Did you know that one of the most beloved presents for Christmas is perfume? It always had been a treasure and the parfumeurs are artists that create moods and visions with a blend of different flowers, blossoms and herbs. The knowledge of perfume is becoming more and more interesting and IRMA wanted to know about the concept and history behind some of her favorite fragrances. By the way, these books make perfect Xmas presents also to those who don’t use perfume or who already have all the perfume they could possibly want.
SELECTED PERFUME BOOKS
LA COLLECTION PRIVÉE CHRISTIAN DIOR
Assouline
If you want to know more about the true essence of Christian Dior, you have to read this book which lets you in to the world of the French couture house. Parfumeur François Demachy composed sixteen perfumes and four precious elixirs, La Collection Privée Christian Dior, which is formulated with exceptional materials such as Florentine iris, Indonesian oud, and jasmine from Grasse, grown and harvested exclusively for Dior. At the heart of each signature fragrance is a specific Dior reference. Featuring evocative text by fragrance expert Élisabeth de Feydeau, La Collection Privée Christian Dior is a beautifully illustrated volume that unveils the creative journey behind this exquisite tour de force of haute parfumerie from Dior.
GUERLAIN
Assouline
Guerlain is the perfume house that wrote history with perfumes like Eau de Cologne Impériale, Jicky, l’Heure Bleue, Mitsouko, Shalimar. Since its founding in 1828, Guerlain has created unique compositions and these fragrances evoke a mood which combines romanticism and mystery and which has attracted a prestigious clientele that includes royalty and connoisseurs.
At the turn of the century, Aimé Guerlain, the creator of Jicky, composed the famous magic formula Guerlinade – a velvety, intoxicating alliance of rose, jasmine, vanilla and tonka bean, a perfume that stirs the emotions and embodies the spirit of a great perfumer and his legend.
PERFUME: THE ALCHEMY OF SCENT by Jean-Claude Ellena
(German version: DER GETRÄUMTE DUFT)
Arcade Publishing / Insel Verlag
Jean-Claude Ellena belongs to Hermès like the image of their signature horse, and have you ever noticed when entering an Hermès boutique how you smell immediately the world of Hermès?
In this international bestseller, the exclusive in-house perfumer to Hermès reveals the art and business of creating precious scents. A micro-encyclopedia for those who want to know the perfumer’s work and learn about the perfume industry from the inside, but have no idea on where to start. Voilà!
PARFUMS, KOSTBARKEITEN FÜR DIE SINNE by Heike Jeanette Hegmann
Aurum
Did you ever ask yourself what perfume has to do with art? Or why Colonia di Acqua di Parma puts you in a good mood? The author of this book did some research and answered all these questions which made her curious after working in this industry for a long time. You will also find out which nose is behind which niche perfume and many useful things about different aromas and perfume plants as well as many tips on how to use your perfume.