Fragrant Notes

Have you ever noticed how particular perfume scents just hit the right note? It makes sense that perfume is described using a musical metaphor. This metaphor captures the harmonious qualities of those fragrances that linger in our memories like a favourite song.

Perfume has three sets of 'notes', which work together to make the harmonious chord of the scent. The notes unfold over time, each revealed in its own splendour creating a perfectly timed symphony. The immediate impression is created by the top notes, the deeper middle notes follow, and the base notes gradual appear as the final stage. These notes are carefully created with knowledge of the evaporation process of the perfume to create a sensational overall impression — a true masterpiece.

Top notes — the scents that are perceived immediately on application of a perfume are known as top notes or head notes. Top notes consist of small, light molecules that evaporate quickly. They form a person's initial impression of a perfume and thus are very important in the selling of a perfume.

Middle notes — the scent of a perfume that emerges just prior to when the top notes dissipate. The middle note compounds form the "heart" or main body of a perfume, and for this reason are also called heart notes. They act to mask the often unpleasant initial impression of base notes, which become more pleasant over time.

Base notes — the scent of a perfume that appears close to the departure of the middle notes. The base and middle notes together are the main theme of a perfume. Base notes bring depth and solidity to a perfume. Compounds of this class of scents are typically rich and "deep" and are usually not perceived until 30 minutes after application. They are also known as soul notes.

Let It Rock: Vivienne Westwood

Westwood named this fragrance after her first shop on King’s Road. Ingredients popular in the ’70’s were an inspiration for the perfume: rose, cedar, sandalwood, geranium and patchouli.

Juliette has a Gun: Romano Ricci and Francis Kurdjian

This is a cutting edge fragrance that offers cool and romantic scents based on Rose essence.

Bandit: Robert Piguet

Bandit is the perfect fragrance for creating an aura of mischief and sensuality, and has been a favourite among fragrance addicts for a long time.

Princesse Marina De Bourbon: Princesse Marina De Bourbon

This scent is the result of the following top fragrance notes: Blackcurrant leaves, watermelon and Lemon from Calabria. The middle notes are the gorgeous combination of Orris from Florence, Passion Fruit, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang and Rose.

Masaki Matsushima

Masaki Matsushima's irresistible blend of old Japanese traditions and modernist trends has made him the darling of the European fashion world. Mentored by illustrious designers, Matsushima is considered a leader in the new generation of fashion pacesetters — one who has borne many innovative blends.

Costume National Scent Intense Eau de Parfum

This magnetic and sensual fragrance has a calm and elegant opening, which immediately switches to a punk rock, no-holds-barred amber and woods beast. Both women and men snap this up in droves.

Gardenia, Eau de Parfum

Gardenia, Eau de Parfum, is passionate undiluted gardenia essence. Not for the faint at heart.