Bond No. 9 Astor Place

Gemstone colors, warmer temperatures, shorts, sandals, sunscreen, cool, green grass, daffodils in bloom, fluffy clouds in a clear blue sky - all of these have one thing in common: they remind me of spring. I am pleased and honored to review the new offering from one of my favorite houses - Bond No. 9 Astor Place. It represents springtime in a bottle, although its inspiration comes from 4 Astor Place, New York, NY.

"Astor Place, the scent, an intoxicatingly fresh spring floral that starts out with a bold and unapologetically seductive freesia-poppy-violet leaf composition, and then simmers down into the smooth, steady notes of teakwood and musk. It's contemporary Downtown all right, with a lot of grace." Regarding this quote from the press release for the fragrance, I could not have said it better myself. In this case, the marketing description fits perfectly. Floral, flirtatious and graceful drescribe this fresh-as-cut-flowers scent that takes its name from an enclave housing a popular pub, rows of townhomes, a well-known theater and an avante-garde sculpture. They all conspire to create Astor Place - an area buzzing with activity, drawing skateboarders and hairstylists alike.

The juice itself is noteworthy with a long-lasting yet soft floral bouquet that quietly makes its presence known. Violet leaf gives it a freshness reminiscent of dawn on a spring day and although the teakwood and musk are present at the base, the fragrance as a whole possesses a squeaky clean quality. Astor Place would be a great addition to our Perfume for the Occasion: For the Office list for its smoothness, freshness and elegance. Astor Place is indeed a great choice as a Mother's Day gift. It reminds me of the tender, nurturing arms of a mother, a beautiful and graceful mother that is.

The magnificent bottle design, mimicking the mosaic lamp posts and geometric design of "the Cube" of Astor Place in lively spring colors, rounds out this offering from Bond No. 9. Very well done!

Bond No. 9 Astor Place is currently available at Bond No. 9 in two sizes: 100ml for $220 and 50ml for $145. A limited edition 100mL Swarovski crystal bottle is available for Mother's Day for $300.