French niche line Lubin has launched four new fragrances — the Métalliques collection — inspired by the “olfactory themes” of their Vétiver and L’Eau Neuve fragrances. Itasca and Bluff are versions of Vétiver, Figaro and Inédite of L’Eau Neuve.
Itasca (shown above left) ~ “The Mississippi River finds its main source in the legendary Lake Itasca in the heart of Minnesota. Itasca by Lubin is reminiscent of the forests covering the American landscape once inhabited by the Algonquin tribes and pioneers exploring their depths.” With notes of neroli, marigold, mandarin, juniper berry, grapefruit, clove, tonka bean, clary sage, nutmeg, geranium flower, Itasca red pine (pinus resinosa), vetiver, Texan cedar, Partak incense, myrrh, amber and fir balsam.
Bluff (not shown) ~ “The composition is inspired from the invigorating remedies supplied to the pioneers in the Wild West during the gold rush. Once developed by emigrant physicians, these tonics were first considered as medicines. They would soon become a part of American culture, and later be transformed into soft drinks for young people.” With notes of lime, bergamot, nutmeg, cinnamon, clary sage, iris, kola nut, vetiver, cedar, patchouli, sandalwood and vanilla.
Figaro (shown above right) ~ “Bold and seductive like the Figaro from Beaumarchais’ plays, Figaro by Lubin takes liberties with conventions much like the character that inspired it.” Featuring grapefruit, bergamot, pink pepper, marine pine, fig, apple, plum, coriander leaves, clover, vetiver, styrax, sandalwood and tonka bean.
Inédite (not shown) ~ “Aziyadé, a young Circassian harem girl imprisoned in an oriental palace, embodies the unreachable and sensual beauty of which every man dreams. The word “inédite” means “unpublished” in French, like the story the young author in love with Aziyadé didn’t dare tell.” The notes include mandarin, bergamot, pink pepper, coriander, cinnamon, clove, heliotrope, lilac, nectarine, Damask rose, cabbage rose, vanilla, iris, patchouli, Kashmir cedar and white musk.
Lubin Itasca, Bluff, Figaro & Inédite are available now at Aedes, in 75 ml Eau de Parfum for $110 each. (quote in first paragraph via shopping-premiereavenue, all subsequent quotes via aedes, additional information via extrait.it)
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Im really loving the bottles! Bluff & Figaro sound the best to me. : )
The bottles are great fun, yes!
The bottles are lovely, and the scents sound complex and intruiging. Too bad there’s no easy way to test them!
Aedes does sell samples…but I’m not likely to see testers anywhere either.
I think Lubin did a GREAT (aesthetic) job in these releases. I’m hoping the fragrances are wonderful too!
Let’s hope!
The design is fantastic, but are these actually considered flankers then? These bottles actually say Le Vetiver and Leau Neuve, rather than the new fragrance names.
I would certainly call them flankers — they’re variations on the original scents.
The bottles look great, the fragrances sound like very, very sophisticated room fresheners.
“A young Circassian harem girl imprisoned in an oriental palace, embodies the unreachable and sensual beauty of which every man dreams”? Creepy! Ahh!!
I don’t like the bottles, but I guess I’m alone in that. I also wasn’t lemming any of the fragrances. All in all not a bad way to start out my Monday– at least my wallet is safe.
HOWEVER… I did notice at Aedes that Gin Fizz is back in circulation. I’ve only tried it once, and was disappointed that it was neither gin-y not fizzy. But I know there are some people who will be happy to hear that it’s back.
Meant to say “gin-y NOR fizzy.”
Anything that sources the forests and lakes of Minnesota makes me think that “Deep Woods OFF” should be a basenote … and Bluff, if they want to be historically accurate, should contain generous amounts of laudanum and opium and be re-labelled “Emetic”…
Oh goodness, so true on the OFF, lol! As for historically accurate, I wondered why Algonquin and not, say, Ojibwe. Still want to try it, though.
LOL…smells nothing like Deep Woods OFF, but i can understand why it would make you think of that. It is actually a very beautiful fragrance and my favorite of the 4, followed by Figaro and Inedite…..last on my list Bluff, that one stayed on my skin for about 10 minutes and disappeared.
OK…i ordered Inédite, let me say the bottle is beautiful and the fragrance is very well done. With this bottle i received samples of the others and will say that the Bluff was my least favorite. The Itasca is stunning and i had to order it immediately. It is actually fresher smelling then i anticipated and i could smell it on my skin the next morning when i got up. The Figaro to me is a very close clone to L’Artisan Dzing. Actually that is exactly what it smells like on me. So i think i may have to order that one too……..these are definitely all 4 nicely done and should do well.
I’d take Itasca by Lubin, to a ski lodge, which is supposedly based upon the smell of the northern at the top of the Mississippi. Although it is a man’s fragrance, I have it on right now, because it is such a beautiful/handsome smell.
By the way if you are ever at a ski resort during winter, the proper attire for even the most exclusive restaurants is slacks and a fancy sweater.
Sorry that comment was meant for a different thread.