentisk, a native plant of the maquis, and from pine needles, redolent of Mediterranean hillsides.
L’Artisan Parfumeur Caligna will be available in 100 ml Eau de Parfum, £95.
M. MICALLEF:
The French luxury niche house of M. Micallef is launching a new fragrance called Royal Vintage in February 2013 that is inspired by beautiful vintage cars. Fragrantica provides information from the company’s press release:
M.Micallef is launching a new fragrance for men named ROYAL VINTAGE at the beginning of February 2013. The new fragrance is dedicated to men with timeless sophisticated elegance, and it gives intensive leather nuances harmoniously blended with strong woody notes and juicy fruits.
In the top notes Royal Vintage offers fruity notes of pink berries and bergamot, followed by leather and cypress in the heart of the composition. Strong masculine notes are warmed with a patchouli accord in the base surrounded with a sensual musky aura.
ROYAL VINTAGE
pink berries, bergamot
cypress, leather
musk, patchouli“… For this atypical fragrance in our collection, I wanted to reinterpret the EXCLUSIVE bottle using the design codes of these beautiful vintage cars… ” says Martine Micallef. The new bottle of the Royal VIntage fragrance is colored with gray nuances and it comes in very elegant black packaging.
STELLA McCARTNEY:
NST has details on a new Stella McCartney fragrance that was just released in the UK. No word on when it will hit the US, though Sephora carries most of the line due to its great popularity, so it’s bound to hit these shores soon. The new fragrance is a flanker to her original L.I.L.Y fragrance but is a stronger version called L.I.L.Y Absolute:
Stella McCartney introduces L.I.L.Y ABSOLUTE, her latest, very personal fragrance. Intensely sensual, the affirmation of a fulfilled and confident, modern woman. Mysterious and refined, it fully expresses the woods and lightens the floral notes to create a new, deeper fragrance. It begins with black truffle, spiced with black pepper. The heart is luminous, more illusive, layering lily of the valley, pink pepper and ambrette seeds over a signature of cool oak moss, dry white woods, patchouli and carnal notes of amber. Framed in gold, L.I.L.Y ABSOLUTE evokes a balanced sophistication.
Stella McCartney L.I.L.Y Absolute is available in 50 ml Eau de Parfum, and can be found now at Selfridges in the UK, £65.
THIERRY MUGLER:
Thierry Mugler seems to have developed some sort of refill fountain for his most popular fragrances. It’s called Source, and Fragrantica has more details:
Besides the 20th anniversary of the iconic Angel fragrance (Article: Thierry Mugler Angel Precious Star 20th Birthday Edition, A*Men Gold Edition), Mugler celebrates 20 years of the refill bottles he offers to fans of his fragrances. In that honor he presents Source, a fragrant cell (fragrant fountain) for refills which will “pour” the four most popular editions at the same time: Angel, Alien, Womanity and Angel Eau de Toilette.
The idea to refill a Mugler flacon will decrease the need for new ones and owners of empty packaging will be delighted with the refills and the somewhat lower price for their favorite perfumes. It is stated that it could save $30 or more on each fragrance if the service is utilized. The latest project of Thierry Mugler Source can be seen in over 2000 stores in France so far, where Thierry Mugler perfumes can be purchased.
Therry Mugler Source – Perfume Fountain:
Angel – 1992
Alien – 2005
Womanity – 2010
Angel EDT – 2011
S – You continue to be such a wealth of information. I barely keep up with what’s new so this new reporting of yours is appreciated. I’m not sure if any of these will end up on my wrist; well, maybe the M. Micallef as I am finding what I have experience thus far with them to be to my liking (especially Gaiac). I am surprised to see Laura Ashley rear it’s head again. Their presence really took a fall back 20 years ago. I recall back in the early 90s that I was ready to go full chintz on my house and loved their fabrics and wallpapers. I guess with most brands, if you market it right it will come back gangbusters!
Mr. Hound, chéri, I’m so glad you like it. Thank you for your kind words. I doubt almost any of these will end up on my wrist either, though I’m intrigued by the Kerosene one. As for Laura Ashley, I too blinked to see their name rear up after all this time! I have to say, I laughed out loud at image of you surrounded by big cabbage-rose chintz prints. *grin*
How funny that you just mentioned M. Micallef’s Gaiac as I just put that in my Surrender to Chance shopping basket last night! I wanted to get the special sample 3-piece set but, after looking at the company’s website, it’s bloody confusing as to what is actually available. A number of the StC scents were not listed there or were said to be European exclusives (that were also unlisted), so that didn’t seem to offer a broad option for reviewing. Plus, the website is perplexing as hell in terms of prices. I think I’ll start with Gaiac and perhaps Watch, then see. I’m happy to know that Gaiac is as good as its notes would make it seem.
You might also want to check out the new Yang in Gold. I haven’t tried it, but I have read reviews that it was divine.
Oooh, thank you! That may be an even better choice than Watch! I’m waiting for Monday to see what Surrender to Chance’s Monday Specials are, and then I’ll complete my order. I cannot tell you how much I’m looking forward to Guaiac. What little I’ve smelled of the note thus far, I’ve really liked.
I started using STC September 2012 and have been happy with their service although there is quite a mark-up. Better a small quantity at a higher per mL price than a full bottle “bargain” unsniffed of meh perfume. Instead of using the shopping basket, I have a private Wish List and when STC has the bigger discounts (better than the 8% off $75 or more), I choose the Wish List items to purchase to take advantage of the discount.
There’s a definite mark-up, though I think StC is much, much cheaper than other perfume decanting/sample sites — especially when you factor in shipping. Plus, they have sample sets for things by brand or by perfume note, which places like Lucky Scent don’t. As you noted, all in all, it’s STILL cheaper than buying a full bottle “unsniffed” only to find out it’s a stinker.
I have a Wish List too. It’s a great way to keep track of small things. Do you ever go for any of the Monday/Weekly Specials? They have some fantastic deals on things sometimes. Like samples for 99 cents, or a whole set of things for a steep discount. God, I love Surrender to Chance. I just get so frustrated sometimes when I’m on there as there are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many fantastic perfumes to try, and never enough time (or money) for all that tempts me.
If I am placing an order and the Special happens to be of interest, I add it — like getting gum/candy at the checkout counter :-).
I assume that a decant will always have a pretty high markup, but StC is pretty reasonable. I need to do a better wishlist there – I also wait for a good coupon and then tend to order the more expensive ones. Even with the markup, it’s more reasonable to my mind than going to various stores and trying things out. Well, at least for niche stuff. I much prefer trying at home because there is just too much distraction for me to really, truly sample at a store. I love that site – they ship fast and with a coupon, the prices are pretty reasonable. I get at least a few wears per sample, so it’s worth the markup because I’ve been able to try things that would be hard to try otherwise. I do think their site is a little cumbersome, though.
Some of your words are a little alien to me, others angelic but what a fountain of words. Let it flow from the source, Kafkaesque. Your are a Fragrant Star.
And you’re an extremely kind, sweet man, Jordan. Thank you for your sweetness today. It means a lot. Today in particular. *hugs* Oh, and feel free to call me Kafka, if you’d like. 🙂
Thanks for your new releases update, but why the heck I’m not interested in almost any of them. I’m only hoping to try Unknown Pleasures, Caligna and Micallef.
You’re probably not interested in most of them, Lucas, because there are extremely few niche fragrances listed. LOL! Unfortunately, there really don’t seem to be a lot of new niche perfumes being released any time soon. As you clearly know, it takes so much time to make a new one, whereas for an umpteenth version of Givenchy or Angel, hardly any time (relatively speaking). There is the new Lutens rose perfume which I posted about last time and which I’m definitely curious to try & Kerosene’s Unknown Pleasures sounds good, but for me that’s really about it.
A new Kerosene. That caught my eye. I definitely want to try that one. I’ve liked a few other Kerosene scents and the notes in this one make me feel all warm and fuzzy. That L’Artisan interests me too. Thanks for the new releases posts. I like seeing everything I might have missed in one spot with links to find out more if I choose to. Very helpful.
I’m so glad you found it useful, Poodle. 🙂 And the Kerosene caught my eye too! The notes definitely make it sound warm and fuzzy.
Thanks for the news! I was interested in the Cocoa Sandalwood until I read New Caldonian sandalwood- that’s not going to be the real thing. The Kerosene sounds good though.
That’s a whole lot of new releases! I think the SSS sandalwood sounds very interesting, just the thought of using the milkiness of sandalwood as a starting point and then adding cocoa! No telling where that will end up 🙂 The Kerosene also sounds good and I really should check out the H&M frags. Not that I expect them to be very interesting but, after all, I pass something like 3 of their shops just going to work every day so it would be so stupid if I was missing out on anything worth having 🙂
Ooooh, right, you’re in the very home and heartland of H&M!! Sigrun, you absolutely have to check out their new perfume (whenever it finally comes out) and let us know! You’ll be our Swedish representative and pioneer, trailblazing an olfactory path through H&M’s first perfume foray. LOL. The fact that the founder and nose behind Byredo is making it really intrigues me. I think that alone may make the perfume stand out from some more traditional, department store line. Or so I hope. 🙂
Haha, I promise to to take on the olfactonaut role here and go where no one has gone before (except Ben Gorham, things could be worse!) and try H&Ms fragrance on no matter what 😀
ROFL! You have the best sense of humour! I’m trying to recall what other space or pioneer quotes I may know, but all I can come up with is “Live Long & Prosper”… 😉 I can’t wait for your review and impressions.
Thanks for compiling, Kafka. The Thierry Mugler Source looks like the bottom half of a robot wearing clunky shoes. On a fragrance counter, it just looks monstrous and out of place.
As for the new releases, the ones that interest me are: SSS Rose Volupte and SSS Cocoa Sandalwood (but will wait for the other 2 new releases before placing an order since I always get the 5 x 2.5mL gift set), the RM Pure Mariposa (I am still working through the RM Barcelona releases from last year and the only one I’ve tried was Impossible Iris and I have to say it is FB-worthy for me), Kerosene Unknown Pleasures (i have never tried any from this line), L’AP Caligna (will swing by Henri Bendel once it’s released) and the M. Micallef Royal Vintage (but thinking this may be too masculine for me).
Hajusuuri, have you actually seen the Mugler “Source” in person? It sounds like you have. Yikes, your description makes it seem even more futuristically monstrous than the photo did (and the photo definitely made it seem other-wordly!). “Robotic” sounds like a perfect description.
Did you get the Ramon Monegals as a sample set or are you just getting samples as you can of each from last year?
I always hear great, GREAT things about SSS fragrances. Undina is one who has a huge love for them, I believe. I’ve never tried any but I’m definitely curious and intrigued. I haven’t tried any Kerosenes either, so I guess Unknown Pleasures will be a first for both of us. 🙂
Everyone seems to be keen to try the new L’Artisan Parfumeur but I’m hesitant. I have to be honest, I haven’t had the best of luck with the line with those few things I’ve smelled thus far. But I’m planning on trying Saffron Troublant this week, so maybe that will be my first positive experience. 🙂
I have not seen the 4-part dispenser in person; if the 2-part Source is already big, the 4-part would be ginormous.
When LuckyScent had the Ramon Monegal Sample Pack in August 2012, I bought 2 sets knowing that I wanted try them all my way (spray) at my own schedule (not when I have limited time in-store). With the LuckyScent sample packs, if I am interested in at least 50% of the perfumes, I immediately order 2 sets. I do have relatively easy access to perfumes being that I work in NYC but I am limited to sniffing via paper blotter when I am out and about AND I am always just rushing to get home after a long day at work.
SSS perfumes are STRONG. 2.5mLs each of any of Laurie’s perfumes is enough to last me a very long time. My top 3 are Winter Woods, Tabac Aurea and Fig Tree. The one that did not work for me was Champagne de Bois.
From L’AP, I love love love Seville a l’Aube! Good luck with the Safran Troublant!
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