12 fragrances with enough character to make an impression.
Somewhere along the way, wearing a noticeable perfume became a small social offense. We praise fragrances for being discreet, staying close to the skin, behaving themselves, as though a beautiful composition should apologize for taking up space. Personally, I enjoy a perfume that makes an impression, and I occasionally want to make quite an entrance.
There is something wonderfully satisfying about wearing a fragrance with a recognizable personality. I particularly admire compositions that challenge expectations, whether through unusual materials, extravagant florals or a distinctive trail that lingers after the wearer has left.
These twelve perfumes from my collection are among my favorites for precisely that reason.
Twelve Perfumes Worth Noticing
Les Bains Guerbois, 1992 Purple Night
Dominique Ropion combines Indian tuberose and Egyptian jasmine with tobacco, suede and patchouli. Decadent, sensual and gloriously nocturnal.
Manos Gerakinis, Methexis
Chris Maurice creates an extravagant gourmand of fig, dried fruits, honey, cocoa and amber. Rich, almost excessive, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Marc-Antoine Barrois, Ganymede
Quentin Bisch’s remarkable mineral leather composition, with saffron, osmanthus and suede, remains one of the most recognizable signatures in contemporary perfumery.
Naomi Goodsir, Nuit de Bakélite
Isabelle Doyen takes tuberose somewhere wonderfully strange, surrounding it with galbanum, tomato leaf, leather and tobacco. An extraordinary piece of perfumery.
Narciso Rodriguez, Musc Noir Rose
Sonia Constant wraps plum, rose and tuberose around a generous heart of musk. Sensual and intimate, with a particularly beautiful warmth on skin.
Ormonde Jayne, Xi’an
Céline Ripert’s composition of pepper, nutmeg, rhubarb and sandalwood has an elegant, assured character. I find its restraint particularly attractive.
Penhaligon’s, Empressa
Christian Provenzano delivers an opulent fruity chypre of peach, rose, patchouli and amber. Glamorous in the grand tradition of beautifully dressed women.
Thomas de Monaco, Sol Salgado
Maurus Bachmann combines linden blossom, mimosa, salt and heliotrope in a powdery, sun-warmed composition. An unusual and rather addictive sensuality.
Le Galion, Sortilège L’Essence
Julien Rasquinet revisits the glamour of classical French perfumery through aldehydes, jasmine, iris, musk and a fascinating fur accord. Absolutely magnificent.
Trudon, Élae
Yann Vasnier’s luminous arrangement of neroli, jasmine and ylang-ylang, softened by benzoin and sandalwood, is an exercise in refined femininity.
Amouage, Guidance
Quentin Bisch brings together pear, frankincense, rose and sandalwood in a composition of extraordinary presence. One of those perfumes whose identity is immediately apparent.
Matière Première, Radical Rose
Aurélien Guichard places Centifolia rose at the center of a powerful composition accented by saffron, pepper and patchouli. A magnificent demonstration of what rose can be.
The Pleasure of Being Noticed
Of course, there’s a time and place for everything, including restraint. But I see nothing wrong with wanting your perfume to be noticed. We put considerable thought into what we wear, how we present ourselves and the impressions we leave behind. Why should fragrance be any different?
What perfume do you wear when you want to be noticed?
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