Seasonal change seems to welcome more collective excitement in spring, but I must admit that I crave cold weather. Living in most parts of Australia means you never really experience cold weather, but it’s nice to at least have temperatures slip below 20°C for a few months. To me, autumn is a time of reflection, so here are some fragrances to wear when you want to let your mind wander. As usual, I’ve tried to make quite a broad list so that there’s something for everyone.
Parisian Musc – Matiere Premiere
Though this could easily be worn at any time of year, I think autumn suits it best. Parisian Musc makes me think of an overcast, windy day alone in the City of Light.
Desert Rosewood – Goldfield & Banks
This is a very solemn amber perfume, while being quite bold as well. It’s one of my all-time favourites, and I wear it often. The cardamom in this is particularly good. Desert Rosewood is also the most masculine fragrance in this list.
Jicky – Guerlain
Jicky is the mother of modern perfumery. Created in 1889 (the year La Tour Eiffel was completed), it was the first perfume in history to use synthetic molecules alongside natural extracts. I know a lot of people who think it smells like their grandmothers, but that’s just because their grandmothers have impeccable taste! The herbal-aromatic, dirty-vanilla scent of Jicky can be detected in many Guerlain perfumes to this day.
Incense Kyoto – Comme des Garçons
I think this is one of the most attractive perfumes I’ve smelled – unique, versatile, minimalistic and chic, on the right woman this really is something else.
Hinoki – Comme des Garçons
I’ve never visited Japan, but I have it on good authority that this is a realistic olfactory recreation of the unique solitude afforded to those who visit rural Japan. The hinoki cypress is used extensively in Japan, from construction to incense to ofuro bathtubs, so I can see why people associate its scent with the Land of the Rising Sun.
La Fin du Monde – Etat Libre d’Orange
Despite its name, La Fin du Monde doesn’t smell like the end of the world, but perhaps it’s a moment in a far-off place where you’re completely alone save for the one beside you. With a note list including popcorn, gunpowder and carrot seeds, this sounds stranger than the rather beautiful composition it is.
Twilly d’Hermès Eau Poivrée – Hermès
Though the theme isn’t exactly original – rose, pink pepper, patchouli – I think this is the loveliest perfume of its kind. It’s not too in your face, but is more than interesting enough to turn a few heads. Very feminine.
Cuir d’Ange – Hermès
The softest, most luxurious leather perfume you’re ever likely to smell. Truly transcendent.
Baccarat Rouge 540 – Maison Francis Kurkdjian
A recent cult classic, you will probably recognise the name, or at least the smell, of Baccarat Rouge 540. This sophisticated woody-sherbet perfume smells of contemporary luxury and cocktail parties at obscure art galleries.
If you get a chance to smell all of these fragrances, or even a few, I think you’ll find something that speaks to you. Do you perhaps have a favourite autumn fragrance I haven’t mentioned? I’d love to hear about it.
