Friday, February 17, 2012

A Lab On Fire What We Do In Paris Is Secret


I wanted my inaugural review after my respite to feature an inspiring fragrance.  I have sampled many in the last year but none so inspiring to propel my mind out of its writing slumber.  When I started researching A Lab On Fire I was surprised at their small, focused laboratory in New York.  I like small and focused.  I think limited production can create stellar concepts.  Furthermore, when I discovered Dominique Ropion had his hand in What We Do In Paris Is Secret, I knew it would be artistic.  Dominique Ropion is the nose behind my beloved Frederic Malle Carnal Flower and my mother's beloved Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady.

What I did not know before sampling this fragrance is it would surpass my love of Serge Luten's Chergui, that I would press my nose to the spot where I dabbed it a hundred times in less than an hour, and, most importantly, that I would want to write about it.  This fragrance is an inspiring intrigue all right.

The notes on A Lab On Fire's website name bergamot, honey and lychee at the top, a heart of Turkish rose essence, vanilla and heliotrope on a base of tonka bean, tolu, sandalwood and ambergris.  At once I smell the honey and vanilla, freshened but not sweetened by the citrusy lychee.  As it lingers on the skin, heliotrope dominates with the warmth of tonka bean, rich resin of tolu, and bright yet sensual sandalwood grounding it.  The Turkish rose essence must have a minimal offering, for I barely detect it.  I am certain in  M. Ropion's mind it no doubt serves a purpose.  I have historically enjoyed creamy and sweet, vanillic fragrances so it is not surprising I found love at first sniff with What We Do In Paris Is Secret.  I love it for the same reason I adore nuzzling my cat just behind the ear, or munching on my baby boy's neck, or even wrapping a soft pashmina around my shoulder in a chilled moment.

What We Do In Paris Is Secret, the title so long I must now abbreviate (WWDIPIS), reminds me of the qualities I appreciate in Serge Lutens Chergui -- sweet, comforting, rich and sexy.  Even though I love Luten's creation, I surprisingly only reach for it on cold winter nights and its spiciness can be a bit much for me.  I find WWDIPIS wearable anytime, anywhere - a beautifully sexy comfort scent that remains close to the skin but when sprayed at the nape of the neck shares that comfort with others.  I ironically chose to review it on a day that I mentioned another comfort scent, Bvlgari Blv, and WWDIPIS has striking similarity to the characteristics of that beautiful fragrance as well.  I have also seen this fragrance compared to Nicolai's Kiss Me Tender and Kenzo's Amour

On the whole, this fragrance is beautiful enough to stand on its own merit without comparison.  Although I realize the title may be viewed as pretentiously long, I would love a stranger to ask me what I am wearing so that I can say the name!  I adore the graphic packaging as it reiterates the urban chic of the lab.  With this fragrance, the small and focused house have succeeded.  I have no doubt What We Do In Paris Is Secret will be loved by many.

A Lab On Fire What We Do In Paris Is Secret is available at luckyscent.com.  A 60ml Eau de Parfum retails for $110.

2 comments:

Katherine said...

I just ordered a bottle from Luckscent. It's the first time I've blind ordered a perfume just from reading all of the great things about it on the blogosphere. Will let you know what I think!

ForTheLoveOfPerfume said...

Katherine,
That is terrific! I feel so honored to inspire an unsniffed full bottle purchase. Please come back and update me once you receive it. I have no doubt you will love it!