Alexandre J, the perfume brand known for its opulent sensual fragrances, unveiled six new Majestic unisex scents at the Jovoy Mayfair store.
The new collection, heavily influenced by the roaring twenties – 1920’s that is – takes us to the journey of early feminism and femininity, inviting us to the smoky jazz bars and decadent Mediterranean art-deco soirees in fragrant summer gardens. Having tried out all six new scents, we left with a feeling one gets while travelling around the world: our senses indulged with oud, patchouli, cherry blossom, bergamot and much more.
Ikon London Magazine spoke to the creators of all six fragrances, Amelie Bourgeois and Anne-Sophie Behaghel who founded their independent lab Flair Paris seven years ago. According to the creative duo, it took them about a year to produce all six fragrances. Two months per each scent – a very quick turnaround – was achieved thanks to a clear brief by the client.
“We knew the inspiration behind each scent and we knew what the client doesn’t like; for example, lavender. So, we knew to steer clear of it.” The result is six complete intimate scents that are positively memorable yet almost subtle.
Bourgeois and Behaghel admit they like creating ‘intellectual’ fragrances when they have to interpret the story behind the scent or ‘invent’ new scents – think smell of glass or wet concrete. “We like experimenting and enjoy the intellectual process of creating the scent. With such vivid and clearly defined stories behind each of Alexandre J’s scents, it was a pleasure to work on their new Majestic collection.”
Alexandre J Paris Majestic Musk
This scent, we were explained, is a tribute to French Can-Can dancers of the 1920’s. The post-first-world-war era was very inspiring and rich in terms of creativity. So, the new design of a flacon communicates that decadence.
Alexandre J Paris Majestic Jardin
Constantly seeking new excitements, the socialites of the day were delighted to discover the exoticism of the East and Asia. Endless parties take place in cedar-lined gardens, where cherry blossoms flutter in the smoke from the hookahs.
Alexandre J Paris Majestic Amber
The Art Deco era is also when the great perfume houses launched their first soliflores (single scent perfumes). The Majestic Amber pays homage to these creations with a radiant and feminine rose.
Alexandre J Paris Majestic Vetiver
Full of green notes, this scent takes you to the heart of French Riviera. It is in this Mediterranean setting that Gatsby’s story was written, and that the first chypre perfumes appeared.
Alexandre J Paris Majestic Vanilla
It takes us to the journey of fashion, when women started dressing like men and flappers cut their hair short as a sign of rebellion. A reflection of this “boyish” style, The Majestic Vanilla blends feminine notes of fruit and vanilla with the resinous masculinity of labdanum.
Alexandre J Paris Majestic Oud
This scent invites us to the 1920’s jazz club – smoky and bold without being overbearing. The scent is a celebration of times when artists rub shoulders with intellectuals, and Josephine Baker became the star of Parisian nights. The Majestic Oud recalls these sensual nights, a fragrance tinged with fruity patchouli wrapped in sumptuous oud.
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