NEW: La Collection Celine Haute Parfumerie

[imm0rtelle]

Wearing Black Tie again and I finally see why some people compare it to Bois d'Argent. There are definitely facets of Bois d'Argent in Black Tie, particularly that orris butter smell. I was able to hone into it better after also noticing it in Electric Wood. To me, I see Black Tie almost as Eau Noire re-built similarly to Bois d'Argent's elegant, airy, and orris buttery structure. The syrupy vanilla + spices + woods connection between the Eau Noire and Black Tie would have been lost to many who have never smelled Eau Noire. Black Tie, similar to Bois d'Argent, really is quite versatile, rather than a strictly night time fragrance. It is quite a sensual and alluring fragrance, so I understand why some have described it as catnip.

Great match with the SA uniform look:

Black Tie smells polished, refined, elegant, composed, suave, mysterious, smooth, sensual, and alluring. I can imagine myself picking up a bottle when my Bois d'Argent runs out. That said, there is something about Bois d'Argent that makes it more suited to a white t-shirt look, and Black Tie feels more suited to an all black look.

Bois d'Argent would pair even better than Black Tie with something like this:

 

[Diamondflame]

Just posting in to thank imm0rtelle for taking the time and effort to explore the Celine Haute Parfumerie line of fragrances in ways seldom seen around here. Evidently a labor of love.

I LOVE the look of these bottles btw and happen to enjoy the few I had the chance to try. Imagine my delight to discover a new Celine boutique opening not far from where I work. Alas, deciding on which particular fragrance to get first won’t be an easy task as they all seem very well made or at least possess a certain aesthetic that appeals to my sensibilities.

 

[imm0rtelle]

Just posting in to thank imm0rtelle for taking the time and effort to explore the Celine Haute Parfumerie line of fragrances in ways seldom seen around here. Evidently a labor of love.

I LOVE the look of these bottles btw and happen to enjoy the few I had the chance to try. Imagine my delight to discover a new Celine boutique opening not far from where I work. Alas, deciding on which particular fragrance to get first won’t be an easy task as they all seem very well made or at least possess a certain aesthetic that appeals to my sensibilities.

Looking forward to hear your thoughts on them! I love reading about what others think about the line, good and bad, as it helps me further understand these fragrances.

 

[imm0rtelle]

Testing Black Tie again and the powdery/dusty facets are really shining through to me today. The powdery feeling doesn't feel feminine or make me recall of baby powder. Instead it provides texture mainly. It is also a molecule type fragrance similar to Room 1015's Ten Fifteen. They both similarly open with sweetness. The sweetness in Black TIe is a lot less cloying and way more enjoyable and refined. There is quite a bit of versatility to this fragrance.

Despite the name, I can imagine someone edgier like him also wouldn't feel too out of place with Black Tie as there signature scent, dressed up or down:

 

[imm0rtelle]

Update on price increase:

This post reminds me of a message from a friend who owns a boutique and told me that at the end of August Celine fragrances were going to go up in price - at least in the country where I live - and will cost a 15% more from September, which is a real OUTRAGEOUS.

That should also be noted, that the price hikes we are talking about are at best 25-30 USD "in one go", which is a lot, it is not a gradual thing.

I believe that the issue of inflation is obviously an issue inherent to the price, but I also consider that it is something tangential; I mean, cannot be the main reason for these exaggerated price increases.

This is the second price increase in one year. They launched late 2019. First round of price increases early 2021. Second round September 2021.

 

[imm0rtelle]

Revisiting Dans Paris on test strip today. It is cozy, but has a bit of a backbone in it. It has this nice androgynous character that gives off a gentle confidence, and easy-going youthful elegance. There's also something about it that smells very sensual, and would love smelling it on a girl. It smells sexy without feeling like it is trying too hard to be sexy. The effortless feeling almost makes it feel sexier.

 

[imm0rtelle]

I was pretty sure that I would love Black Tie, but all the times I've tested it, it didn't really spark joy for me. It's "molecule style" didn't really captivate my heart. After watching Sebastian's video on Baccarat Rouge 540 and how he didn't really enjoy it initially, it motivated me to really try to see if wearing Black Tie more will make me love it. One thing that is pretty consistent is that it seems to sing when on my skin. On test strip it is a lot more muted. I hardly detect any of the sweetness. Testing Black Tie on skin and the dark sweetness facet really is quite addicting. It smells like a dark caramelized syrup, but at the same time it is airy and not heavy. I feel like the woods add some structure to the scent so that it is more than just sweetness. The subtle spices and the woods add some texture. There is also a subtle roasted coffee note to add some darkness and dimension. This really matches someone who is elegant, composed, soft spoken, but with a subtle somber feeling.

I wonder if I would feel differently if I don't already have Eau Noire. Probably not. I'm just not easily wow'd by the modern molecule style fragrance. Eau Noire tanked commercially, while Black Tie is able to capture the hearts of the modern luxury consumer demographic. Black Tie's versatility just beats Eau Noire hands down. As much as I love Eau Noire, I find that I hardly wear it since it is polarizing.

 

[imm0rtelle]

New candle collection, and possible hint to the upcoming fragrances:

SECOND CHAPTER. THE CELINE HAUTE PARFUMERIE IS BEING ENRICHED WITH A CANDLE COLLECTION.

EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE FROM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2021 AT CELINE HAUTE PARFUMERIE POP-UP STORE AT LE BON MARCHE & HAUTE PARFUMERIE STORE 390, RUE SAINT-HONORÉ IN PARIS. AVAILABLE IN SELECTED STORES FROM NOVEMBER 2021.

From the original line, only Nightclubbing made it to being a candle fragrance. The fact it will be available in select stores in November 2021 suggests new fragrances also launching then. I'm curious if these new fragrances are specifically for the candles, or if they will also be launched as perfume.

L'inventaire - translates to inventory

However, I think it is more related to art curation.

The curator of general inventory specialty heritage evolves in a team of librarians, illustrators and photographers. But it is his responsibility to organize inventory campaigns to identify the artistic, historical, archaeological, ethnographic and industrial heritage of each region on behalf of the DRAC, the regional directorate of cultural affairs. If it is necessary, it carries out research upstream. Once the missions are completed, he must write the analytical records. A mapping of the sites for which it is responsible is then drawn up with the help of researchers, elected representatives of local authorities and architects. The curator monitors the protection, restoration and enhancement of monuments, objects and furniture listed in the heritage.

Palimpseste - Palimpsest

In textual studies, a palimpsest (/ˈpælɪmpsɛst/) is a manuscript page, either from a scroll or a book, from which the text has been scraped or washed off so that the page can be reused for another document.[1] Parchment was made of lamb, calf, or goat kid skin and was expensive and not readily available, so in the interest of economy a page was often re-used by scraping off the previous writing. In colloquial usage, the term palimpsest is also used in architecture, archaeology and geomorphology to denote an object made or worked upon for one purpose and later reused for another, for example a monumental brass the reverse blank side of which has been re-engraved.

Papiers Froissés - Crumpled Paper

Hedi seems to have a strong focus on the candle series. Very literary. Appealing to the crowd that likes the smell of old books, libraries, etc.

Tambour Noir - Black Drum

Probably related to Garde Republicaine drums. Hedi has featured them in ss19 and men's fw21's fashion show.

Grands Lys - Grande Lilies

Probably a nod to the Fleurs-de-Lys, knights, French royalty.

The fleur-de-lis has been used in the heraldry of numerous European nations, but is particularly associated with France, notably during its monarchical period. The fleur-de-lis became "at one and the same time, religious, political, dynastic, artistic, emblematic, and symbolic," especially in French heraldry.[4] The fleur-de-lis has been used by French royalty and throughout history to represent Catholic saints of France. In particular, the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph are often depicted with a lily.

 

[imm0rtelle]

One thing that does strike me as unexpected is that Saint-Germain-des-Prés wasn't featured on the candle video promo. Hedi had Saint-Germain-des-Prés scented sheets given out to scent people's wardrobes during the launch of the fragrance line back in 2019. The fact that Nightclubbing was specifically shown suggests that it is going to be the only original fragrance to appear in candle form. I feel like almost every fragrance in the line would do well in candle form. But I 100% understand why Nightclubbing was chosen. It does have that ambient feeling to it. So I'm guessing the fragrances in candle form are designed to really pair well with scenting the environment that you're in.

I haven't really looked into interior decorating, but I can see scented candles being a nice addition to one's home or office. I have had zero interest in scented candles, but I will sample them and see how I feel.

 

[imm0rtelle]

Now that Celine is pricing themselves pretty much on par with Louis Vuitton, I can guess that the candle prices would be similar. Maybe 170 USD for 55 hours.

Been watching some videos on candles and it is quite interesting. I can imagine myself being attracted to candles with fragrances that I want to smell in my environment but not necessarily wear on my skin.

The Louis Vuitton candle wax is made of mineral wax which also means it is paraffin wax and petroleum based. This is supposedly less healthy as burning it gives off benzenes and other carcinogenic chemicals. I wonder if the Celine candle wax will also be mineral wax.

 

[cheapimitation]

From my friend at the boutique, they will be $90.

I'm not too excited about these as designers tend not to do candles as well as candle companies. But we shall see, I'll at least go give them a sniff. I hope they at least use the best wax for candles unlike LV.

I like that they'e keeping the scents mostly different from the fragrances, I don't like when candles are too perfume-y and sometimes it can ruin a fragrance for me if I start too associate it too much with the candle/room scent. Le Labo Santal 33 for example will always smell like the Arlo hotel lobby and not a fragrance one should wear.

Speaking of Le Labo, I actually think their candles are the best thing they offer!

Now that Celine is pricing themselves pretty much on par with Louis Vuitton, I can guess that the candle prices would be similar. Maybe 170 USD for 55 hours.

Been watching some videos on candles and it is quite interesting. I can imagine myself being attracted to candles with fragrances that I want to smell in my environment but not necessarily wear on my skin.

The Louis Vuitton candle wax is made of mineral wax which also means it is paraffin wax and petroleum based. This is supposedly less healthy as burning it gives off benzenes and other carcinogenic chemicals. I wonder if the Celine candle wax will also be mineral wax.

 

[imm0rtelle]

From my friend at the boutique, they will be $90.

I'm not too excited about these as designers tend not to do candles as well as candle companies. But we shall see, I'll at least go give them a sniff. I hope they at least use the best wax for candles unlike LV.

I like that they'e keeping the scents mostly different from the fragrances, I don't like when candles are too perfume-y and sometimes it can ruin a fragrance for me if I start too associate it too much with the candle/room scent. Le Labo Santal 33 for example will always smell like the Arlo hotel lobby and not a fragrance one should wear.

Speaking of Le Labo, I actually think their candles are the best thing they offer!

Thanks for the price update!

This is a paradigm shift for me to even consider home fragrances and I feel like it opens a whole new world for me to consider scents that I don't want to wear on myself but may be open to smelling as an ambient scent. I want to revisit Le Labo now.

 

[imm0rtelle]

Apparently Parade is finally available in Australia. They've resolved the copyright issue of the name of the fragrance.

 

[imm0rtelle]

First customer who bought the candles at Le Bon Marché:

Using google translate:

After receiving the notification, I immediately went to the Celine pop-up store in Le Bon Marché. The new scented candles are so beautiful! Pure black glass, black wax and candle wicks, a total of six fragrances, five of which are new and original, and only Nightclubbing is in the existing Haute Parfumerie collection.

L'Inventaire: Old book + woody fragrance, similar to Diptyque's green Paris candle, but warmer.

Palimpseste: Peony, rose, pear, super beautiful and romantic fragrance!

Grands lys: The ecstasy of herbal fragrance lovers, the fragrance of wild lilies.

Nightclubbing: vanilla and cigar, full of charming neutral fragrance, like a beautiful Paris nightlife.

Papiers Froissés and Tambour Noir, please go and smell them yourself. The SA was very enthusiastic and told me that I was the first customer to buy Celine candles. There are also embossed cup lids, candle wick scissors, leather candle cup covers and so on. The limited-time store is in Le Bon Marché, from September 20th to October 10th, it will not be released until November in China. After that, I will do an out-of-the-box test for everyone!

 

[imm0rtelle]

Hedi selling so many accessories just for a candle.

If I do get a candle, I know I will need to also buy a cover. Maybe if I'm impulsive I'll get the branded wick cutter that I can double as a wick dipper, instead of getting the candle snuffer, since candle snuffers still leave a small smoke trail after extinguishing the flame. I'm 100% passing on the leather candle holder and the Triomphe canvas travel case.

Hedi really out here trying to milk as much money as possible for Celine. He's doing such a great job so far, even the pandemic couldn't stop him. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, Celine has less of a presence in the English-speaking fragrance community. It definitely feels quite exclusive because the price:hype ratio prices out most enthusiasts.

 

[imm0rtelle]

I wore Black Tie out today and it was just shining. I could smell it even though I was wearing a mask. Because it is the molecule style, I get a better experience when not intentionally smelling it off my skin. I can describe it broadly as an airy syrupy sweet scent with a subtle "green" feeling and subtle darkness. I can't tell if I sense the "green" because I know it is the younger sibling of Eau Noire, or whether there is some herbal facet to Black Tie. I consider it a gourmand-lite fragrance. There is this addictive feeling I had when I caught wafts of it. Every time I had a little bit, I wanted more. Because I consider it mainly a sweet fragrance, I would arbitrarily categorize it as a sexy fragrance. It is a low key "I'm sexy and I know it" type of fragrance. I'm still on the fence on whether to add a bottle to my wardrobe. So far I have moved from ambivalent to a like. Hopefully the more I wear my sample, the more I would love it.

 

[imm0rtelle]

Apparently there will be two more candles launching in 2022 called Illuminations and Silence Blanc. Candles are 240 g and burn time around 50-60 hours.

 

[ihxb01]

Hopefully the more I wear my sample, the more I would love it.

I've consumed three of them, one after another. By the way, your contribution to this thread is epic, thank you.

 

[imm0rtelle]

I've consumed three of them, one after another. By the way, your contribution to this thread is epic, thank you.

Glad my stream-of-consciousness is of use to more than just myself!

I've worn Black Tie for at least 6 times already and the most recent time was when I had the most enjoyable experience. I'm usually quite anosmic to it, so it was surprising to me when I could smell it more often than my previous tests. I was reflecting on what factors could have affected this, and I think it is because I changed my spray routine to spraying behind my ear. I used to only spray on my clavicles, because of the Roja Dove video that talks about his spray routine:

Spraying my clavicles has been quite nice for me, but I think it just doesn't work as well for "molecular" fragrances like Black Tie. I'm going to continue experimenting with behind the ear approach to see if this will help me finally be able to smell and enjoy Black Tie.

 

[imm0rtelle]

Update on fakes:

There used to only be 5 (Parade, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Eau de Californie, Black Tie, and Nightclubbing). Now 2 more are joining the list (Cologne Française and La Peau Nue). They're still missing Dans Paris and Reptile. Fakes still are 100 mL bottles.