12.15.11
The carnation, a flower that represents capriciousness, is given a voice in the new Serge Lutens fragrance, Vitriol d’Oeillet (vitriol of carnation). According to the fragrance house, which has been in businesssince 1942, when paired with the clinical, medicinal notes of Tubereuse Criminelle (criminal tuberose), the two perfumes conjure an image of late 19th century London, with Jack the Ripper stalking around every corner. The flowers of these fragrances do not express the sweet, innocence of love and affection, they are loud and dangerous, and they live up to their evocative names, said the company.
Serge Lutens takes the already spicy scent of the carnation and has given it a punch by adding notes of cayenne pepper and clove. He describes the scent as “a burst of fragrant spikes”. Meanwhile, the heady, earthy tuberose is paired with the bitter scent of styrax and the clean, bright hyacinth, creating a fragrance that is almost astringent in its complexity.
The 50ml fragrances retail at Barneys New York and Barneys.com for $140 each.
Serge Lutens takes the already spicy scent of the carnation and has given it a punch by adding notes of cayenne pepper and clove. He describes the scent as “a burst of fragrant spikes”. Meanwhile, the heady, earthy tuberose is paired with the bitter scent of styrax and the clean, bright hyacinth, creating a fragrance that is almost astringent in its complexity.
The 50ml fragrances retail at Barneys New York and Barneys.com for $140 each.