A Most Pleasurable Second Introduction: Serge Lutens Daim Blond

I am always delighted with appreciation to come across a sales associate who not only knows their subject matter but also genuinely enjoys what they do. I recently had the pleasure of meeting such an associate at Barney’s New York in Scottsdale. I phoned ahead of time, asking her to show me some fragrances featuring a leather note. When I arrived, I was blown away not only by her knowledge, but also by her kindness. And I need to thank her for a second introduction to Daim Blond by Serge Lutens.

Meant to evoke the scent and feel of buttery rich, high quality suede, Daim Blond lives up to its objective and then some. This is achieved through a delicate combination of soft, sweetly scented flowers (heliotrope, iris) with earthy musk, spicy cardamom, woodsy hawthorn and bitter apricot kernel. The latter three notes serve to intensify, enrich and add character to the aforementioned gentle, delicate and understated floral accord; without it, Daim Blond would be lacking polish and interest. The result becomes a rich, velvety, mellifluous fragrance with a slight hint of feminity -- high quality suede indeed.  I thoroughly enjoy it, especially when I wear a crème suede cropped jacket.

Serge Lutens Daim Blond can be purchased at Barney's New York, http://www.luckyscent.com/, http://www.aedes.com/ and Henri Bendel.  A 50ml bottle retails for $140.