By { Beth Weitzman
GOLDEN SANDALWOOD
Expect to be surprised by this intriguing and alluring reinterpretation of the original Acqua di Parma Colonia—Acqua di Parma Colonia Sandalo Concentrée Eau de Cologne, which blends the iconic Acqua di Parma citrus notes with a rare sandalwood varietal from India. Bergamot, lemon, orange and petitgrain open the scent with freshness, while warm accents of tonka bean, amber and Indian sandalwood are revealed at its base. Adding to that are refined notes of cardamom and lavender at its heart, creating an absolutely intoxicating scent. Available exclusively at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. 100ml for $260, neimanmarcus.com; bergdorfgoodman.com
MODERN SOPHISTICATION
A modern interpretation of its sister scents, and the first fragrance in the family to introduce a top note of tuberose, Miu Miu Fleur D’Argent dazzles with elegance. Rounding out its feminine qualities are musk accord and Miu Miu signature undertone akigalawood. In true Miu Miu style, the beautiful clear glass matelassé bottle is accented with a gorgeous silver-lacquer interior and signature disk stopper presented in vintage pastel pink. 50ml for $99, sephora.com
SEALED WITH A KISS
Bold and beautiful, Kilian Do It For Love celebrates the longtime friendship of Kilian Hennessy and Linda Fargo, women’s fashion director at Bergdorf Goodman. The duo’s loyal partnership began more than 10 years ago, when Bergdorf Goodman took the industry lead as the first retailer to sell Kilian’s maiden perfume collection. In the same spirit, Do It For Love launches exclusively in Fargo’s new concept shop, Noir at BG. The juice has Linda’s favorite base ingredient, vetiver, in the highest concentration ever in a scent, paired with neroli and jasmine. Fresh citrus in the form of bergamot and petitgrain, an essential oil from the bitter orange tree, further complement the floral facets of neroli and orange blossom at its heart. Red lips on the flacon’s face are evidence every bottle is filled with love. 50ml for $325, bergdorfgoodman.com
REBELLIOUS SPIRIT
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male In The Navy is the new oceanic edition to Gaultier’s iconic Le Male fragrance. The U.S.-only launch in the traditional Le Male sculpted bodice dressed in sailor’s stripes recalls oceanic ports and pure freedom. A dose of vanilla and ambergris nicely finish the fragrance. 6.7 oz. for $116, macys.com
END NOTES
From cult Swedish brand Byredo comes Eleventh Hour Eau De Parfum, said to evoke a journey to—and exploration of—the end of time, the last fragrance on Earth. Inspired by the birthplace of Buddha in the Nepali highlands, it has a top note of Nepali pepper (also known ban timmur), a plant native to the area with its peppery and citrusy characteristics, along with wild fig at its heart, with notes of tonka bean and cashmere wood rounding out the base. A limited-edition hand cream ($40) and hair perfume ($70) also join the line. 100ml for $240, byredo.com
JUMP FOR JOY
Inspired by optimism, strength and joy, Tiffany Eau de Parfum Intense is a richer, deeper version of Tiffany & Co.’s adored signature fragrance. Sometimes more is better. The captivating fragrance garners attention with musky and floral notes of verte de mandarine and pink peppercorn on top, while a greater concentration of iris butter at its core is further strengthened by base notes of amber and benzoin. 100ml for $142, bloomingdales.com
WRY AND WITTY
The vivacious new Burberry Her embodies the spirit of London. And who better than Cara Delevingne to be its face? Exuding a sheer sense of playful cool, the fruity gourmand fragrance blended by master perfumer Francis Kurkdijian has an addictive signature amber musk base. Following a nose of black currant, blueberry and raspberry, the heart takes over with floral notes of jasmine and violet. The new pale pink bottle, which is made from smooth curved glass and can be personalized with engraved initials on a gold charm around its neck, honors the archival design of Burberry’s first fragrance, Burberry for Men. 100ml for $121, macys.com
IN THE GARDEN
Reminiscent of a flourishing garden, Gucci Bloom Nettare di Fiori—the new fragrance by Alessandro Michele, blended by master perfumer Alberto Morillas—is even more intense and woody than its inspiration scent. The original notes of jasmine buds, rangoon creeper and tuberose are still noticeable, but with the added touch of rose, ginger and osmanthus flower, making this an even more intoxicating scent. The sensual base features patchouli and musk to convey warmth and depth. Gucci’s whimsical floral print Herbarium debuts on the bottle in a new black shade, to represent femininity. 100ml for $141, macys.com
ALLURE OF LEATHER
Ex Nihilo Cuir Celeste is a seductive new leather fragrance inspired by a vintage B3 bomber jacket worn by French photographer Mathieu César. In collaboration with Ex Nihilo, César asked perfumer Quentin Bisch to create a scent evoking the protection of leather mingled with haute couture sophistication. The result is a fragrance that delightfully marries the leather notes of ambrette with a seductive blend of violet leaves, patchouli and musk. Ooh la la. 100ml for $325, saksfifthavenue.com
PLAYFUL AND LUSCIOUS
Tom Ford Private Blend Lost Cherry Eau De Parfum, with its intoxicating robust oriental blend of black cherry, bitter almond oil, griotte syrup, Turkish rose, Peru balsam and roasted tonka, absolutely commands attention. The tempting fragrance, a study in contrasts—exotic and bitter, bright and dark, fruity and earthy—boasts a memorable finish from the rich blend of sensual Peru balsam, roasted tonka, sandalwood, vetiver and cedar. The exquisite bottle is encased in translucent pink glass, outlining the signature Private Blend silhouette (inspired by the sleek architectural look of a chess piece), with a cherry-red cord tied around the neck. 50ml for $320, shop.nordstrom.com
SENSUAL AND SEDUCTIVE
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Velvet Fatale, with its iconic shoe flacon dressed in red velvet for the holidays, is a limited-edition collectors item. Revealing notes of tuberose, jasmine, tonka bean and cacao, the sensual, floral fragrance —created by the prestigious perfumer Louise Turner—celebrates the complexity of the modern woman, both her good and devilishly good sides. 80ml for for $122, macys.com
OF THE SEA
McQueen Collection Everlasting Dream is part of a fascinating new collection comprising eight fragrances inspired by the artistry of haute perfumery, innovation and contemporary design. Each unique scent consists of rare ingredients, harnessing the essential and mysterious beauty of nature. Everlasting Dream, a woody aquatic scent, boasts hints of cedar that evokes the mineral sea and sunny seashores. A perfect dose of happiness for even those dreary days of fall/winter. 75ml for $245, saksfifthavenue.com
TRUE TEMPERANCE
Delightfully fresh and alluring, the Harmonist Yin Transformation is the first Maison de Parfum inspired by the five elements of feng shui (water, earth, metal, fire and wood). Like yin energy before moving into a yang state, energetic initial flowery base notes come alive with creamy notes of sandalwood and white musk. Resembling ancient ceramic vials once used by alchemists to preserve treasured perfume, the lacquered blue bottle evokes the concepts of water movement, unity, spirituality, dreams, escape, imagination, wisdom, truth and creativity. 50ml for $305, The Harmonist Los Angeles Boutique and barneys.com