Neil Morris, courtesy of Chaya

The irrepressible Chayaruchama, aka Ida, has sweetly sent me samps of two new scents from Neil Morris, a Boston perfumer who specializes in custom fragrances. He's getting into the retail business in a serious way, and if this pair of 'fumes is any indication, that's good news for scent freaks.

Le Parfum d'Ida--yes, named for Ms. Chaya--is a truly classic floral/leather/aldehyde. Ida says it's "skanky," and so it is, but in the most genteel sense. (Note to normal people: Perfumistas smile on skanky, within limits. Don't try to figure it out.) This baby is a real throwback to the great scents of the pre-WWII era. Think of the vivid richness of the classic Lanvins combined with the earthy sensuality of Tabu. But there's a bit of post-war wit and sparkle, too. Imagine the love child of Scandal and Miss Dior, and you'll have a notion of Le Parfum d'Ida.

















Taj is a gourmand rose, rich with chocolate--very rich with chocolate, to my nose. Ida mentions "loads of patch," but before you Angel-phobes panic, rest assured that Taj bears little resemblance to Mugler's drag queen. (Thank god for the metaphorical genius of Luca Turin.) No, Taj is sweet and gentle, refined without being bland. There's nothing cute about it, nor is it a sugar-soaked mess. It strikes me as a dream chocolate scent for the woman who loves Tocade.



Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons