The Definitive Autumn/Winter 2011 Fragrance Edition

There is a certain invigorating quality about the autumn changing to winter: at its best it brisks you up like a jauntier version of New Year, with brilliant sun, crisp clear air and the constantly changing colours of the environment. The arrival of frosty mornings and a certain purposefulness in the season, ending of course with the Christmas beano which stands implacably waiting... Read More

Exclusive: Blaise Mautin Interview

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The Fragrant Ape wears Scent: How the Ape should care for it

Here you need no more than a few basic watch points, augmented by common sense. Firstly, remember my food metaphor: use it up! Don’t leave it in the wardrobe for high days and holidays that never come. Would you do that with the lobster mayonnaise? Enjoy it while it’s fresh and at its best, and while you love it. Your taste will change slowly but continuously so once... Read More

The Fragrant Ape wears Scent: How the Ape wears it

Every way and no way. You must be the master of your own fragrance and wear it exactly as you wish. Much nonsense is talked about this: all I can do is give you a few tips. Most modern fragrances are now sold with a fixed spray atomiser. This is an advantage: the cologne will smell much better, quicker as it is diffused over a much greater area in smaller quantities. The molecules... Read More

The Fragrant Ape wears Scent: How the Ape chooses it

With care and patience! NEVER rush it. Half the pleasure is in the choosing and the deliberation. You are making an investment here so take your time and let it be a good one. The Golden Rule: shop alone! A companion will only distract, get bored, put you off or impose his own views. Perfume is ultra-personal, highly subjective. The most important thing is to please yourself: you... Read More

The Fragrant Ape Wears Scent: Why the Ape wears it

THE FRAGRANT APE WEARS SCENT: WHY THE APE WEARS IT It was a canny Guerlain Nose who said that a woman without a perfume is a woman without a future, and there’s no doubt that the same goes for men too. It is natural for Man to perfume himself: we have been doing it in one way or another since the dawn of our creation, beguiled by the extraordinary power and mystery of the... Read More