Why the scent-matching to apparently random topics, you wonder? Basically put, I always think it helps you get a much fuller sense of fragrance’s soul if you can liken it to other things or people you already know (rather than just listing notes). So, grab your magnifying glasses and track down these fragrant characters some time soon: one (or more!) of them may just solve your own case of ‘what fragrance shall I wear next…?
Magnum P.I – Jean Paul Gaultier Le Beau Le Parfum Intense
The iconic masculine torso (talking about the bottle, here! Well, mostly) comes to party. There’s always been something delightfully retro-inspired yet modern about Gaultier’s scents, so the wild sensuality of salt-licked ambergris, fizz of ginger and pineapple match the 80s magnetism of Magnum. A former naval officer turned private detective in Hawaii, ripples of woody tonka only add to his never fully-clothed yet cheeky charm.
£81 for 75ml eau de parfum intense jeanpaulgaultier.com
Christine Cagney – Memoize London Eximus
A career-minded single woman at a time when such things were [ahem, often apparently still ARE] shocking, Cagney had the shorter fuse of the TV duo, and wouldn’t pander to being patronised or told (as she often was) that she ‘didn’t look like a cop.’ Eximus is inspired by the time ‘you went the extra mile and it paid off’, evoking strength of character via subtly sweetened spiced saffron, memorably contrasting pear blossom.
Mary Beth Lacey – Memoize London Curatio
I thought it would be appropriate to choose something from the same fragrance house, yet utterly contrasting in character for Lacey, and while this scent is fluffier around the edges than Cagney’s, it still packs a perfumed punch when needed. The peach-y hug is comforting, gently garlanded with jasmine in the heart, but it’s firmly grounded in warm amber with a long-lasting trail that sticks with you, steadfastly.
Columbo – Miller Harris Feuilles de Tabac
Combining Columbo’s twin loves of cigars and chilli, the slowly smouldering cuban tobacco occasionally flares with firey pimento berries; but don’t expect the full story to be revealed at first sniff. This scent’s in it for the long game, like the lovable detective – shuffling measuredly back and forth from mellow patchouli to the surprising freshness of pine needles and sage leaves. You’ll definitely be back for ‘just one more…’ bottle.
