Perfume Serge Lutens is widely revered in the fickle perfume industry, first for his work with Shiseido in the 1980s and 90s, and more recently for the magnificent signature line he has developed since 2000. His work is commonly viewed as avant-garde and many have achieved "cult" status in the niche perfume world. His ideas and approach are often quirky and unconventional. Serge Noire, launched in 2008 is an artful perfume rendering of smoke, ash and wood… but one which is resolutely unorthodox - it has an almost Gothic feel. If compelling, mysterious scents are your bag, the Serge Noire delivers. It is a contrast of textures; damp and dry, gloomy and light. 

Its’ opening is somewhat surprising and polarising… flashes of wood and spice which take on an almost saccharine feel, but then swiftly taper away into a more sinister amalgam that brings to mind decomposition and decay. Some time later, the scent evolves once more and a lovely dry woody incense emerges which inspire mental images of gloomy churches burning resinous stones in concealed censers. There is a thread of warm amber, patchouli and cozy cinnamon that press up from below. Serge Noire feels both threatening and ethereal in equal measures… a "Brothers Grimm" approach to perfume, perhaps. 

Many have come to love the creative brilliance and perfume narratives that spill from the perfumed pen of Monsieur Lutens. Serge Noire represents some of his most challenging and pioneering work yet.

Perhaps the ultimate scent for the modern day city-slicker, Bvlgari Black is a hard-hitting genderless perfume that embraces all that we know of the urban metropolis! Created in 1998, in the shadow of the impending new millennium, Black memorialises perfume notes that speak of the city!

Created without a traditional olfactory pyramid, Bvlgari Black trains its focus on the starring notes of lapsang souchong tea; a component that brings to mind the odour of burning rubber tyres and combustibles with everything choked in smoke. These facets feel devoutly masculine, but a striking balance is met when played against traditionally feminine accords of rose and jasmine, which buzz at the core of this perfume. Vanilla / amber aspects lend a comforting warmth; the sense of being close to home, with all of its comforts waiting inside. Fans of Van Cleef & Arpels Midnight in Paris will find plenty to love here... another scent that straddles the gender line, with each foot planted firmly under the bright lights of the big city.

Office appropriate, as much as it is for nights out on the town, Bvlgari Black is a now-iconic fragrance that blurs the line between the ages and genders. One to be experienced before it is gone forever.

In recent years, it would appear that Gucci have been throwing about the name "Flora" with mad abandon; a term that not only features heavily across their perfume lines, but also in their seasonal fashion and accessories. You may find it interesting that the actual origin of their "Flora" title can be traced back to a now iconic flowery print applied to a scarf designed for the timeless beauty, Grace Kelly. In 2013, this inspired an exclusive limited edition perfume that was made available in Gucci boutiques only; Flora 1966... a scent that rhapsodises over a bygone age of class, sophistication and refinement.

Flora 1966 is a floral chypre with a deliciously dark lilt. After a brisk flight of bergamot and prickling pepper, a tender heart of blushing peony and velvety rose emerges... a blooming core that belies a much earthier, darker foundation. Intense patchouli, musk and grassy vetiver form the rich, luxurious platform upon which all other accords are perched. The sum of these components evokes a sensual, almost unisex feel. The obsidian black flacon is beautifully presented in a pretty silk pouch with floral motifs: stunning class and refinement that Gucci are globally renowned for.

Flora 1966 is an exceptional fragrance that will leave a trace of yourself in the memories of others. Sublime!