A fragrant lunch at Hayfield Manor Hotel in Co Cork …
THE GLOSS readers and perfume-lovers had the unique opportunity to see behind the scenes of the heritage perfume house, founded in London in 1760, that features seven generations of the Creed family. Guests enjoyed lunch and champagne while Rachel Freeman, National Education Director at Creed, gave a rare insight, revealing the stories of Creed’s illustrious history, as well as some of the processes and precious ingredients behind some of the brand’s most iconic creations. We smelled some of the key notes in these fragrances, from divine Rose Centifolia, harvested in May, to sunny Calabrian bergamot.
SEE MORE: A Rose For All Seasons – Discover Creed’s Eladaria Eau De Parfum
We delved into blockbuster Aventus (from €165) first launched in 2010, with its surprising, winning central combination of pineapple and patchouli. Freeman told us how it was one of the first scents worn by men that won them compliments from other men, leading to it becoming the standout bestseller worldwide. We also looked at the other iterations of Aventus, from Aventus Cologne, bursting with bright lemon, to Aventus For Her, a soft floral with a crisp green apple opening that softens to a peach and cassis heart. Absolu Aventus, first launched as a limited edition and brought into the permanent line by popular demand, elicited lots of reaction, with its smokey vetiver notes; we love its striking black bottle, too – a statement on any dressing table.
Freeman also talked about the most recent arrival, Oud Zarian, one of Creed’s most luxurious perfumes yet, featuring a rare 80-year-old oud, cultivated in South Asia. This has been created with time and patience – and that quality means it smells like nothing else you’ve ever breathed in. With resinous myrrh and frankincense in the mix (definitely an apt choice for the season), it warms to a beautifully soft tonka and liquorice on your skin.
SEE MORE: Embrace Edible Autumn Tones
Creed is a luxurious option for striking gift ideas, including for any difficult to buy for men in your life: there’s the classic Green Irish Tweed scent (from €215), originally created in 1985, which smells elegant and classy on everyone. There are Aventus three- and five-piece sets in stylish boxes, inspiration sets (from €42) and elegant travel atomisers, refillable with your favourite scent.
Click into the gallery to see some of the guests in attendance:
Photographer: Diane Cusack
Email details of smart parties, event or weddings to glossip@thegloss.ie
