Fragrance Issue 16

Penhaligon’s Portraits The Ruthless Countess Dorothea EDP – Penhaligon’s is known for the personification of its perfumes and this one’s a real character. The bottle is a tip-off – Countess Dorothea’s a bit of a hoot, a whip-smart matriarch with a sharp wit and a penchant for scones….

Determined to uphold standards, she’s also a stickler for manners. If your vibe skews towards classic but you like to have fun, this scent could be your idea of a good time. It’s an oriental, with top notes of bergamot, red ginger and cinnamon; heart notes of beeswax, clary sage and mate absolute; and base notes of cashmeran, vanilla and sherry. Available at WORLD

Penhaligon’s Portraits Monsieur Beauregard EDP – The characterisation continues with this alluringly spicy fragrance for men, which is also perfect for co-opting by brides who know it’s cool to borrow from the boys. The mysterious Monsieur Beauregard has definite sex appeal and supreme confidence. His signature move is to hold your gaze for just a fraction too long –and rest assured that your beloved won’t be able to take their eyes off you when you sashay down the aisle shrouded in this sophisticated woody oriental with hints of pink pepper, lemon, orris, cinnamon, benzoin, sandalwood, tonka bean and patchouli. Available at WORLD

Boucheron Orange de Bahia EDP – What’s your criteria for your ultimate wedding fragrance, the one that surrounds you in a cloud of perfumed stars and forevermore transports you back to the magic? If the boxes to be ticked are labelled ‘sparkling’, ‘refined’, ‘mellow’ and ‘sensual’, allow us to introduce this little wonder. Its backstory begins with the ancient discovery of glinting mandarin garnets high in the hills of Bahia near the Amazon rainforest. Drawing on this fantasy, the citrus-floral scent blends orange and green mandarin into an exotic cocktail with fig leaf, coconut milk, rose, white cedar, amber woods and musk. Available at Smith and Caugheys

Van Cleef & Arpels Collection Extraordinaire Santal Blanc EDP – Van Cleef & Arpels is best known for its luxury jewellery, so it stands to reason that this perfume is an absolute gem. Apt for the traditional bride, it plays with the impressions conjured by the colour white. Themes of minimalism, softness and balance came into play in its creation and the result is a velvety sandalwood scent with notes of fig milk and musk, enhanced by violet, mandarin and tonka bean. It’s très chic to say the least, as you’d expect from the brand founded in Paris in 1896 and favoured by iconic beauties including Grace Kelly and Eva Perón. Available at Smith and Caugheys