I’ve already blogged about Burberry’s new make-up line – but not yet, the new scent from Clive Christian. Aka the man behind some of Cheshire’s grandest kitchens (think chandeliers and bespoke with a capital ‘B’ – he doesn’t do shabby chic – or industrial for that matter). Oh, and a scent which was in its time the world’s most expensive.
So, here’s a rough translation of this news piece I wrote for Japanese Vogue, with a few word tweaks:
Clive Christian – First New Scent in 10 Years
After a ten-year lull, Clive Christian has released a fourth scent, from his own private collection. Its name, “C”, is apt. It is both his initial and that of The Crown Perfumery, the small, London perfumery, which he purchased in 1999. In its day, The Crown Perfumery was one of London’s most sought after, used by Queen Victoria who in 1872, issued it with a royal warrant.
Clive Christian scents, which are inspired by Victorian scent making, are some of the most sought after among scent aficionados. A decade ago, the interior designer stormed the perfume world with the launch of six, three for women and three for men. The most infamous was No.1. It was billed the World’s Most Expensive Perfume, because it was created without budget restrictions and using some of the most expensive ingredients in perfumery. Price aside, each of these scents offered something new to a world where perfumery had become bland and driven by marketing.
These two new arrivals (he always does a men’s as well as a women’s version) are just as captivating. “C” for women is a floral based around a rose and jasmine absolute accord, combined with notes of violet and tuberose. “C” for men is a spicy, herbal blend with saffron and the high-altitude mountain flower Snow Lotus. Both are rich and complex. Forget light, ‘no-scent’ scent – this pair kick ass.
£195 at Fortnum & Mason and The Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie, Harrods
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