As 2008 comes to a close, I am reminded that it was about a year ago I sat in front of my computer and decided I’d begin writing about my love of fragrances. What an interesting year it has been. I’ve had so much fun watching Fragrant Moments evolve. What’s been even more exciting to see is the reaction of people who catch on to what I’m doing. Its has been very encouraging, to see the least.
By far my favorite interview was with David Hart. The way he answered the fragrant moment question was the most original. I didn’t even see it coming. Mr. Peralta’s sensitivity was eye opening. Men can be that genuine. I also appreciated Darryl Robinson’s courageousness. As a mixologist, he is not afraid to layer his scents. I love that about him.
Le Labo’s Rose 31 really changed the way I look at fragrances. That hint of what I like to call mustiness shook to the core what I knew. Who could do such a thing, why? I guess I have a lot to learn.
I think people have come to appreciate my candor. I’m not a critic and I’m not trying to be another Chandler Burr, by no stretch of the imagination. I’m an enthusiast, publicly recording my finds and shaping my taste along the way. I’m ok with that. I hope you are too.
At this time of the year, everyone has a list…so here’s mine. Its not the top five of what come out this year. Its the five that stood out for me and that’s not easy. I fall in love and then I move on. However, these will be in rotation next year.
From the left Cereus No. 11, Fresh’s Patchouli Pure, Keihl’s Original Musk, Frederic Malle’s Une Fleur de Cassie, and Le Labo’s Rose 31
Honorable mention to John Bartlett, I so enjoyed his Holiday Collection. I burnt one of his candles this weekend as I prepared for a family gathering and it definitely added a nice touch of sophistication. I’d also like to thank E Harcourt for inviting me into her home for a four hour chat about fragrances. I’m still playing with the fragrances she gave me and loving every moment of it.
That’s it folks. Its been fun and I can’t wait to get started in 2009. Please share your feedback with me and let me know what you think.
fragrantmoments.net 
Nice, Barney. I look forward to more fragrant moments in the ’09.
“…..along the way”. That’s what you said. And in that phrase sums up the reason why I so enjoy Fragrant Moments……I am happy taking the trip with you. I have learned things on this spot through the shared experience, not by being told “what’s hot”, “what’s hip”, or what ever; Fragrant Moments has been the friend that invites you share a new experience, because they think you may enjoy it too. As I look forward to more in 2009, I say thank you for picking me up…..along the way.
Looking forward to more of your enlightening Fragrant Moment posts in ’09 B! I know they seem like empty promises now but I still want you to guest blog for me on PPT soon. I’m thinking around Valentine’s Day. Will be in touch about it shortly, for real this time. 😉
Happy New Year!
I have to try Keihl’s musk…. heard some really good things about it. I’ve been rocking Serge Lutens Daim Blond lately… interesting experience – really liking this one. I love your site and looking forward to checking in regularly in 2009.
Happy New Year!
Well….. I finally tried Le Labo Rose 31. Simply put this fragrance is wonderfully special. If someone told me 1 year ago that I would purchase and love a rose based cologne. I would have thought they were crazy! Rose for men!! This fragrance is surprisingly and amazingly masculine. This fragrance smells like how silk feels on your bare skin. This fragrance is the best of Marvin Gaye and Sade song rolled up into a wonderful duet. ( LOL I hope this gets my point across) This great fragrance quietly remains with you all day. Recently I decided to forgo my usual fragrances in search for something new, complex, and subtle that would jump start my jaded olfactory nerves. Le Labo Rose 31 has truly awakened my senses.
Thank you for the introduction! It is now my favorite fragrance.
Yeaahhh…Le Labo’s Rose 31…currently my logo, slogan, and theme music! In a prior conversation, Barney noted how the fragrance held notes that you would not attribute to a rose, yet the scent of rose was exceptionally definitive. There is a practice that the women in my family (and I’m sure women in other families as well!) do when they receive flowers of deep emotional value. They press them inside the pages of photo albums, or journals for safekeeping. Obviously they lose their scent as time goes on, but there is always the hint of what was new. It’s like remembrance of things past, a certain antiqueness in the scents. When I smell Rose 31, that is the note that envelops the rose to me…..the memory of what was new, and the lingering of what remains.