Cult Perfumes

A lot of fashion books land on my desk each month, but this is the first one about perfume, so I wanted to share something a bit different. My review of it for My Creative Diva magazine is below and I can safely say this would make a great gift for any lady. After all, who doesn't love a good perfume?!

There is no denying the significance of perfume in a woman’s life; the indulgent luxury, the instant connections to the people we love, and the memories that can be evoked in a split second by a fragrance that instantly takes you back to days gone by. Scent is as important as any sight or sound to a memory – it’s personal and powerful.

Cult Perfumes is an acknowledgement of the role that perfume plays in our lives. It is filled with beautiful pictures, from the ornate bottles and glossy ad campaigns, to the opulent stores in which they are sold. The introduction transports us back in time to some of the earliest known uses of fragrance and key figures in its history such as Marie Antoinette and Catherine de Medici.

This is followed by a rundown of the industry’s biggest names, delving into brands’ histories and discussing their significance in today’s market. Cast aside all thoughts of fleeting celebrity efforts, these are the genuine stars of the perfume world, from modern day favourites to brands with incredible heritages.

Creed is a real standout for me, evolved by seven generations of the Creed family. An emphasis on quality and tradition has garnered them an impressive following that has included Queen Victoria, John F. Kennedy and Winston Churchill!

Cult Perfumes by Tessa Williams, £29.95

Published by Merrell

ISBN 978-1-8589-4577-4