Season 7 • Episode 40: On The Scent Re-visits Alice du Parcq (Part One)
We’re re-visiting another classic podcast episode, and this week it’s amazing chat we had with none other than fragrance queen, @aliceduparcq. Indeed, Alice had SO MANY brilliant fragrances on her list to talk about, we had to split it into two parts! We know you’re going to love this soul-revealing journey…
Discussing the emotional heft of fragrances, which scent Alice wore to help her stand up to a bully and quit her job, and the perfume that made her cry with joy during lockdown (among many others) we’re sure you’ll love listening (or re-listening if you’ve been here from the start)…
From the age of 17, Alice worked in the beauty departments of Tatler, the Telegraph, The Times and Glamour magazine and was Beauty Director at Conde Nast Brides and Easy Living for over 10 years. Since going freelance she’s written for British Vogue, Red, Stella, Stylist, Sunday Times Style (the list goes on), was Contributing Editor at Glamour & writes for Space NK’s magazine. Phew!
During lockdown Alice began regular Instagram lives called Desert Island Spritz, which Suzy was honoured to be a guest on, but here we turned the tables to find out which fragrances have been her favourites for summer, lifelong loves, lockdown saviours and daily go-to’s…
As part one of our chat fascinating chat, these are the fragrances Alice mentioned:
Gap Heaven [discontinued]
[From Allure description] ‘The original blend featured top notes of green leaves, lemon, and orange blossom, heart notes of jasmine, lily of the valley, freesia, and carnation, and base notes of musk, sandalwood, and moss.’
‘Classic aromatic fougère profile with lemon and mandarin top notes, a lavender, coriander, juniper heart, and an oak moss-patchouli, cedar, vetiver base.’
Helmut Lang Eau de Parfum [discontinued]
[From Fragrance Vault description] ‘Helmut Lang eau de parfum was the self-titled launch of fashion house Helmut Lang in 2000. Designed by prolific perfumer Maurice Roucel, Helmut Lang is an Amber Vanilla gourmand for women, with an aromatic profile of woody, powdery, vanilla, aromatic, lavender, fresh spicy, white floral, sweet, floral, and patchouli notes.’
‘Iconic singer and actress Jane Birkin's perfume, L'Air de Rien is a uniquely intimate and nostalgic fragrance. An intimate blend of musk and amber, softened by the suggestion of old books through earthy moss and dry vanilla.’
‘Launched in 1985, Calvin Klein Obsession is a lasting and powerful fragrance that is as appealing today as it was at launch. It evokes the sensuality and ardour of passion and romantic obsession. The result of this fragrance is haunting, long-lasting and intensely feminine.
OBSESSION fragrance. An intoxicating blends of florals and spices with an earthly, warm base; haunting, intensely feminine and lasting.
Top notes: mandarin, bergamot, vanillin, and subtle green nuances
Middle notes: jasmin, orange blossom, sandalwood, vetiver and exotic spices
Bottom notes: amber, oakmoss, incense and musk.’
Creed Angelique Encens [discontinued]
[From Take One Thing Off description] ‘Creamy woods, smoky vanilla, resins, smoke, brushed with tender florals and kissed into being by baby angels. Ok, I exaggerate. It’s perhaps not the Second Coming. But it’s pretty damn close to perfection to my mind.’
‘Mitsouko... This name that means mystery in Japanese, is also that of the heroine in Claude Farrère's novel, La Bataille. Caught between the oath she has made to her husband, the young marquis Yorisaka, and her secret love for an officer from the Royal Navy, Mitsouko nobly struggles against her heart’s desires. Inspired by this woman, Jacques Guerlain created this subtly androgynous, yet wildly feminine chypre. To lend it incredible modernity, the perfumer combined the fruity, velvety spiciness of peach with the woody scent of patchouli for the first time. This daring combination with the taste of a forbidden fruit makes Mitsouko a ground-breaking, avantgarde fragrance and the symbol of a strong femininity that dares to reveal its masculine side.’
‘Fresh mint in the stern. Lavender and sensual vanilla at the helm. Under a blue ocean sky, this fern and amber eau de toilette takes us on a trip to Jean Paul Gaultier’s childhood and his fond memories of shaving soap. Between the sun and trade winds, virility and reassurance, our hearts capsize. And our bodies gravitate to the neck of this irresistible sailor. In the wake of his fragrance.’
N.C.P Olfactive 704 Incense and Musk
‘Olfactive facet 704 is a deep, and mysterious fragrance created around Musk and Incense. Tones of smooth leather and spice residing on a deep oriental base give this fragrance a bold yet sensual attitude with a distinct air of confidence.’
‘Clinique's Aromatics Elixir™ Eau de Parfum is a cult-classic luxury perfume. Perfumers call it a chypre, meaning its unique blend of notes creates a predominantly woodsy, mossy scent.
This long-lasting perfume combines more than 700 ingredients to create a confident, sensuous fragrance. Rich vetiver, lush oakmoss, and luxurious patchouli are balanced with the soft florally of ylang ylang and rose—a bold blend that stirs the senses and spirit in subtle, pleasing ways. A uniquely intense and non-conformist perfume that always makes a statement, Aromatics Elixir™ is designed for the true individual.’
Jo Malone London Basil & Neroli
‘London at its most fashionably young and fun. Flirt with oh-so floral neroli and a delicious wink of basil. Quintessentially British, always playful. Fresh, fun, full of adventure.’
‘The nose lingers over a rose in bloom - dense and sensual, underscoring in passing the tartness of the blackcurrant buds.
L'Ombre dans l'Eau eau de toilette is an invitation to dream, in the shade of a tree by a river bank. A fleeting, nature-filled moment transformed into a perfume.’
‘Chanel liked to say, "I was born under the sign of leo; astrologers will understand what that means." Instinctive and bold, Gabrielle Chanel seized its power and made it her totem animal. An emblematic symbol of the House, the lion is also the fifth zodiac sign, her favourite number.
The amber-woody and leather notes, where labdanum and patchouli combine, are brightened by citrus fruits, then softened by sweet vanilla notes. A vibrant and powerful impression, like the presence of a lion.’
‘Have you ever thought about the fragrance of never-ending summer? NIVEA SUN eau de toilette captures that familiar and beloved moment when the first rays touch your skin and the air is filled with the scent of sun cream, sun and freedom. The combination of fresh citrus, delicate flowers and powder notes will transport you back to the sun-baked sand and carefree feeling of summer days.’
