Christian Lacroix Absynthe by Avon (2009): The Green Faerie Is Back {New Perfume}

French couturier Christian Lacroix is pursuing his partnership with mass-market giant Avon with the launch of a third fragrance in March 2009 called Absynthe following Rouge and Noir.

Inspired by the mythical drink of poets and bohemian artists living in 19th century Paris, it comes in the midst of a renewal of interest for the jade-colored drink as it is now legally available again. In particular, the US is now allowing its commercial distillation since December 2007...

Closer to the fashion world, absinthe was a color inspiration on the Lacroix runway during his 2007 Spring collection with a chiffon gown in that very hue which appears replicated on the ad for the fragrance. The model there is made to look like a modern incarnation of the green fairie, a popular nickname for the absinthe drink.

The fragrance for women features notes of absinthe extract, green aniseed, golden freesia, orchid, saffron, narcissus nectar, antique woods, myrrh, black ebony wood, musk, amber.

For other articles on absinthe in perfumery see:

• A review of Absolument Absinthe with a historic background on the drink and the art it inspired

• Another article on absinthe during the Belle Epoque

• A review of Annick Goutal Myrrhe Ardente, which manages to evoke somehow the foggy atmosphere of a 19th century Parisian café laden with the vapors of absinthe.