Matthew McConaughey in TV Ad Spot for Dolce & Gabbana The One for Men {Scented Images}
Here is the TV ad spot in which actor Matthew McConaughey plays the part of the sleek wearer of the new Dolce & Gabbana The One for Men (see previous posts). Short and sweet and directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino,
Henry Cavill Promotes Dunhill London & The Color of His Eyes {Fragrance News} {Scented Images}
'Tis a bit late, but here are some pictures of the dashing Henry Cavill at the launch of the new cologne for men, Dunhill London. We reported previously about the fragrance here.
Interestingly, the blue of the advert and the juice in the bottle matches exactly the color of Cavill's eyes. This is what you call precision work on the perfume and celebrity image synergy....
(Images from wireimage.com - do not download without permission)
John Varvatos for Women Launch Dinner {Scented Images}
As previously announced, John Varvatos is releasing his first fragrance for women after two masculine colognes. Reportedly, his wife Joyce was instrumental in making him take the leap. Here is a sneak peek at the advert and range of products.
John Varvatos for Women was introduced during a private dinner on February 11, 2008 in West Hollywood California. (Photos are from Wireimage.com - do not download without permission)
A Tangent on Daniel Craig, Skarb, & Jewish Escapees in Forests {Scented Image}
Last time when we reviewed Skarb by Humiecki & Graef, we had decided to use, as illustration, a picture of Daniel Craig crying for photographer Sam Taylor-Wood, from her opus entitled Men Crying. With his physical appearance that can pass as Russian, it felt like a doubly pertinent illustration for the post about that perfume that is supposed to evoke how Slavic men cry (and which might have been partly influenced by the concept behind Taylor-Wood's artistic and psychological study.).....
Set yourself free, with a little cologne! Tom Brady is racing (in a car) with a black stallion in the wide open Western American spaces (California in fact). Aaah, the nostalgia for the frontier days is palpable!
A Preview of the New Thierry Mugler Ad for the Mirror Perfumes {Scented Image}
There are five perfumes in the new Thierry Mugler collection called Miroir, Miroir. Here is a peek at the advertisement where each scent represents a different facet of the same woman who is goddess-like. The quintet already debuted at Sephora Champs Elysées in December of 2007 but will become more widely advertised this month.
Dior Homme TV Ad by Hedi Slimane with Jamie Dornan {Scented Images}
Ex-artistic director of Dior Hedi Slimane directed the TV spot for the fragrance Dior Homme, which he helped compose. The ad features model Jamie Dornan and the song "For Lovers" sung by Pete Doherty.
One of the most beautiful perfume ads ever: the flow of the garland, ribbon, and tassel all align suggesting lushness, richness, and elegant nonchalance as well as a subliminal cornucopia shape. The black and white contrast done in quasi religious chiaro-oscuro tones reflects the introspective qualities of the scent well. The image is even a bit haloed; the perfume and the decorations glow as if a pristine white light were shining through stained glass in a Scandinavian church set in a snowy landscape in a Dreyer's movie.
If one has had the good fortune of getting an advance copy of the upcoming book by Chandler Burr entitled The Perfect Scent (release date, Jan 22, 2008) focusing on two case studies of fragrance development in the industry, Un Jardin Sur Le Nil by Hermès and Lovely by Coty, one then gets the full meaning of what "going to Dadeland" might mean when it comes to boosting fragrance sales. Is Paris Hilton visiting Dadeland (and other malls for that matter currently) because she is eager to meet her fans and do a little fieldwork or in anticipation of through-the-roof sales and to thank her fans? Not quite........
L'Instant Magic by Guerlain TV Spot: It's Not Bar Refaeli {Scented Images}
We saw some discussions on threads trying to sort out whether the L'Instant Magic (see our review) ad features Bar Refaeli or Michelle Buswell. We do not have this information in the press release from Guerlain and so initially put Bar Refaeli based on another press source. Now that we have seen the TV commercial, it is clear it is not Refaeli in the TV spot but Buswell as indicated by You Tube and other sources. The printed ad looks a bit more like it could be Refaeli hence the confusion. I think also that it makes sense they would hire a taller model to wear this extraordinary gown (Buswell is 1,80 m vs. Refaeli is 1,74 m).
You can watch the sumptuous ad directed by Jean Bocheux,
Launch Party for The One for Men by Dolce & Gabbana {Celebrity Perfume} {Scented Images}
As a follow-up to our previous post on The One for Men by Dolce & Gabbana, here are a couple of pictures from the launch party for the cologne which took place on Dec 4, 2007.
The team: Stefano Gabbana, Matthew McConaughey, his girl-friend model Camilla Alves, and Domenico Dolce at the Gramercy Park Hotel
Images Countess/Wireimage.com - Do not reproduce without Wireimage.com's permission
Pictures of the New Divine Flagship Store in Paris {Scented Paths & Fragrant Addresses} {Scented Images}
As reported earlier, the niche perfume house Divine founded by Yvon Mouchel in 1986, which initially opened in Dinard in Brittany then recently secured a display area at the Bon Marché in Paris has now inaugurated a luxurious flagship store rue Scribe in the neighborhood of the Opéra in the capital city. The house offers a collection of six fragrances focusing on quality: "DIVINE, L'Ame Soeur, L'Infante, L'Inspiratrice, L'Homme Sage, L'Homme de Coeur".......
This delightful object is a "pistolet à parfum" from the end of the 18th century. It is made of enameled gold and fine pearls. The petals of the bud open becoming a flower to reveal a vinaigrette in its heart. The golden blossom could release perfumes or the effluvia of salts for ladies on the verge of fainting. There is also a timepiece inserted in the perfume pistolet (see on the right). Exquisite.
A reader, rubytulip22, sent us this video for Promesse by Cacharel launched in 2005. The TV spot features super models Laetitia Casta and Matthew Avedon and the whole concept is very pretty. Film was shot by Stéphane Sednaoui and lyrics are "1, 2, 3" sung by singer Camille Dalmais and excerpted from her album "Le Sac Des Filles". She is also the voice of Colette in Ratatouille (a must-see-and-"smell"movie for the 5th sense aficionados) Thanks to rubytulip22 for the link and info! So here are some eye-and-ear-candies for you,
My Voyage by Nautica (2008) - Ad Fronted by Katherine Heigl {New Perfume} {Celebrity Fragrance} {Scented Image}
Katherine Heigl, the actress made popular thanks to her role in the series Greys' Anatomy, unveiled the new Nautica fragrance called My Voyage earlier this month. She is the spokesmodel for the perfume. The scent is described as being clean, fresh, and classic American.
My Voyage will be available from January 2008 at Macy's, Dillard's and other department stores starting at $59. 50.
Escada has introduced a new women's perfume simply called Escada S. It is billed as a major launch and reportedly destined to become iconic of the brand. Escada has set up a website showcasing the new fragrance complete with commercials and the making-of these. The model is Sophie Vlaming.......
Marlene Dietrich Parfums Grès Collection: More Info on the Cult of the Dead {New Perfumes} {Scented Images}
We previously reported on the new collection by Grès which features a trio of perfumes dedicated to the memory of Marlene Dietrich. They illustrate yet another sub-category of celebs fragrances (see also WAGs' fragrances), the posthumous celebrity fragrances, also an angle explored by the new Dior Passage collection which combines homages to living and dead celebrities.
If we were wondering whether perfume has become completely separated from its religious roots, the answer would be a resounding "no". Just like incense used to be burned to deities and unfurl in the sky to communicate with the divine in ancient times, perfume flacons are now more than ever being filled with juices that waft more or less subtly towards a pantheon of celebrities who have passed away.......
Video of Paris Hilton Promoting Can Can at Macy's {Scented Images}
For Paris Hilton's fans, here is a CBS video of her visiting Macy's in Philadelphia to promote her new perfume Can Can. Warning: there is the disturbing sight of a Catholic nun brandishing Paris Hilton Can Can advert as if it were the Pope's image,
Video Interview with Olivier Cresp & Jacques Cavallier {Scented Images}
To accompany our review of Elle by Yves Saint Laurent, here is an interview in French of Jacques Cavallier and Olivier Cresp of Firmenich regarding the creative process around the new fragrance,
Davidoff Adventure TV Spot with Ewan McGregor {Scented Images}
You can check a previous post about the Davidoff Adventure cologne and ad print here. This is the TV commercial directed by Seb Edwards and shot in Brazil. McGregor said at a press conference about his love of adventure and motorbiking that, "There's something that appeals to the little boy in us to go out and not wash for weeks," [...]"You have no responsibilities except to have petrol in the tank and a vague idea of where you're going."(quote via Women's Wear Daily)
More on Kelly Brook The Fragrance & The Image {New Perfume} {Celebrity Fragrance} {Scented Image}
We already reported on the new Kelly Brook fragrance here. The launch took place today at Superdrug in London and since it is a celebrity perfume it is hard to dissociate it from the form of the inspirer, Kelly Brook the woman........
New Stetson Original Ad with Tom Brady {Scented Image} {Celebrity Fragrance} {Fragrance News}
We have some great pictures to show you today, thanks to Coty who just released the much anticipated new advertisement for Stetson Original fronted by Tom Brady.
Interestingly, the photographer captured a somewhat melancholy (yet seductive) air on Tom Brady's features, which might be a smart move and be interpreted as a diplomatic gesture extended to that part of the potential audience for Stetson Original and followers of celebrity gossip news who resent his escapades. See our previous post here that elicited some strongly worded comments regarding Brady's private life. Another pic here taken from behind the scenes of the shoots at a farm in California.
Tom Brady seems to be saying in the new ad "I know what you think of me, I am not that proud about it myself........but hey, it's not going to keep me down for ever. Life may be confusing sometimes, but it's still good at the core."
Andy Tauer Journey Bottle: The Mechanic Visits Harvard University {Scented Image} {Fragrance News}
Andy Tauer is sending around a bottle of perfume, the Journey Bottle, inspired by the image of a mechanic carrying hyacinths. The Mechanic arrived in Massachusetts and in the latest news toured the grounds of America's oldest university.......
Dragon Flacon for Eau de Protection by Etat Libre d'Orange {Scented Image}
We got a picture of the flacon of the new Rossy de Palma Eau de Protection. Please read our review of this literally spell-binding perfume. The design is a departure from the usual Etat Libre d'Orange bottles as the glass is not usually decorated but bears a bristol label.......
Can Can by Paris Hilton: The Ad {Scented Image} {New Perfume}
OMG!! I can't close my jaw I am so stupefied by the kitschy character of the advert for the new Paris Hilton Can Can! Actually I finally managed to, but I am still experiencing a cramp of disbelief in my jaw muscles.
This is her 4th women's fragrance (she also released at least one men's fragrance) and this time the aesthetics for the promotion images seem to be a cross between the universes of a beauty contest show for little girls + Valentine Day Chocolate box + Moulin Rouge as seen through a touristy snow ball + a Barbie doll package......
Hugo Boss XY & XX Human Nature Video {Scented Images} {New Perfumes} {Free Samples}
As previously announced, Hugo Boss is launching a duo of perfumes called XY and XX. The advertising campaign is in full gear and you are now invited to watch the short movie accompanying the perfumes on YouTube (not the commercial with Jonathan Rhys Meyer). Honestly, we initially thought it was a spoof, but the PR representative confirmed to us that it was part of their campaign. It is a parody of the early nature shows, say in the style of the Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom series......
The Ruby-Red Shoe & The Cobra at Harrods {Unscented Yet Cool}
Photo by Shaun Curry/AFP
The British have a reputation of eccentricity to defend and they just did that very well. What better way, one must acknowledge even genius way, of guarding a pair of bejeweled haute couture shoes but to hire a flesh-and-blood cobra to do the job?......
Les Sept Parfums Capitaux: Hespéridé, Fougère, Chypre, Marine, Poudré, Oriental, Boisé by Jovoy Paris {New Perfumes} {Scented Image}
Les Sept Parfums Capitaux by Jovoy
JovoyParis, a Parisian perfume house from the Roaring Twenties that has recently been resurrected by a trio that includes a sister, brother, and a cousin: François Henin, Henri de Pierrefeu, and Marie-Laure de Rodellec, has launched a series of 7 perfumes called Les Sept Parfums Capitaux in a humorous reference to the Seven Deadly Sins. It also means "the seven very important perfumes" as "capital" in French means "very important" or "critical".
Jovoy was initially founded by a woman, Blanche Arvoy in 1923, and lasted into the 1960s then experienced an eclipse although it met with great success in the US in the post World War II period under a different brand name, Corday, in particular with its set of 3 fragrances called Tzigane, Jet, and Fame that were available in samples put together in the shape of a street gas lamp as found on the rue de la Paix in Paris where the Jovoy headquarters were........
A 1949 advert for "Perfume set to Music" a collection of musical pieces by musician Harry Revel inspired by the Jovoy/Corday perfumes. (from The Scented Salamander collection)
Virtual Visit of Coco Chanel's Appartment, New Coco Mademoiselle Film {Scented Images} {Update}
Chanel is continuing to be inspired by the glamor of the movies to promote their products. After having campaigned for Rouge Allure with a film inspired by Le Mépris by Godard, they are sending a special invitation around to preview their Coco Mademoiselle site and film, which are gorgeous. (Update: the site is scheduled to open to the public on 9/12/2007)
One is first literally led by the hand by an invisible guide for a virtual tour of Gabrielle Chanel's daytime apartment (she really lived at the Ritz). You start by climbing the famous Chanel mirrored staircase up into her den, located 31, rue Cambon......
After having mentioned yesterday the iconic Revlon Charlie perfume ads of the 1970s as presenting the counter-archetype of the woman seen as object as proposed in several recent perfume adverts, we decided to revisit some of these 1970s and 80s ads to reconnect for a time with Charlie's bouncy step.
Many of us remember energetic Charlie walking with a conquering spring in her step. She wore pants and to show off that she really knew how to wear them, her stride was amplified, made almost exaggerated at times, like the stylized idea of independence and confidence. Man, she could walk some giant steps on behalf of all women.
Here are some images to remember Charlie who could even reveal herself to be on occasion (unfortunately) paternalistic, if provoked by the behind of a man; sexual harassment you said? Connais pas. What a change of scenes in the current adverts we talked about yesterday which contain allusions to a rather crude sexual assault, a woman with half a face who is really the dream of an inflatable sex doll, and submissive femininity in general. Blame it on cultural eclectism and trends rather than on an overall ideology but still.....
Terry Richardson, is the New Darling of Perfume Advertising, Which Means More Sex Please {Scented Images} {Scented Thoughts} {Trend Alert}
Open your eyes! Photographer Terry Richardson is becoming fashionable among celebrities wanting to promote their perfumes from the porno-chic angle. He is well-known for his graphic aesthetics and these days, it seems that one needs all the attention one can create to pull a perfume out of the crowd, nay sea, of new releases. After Tom Ford decided in a dramatic reversal of aesthetic choices to play the Terry Richardson card rather than the Marilyn Minter one, the Beckhams have also enlisted Richardson's camera to promote the Intimately Beckham Night duo......
Dior Midnight Poison by Wong Kar-Wai with Eva Green {Scented Images} {Celebrity Perfume}
To promote the launch of Midnight Poison, Dior has set up a luxurious-looking website complete with behind-the-scenes film footages and down-loadable skins. You can watch the advertising film shot by Wong Kar-Wai and featuring actress Eva Green.......
Update on Kate Moss by Kate Moss {Fragrance News} {Scented Images} {Celebrity Perfume}
Kate Moss' new perfume started selling yesterday in the UK and already it is number 1 at Superdrugs, topping Stunning by Jordan aka Katie Price. The celebrity perfume culture seems so alive in the UK! Anything to do with the equally alive British tabloids?
The Vogue of Teens Perfumes {The 5th Sense in the News} {Scented Image}
As American young men have become apparently addicted to body sprays, Disney offers perfume lines targeting younger and younger consumers, and more and more candy-like notes crop up even in fragrances targeting more mature women, we might all be feeling the impact of an exacerbated youth culture in perfumery. Frederic Malle, an upscale elitist perfume house has even recently decided to partly dress down its brand image, in a manner of speaking, by offering a niche perfume for the young evoking jeans and clean laundry called Outrageous!........
Diesel Fuel For Life For Her & Him {New Fragrances} {Scented Image}
As previously reported (please see story board), Diesel is launching Fuel For Life For Her and Fuel For Life For Him. The global launch is scheduled for this coming Monday. The women's scent is described as a floral chypre and was composed by team of perfumers Annick Ménardo and Thierry Wasser. The men's scent is said to be a powdery fougère and was created by Annick Ménardo together with Jacques Cavallier......
New Osé Advertising for Tom Ford For Men {Scented Images}
When we last wrote about the upcoming Tom Ford fragrances and about Tom Ford For Men in particular, Tom Ford had decided to pose himself for the ads as the subject of the signature wet yet dressed look by photographer Marilyn Minter. Now the brand announces that they will advertise Tom Ford For Men with a series of porno-chic images of the more hard-core variety going back in this manner to some of Tom Ford's roots as a communicator of provocative advertising images........
Keira Knightly for Chanel Mademoiselle Coco, Nicole Miller Fragrances, British Men are Spiffing Up {Scented Images} {The 5th Sense in the News}
After several legendary beauties were hired by Chanel to front their perfume advertisements over the course of years such as Catherine Deneuve, Carole Bouquet, and more recently Kate Moss, Keira Knightly is the new face for Mademoiselle Coco. According to Jacques Helleu artistic director of Chanel, what prompted him more than anything else to elect Knightly were her flaws, which presented him with an opportunity to play fairy god-mother to Cinderella. The new advert where Keira Knightly poses naked, chastely clasping a bowler hat over her breasts closely references the theme of one of the adverts that was shot with Kate Moss, Keira's immediate predecessor. We could start calling them the girl-with-the-necklace-and-hat series...
While Britney Spears is preparing to launch her latest jus, Believe, an ad campaign of sorts has already started on the net with pictures of the Elizabeth Arden press release circulating. Fans and others are wondering whether or not an all-too-obvious idealization process has taken place? The question may appear futile, but it is not, really. What are at stakes are ethical issues regarding body representation and the power of images in our society.
Sarrasins by Serge Lutens {Scented Image} {New Perfume}
Here are beautiful pictures of the upcoming dark purple-colored jus with black tinges by Serge Lutens called Sarrasins. On the right is the exclusive signed limited edition numbered from 1 to 30 decorated with an Arabic style of calligraphy that is engraved using gold and platinum (850 Euros). The non-luxury edition is priced at 105 Euros and will be available from September exclusively at the Salons du Palais Royal Shiseido.....
New Trilogy of Perfumes by Parfum d'Empire: Sneak Preview {Scented Image}
While we wait for September to come, here is a sneak preview of the upcoming trio of perfumes by Parfum d'Empire about which we already made an announcement: Osmanthus Interdite, Equistrius, and Fougère Bengale.
Paco Rabanne Black XS for Her {New Perfume} & Video Interview with Paco Rabanne {Scented Images}
On the occasion of the launch of Black XS for Her, the feminine flanker to Black XS introduced last year, designer Paco Rabanne was interviewed on France 24. He explains that major influences in the creation of the new fragrance were the myth of Lilith and numerology, the latter which he has been practising since he was 7 years old. We also learn that his grand-mother was a shaman in the Basque country!
More on Palazzo by Fendi {New Fragrance} {Scented Image}
We reported earlier about the upcoming Palazzo by Fendi, which was recently unveiled in Rome, last Monday. Here is a peek at the gorgeous modern patrician-looking flacon, which reproduces in part the façade of the Palazzo Boncompagni Ludovisi in Rome......
Guerlain Chamade pour Homme {Fragrance News} {Scented Image}
Just a reminder that Guerlain Chamade pour Homme is being re-edited this season. I could not resist posting this beautiful visual, courtesy of Madame Figaro. For more details about the fragrance, please go to our previous announcement.
Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford {Shopping Tip} + Exclusive Vogue Video Interview of Tom Ford {Scented Images}
Believe it or not, at least one of the magnificent 12 Private Blends has already hit a perfume discounter: Tobacco Vanille. And only a few days ago at Harvey Nichols they were selling like hot cakes while Tom Ford himself was signing the bottles away, explaining that Tobacco Vanille is one of his favorites. The latter statement has more the ring of sincerity to it than one might assume normally had it just been an isolated remark proferred on a signature-event day since he already explained in Women's Wear Daily a while ago that it is one of his three favorites from the line......
Josh Holloway Is The New Face For Cool Water by Davidoff {Scented Image}
Actor Josh Holloway of the TV show "Lost" is the new face for Davidoff Cool Water, except in North America where the male icon of choice for the fragrance is surfer Laird Hamilton. So here's a chance for US and Canada-based readers to take a peak at the new advert.The actor said "It's something I can believe in," [...] "It's simple, it's masculine and is associated with water and the vitality of life.
"The water in Hawaii is phenomenal; on a daily basis, it can bring tears to your eyes with its clarity and color," he added, noting he takes advantage of being seaside by fishing. "I have huge respect for the ocean."
Advertisement for L by Lolita Lempicka {Scented Image}
Ooooh, love this poster. I thought I would share with you this dazzling advert for the salty-sweet L by Lolita Lempicka. How about a little series on salty fragrances? They are great to wear in the heat of the summer and the upcoming Coney Island by Bond no9 and Fleurs de Sel by Miller Harris, especially the latter, are reawakening interest in them.
Tom Ford's Fragrance Chamber {Scented Image} {The 5th Sense in the News}
The New York Times has an article on the new Tom Ford flagship store. Horacio Silva recounts the charming welcome he received from the employees of the store. So much so that he does not hesitate to write:.......
More on Covet by Sarah Jessica Parker {New Perfume} {Scented Image}
As previously reported, Sarah Jessica Parker is going to launch her second fragrance named Covet. True to her word, she is this time launching a perfume that represents the "vixen" side of her that she was not able to express with Lovely, which represents her "well-behaved" side. She had said in the past to Chandler Burr that she regretted not being able to create a dirtier scent where Lovely was concerned. It sounds promising, don't you think?
The Artifact Exhibition at the Ontario Science Center - A Tiny Piece of Perfume & Titanic History {Scented Image} {Scented Paths & fragrant Addresses}
This is a picture of a perfume vial salvaged from the Titanic. It will be exhibited at the Ontario Science Center for the exhibition called The Artifact Exhibition. It is described as "a perfume vial from Adolphe Saalfeld, a perfume maker from Manchester who was heading to New York [in 1912]to take advantage of the booming perfume market,"........
Diagram: The Costs of Launching A New Perfume {Perfume History & Facts} {Scented Image}
On March 14 2006, the Committee on Competition condemned 13 fragrance and luxury brands (Chanel, Dior, Guerlain, L'Oréal, Yves Saint Laurent etc.) and three national distributors (Marionnaud, Sephora, and Nocibé) to an indemnity of 46, 2 millions of Euros for having agreed between 1997 and 2000 on recommended minimum retail prices in order to protect their luxury image. Smaller distributors were apparently forced to comply too. Both the commercial code and European legislation prohibit this type of practice. The magazine Challenges published a diagram that shows the average costs of launching a 100 ml eau de toilette in the mainstream market.......
Advertisement for Gucci II Pour Homme {Scented Image}
For your viewing pleasure, here is another advertisement for Gucci II Pour Homme. It is one of the best releases of the first quarter of 2007 in our opinion although, we don't want to unfairly heighten expectations as this can cause some people to feel too easily disappointed. "It's a terrible scent!" Read our review. It is, at the very least, a must-try scent.
Flacon of YSL Paris Jardins Romantiques by Yves Saint Laurent {Scented Image} {New Perfume}
We already announced the upcoming limited edition of YSL's spring and summer version of Paris this year which is called Jardins Romantiques (Romantic Gardens). We simply had to post this picture of the adorable flacon which is decorated with views of Paris, the Eiffel Tower being in pink and the Arc de Triomphe in green. The jus promises to be colored with the same rosy and fresh green hues as it has notes of rose, lilac, lily of the valley, and cut grass.
This would make a lovely gift and souvenir from Paris 2007 with its shabby chic (more chic than shabby though) and Paris appartment charm.
It will retail for 54 Euros for a 125 ml bottle from April 2007.
Greeting Card Perfumed With M.A. Sillage de la Reine {Scented Image} {Perfume History & Facts}
I just wanted to share with you the image of the greeting card that was sent to the employees of the Château de Versailles to express good wishes for 2007. It was perfumed by Quest International with M.A. Sillage de la Reine. It is a very large card folded in the middle. The base notes like sandalwood and musk were not surprisingly, particularly apparent.
Movie Review of Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006) by Tom Tykwer, Part I {Perfume/Film Review & Musings}
This is part I of my review of Perfume: The Story of a Murderer. I will devote a second part to the perfumista's point of view when watching the movie. In this first part, I offer a more general analysis of the movie.
The movie Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is both a hyper-realistic and flamboyant adaptation of the novel by Patrick Süskind initially published in 1985, a story that for a long time was famously deemed impossible to adapt by the likes of Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorcese. After years of tribulations, German producer Bernd Eichinger (In the Name of The Rose) succeeded in securing the rights from reclusive author Süskind, apparently convincing him that his own vision would be up to the challenge. It is reported that the German writer would have ideally liked to see Stanley Kubrick do the adaptation.
Director Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run, a must-see) who was brought in later then had to overcome two main obstacles. First a classic one, the challenge of adapting a suspenseful thriller that had been translated in this case in 45 languages and read by millions worldwide. The second one, more daunting, more original, more creative, and more historic, that of adapting an "olfactory novel" on-screen....
Upcoming Movie Review of Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Stay tuned! The Scented Salamander was invited to an advance screening of the movie Perfume: The Story of a Murderer tonight that will be in theaters on December 27th 2006 and will fill you in tomorrow!
1776 by Elsha {Perfume Review & Musings} {Men's Cologne of the Week}
1776 is the name of a Russian leather cologne issued by Elsha which seems to have a cult following amongst aficionados. The information provided by Elsha.com is succint. They seem to offer a background chronology for the cologne but in fact the data provided is a bit incoherent. One thing we can certainly retain is that it is a cologne "...steeped in history and romance..." with an emphasis on the second term apparently. According to Basenotes, Elsha also marketed two other perfumes called Golden Eagle and Liberty Bell. I found some rare mentions of Elsha 1776 Russian Leather in the press from the 1950s and 1960s...
Scented Image: Le Parfum by Thierry Mugler, Part III
As previously reported here and here, the casket of perfumes that Thierry Mugler is issuing for the launch of the movie Das Parfum based on Patrick Suskind's movie will be indeed a much sought-after collector's item. A maximum of 150 copies will be sold, out of the 1300 copies issued.
I wanted to add the information that these perfumes are not meant to be worn in priority especially so since all the aromas contained in the palette of perfumes do not smell conventionally good. As readers of the novel are well aware certain passages of the story are supposed to evoke stench rather than pleasant odors. Christophe Laudamiel and Christophe Hornetz have thus operated under the assumption that smells recreated from Das Parfum are beyond good and evil...
Scented Images: Still Images from Perfume, the Movie (Das Parfum)
The old perfumer Baldini (played by Dustin Hoffman) seen in his office in the scene where he tries to analyze and copy Amor & Psyche by Pélissier, a perfume he perceives to be a masterpiece before his encounter with Jean-Baptiste Grenouille...
Here's the image I mentioned in my review of Violetta di Parma below.
This is a picture of a bouquet of violettes which has a secret meaning. If you look at the picture attentively, you will soon see three profiles appearing in the midst of the bouquet; they represent Marie Louise (Maria Luigia), Napoleon, and Charles, the King of Rome at three years old.
Violets were popular flowers, but in this case they came to symbolise the Bonapartist cause. Violets were brandished as political symbols of support for the return of Napoleon to the throne and later, for the return of a member of its family to government. Up until 1874, it was subjected to government regulations of its image for this very reason.
This picture is based on an engraving by Canu from 1815 and was called "caporal violette" as it constituted a not so secret allusion to Bonaparte who had been a corporal and had sported violets after the capitulation of Paris to symbolise his planned comeback. He assured his supporters that he would be back by the time that the violets would bloom, that is, in the spring (in March usually). His supporters would be in the habit of toasting him, holding their glasses to caporal violette.
It takes a little while to distinguish the three profiles; the hardest part for me was to find the King of Rome!
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