cherry blossoms in Japan (c) Alison Blackman http:/www./alisonblackman.infoi
There is something so delicate, so special, about cherry blossom time in Japan. It feels as though the entire country has been dipped in pink and white icing. The flowers are so delicate, and so is their fragrance. The effect is almost like that of butterfly wings, when the wind blows through the cherry trees. That feeling is captured by the latest fragrance in Hanae Mori’s Eau de Collection ($99) called simply, No. 8. It is the final scent in the Eau de Collection series. As you might have already guessed from the lead in of this feature, the stars of this stunning fragrance are notes of Kyoto cherry blossom, plum nectar and passion flower that is supposed to be reminiscent of the fields of cherry blossom trees in Japan, topped with the sweet scent of French pastries. This East meets West blend is a surprising, feminine way to wear a modern scent that is both delicate and girly, but not silly. N° 8 is tantalizingng gourmand, good for girls of all ages. The number 8 on the bottle represents an infinity symbol, a reminder to embrace life’s infinite possibilities and live your dreams, just as Hanae Mori did in all of her endeavors.
For those not familiar with Hanae Mori, she’s an icon, the only Japanese woman to have presented her collections on the runways of Paris and New York, and the first Asian woman to be admitted as an official haute couture design house by the fédération française de la couture in France. Although she is now retired her fragrance division, Hanae Mori Parfums, is still active and produces a series of acclaimed fragrances including Hanae Mori Butterfly for women, HM for Men and Hanae Mori Magical Moon for women. Hanae Mori Parfums are made in France and distributed worldwide. Hanae Mori was awarded the French Legion of Honor by President François Mitterrand of France. In 1996, Hanae Mori was awarded the Order of Culture by the Emperor of Japan.
But back to focus of this review, Hanae Mori’s Eau de Collection No. 8. Both the prsenation and the fragrance are stunning, the type that only a couture designer would conjure up. The outer carton is a pristine white, with a huge hot pink butterfly outlined in gold, and No 8 in hot pink as well. Inside, the hot pink bottle graduates from sheer pink at the top to hot pink at the bottom, The topper is a free form “cocoon” into which is placed a shimmery hot pink ribbon, a butterfly in a “chrysalis” waiting to break free and spread it’s hot pink wings in flight!
As to the actual fragrance, the actual notes are Top notes: Sicilian orange, Kyoto cherry blossom, plum nectar. Middle notes: Passion flower, Sambac Jasmine petal, pink freesia. Base notes: Indonesia natural patchouli, Australia natural sandalwood, musk. Although the scent smells immediately fruity, the patchouli and musk come through pretty quickly too, mixing nicely with the florals. The fragrance has a fairly long finish, but it didn’t stick around long enough on my skin to last without taking a touch-up vial with me. Everyone’s skin is different, so your experience may vary. But for sheer beauty and femininity, with a modern and unique view on scent,
Hanae Mori No 8 is a lovely choice for yourself or more likely, for your favorite Valentine. Valentines’ Day is just one month away, so this is the perfect time to shop! Get this unique and romantic fragrance at fine department stores such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Sephora. For more information you can also visit http://www.hanaemoriparfums.com/
