I love unusual fragrances – the aroma of something new and original (as opposed to mass-produced perfumes) always gives a piquant of interest. I’m also a bookworm, so, for me, Miller Harris’s series of fragrances inspired by literature are an olfactory marriage made in heaven. Page turners set to intrigue…
The brand, renowned for its original perfumery, has just issued its latest release – ideal for a Valentine’s gift (hint, hint) – and which has been inspired by Graham Greene’s classic novel: Brighton Rock.
The lilac-bottled scent (so gorgeous) takes the character of Ida Arnold as it’s muse. The big hearted heroine of the book, who wears violets in her hair, represents goodness, tenacity and morality in a world of cruelty. It is this idea of contrasts that was the starting point of the complex fragrance, which bursts with a contrasting – yet complimentary – layering of notes.
Firstly it opens with a gentle whisper of Italian Bergamot and Carrot Seed. The heart develops to reveal darker notes of Orris Beurre and Heliotrope and finally there comes the lasting impressions of Vanilla and Liquid Amber. It’s supposed to sum up ‘a powdered kiss at the end of the pier’ and it has all that and more…
I love the retro glamour that a spritz of this fragrance brings – it has sweet, powdery notes, which give a nod to the early scents of the 30s (the book was published in 1938). Think: red rouge, fur stoles and Marcel waves in the hair. While the hint of darkness, which comes from Heliotrope and Orris Beurre, reflects the edginess simmering away in the book and a modern, urban vibe. Vanilla and Amber, meanwhile, bring a mellow ‘heart’ – which is instantly wearable yet unusual enough to get you noticed. In essence, this scent is like a fragrance version of the 1930s siren.
The bottle is chunky and contemporary, with solid lines in a burnished-lilac hue. A touch of glam comes with the gold writing. It’s the perfect packaging to reflect the blending of old ideas captured in a new way.
Miller Harris is renowned for telling contemporary urban stories through complex fragrances. It takes natural aromas sourced from all over the world – iris from Florence, French violet leaf, jasmine from Egypt, Tunisian orange flower – then it frames these botanicals in complex and unconventional ways. While nature is the starting point of the creative process, the London-based brand is also inspired by the eclectic street styles found in the city. It’s powdery perfection – made for ice-creams on the pier and romantic days by the seaside. Oh, we do like it…
Violet Ida is the first in the Brighton Rock collection and launched this week, from £75. millerharris.com
*This review is based on a press sample
