Who doesn’t want to give a gift that leaves a lasting impression with its recipient? And what gift could prove more memorable than an evocative fragrance! We know scents trigger memories, evoke emotions and transport their wearers in time and place. Perfumes are luxurious and personal, but gifting the right one is quite the daunting task. To that end, I have rounded up the newest fragrances of 2019, plus a few old favourites, for the ultimate guide to perfume gifting this Christmas.
– For Her –
Left to right: Chanel Gabrielle Essence, Chanel Beaute boutiques, MYER and David Jones from $175, 50ml; Celine La Peau Nue, Celine Collins Street and www.celine.com from $310, 100ml; Frassaï Blondine, www.frassai.com for $190, 50ml; Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood Extrait de Parfum, www.franciskurkdjian.com for $448, 75ml; Chanel N°5 Fragments D’Or, Chanel Beaute boutiques, MYER and David Jones for $135, 250ml; Chanel Les Eaux de CHANEL Paris – Riviera, Chanel Beaute boutiques and www.chanel.com for $198, 125ml; Dior J’adore Eau de Parfum, MYER and David Jones from $99, 30ml; Tiffany & Co. Tiffany & Love For Her, MYER and David Jones from $170, 50ml; Gucci Bloom Ambrosia di Fiori, MYER and David Jones from $170, 50ml; Goldfield & Banks Velvet Splendour, www.goldfieldandbanks.com for $229, 100ml.
MY PICKS:
Chanel Gabrielle Essence, Gabrielle goes buxom with tuberose.
Chanel Les Eaux de CHANEL Paris – Riviera, a limited edition Eaux release of orange blossom, benzoin and sandalwood. Very pretty.
Tiffany & Co. Tiffany & Love For Her, possibly the best designer rendition of the Eau de Cologne style that I have put my nose to this year.
Goldfield & Banks Velvet Splendour, Australian luxury for the world market. GLAMOUR in a bottle.
– To Share –
Left to right: Tom Ford Métallique, MYER and David Jones from $210, 50ml; Tom Ford Santal Blush, MYER and David Jones from $340, 50ml; Chanel Coromandel Extrait de Parfum, Chanel Beaute boutiques and www.chanel.com for $285, 15ml; Gucci Memoire de Odeur, MYER and David Jones for $180, 100ml; Gucci Winter’s Spring, David Jones and www.gucci.com for $495, 100ml; Yves Saint Laurent Libre, MYER and David Jones from $99, 30ml; Chanel L’Huile Orient, Chanel Beaute boutiques and www.chanel.com for $350, 250ml; Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle Portrait Portrait of a Lady, MECCA Cosmetica and www.fredericmalle.com from $341, 50ml.
MY PICKS:
Tom Ford Santal Blush, carnal desire in bottle. Why wouldn’t you?
Chanel Coromandel Extrait de Parfum, as if Coromandel didn’t already exude a lavish enough sense of finesse, the new Extrait is richer than ever.
Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady, a luxuriant spiced rose-patchouli-incense haze as iconic as it good.
Chanel L’Huile Orient, a gentle scented body oil to pour into your bath, massage into skin, or layer with your favourite fragrances. A sensory delight.
– For Him –
Left to right: Laboratory Perfumes Gorse, www.laboratoryperfumes for $160, 100ml; Tom Ford Mandarino di Amalfi Acqua, David Jones for $185, 50ml; Celine Reptile, Celine Collins Street and www.celine.com from $310, 100ml; Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle Music for a While, MECCA Cosmetica and www.fredericmalle.com from $289, 50ml; Atkinsons The Other Side of Oud, David Jones for $305, 100ml; Gucci Guilty Cologne, MYER and David Jones from $110, 50ml; Bottega Veneta Illusione For Him, MYER and David Jones from $115, 50ml; Serge Lutens Le Participé Passe, www.sergelutens.com from $196, 50ml; EISENBERG Secret III Patchouli Nobile, www.eisenberg.com from $162, 30ml.
MY PICKS:
Tom Ford Mandarino di Amalfi Acqua, an Aperitivo-esque blend of citrus, verdant basil, orange blossom and wildflowers perfect for all and any occasion.
Celine Reptile, woody elegance for the guy that has it all – even a crocodile skin jacket.
Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle Music for a While, stand out from the crowd in Mr Malle’s cocktail of pineapple, lavender and patchouli.
Bottega Veneta Illusione for Him, the Italians do citrus-woods better than anyone, and this might just be the best of them released in 2019.