As earlier years I've tested just a very small fraction of the huge number of fragrance releases. So my choice of the best of 2016 comes from a small selection based on my liking.
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Picture: Galop d'Hermès
Photo: PR Hermès (c) |
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Picture: Chanel No 5 L'Eau
Photo: PR Chanel (c) |
2016 I found the most interseting, in terms of having potential to be a "classic", and to me the most memorable fragrances of the year, in the designer segment.
Galop d'Hermès (pink rose embedded in fine leather) and
Chanel No 5 L'Eau (an airy, less aldehydic No 5) are, even if different types of fragrances, both chic and easy to wear, contemporary and in the same time with an anchor in the heritages of the iconic and still independet houses of Hermès and Chanel. I also appreciated
Hermès Eau de Rhubarbe Ecarlate very much, it seems as Christine Nagels adopted style for
Hermès works for me. Another designerfragrance, even if not of the great quality of the former mentioned, that I like from this year is the asphalt flower in the night My Burberry Black. Van Cleef & Arpels Moonlight Patchouli should also be mentioned, a beautiful, contemporary, dark and in the same time sort of rosy green chypre. The comforting, creamy, bold, warm and sunny tubereuse of Tom Ford Orchid Soleil makes me happy.
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Picture: Tèo Cabanel Kasar,
also together with TC Jaspé and Galop d'Hermès
the best bottles of 2016 |
In 2015 there was a battle between white flowers when it came to niche. This year my niche favorite has an abstract, dusty, almost electric (like a warm, dusty old sort of bulb) carnation flowery scent dimension together with horse, leather and a light touch of cinnamon. The fragrance is classified as masculine and is a new favorite of Mr Parfumista: Tèo Cabanel
Kasar, named after one of Emperor Napoleon I:s more than 150 horses. Another horse
Jaspé, is also model for another TC release of 2016, a good aromatic fragrance. The house of Tèo Cabanel was also a close contender to the
number one position in best of 2015. A very close contender in 2016 is the brilliant, in quality superior,
Oud Sublime from Parfums de Nicolaï. Green, dark, velvety, woody with natural Cambodian oud it's refreshing in an elegant and intriguing way.
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Picture: Oud Sublime Elixir
Photo: PR Parfums d'Nicolaï (c) |
Other niche fragrances that I liked very much in 2016 was in the dark, green, tangy, woody category as Parfums de Nicolaï
Incense Oud with its similarities to Oud Sublime, Maria Candida Gentile
Lankaran Forest and
Rrose Selavy (which resembles Galop d'Hermès a bit). I also liked Puredistance
Sheiduna and Rania J.
Cuir Andalou very much, both relaxing, warm, dark, embracing, spicy and oriental styled in different ways.
The to me new house that I discocvered an enjoyed in 2016 was
Anatole Lebreton a line of
robust, genuine "back to the roots of perfumery" fragrances.
