Alexandre J x Harrods
By Leah Bolling
On a woman’s dressing table sits something peculiar. A beautifully crafted glass-etched bottle that strikes your curiosity. What could this be? Well come closer and have a sniff! There are five perfume bottles, each unique in their own, eccentric way. The fragrance of each captivates you. You come to appreciate how something can be multi-sided… just like people. Elegant, naughty, flamboyant, clever, wild. The new Alexandre J “Art Nouveau” perfume collection encapsulates all of these different facets.
You may or may not be familiar with the term “Art Nouveau.” It refers to a style of architecture that was prominent in the late 1800’s that is characterised by being intricate and inspired by nature. The design style is elegant with soft curling shapes that interpret echos of mother earth.
The look of the bottle has an old style, Hollywood glamour feel. You think of one of those early film stars, lying on a chaise lounge, draped in silk. Each bottle has its own design that has been crafted, moulded, and hand polished. The brand Alexandre J recognises the importance of, not only the fragrant experience, but also the visual experience of the bottles and packaging. Alexandre J is the only brand to use sculptured glass with their bottles, creating a compelling desire for the user to just have a touch and experience the feel.
While the look of the bottle is rather elaborate, Alexandre J has crafted fragrances for the collection that reflect simplicity of nature by incorporating a large diversity of raw material.
The five opuses are
Ode to Rose- Ode to Rose has taken the elegant, timeless smell of the rose and has developed a unique twist. The different notes in this fragrance have incorporated a more dirty, spicy, green rose smell that is beautifully unique.
- Floral
- Middle notes: Violet leaves, Geranium, Orange tree
- Top notes: Ylang ylang, Jasmine, Centifolia rose
Oriental Enigma- Oriental Enigma is surprising. The scent reflects the different facets of a woman. Very feminine and sweet, but also sexy, naughty, and loose. The scent goes beyond what you would expect…just as women do the same.
- Woody
- Sweet
- Middle notes: Orris, Rum, Saffron
- Top notes: Hibiscus, Hazlenut, Date, Tonka bean
Imperial Peacock- Just like the bird, Imperial Peacock is a flamboyant fragrance. It is sweet, but not too sweet, and leaves you with a sense of elegance and chicness. Overall, it is a happy scent that will surely make you “shake your tail feathers.”
- Sweet
- Woody
- Middle notes: Tonka bean, Cinnamon, Black vanilla
- Top notes: Almond, Rhubarb, Heliotrope
Black Beetle- Black Beetle is a very clever fragrance. It is sweet, yet dark and smokey. The sharp side of raspberries are used, rather than sweet. The beautiful colour of this fragrance is stunning in the sophisticated bottle.
- Spicy
- Middle notes: Nutmeg, Chilli, Patchouli
- Top notes: Bergamot, Raspberry, Incense
Majestic Nard- Majestic Nard is inspired by the lion. It is elegant and noble, yet surprising and wild. The specific wood notes allow for a unique experience to inspire emotion.
- Woody
- Middle notes: Saffron, Jatamansi, Virginia cedar
- Top notes: Galbanum, Pink pepper, Incense
The brand Alexandre J is a niche Perfume brand but so easy to wear. Established in 2012, the brand has a vision that is inspired by many things including culture, architecture, and meeting new people- it is these things that have shaped Alexandre J’s unique vision of beauty. The fragrances are nothing obscene but different enough to instill emotion. None of the perfumes are too similar to ones created before, allowing for a close intimate tie to human feelings. After years in the making, Alexandre J can now be found in Harrods, where the exclusive “Art Nouveau” collection can be purchased and brought home. Now the elegant bottles can sit pretty on your vanity with quaint elegance and rich history.
