The story of Castelbajac
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac was born in 1949 in Casablanca. He started in fashion in the 1970s and made his mark with a cheerful style: bright colours, blanket coats, nods to comics and contemporary art. He dressed musicians, worked with artists and in 1997 designed the liturgical vestments for World Youth Day in Paris. In fragrance the brand has had several lives. A scent called Doudou came out in 2001 and later disappeared. The real comeback was Beautiful Day in 2017, first sold exclusively at Marionnaud. Maurice Roucel, the author of many modern classics, composed it. A Bonheur version followed in 2018.
An olfactory signature
Beautiful Day borrows Castelbajac's mood more than his colours. It is bright and smiling, meant for daytime. Maurice Roucel knows how to build generous flowers and comfortable musky bases, and that craft shows here in an accessible register. Nothing conceptual. It is a well-made mainstream floral with no rough edges. The colourful, graphic bottle does more to link it to the designer's world. You buy it for its good mood rather than for a scent revelation.
Which Castelbajac perfume to choose?
Beautiful Day suits women looking for an easy daytime floral in spring or summer. It is fine at the office and will not bother anyone. Two or three sprays are enough. The price is reasonable, which makes it a sensible gift. Do not expect an auteur perfume, as this is a feel-good scent. For comparison, try Marc Jacobs Daisy, which shares the bright spirit and is a little fruitier. If you want Maurice Roucel at his most ambitious, go to Frédéric Malle Musc Ravageur.