Shopping for new perfume is a challenging (not to mention headache-inducing) experience. This is why we keep up with the newbies to help you find a new fragrance to start a new season. The latest is delicate yet potent, a designer scent from French luxury fashion house KENZO, which you will want to wear, says editor Trudi Brewer. Read on to learn why.
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What’s in it?
This latest KENZO is a triumph. It has a kick thanks to exotic Ayurvedic spice, saffron. Nicknamed red gold because its the tiny golden stigmas inside the Crocus flower, a bloom related to the iris family, nicknamed red gold, that’s because it takes 100,000 crocus blossoms to make one kilo of this yellow thread-like spice. Not only precious, but it’s also unique; once in fragrance, it gives off an earthy, hay-like aroma that mixes perfectly with vanilla and Damask rose, which are also in this new KENZO scent. Orange Blossom and one of our favourite ingredients, white musk, are also present, but the saffron makes this fragrance addictive. That said, this new L’Absolu has kept the same iconic, cylindrical bottle design, made from 15 per cent recycled glass and 25 per cent less plastic. The cardboard packaging comes from sustainably managed FSC forests, printed with bio-sourced plant-based ink.
Flower by Kenzo L’Absolu comes in three sizes from 30ml, or $120. to 50ml, $168, and 100ml, $233.
Why do we like it?
This is one of the most well-balanced floral fragrances to hit our desks, and it’s just in time for summer. It’s sophisticated and complex, thanks to the unexpected addition of an exotic spice. It will appeal to anyone who likes a woody, ambery floral; it’s delicate and feminine while keeping its edge. It smells different on everyone's skin in the office, which I know all fragrances do, but it's especially true for this one. I keep going back for more.
Diverse, daring and oh so addictive.