The idea of the "Ideal Man" has been explored and reprised over and over again in popular culture... but does the ideal man actually exist? Well, in 2014, French perfumers Guerlain suggested he did not, but his fragrance DID; at least, that was the marketing angle Guerlain wanted us to believe when launching their masculine scent "L'Homme Ideal". Then, in 2015, they swiftly followed up with l'Homme Ideal Cologne... a new take on the original.

A fresh, zesty twist on Guerlain's 2014's triumph, L’Homme Ideal, the new Cologne version abandons the glorious praline and sweet-tobacco facets of its older sibling and instead infuses the composition with a good dose of grapefruit... its bittersweet citrus tang steers it away from the comforting ombré of sensual autumnal warmth and instead, sets a course for crisp and sheer summer briskness.

From the bottle, the bright pamplemousse flight and green vetiver notes produce a fleeting cypressy vibe, which lends a sense of Mediterranean sun. The signature heart of almond and neroli shares a welcome, familiar footprint with its wonderful older brother. All in all, l'Homme Ideal Cologne is an excellent all-rounder for daytime and the summer months. 

Make it a priority!

Tunisian-born couturier Azzedine Alaia might have flown under the radar of many until recently, but if the truth be known, his professional accomplishments have been numerous ever since the 80s! In 2015, Alaia authored his first fragrance, which was introduced under the BPI (Beauté Prestige International) umbrella, alongside fellow designers Gaultier, Miyake and Rodriguez.

Out of the gates, Alaia has an initial flight of citrus and pink peppercorn, both of which pave the way for an unusual moment of fleeting ozonic freshness.... a sensation of standing on a mountaintop inhaling crisp alpine air. Delicate notes of freesia, peony and violet soften the heart of this perfume which dances over a suede-like, musky base. Alaia is understated and ethereal... a light tickle of air that gently brushes over the skin. Unassuming, but still self-assured, Alaia feels modern and pretty... a scent perhaps best enjoyed during the warmer months, and for everyday wear, it is also one that demands nothing of the wearer.

Azzedine Alaia's first foray into fine fragrance is a promising one... one can only be excited about where he might take us next! 

The year is 1987, Dirty Dancing is screening in cinemas, a dozen eggs cost 65c and Europe's “The Final Countdown” is conquering the airwaves... life is good! Then there's that girl from next door with perm, bubble-skirt and fingerless gloves that you've been admiring from afar, and she's wearing Lou Lou – the now iconic scent from Cacharel, that once graced every tweenie's dressing table. The 80's may be long gone, but Lou Lou still endures to this day... her wiles and charms bewitching a whole new generation of guys and girls in 2016!

Bold, powerful and commanding, Lou Lou – presented it it's darling octagonal blue flacon with pointy blood-red cap – is sensual and mysterious. In her hey-day she proved herself to be one of the world's most successful fragrances of its time.  Built around the sensual note of tiare flower, Lou Lou is an oriental floral with supporting notes of ylang ylang, plum, violet, black current and anise. A carnal core of tuberose and orange blossom dances over a creamy tonka, vanilla and balsamic base. It smells luxurious, alluring and sexy... and deliciously French!

There is no good reason why Lou Lou can't be appreciated by the modern woman – the teenager, the blogger, the professional, the mother or leader... Lou Lou's uniqueness and sultriness is every bit as relevant today, as she was back in the 80's. Revisit this classic and identify with her all over again!