Our take
What does Kelly Calèche smell like?
In 2007 Jean-Claude Ellena signed his first major feminine for Hermès. The name joins the Kelly bag with Calèche, the house's 1961 women's fragrance. It debuted at the new Wall Street boutique. Ellena had wanted to work with leather since joining Hermès, and he cites a passage about a cobbler from Giono's novel Jean le Bleu. The opening is bright: grapefruit, narcissus and lily of the valley. The heart stays hushed with rose, powdery mimosa and a very discreet tuberose. Then the leather arrives, supple and almost sheer, paired with iris. This is far from the smoky leather of Chanel's Cuir de Russie. It is more like the inside of a brand new bag. Some will find it too shy. The eau de parfum released in 2009 has more depth. Next to Bottega Veneta from 2011, another floral leather, Kelly Calèche is greener and fresher.
When to wear it
A daytime scent for spring and autumn, quiet enough for the office. Spray it on wrists and a scarf, where the leather lasts longer.
It belongs to the Leather family. Kelly Calèche is one of 47 creations by Hermès in our encyclopedia.
