New perfumes make for a sweet-smelling September

New fragrances from Guerlain, Nina Ricci and Prada debut

Forget spring fever, this first month of fall sees a number of perfumes meant to be worn while in search of (or indulging in) romance. Perhaps it’s the change of season, but we picture these scents paired with your LBD, a crisp suit or some lacy lingerie. Intrigued? 

Guerlain’s Mon Exclusif

The latest from Guerlain is a green oriental fragrance with notes of lavender, mandarin, iris, sandalwood and a toffee accord. Created by in-house perfumer, Thierry Wasser, this is lush and slightly masculine—an evening date-night scent to be worn with tousled hair and a little black dress. Speaking of little black dresses, we also smell something of Wasser’s blockbuster La Petite Robe Noire in this spritz too. But this is darker.

The bottle is a feminine nod to Guerlain’s original men’s Coque d’Or bottle of 1937, itself fashioned after a bow-tie. This iteration of packaging with its pink juice is more bow-like (think ballerina) than black-tie. Part of the Exclusif collection, this perfume has no official name: The brand’s marketers simply refer to it as “Mon Exclusif”, saying it invites the wearer to call it, well, whatever they want and make it part of their signature style. Hmmm. Regardless of the spin, it definitely smells good and a bit unusual.
Guerlain Mon Exclusif EDP, $185 (50 ml), www.guerlain.com

Nina Ricci L’Extase

Nina Ricci L’Extase is a strong, sensual scent. That’s apparent even before you watch the steamy commercial (below). This oriental floral is built around two separate accords: “barely rose” and “musky shadow”. The former centres on white florals and roses with pink peppercorn; the latter includes notes of Benzoin, cedar, musk and amber. If you love romantic floral fragrances, but are looking for something with an edge for fall, this is the one to buy. It’s dark without being heavy and moody but not overwhelmingly so. Perfect for a night out—or in.
Nina Ricci L’Extase EDP, $125 (80 ml), www.thebay.com

Prada Luna Rossa Sport

Prada Luna Rossa Sport is the latest in the Luna Rossa line. The new scent is invigorating with notes of ginger, juniper berries, tonka and vanilla all swirling around aromatic lavender. It brings to mind the fresh salt-water sea. No wonder, sailing was, and remains, the inspiration for the line. The Sport spritz works seamlessly within Luna Rossa collection: The original being a darkly aromatic fragrance with clary sage, orange essence, spearmint and ambrette; while this new release is aromatic, fresher but still lavender-loving—a perfect prelude for a romantic encounter, or an elegant boat race.
Prada Luna Rosse Sport EDT, $92 (100 ml), www.holtrenfrew.com