We’ve been wearing this show-stopping scent for 15 years – and it never gets old …
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It’s nearly 15 years since Frederic Malle unleashed Portrait of a Lady eau de parfum, an explosion of rose and patchouli by Dominique Ropion. It’s surprising to me that it has only been around since 2010 – it’s such a classic, it’s hard to imagine perfume before it.
Back in 2010, what other scents were we wearing? Maison Margiela’s (untitled) – the best one in the line – launched that year also, as did Le Labo’s Another13, and top sellers of the year were Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle, followed by Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia, plus Creed’s Aventus.
When Portrait first launched, occasionally you’d get a waft of this exquisite deep velvety rose and stop in your tracks. The secret is in Ropion’s mastery and its “overdose” of two Turkish roses – an essence and an absolute – in a huge concentration: 400 flowers are needed for a single 100ml bottle. There are amber undertones, smoky incense, and bright berry notes of blackcurrant and raspberry to enhance the rose further. There has never been an occasion when I’ve worn it and not had a compliment – it is just an exquisitely beautiful smell and one that still stands out. As Frederic Malle told me in person, it’s a perfume that’s impossible to replicate or copy as it’s so expensive to make.
To celebrate the 15th anniversary this year, a limited-edition red lacquer bottle is launching in January (€330, 100ml), with these images by British photographer David Sims commissioned to mark the occasion.
Yes, it’s become far more widely worn since the brand was bought by Estee Lauder – though obviously the price point keeps it pretty exclusive. And the price is rising all the time – in 2022, it was €275 for 100ml. If you adore the smell but it’s out of your budget, hand cream is available for €50, hair mist (from €118) or hair and body oil (€175). The 30ml bottle of perfume is €173 at www.cultbeauty.com.
Limited-edition Portrait of a Lady red bottle available from January 17 at stockists nationwide. www.fredericmalle.eu
