Perfumer Jean Claude Ellena is profiled in the latest issue of Forbes. On the creation of the upcoming Terre d'Hermes, said to have been inspired by the writings of Jean Giono:
“Little by little, I had the idea to create a fragrance using only mineral and vegetable scents–no animal notes, no musk. The easy way would have been to build it on a base of vetiver, but that’s already been done. So I looked to bois (wood), and cèdre (cedar). I also wanted it to be happy, so I played with zesty grapefruit and orange.” Ellena didn’t like any of the orange distillations on the market, and experience had taught him to fend for himself. He sought out a manufacturer in Grasse, and said, “Tu me le fais comme ça” (make it for me like this). And it was.
Read about the Axe effect on one high school in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where perfume is discouraged in public places.
14 Comments
Read more about commenting at Now Smell This.
I bought Terre d´Hermés yesterday. I love it..It´s elegant and mineral, with a zest of bigarade, which I adore. Perfect for women, too, or at least perfect with my skin,…
When is terre d'hermes being released in the US? It sounds delicious.
Oh my god, if my high school ever released a no fragrance law, I'd switch schools.
Where??? I thought this would not be out even in Paris until March 3.
And do tell: how heavy is the patchouli? Please answer that it is not noticeable, LOL…
Have a feeling this will be my next purchase.
If it is working for him, and he is 17, I'm sure there is no alternative!
Hi, Robin! I bought it in Madrid, in “El Corte Inglés”, the major department stores in Spain. They even gave me a purse spray with 12 ml.! No, don´t worry, the patchouli is not noticeable, for me, at least, the scent is really subtle and elegant. It reminds me a bit of Bigarade, but softer, because the orange is definitely present, and the mineral accent is also there. I think this will be your next purchase…Not a lot of vetiver, either.
I´m too old for doing so, but I would change school too if they asked me not to wear fragrance……It would be terrible…
Just called my local Hermes boutique & they have a tester…hopefully will smell it later today!
Robin, is that the King of Prussi boutique you speak of? Thats my loal boutique so thats why I was wondering. I'd stop by and sniff it.
Thanks,
-M
Yep, KoP! They also have a “waiting list” if you'd like to be called when the bottles are actually available for sale. For some reason that cracks me up…it is like trying to get concert tickets or something.
My God, are there really that many people in the area who are eagerly anticipating this fragrance? I can see them running out of stock once they get it in, but even before it hits the store??
You're absolutely right. It's like trying to get dinner reservations at Le Bec Fin.
I'm sure it will be wonderful, though.
Well, I clarified…the list is just people who want to be called when it comes in, not pre-orders. And for all I know, I was #1 on the list, LOL…
This sounds like a winner, now I need to go beg at my nonlocal Hermes boutique for a taste.
I´m wearing it today, good lasting power too and compliments included…I think many of you will like it…a lot
It is very smell-worthy, do go & beg!