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Patrick’s Perfumes – frankincense for that mystical scent
by Patrick Bardelli
Patrick's Perfumes – patchouli isn’t just for hippies
13.9.2023
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
Perfumes are works of art, perfumers are artists and I’m a collector of their creations. Today, it’s all about patchouli. Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent and By Kilian interpret the «hippie fragrance» in very different ways.
Summer 1967 was the Summer of Love. The hippie movement was headed towards its peak with the Monterey International Pop Festival in San Francisco. And Scott McKenzie provided the anthem:
Patchouli isn’t for hippies only
What did the Summer of Love smell like? Incense and patchouli, of course! But the plant was popular in England long before bell-bottoms and the peace sign came along. British women especially appreciated the distinctive aroma as early as the 19th century.
Traditional Asian medicine, on the other hand, uses patchouli oil primarily as an anti-inflammatory and astringent for skin conditions, as well as for snake- and insect bites. The plant was often used as an anti-moth agent and placed between the layers of Indian and Pakistani fabric shipments. That’s how it came to Europe.
Today, patchouli oil is one of the most important fragrances in the perfume industry. It can be found in countless men’s and women’s fragrances.
Black Orchid by Tom Ford
Tuxedo by Yves Saint Laurent
The top notes here are violet leaf, coriander and bergamot. The heart notes are rose, black pepper and lily of the valley, while the base consists of patchouli, bourbon vanilla and ambergris. If Black Orchid by Tom Ford leaves behind a dark and somewhat wicked impression, Tuxedo by YSL can best be summed up in two words: pure elegance.
Straight to Heaven from By Kilian
As it does in Straight to Heaven, where notes of rum, dried fruits and cedar play a leading role alongside patchouli, among others.
My name is Patrick. Bardelli, not Süskind Like the author of the book «perfume». Nevertheless, I’m also a great lover of perfumes and I regularly write about good and bad fragrances. Want to enjoy my literary odour? Follow my author profile. Or let’s say: follow your nose. And remember: all I’m doing here is giving my subjective opinion.
Header image: Patrick Bardelli
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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