Movie tie-in colognes might not be so distant in the future as we might have imagined...I stumbled upon the news that a reader of Cinematical blog named Jeff Solomon came across "perfumes for sale inspired by some of your favorite films. Unfortunately, we're not talking about limited edition scents for Coco avant Chanel, or even Perfume. No, apparently somebody thought it would be a good idea to make scents inspired by such films as Bee Movie, Madagascar 2, and Transformers". (I assume these are the fragrances for which mr.Solomon provided evidence in the way of photographic proof; I kinda see how one would like to graft something of ms.Megan Fox onto them, although I am not sure it would be her scent necessarily). Thus reported Jessica Barnes, who goes on to note that "This isn't the first time that the world of the big screen has wound up at the perfume counter, as you might remember how back in 2001, NYC-based Demeter Fragrances released a limited edition perfume for Hedwig and The Angry Itch that was a scent reminiscent of hairspray, cigarette smoke, and cheap hotel rooms (kind of gross, but at least it made sense)".
Therefore assuming these might be official tie-ins produced by the major studios, thus cashing in on the mania that follows a huge box-office success, and not the underground product of hard-core fandom, should we be worried about the future? Do you want to smell like Madagascar 2 and all the zoo animals it includes? Or, wait, L'Artisan Parfumeur has already done that in their zoo-inspired (and terrific) Dzing!
pic from movie Transformers via www.wallpaperez.info
Valentine's Day might seem rather corny to you (and to me): after all, isn't the point in celebrating love every day? But the pleasure-factor of watching a romantic film hand in hand with your loved one, silently hunched onto each other in a dark theater or at the abode of one's home and enjoying an accompanying fragrance shouldn't be shunned due to such esthete concepts as mentioned above. It gives us a wonderful excuse to indulge into a little cinematic game, of which Perfume Shrine never tires. Hopefully, neither have you, dear readers.
So, without further ado, here is what I came up with for today: Let's pick some trully romantic movies, watch the clips I selected and match the mood they exude with a perfume to wear. Shall we?
One might as well begin with the sacred cow that is Casablanca: not because of its screenplay and acting so much (although they too are wonderful), but due to its superb direction and editing, it should be taught in every film school. And it is. The final shots of Ilsa boarding the plane should be taught in every fashion school as well, but I digress. The story is eternal, the repercussions of such decisions echo in eternity and any other ending would be colosally less brilliant.
(uploaded by kayjae)
There is really nothing that can be worn lightly in view of such a torrid affair as the drumroll of war is marching on. Perhaps the introspection and melancholy of Après L'ondée by Guerlain suits the mood more than other scents. Another choice would be the suave 31 Rue Cambon from Chanel Les Exclusifs with its inherent veil of elegance over human warmth and tenderness or the white, heartbreaking beauty of Un Lys by Serge Lutens. All trully Parisian scents, the Paris they will forever cherish in their hearts.
One of the lighter, funnier romantic comedies I have been enjoying every chance I get has been Down with Love with Renee Zellwegger and Ewan McGregor from 2003: a superb homage to the Doris Day-Rock Hudson movies. In a very accurate (down to the last detail!) retro early-60s-style it tells the story of Barbara Novak. A feminist advice author, she shuns love only to get caught under the spell of Catcher Block, a playboy who, disappointed when no longer able to pursue his affairs due to her book's success, goes undercover in an attempt to "break" her and prove the falacy of her axiom. I will leave the end for you to discover if you haven't yet. Pure unadulterated, unapologetic fun and with the usual amazing singing by Ewan, who could be an excellent singer any day.
(uploaded by catalinadarling)
Since this is about the eternal battle of the sexes and so firmly set in the 60s I suggest you watch it with a good swooooosh of nearly unisex Eau Sauvage by Christian Dior. This light, citrusy spell with a fresh whiff of jasmine aroma will have you longing for spring days of love. Or you could go for Parfumerie Generale Eau de Circe, a potion for a light-hearted hip seductress and Pillow of Flowers by Parfums Armando Martinez which is as luminous as a string of pearls over a colourful, tailored shift dress.
The way we were (1973) by Sydney Pollack is arguably one of the better known tearjerkers in cinematic history as we all feel a pang of silent pain as we watch the determined heroine unexpectedly meet the object of her younger days adoration in the arms of another woman years later, simply stating: "Your girl is lovely, Hubbell". Their separation due to different goals in life holds a moral tale: Jewish Katie with her leftish views doesn't quite fit on the arm of WASP Hubbell who is a promising writer who ultimately compromises his talent. But as her personality shines through in the duration of the film, his own shortcomings, despite the smashing looks, become poignently apparent. However I chose not to show you a clip of the film in question, but off the beaten track rather go for a glorious reference of it in pop culture: from the finale of season 2 of Sex and the City , in which Carrie identifies with the heroine. Be sure to watch this in its entirety, it is trully funny and sensitive.
(uploaded by denysa25)
If you want to pop in the DVD and watch it (again or for the first time), might I suggest you bring out the quite good scent by Sarah Jessica Parker herself, Lovely: musky but refined, it doesn't quite fit the last lines, but it is very pretty. As much as Sarah Jessica's gown with all those blonde curls are in the final scene. If you are after the wild mood suggested by the final line however, you should choose Vero Profumo Onda: a beast of a scent that is trully untamed!
Romantic tales couldn't be left without one of the most lyrical films in the history of cinema: Elvira Madigan (1967), a Swedish film of the doomed affair of a circus acrobat and a married lieutenant with kids. Set to the ethereal 1st movement of Mozart's piano concerto No.21 it utilizes the beauty of swedish midsummer nature as the backdrop of its beautiful heroes.
Dzing! would be the obvious choice if you want to evoke the atmosphere of the circus, yet somehow the scenery is too beautiful for such a quirky (albeit fabulous) scent. The hay stacks, the summer skies, the youthfulness of both protagonists' features call for Extrait de Songe/L'ete en douce (the name it has recirculated under) by L'artisan Parfumeur. Perhaps the tragic tale behind Fleur de Narcisse, the limited edition of L'artisan from 2006 is even better suited to the fateful end of the two lovers.
Sometimes, romance comes with the feeling of a well-worn slipper. What I mean: Sometimes, love is under our own nose and is someone we're taking for granted. Just like Harry and Sally and their meeting. Or rather series of meetings which culminate into genuine friendship. And then romance. And then... But surely, you have watched this modern classic about relationships!
(uploaded by agizemk)
And there is even a perfume reference in the very end: "I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes". What other declaration of true love could you ask for? A fragrance that can be worn casually, with conviction and flair, secure in the knowledge it suits you like your favourite sweater, then. Like Marc Jacobs Amber Splash. Or Tauer's Reverie au Jardin, the softly envelopping of fresh lavender by velvety musk, which can be shared between you two.
Last but certainly not least, my own favourite: the fourth story in the Greek classic film The counterfeit sovereign (Kalpiki lira) from 1955 by Yiorgos Javellas/ In four chapters a counterfeit sovereign is made by an honest engraver guiled by a dishonest seductress to fall into the hands of a beggar and a prostitute and then to a wealthy miser. In the final chapter, with a gut wrenching performance by Elli Lambeti and Dimitris Horn, a young struggling artist falls in love with a rich girl when they meet at said miser's New Year Eve's dinner when they win a gold sovereign while cutting the traditional lucky pie of the day: upon it they pledge their love, never to sell it and decide to marry. He paints her portrait when he is inspired by her casual "I love you" one day. But hardships come their way and they split, for her to remarry in line with her social class this time. We can feel the bitterness as the former husband says in the gallery: "Unlike the model that posed for it, this is not for sale! This is all mine." Years later they meet again: -"The sovereign on which we pledged our love was..... -Counterfeit. -Counterfeit...But our love was true, Paul."
(uploaded by elliniki kardia)It never fails to move me...The yearning and poignancy remind me of the delicate silk faille of Pontevecchio W by Nobile 1942...and of course the eternal Mitsouko.
What fragrance would you choose to match the mood of these or your own favourite romantic films? I'd love to hear.
Today I chose to include an adored poem that really depicts best of all just what the sacrifice of those tragic and noble 300 Spartans really meant. In an age when anyone can interpret facts any way one wants and present them for the sheer monetary gain at the box office, let's pause for a second and think how some things in life do mean much more and how not everything is for glory but sometimes it's for honour. There is a difference.
The ancient epigram/epitaph by Simonedes, friend of Megistias (the Acarnanian seer, who foretold the death of Leonidas and his warriors) is immortal. It went like this: "Stranger passing by, go tell the spartans that here, obedient to their laws, we lie."
The poem I chose is much more recent, it doesn't pertain to the olfactory, yet it does evoke the bittersweet smell of laurels. The laurels of noble defeat... Written by my favourite poet Constantine Cavafy, whom I have also reference while talking about Mitsouko. It's called "Thermopylae" and is inspired by the famous battle as a lesson in life in general. I leave you to enjoy it by yourselves.
Thermopylae
Honour to those who in life they lead define and guard Thermopylae. Never betraying what is right, consistent and just in all they do, but showing pity also, and compassion; generous when they're rich; and when they're poor, still generous in small ways, still helping as much as they can; always speaking the truth, yet without hating those who lie.
And even more honour is due to them when they foresee (as many do foresee) that Ephialtes will turn up in the end, that the Medes* will break through after all.
1903 by Constantine P. Cavafy (Kavafis)
*Medes (plural of Mede) is another name for Persians en masse (historically they were an older tribe who intermingled and interbred with the Persians)
Pic of classical statue of mid4th century BC courtesy of greeklandscapes.com. Painting of Leonidas at Thermopylae by Jacques Louis David courtesy of wikipedia.
.jpg)
Unfortunately, we're not talking about limited edition scents for Coco avant Chanel, or even Perfume. No, apparently somebody thought it would be a good idea to make scents inspired by such films as Bee Movie, Madagascar 2, and Transformers". (I assume these are the fragrances for which mr.Solomon provided evidence in the way of photographic proof; I kinda see how one would like to graft something of ms.Megan Fox onto them, although I am not sure it would be her scent necessarily). Thus reported Jessica Barnes, who goes on to note that "This isn't the first time that the world of the big screen has wound up at the perfume counter, as you might remember how back in 2001, NYC-based Demeter Fragrances released a limited edition perfume for Hedwig and The Angry Itch that was a scent reminiscent of hairspray, cigarette smoke, and cheap hotel rooms (kind of gross, but at least it made sense)".
.jpg)
