La Collection Privée by Christian Dior

Already back in 2010, the house of Dior released 10 new fragrances under the name of La Collection Privée. The Perfumer François Demachy got the mission to re-create scents that would represent different stages of the late Christian Dior’s life and career. A luxury portfolio only using the very best source of materials and oils. The price point matching the rareness.

The collection was built up by three male fragrances, one unisex and the rest to be known as created for women. I personally think there are more than one who could easily work for both men and women! It’s all a preference of taste and the chemistry when a scent get in contact with skin.

For the first couple of years, the line was only available via Dior’s international webpage, as well as in their highly exclusive boutiques in Paris and Las Vegas. To this day, the whole collection is kind of hard to find, you can visit their website for all the outlets that carries it.

Here in Dubai though, we are so lucky to have the full collection on display at both Bloomingdales’s and Paris Gallery. I do not own any of these pristine bottles – yet – but it’s a matter of time as I have been sniffing them up like a crazy woman. They are gorgeous, the display and the history behind every scent is magnificent. Let me present my favourites!

Picture: www.dior.com/beauty

All bottles come in a rainbow of colours. I must say that the shades probably also have something to say about what perfume you end up liking! My very first pick is no doubt Milly – la – Forêt. 

As per the official description, this place was Mr Dior’s hideaway when he needed to be closer to nature and far from the jet-set life in Paris. He retracted to Milly after large shows to be able to recharge and find balance. While walking the surroundings the Perfumer, Mr. Demachy felt the vision of a ” romantic walk in the forrest, with a fresh, tender and cottony scent”.

 That line pretty much sums it up why I immediately got so attracted to it. When later learning the notes, it all made such  perfect sense to me: topnote with Mandarin essence (according to Mr. Demachy citrusy notes are the hardest to produce as the quality of the fragrance will only be as good as the raw material. There’s no way to cheat). At it’s heart beautiful and strong Neroli essence and with a mystique base of White musk accord it’s just divine. Topped off with some Jasmine and Iris it’s just so sensual and pretty, clean and fresh. Yes, the grey/violet kind of shade speak to me as well, I feel like it belongs on my vanity!

The runner up (at least for me) will of course be New Look 1947. Anyone who knows her fashion history in general and the feud between the houses of Dior and Chanel in particular knows what The New look represented. It pretty much reflected more than just the fashion industry, it reflected the time being, the modern woman taking on a brave new world after WW2 was finally over and the scent embodies that experience of time.

Contrary to my first pick, this scent is described to be more spicy, fire and earth. I feel it is more of a nighttime scent. All of the collection’s perfumes are created to have their base notes stay (vaguely) in your clothes or room for months. If you are not so keen to that, avoid spraying them onto any kind of fabrics! Of course you shall also avoid adding any perfume to your points of lymphatic drainage as the scent will most likely get ruined!

Now, The New Look is nothing but a parade in fine art. Top note Mahoran Ylang-Ylang essence (which always reminds me of dark, luxurious SPAs), a heart with purest Indian Tuberose Absolute, the flower so significant for the 1947 fashion show and at the base some Siam benzoin balm. Even this fragrance have iris and jasmine inside, but very subtle. I still can see a pattern in my preferences! It comes with the slightest sweetness of vanilla to take away most heat and it’s a signature scent for sure. If you ever get the chance, go and enjoy sniffing around on the full collection. In my, somewhat harsh oppinion, you will never choose one of the more commercial Dior perfumes! As Bloomingdales’s Dubai have their #BeautyBenefits campaign ongoing util March, 16, with lots of offers on display, a bottle of fine, rare perfume might just be what you are looking for!

For all international readers, I’ve seen that samples from the collection might be available to purchase via Surrender to Chance although I’ve never ordered from them myself. As these bottles are quite expensive, a sample is never a bad idea. ♥

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2 Comments
    1. Hiii!! so nice to see your comment in here 🙂 Thank you, it is a very beautiful collection. I haven’t made up my mind yes, but I think it will be Milly.

      kisses

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