For those following my Instagram account @nickccy, you'll see that I'm currently travelling abroad away from the scorching heat that is Hong Kong. Paris, affectionally known as the city of love, is famous for its high fashion and endless weekend flea markets. I happened to pass by a charming fragrance boutique in the hip Marais neighbourhood called Marie Antoinette. Its red exterior was one that pointed towards eccentricity, a curious respite amidst a sea of grey neo-classical buildings. Inside, a warm space beckoned with wooden shelves stocking unique fragrances that one won't even find at high end stores.
Despite the numerous bottles of rare elixirs, I was drawn to a more humble but no less powerful concoction by Parisian perfumery Histoires de Parfums. As its name suggests, each fragrance is inspired by the 'story' of an important historical figure noted by their date of birth. Marquis de Sade was on the offering, though I opted for a less 'libertine' scent in favour of a nuanced air inspired by Ernest Hemingway.
Admittedly, I knew little of Hemingway though I can relate to his love of books, whisky and the summer breezes of the Mediterranean. Here's how HdP describes 1899:
The top notes of Italian bergamot, juniper and pepper are intended to be the aperitif that sparks the conversation and awakens the palate in anticipation of the meal. Following “Papa” from Spain to Italy with Mediterranean scents that evaporate to leave place to a darker mood, where the amber and vetiver mixed is reminiscent of the waxed wood of a Cuban bar top. The exotic meets the familiar, the tropical heat is cooled off by a glass of scotch.
Smelling almost the entire line that HdP had to offer (they were incredibly well stocked), I was convinced that 1899 was the one. With top notes of Italian bergamot, juniper and black pepper opening the fragrance, I immediately sensed the masculinity of the scent, but not so much that it overpowers you. Within 15 minutes, the floral scents come in with Orange Blossom, Florentine Iris and Cinnamon forming a more complex heart, somehow reminding me of my study room where I used to spend hours back in the day. Good ol' DSL's and Windows XP were all we had... The finish is what draws me in however, with Vanilla, Vetiver and amber forming a mild oriental flavour together with the initial aquatic profile.
On that note, my holiday in the sunny Algarve region of Portugal beckoned for a more summery scent (yes, I like to have my perfume go with the seasons). This year, my go-to scent is Dolce & Gabanna's Light Blue 'Living Stromboli' - limited edition for those wondering about the added title. A clear citrus opening with pink peppercorns erupt like the volcanic town of Stromboli, followed by fresh aquatic notes and Geranium. I can't seem to escape my love for oriental fragrances as it turns out the base notes are uncannily similar to HdP's 1899 with vetiver, patchouli and amber.
On my skin I find the longevity of both fragrances to be moderate with around 4 to 5 hours of lasting time. Projection wise, 1899 is a more subtle fragrance, though it's not fair to make a comparison because of their significant differences (Light Blue being a much sportier scent).
In terms of packaging, I love the graphic design of the mini tester box for 1899 while the bigger 60 ml packaging features a simple embossed white box. I was fortunate enough to buy this at a steal - around HKD 800 as opposed to HKD 1,000 on the official online store. However, you won't be able to find it in Hong Kong and unless you're in Paris, it's the only way you can buy it...
Let's just say I'll be returning very soon :)
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5 Rue d'Ormesson
75004 Paris, France
Tel: 01 42 71 25 07
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 8pm
3 Canton Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2118 2288
Open daily, 10am to 10pm
Did you take these photos on your own? They're very tasteful! And good for you for working while on vacation!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Justin
Walking, Talking Style
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