.jpg)
Friday's royal wedding of Kate Middleton to Prince William raised several questions as to what the bride and groom chose for their attire and the ambience of their memorable day. Among those, perfume aficionados were extra curious to find out Kate Middleton's (or shall we say Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge) personal fragrance. We had discussed how Kate used to enjoy Dune by Christian Dior in her student days before, a fragrance choice that showcased her special style and discerning taste. And hundreds of companies were clamoring for her attention. Floris went as far as creating a scent called Wedding Bouquet: "Created exclusively to celebrate the marriage of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton, Wedding Bouquet draws inspiration from the most acclaimed Floris wedding fragrances of the past whilst introducing a modern twist using a white flower theme." And so did Grossmith with Bethrothal, as we reported previously on these pages.
But for her special day Catherine Middleton chose White Gardenia Petals by Illuminum, a quite recent release, according to Michael Donovan of Illuminum's PR Company. The fragrance is described "As fragrant as a bouquet of white flowers, quivering in the gentle April breeze, this is a delicate and nuanced scent. The top note of stately gardenia evokes classicism, whilst heart notes of ylang ylang, muguet and jasmine bring a trio of frivolous white flowers into play. Amber wood underscores this light, fresh bouquet, adding depth and deep rooted tradition." It is available at Roullier White.
For the decoration and scenting of the Westminster Abbey and the guests' and VIP bathrooms, the PR team from Jo Malone informs me that they went with their room fragrances & candles (Orange Blossom, Grapefruit and the perennial favourite Lime, Basil & Mandarin).
.jpg)
I'm a big fan of your blog ... lovely info regarding Kate's perfume on her wedding day. I don't think this is available in the USA. So before I have it shipped from UK, do we know for sure this is what she wore? It's certainly a leap of faith given a sample is not available, but I'm willing to go there, as the notes are my favorites. Thanks very much.
ReplyDeleteI want this too! I would also break my "no unsniffed purchase" rule, however the shipping to the U.S. is $58.41!
ReplyDeleteInsulting.
I'm surprised Jo Malone scented the Abbey, what could smell better than incense?
ReplyDeletethat is interesting. I never knew of that brand and also how true is that you think? I mean Kate doesn't look like an e-shopper...i d love if the brand gave us some more info on that...how did she come across them? other than that thoroughly romantic!!!
ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeletethank you for following and for commenting. I'm honoured you like it and hope you continue to derive enjoyment from the site.
It's fairly certain it was her scent given the info circulating (and it's been corroborated by two sources), but of course I realise it's a leap of faith indeed. If I were you, I would do either of two things:
1) wait till someone gets this and starts decanting samples/decants (would still be expensive ml per ml though)
2) write directly to the company and ask for a complimentary sample in the mail offering to shoulder the shipping cost for that (which would be minimal since it's so light). A smart company would say yes and proceed with your request. ;-)
Hope that helps a little bit!
2)
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteit sounds like something "safe" enough to order if one likes the notes. How challenging would something to be worn on such a formal occasion really be?
But the high shipping is unacceptable (and surely not their fault I assume), so I would suggest either of the two routes above on my comment to Karen.
Good luck and let us know how it went!
Apparently it must be something along the lines of complimentary scenting for the back pews etc. It can get a little stuffy if there are too many people in one place, everyone scented on themselves as well. I suppose they have a little bit exaggerated the actual claims, but don't let their PR team catch me saying this (*oops*).
ReplyDeleteLady D,
ReplyDeletegood thinking! I suppose you caught more details on all those things reported in the British media.
I think that companies were literally clamoring for her attention and sending her various things to try out (it's standard PR for them), hoping something would stick. Apparently this one did. At least according to two sources; I do know of at least one bogus claim from another new company which was outed recently.
Yeah, I think the thought of a tasteful white floral is romantic! It goes well with the bouquet too (which is more of a green floral, technically, since it was mainly lily of the valley)
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Eλπίζω ο Μάης να μπήκε με το δεξί!
This is now on pre-sale status at Lucky Scent. the price has jumped to $140.00!
ReplyDeleteCommerce, geez.
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteObviously both the manufacturer and the distributor are making a crazy profit on this...jesus!
thanks PS ... some good ideas here, and I will check out Lucky, thanks Cheryl ...
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine that they would have to send out samples, as the sellers website said supply was limited. I may try the shot anyway, I keep thinking given the adoration of all this in the USA, it's just got to make it over here. I would order it on Lucky, but we just don't know how long it will last.
I was disappointed that Diorissimo did not last very long, as the scent is heavenly.
I'll keep checking this post to see if any new info becomes available.
Thanks to all, Karen
& a Church of England Abbey would not necessarily smell of inscense - it is more of a Roman Catholic or Orthodox practise...
ReplyDelete