Epitomising more than 200 years of English eccentricity, the fragrance house Atkinsons launched at Bloomingdale's in The Dubai Mall this week. The UAE's well-heeled set experienced the new range at Wheeler's restaurant in the DIFC in between feasting on foie gras and oysters.
Atkinsons is famous for its suited grizzly bear logo and, fittingly, the brand debuted four modern-day vintages that had been in hibernation, including The Nuptial Bouquet, inspired by the scent composed from the flowers in Queen Victoria's bridal posy of myrtle, violet leaves and lily-of-the-valley; "an ode to dandyism" in the form of The British Bouquet; a languorous perfume with patchouli called Fashion Decree; and The Odd Fellow's Bouquet, a tribute to Lawrence of Arabia, with tobacco, ginger, heliotrope flowers and peppercorn (www.atkinsons1799.com).
Worthy of mention is Atkinsons new signature scent from the "emblematic collection": 24 Old Bond Street, with notes of juniper, rose and black tea, is an assertive but elegant fragrance.
As the big bear himself says: "Spritzing one's personage with a thrilling bit of history is the very apogee of perfume snobbery." Hear, hear, old chap.
rduane@thenational.ae
