Van Cleef & Arpels adds a new facet to its lineage for fall 2009: Collection Extraordinaire is inspired by the exquisite Les Jardins jewelry collection and is a reinterpretation of six extraordinary gardens with perfumes that pay tribute to nature: Gardénia Pétale (Gardenia Petal), Orchidée Vanille (Vanilla Orchid), Lys Carmin (Carmine Lily), Muguet Blanc (White Lily of the Valley), Bois d’Iris (Iris Wood) and Cologne Noire (Black Cologne). The fragrances, detailed below, are $185 each for 75ml and are available exclusively at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Van Cleef & Arpels boutiques.

Gardénia Pétale (Gardenia Petal): A symbol of faithfulness and sincerity, the gardenia is a captivating white flower, exquisite and unafraid of its sensuality. Opulent and warm, gardenia intoxicates the senses and makes heads spin with a touch of freshness that dries down to leave the majestic flower in all its tantalizing glory. The perfumer was inspired by the scented breath of the gardenia, choosing not to emphasize its fruited, white-flower but instead to concentrate on its petals. An enveloping and very feminine fragrance based on floral lightness.

Orchidée Vanille (Vanilla Orchid): In Asia, exotic orchids are often associated with the idea of beauty. The luscious bean of one of these orchids, the vanilla planifolia, nestles within an elegant black sheath. Discreet yet sensuous, it is mild, smooth and intoxicating. The perfumer wanted to create a vanilla fragrance that was not too sugary, but sweet like a candied almond. Joyous fruity harmonies magnify the floral heart and melt within multi-faceted vanilla, tender and warm, cradled in dreamy musk. Feminine and sensual, absolute and bewitching.

Lys Carmin (Carmine Lily): Regal yet pure in the symbolic language of flowers, the lily blooms with exuberance. This majestic blossom is accompanied by a distinguished fragrance and clothes itself in a powerful scarlet red. The perfumer worked to preserve the carnality and spiciness of the flower, luminous but reinforced with spicy notes (pink peppercorn, cinnamon, “red” notes). A proud, majestic, sensuous fragrance.

Muguet Blanc (White Lily of the Valley):  The symbol of friendship, Lily of the Valley is decked with bells to celebrate spring, and announces the renewal of a season with tenderness and beauty. The perfumer wanted this fragrance to be very simple in appearance, with an immediately recognizable olfactory signature. He surrounded the flower with handsome musks, including exceptionally high-quality nirvanolid. The scent is feminine, modern, green and joyous, celebrating la dolce vita with delicacy and freshness. A beautiful ingénue dressed in tenderness.

Bois d’Iris (Iris Wood): Precious exotic woods are accented with a vibrant salty note, recalling ocean sprays that splash over driftwood warming in the sun. A soft and elegant note of lightness manifests itself through a beautiful powdered iris, bringing to mind the lands of Tuscany. Surrounding this majestic iris, the perfumer has composed a woodsy yet “wet” fragrance by accenting the sensual aspect of the warm notes of myrrh, labdanum, incense and ambergris. An atypical and enchanting woody scent.

Cologne Noire (Black Cologne): Legendary eau de Cologne has been a part of perfume history for centuries, and its most beautiful qualities can be exceptional. Cologne Noire was created from an array of spices centered around black pepper to give character and power to the cologne. This spicy harmony was refreshed with hesperidin notes: bergamot, neroli (bitter orange) and mandarin. The perfumer’s goal was to instill this cologne with a new tone, a new effect and modernity. Precious and original, a chiaroscuro fragrance with spicy accents.

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