Our take
What does Perles de Lalique smell like?
Lalique launched Perles de Lalique in 2006, with Nathalie Lorson of Firmenich behind the formula. Marie Claire gave it an award the following year, which is why some retailers date it to 2007. A brief bergamot opens, quickly covered by a Bulgarian rose with a green, stem-like edge. Iris then settles in. It smells like the cardboard of an old powder box, and Bourbon pepper gives it a dry grain that tingles without burning. The base is a modern chypre: Indonesian patchouli, oakmoss and vetiver, softened by cashmeran's woolly warmth. The whole thing stays muted and very clean. The rose and patchouli pairing brings Coco Mademoiselle to mind. Perles is drier and greyer, though, and has none of the Chanel's sweet strawberry. The pearl-studded bottle sums it up well. This is a perfume for a discreet piece of jewelry rather than an evening gown.
When to wear it
Wear it to the office in autumn or to a dressy lunch. It clings well to a wool collar, so two sprays will do.
It belongs to the Floral, Chypre family. Perles de Lalique is one of 17 creations by Lalique in our encyclopedia.