New fragrances this month: Floral updates & a spritz of nostalgia

By Alexandra Donaldson

Spring is just around the corner—we promise. To help get in the mood for a lighter, brighter season comes this month’s lineup of new fragrances from Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Guerlain and Oscar de la Renta. Spritz on.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR FROM GUERLAIN 
La Petite Robe Noire, that sassy scent launched by Guerlain in 2009, debuts a shiny young spinoff this month. The Eau Fraiche, a light-hearted limited edition fragrance, will be just the scent to switch your mind from winter to spring. This time around, the dark notes of the original La Petite Robe Noire (black cherry, black rose, black tea) are replaced with fresh, pretty essences of lemon, mandarin, pistachio and freesia. Base notes of white musk and patchouli update the trail. This might still be your little black dress, but it is undoubtedly a flirty sleeveless version well suited to the warmer climes to come. Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Eau Fraiche, $110 (100 ml), www.guerlain.com

CHANEL’S SECRET CONFIDENTE
Misia, the new Exclusif fragrance launching from Chanel this month, smells of elegance and mystique. The subtle yet sultry powdery perfume, named for Coco Chanel’s friend and confidante, brings to mind luxurious evenings spent at the opera or ballet. Violet, grasse rose, Turkish rose and iris contribute to the fragrance’s vintage character, while tonka bean and resinous Laotian benzoin offer warmth and modernity. Chanel perfumer Olivier Polge was inspired by the close friendship of Chanel and Sert and so the perfume comes announced via beautiful snapshots and collages that tell that story (pictured above, courtesy of Chanel) in accompanying the classic Chanel flacon. Chanel Misia EDP, $180 (75 ml), www.chanel.com

CHANNELLING OSCAR’S TROPICAL ISLAND
Oscar de la Renta loved the beach. But not just any beach. His was the elegant tropical seaside of his native Dominican Republic. Perfumer Calice Becker channeled that tropical locale in creating the brand’s newest scent, Flor. Crisp top notes—lychee, neroli, ivy—combine with creamy musk, tonka bean, peony and jasmine, in this fresh, floral fragrance that also has a glowing warmth. We’re more than ready to pair this with our sundresses and oversized shades and head out into the sunshine. Oscar de la Renta Oscar Flor EDP, $88 (100 ml), www.oscardelarenta.com

LA DOLCE VITA CONTINUES
In case you missed it, Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Floral Drops debuted last month, but we want to make mention as we were quite smitten with last year’s green and floral Dolce Eau de Parfum launch. This new toilette combines the original perfume’s signature white blooms with neroli leaves and papaya flower for a fresh new heart. Sultry cashmeran, musk and sandalwood round out the fragrance. Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Floral Drops EDT, $119 (75 ml), www.dolceandgabbana.com