A few weeks ago I read in Women’s Wear Daily that Oscar de la Renta was launching Essential Luxuries, a new collection of six fragrances inspired by “his most loved people, places and things,” developed by perfumer Calice Becker.
“We don’t change the way we look on a daily basis, but we may want to change the way we smell,” said de la Renta during an exclusive interview at his Manhattan offices this week. “A woman now wants to represent herself in many different ways, at different times. There is a world that is wide open to women, with a lot of choices. I no longer think a woman is married to one fragrance.” - WWD
Santo Domingo ~ named for the city where Oscar de la Renta was born in the Dominican Republic, with notes of tobacco, citrus, mandarin and patchouli. I love this scent whole-heartedly. It’s soft but not timid; overall intensely sexy. I have a soft spot for tobacco based fragrances and this doesn’t disappoint. Some might say it’s a bit old school but I love it for night time.
Oriental Lace ~ a dark gourmand oriental inspired by his ready-to-wear fashion, with notes of hoya carnosa, honey, bitter almond, dark cacao, clove and patchouli. This one is spicy and not for the timid.
Granada ~ referencing the Alhambra gardens, the citrus floral features bigarade, bergamot, jasmine, orange and rose. Granada is a bit bright and fresh without seeming too young or girly.
Sargasso ~ named for the Sargasso sea, with juniper, lemon and cucumber. Extremely bright! Perhaps one of the younger scents in the group, this reminds me of Spring and sundresses. Oddly enough, I smell this and think of going on vacation wearing a chic swimsuit and big hat. Yes.
Mi Corazon ~ a floral fragrance inspired by his daughter Eliza; the notes include ylang ylang, tuberose and peach. Tuberose, sweet tuberose. It’s a difficult note and not everyone is a fan. I love tuberose this. This takes my second top spot simply because of its amazing ability to use tuberose without seeming old.
Coralina ~ representing a coral-colored stone favored by the designer; featuring violet, mimosa, orris, and woody green notes. This reminds me of my mother, in the most amazing sense ever. Growing up, my mother was always the type to dab a bit of perfume before heading out (along with apply a bit of red lipstick). This scent takes me back when I would hug her before she sent me off to school.
I was instantly attracted to Santo Domingo and Mi Corazon but if you want to find which one is best for you, visit the Scent Stylist answer a couple of questions and BOOM! There it is.
The Oscar de la Renta Essential Luxuries fragrances is available in 100 ml for $150 each, exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue and Oscar de la Renta boutiques.
Disclosure: samples were provided for editorial consideration
