Season 7 • Episode 41: On The Scent Re-visits Alice du Parcq (Part Two)
For the last week of our season break, we’re going back to another classic episode, where we caught up with the joyous fragrance journalist and broadcaster, Alice du Parcq for part TWO of her mega-list of fabulous fragrances.
(And if you haven’t already, do go and listen to Part One, which we re-published last week).
In this week’s episode we delve into scents Alice has adored for decades, those fragrances she reaches for as a shield, and some more recent scent discoveries she made on a shopping trip with Sali Hughes (another previous podcast guest)…
Part Two of Alice’s fragrance list includes:
‘Inspired by the gods of ancient Greece, is a men’s fragrance that embodies strength, triumphant masculinity and a conquering spirit. The resounding note of Coriander is enhanced by the energy of Bergamot and the virile power of Artemisia. The sensual Clove and floral notes of Jasmine then warm this complex and vibrant essence before Ambregris and Oakmoss complete the perfection of the trail. A divine and conquering spicy chypre fragrance with a powerful and intense trail.’
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
‘Free, sexy and unpredictable, Rive Gauche expresses the quintessence of Yves Saint Laurent’s eternal modernity. Since its creation this revolutionary fragrance has kept its evocative power thanks to its inimitable scent and the very original design of its bottle. The fragrance opens with lively touches of bergamot, aldehydes, ylang ylang and freesia. Then rose and jasmine merge together in the heart of the fragrance to give it its floral intensity and very fresh, modern character. The base notes embrace vetiver, musk, oakmoss and myrrh which spice up the essence giving it strong powers of attraction.’
‘Typically tough, the leather accord reveals a new facet here. Gracing the skin with softness and enhanced by a refreshing tangerine accord, leather becomes supple and luminous, blending with intriguing immortelle notes before melting into a velvety lingering trail of amber, musk and vanilla notes. An untameable leather, as supple as white suede.’
Guerlain Bois d’Armenie [discontinued]
The fragrance was designed as a modern, liquid interpretation of Papier d’Arménie. It opened with a bright yet mystical swirl of smoky frankincense, softened by powdery iris and punctuated by pink pepper. As it settled, it revealed a deeply enveloping and warmly addictive core anchored by sweet, resinous benzoin and smoky gaiac wood. The dry-down was an intoxicating blend of patchouli, white musks, and balms that left a subtle, elegant, and skin-hugging sillage
Guerlain Tonka Imperiale [discontinued]
A legendary, luxurious amber-gourmand fragrance created by Thierry Wasser in 2010 for the exclusive L'Art & La Matière collection. Known for its rich, velvety profile, it balanced the nutty sweetness of tonka bean with dry tobacco, woody notes, and aromatic rosemary.
L’Artisan Parfumeur Bois Farine
‘Inspired by the rare, pleasing scent of the Ruizia Cordata tree. Nestled in the multicoloured forest on the Madagascan Island of Réunion, the tree’s tiny white flowers emit a floury scent. Alongside cedar, gaiac and sandalwood, iris creates an olfactory illusion of nutty notes in this minimalist and modern perfume.’
Acqua di Parma Colonia Essenza
‘The sparkle of lemon, the crisp lift of orange and Calabrian bergamot, the vivid brightness of grapefruit and petitgrain — this is the confident opening of Colonia Essenza. Imagine stepping into the Teatro Regio in Parma. The air carries the scent of polished wood, velvet, and old scores. Vibrant, determined, and distinctive, Colonia Essenza is a citrus woody fragrance that reinterprets the iconic Colonia with a touch of authentic unconventionality. Presented in a new restyled bottle, it speaks to those with a style that comes from within.
As the citrus settles, rose and jasmine rise with a gentle note of clove, followed by deeper tones of vetiver, patchouli, musk, and amber that give the fragrance its steady, refined presence. You adjust your cufflinks, feel the wool of your jacket, and take your seat as the orchestra tunes. The lights begin to fade, and that quiet, rising thrill mirrors the fragrance’s evolution — bright, expressive, and full of anticipation. Colonia Essenza is a distinctive fragrance with a crisp character that speaks to those with an authentic style that comes from within. Acqua di Parma's golden fruits - lemon, orange, and bergamot - meet notes of grapefruit, mandarin, and petitgrain, blending into an aromatic-floral heart of notes of rose, jasmine, and a hint of clove. A precious blend of woody vetiver, soft musk, and warm amber enriches its earthy patchouli base.’
‘Eden-Roc eau de parfum, a vibrant declaration to the Hôtel du Cap Eden-Roc concentrates the true spirit of this legendary location that perfectly embodies the luxurious and sun-drenched atmosphere of the South of France cherished by Christian Dior.
The floral and marine silhouette of Eden-Roc weaves a fragrant bayadere motif in three colours: blue like the freshness of the sea, yellow like a bouquet of sunlit flowers and green like the aromatic notes of the pine trees that line this exceptional cape. This unisex eau de parfum unfurls notes of sea salt, white flowers and pine that convey a hedonistic and vivifying personality.’
Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle Musc Ravageur
‘Hot stuff coming through: this signature amber blend created by a master of the genre, Maurice Roucel, releases uncompromising eroticism. Bergamot and mandarin provide a luminous introduction to this floral-free formula, as if to better make way for its sexy, musky amber base, which combines the allure of vanilla, the unctuous texture of sandalwood and the temptation of musk. An honest, confident and straightforward appeal. An immense scent, burning like an irrepressible desire.'
‘A couturier’s perfume, the exact olfactory interpretation of his style in relation to fashion: his obsession with black and a tailored silhouette. An androgynous composition, around vanilla as dense and as crisp as grain de poudre or lacquered satin. Fashioned like a dinner jacket, cedar and tree moss structure its allure, while the powdery caress of orris troubles body and mind.’
‘Terre de Lumière Eau de Parfum is both fresh and warm, consisting primarily of edible "notes" such as pink peppercorn and tonka bean. Zesty and aromatic at first, the fragrance melts into an unexpectedly sweet heart of lavender, like a dessert for the senses, before settling into sensual balsamic and musky base notes.
The sparkling aromas of the top notes are reminiscent of the first sensations awakened during a walk in Provence. The fresh bursts, like a light breeze are followed by a moment of warmth, like the golden hour of a Provencal sunset, the soothing power of sunlight on the skin. This Eau de Parfum fragrance is warm and enveloping, perfect for lovers of rich and sweet fragrances.’
Tom Ford Métallique [discontinued]
‘Tom Ford Métallique was a dazzling floral aldehyde fragrance. The dazzling scent was designed to shimmer with metallic coolness before softening into a delicate, warm, and addictive floral heart and sensual base.’
