BE L GRAVI A RE S I DE NT S J OURNA L 023
Words / Briana Handte Lesesne
Briana Handte Lesesne gets a lesson
in scents at long-standing Belgravia
boutique Les Senteurs
notes
Base
L
es Senteurs, the specialist perfumery on Elizabeth
Street, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. It was
founded by the father of director Claire Hawksley
and, since its early days, the concept behind the shop has
been attuned to the customer experience. Les Senteurs wants
people walking through the door to fully appreciate the
fragrances, to take their time in selecting a perfume from the
350 varieties on offer and to escape the crowds and pushy
salespeople found at many department stores. Whats more,
its strength lies in discovering under-the-radar ne fragrances
before they gain widespread popularity. This esteemed
reputation has meant that over the years Les Senteurs has
held the exclusive launch and UK distribution of fragrances
by Frederic Malle, Annick Goutal and Diptyque at one time.
As I sit down with the shops perfume archivist
James Craven on a plush couch in the Elizabeth Street store
surrounded by glass bottles in mirrored cabinets, I am as
giddy as a schoolgirl. What woman does not appreciate
perfume and all the dizzying memories and moments
associated with it? With scent strips in hand, we spritz
fragrances and let the perfumed moments begin. Over the
course of our chat, James recommends 10 of his favourite
fragrances to celebrate all manner of Christmas occasions
1. A smart Christmas dinner party
Lumire Noire by Maison Francis Kurkdjian: Picture a
beautiful, polished dining room, with a hostess who is
wearing this captivating scent. Inspired by French actress
Catherine Deneuve, it is for a strong-minded yet demure
woman who is elegant and trs Parisian in her style.
2. Under the mistletoe
Carnal Flower by Frederic Malle: Imagine Tommie
Connors classic I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus playing
on the radio and enjoy the wafts of eroticism coming from
the natural tuberose, amaryllis and eucalyptus oil. This is a
very addictive scent.
3. Church services
Cardinal by James Heeley: Swathes of incense patchouli
freshened by vetiver and bitter myrrh is atmospheric and
perfect for carol services by candlelight.
4. Christmas shopping
Grand Nroli by Atelier Cologne: As a polar opposite to
the mad rush of last-minute Christmas shopping, spritz
on this time-honoured classic, an 18th-century recipe of
fruits, herbs and orange blossom combined with amber and
vanilla for a faint, powdery scent that will soothe away
tiredness and restore the magic of the season.
5. Christmas tea
VSOP by Tom Daxon: Luxurious, self-indulgent yet
relaxed, the opulent base of this fragrance is rich in warm
musks perfect for afternoon tea. It conjures up visions of a
roaring re, lush velvet drapes and sips of Champagne.
6. Night at the opera
Sotto La Luna Gardenia by Andy Tauer: Think black-tie,
a mink stole, long gloves and an elegant dinner followed
by a Christmas classic such as La Bohme. Spritz on this
fragrance to indulge in the freshness of gardenia and
jasmine on a bed of sandalwood and vanilla.
7. A walk in the park
Monsieur by Huitime Art: This masculine scent evokes
crisp, frosty mornings spent strolling hand-in-hand.
Inspired by the fragrance of moss, bark and earth, it blends
eight woody notes, mixed with a stylish blend of poplar,
cedar and sandalwood.
8. Carol singing
Castaa by Cloon Keen Atelier: This always makes me
think of roasted chestnuts and carollers revelling on Eaton
and Chester Squares. Masculine notes of Haitian vetiver
are combined with luxuriously feminine jasmine blended
with red pepper and burnt chestnuts.
9. Wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve
Angelique by Papillon: This is the fragrance I would
choose for this most intimate and loving of family
occasions. Its warm and combines iris, chypre, champaca,
osmanthus and mimosa. I love its relaxed connotations
and the fact that its perfect for both sexes.
10. Boxing Day
Liaisons Dangereuses by Kilian: With
notes of plum reminiscent of the golden
fruit preserved in a glass of liqueur, this
fragrance is a velvety melting pot,
with a hint of old-fashioned luxury.
All of the above fragrances are
available at Les Senteurs, 71 Elizabeth
Street, SW1W 9PJ, 020 7730 2322
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