Histoires des Parfums L'Olympia Music Hall Le Parfum

Gérald Ghislain, founder and perfumer of the French niche brand Histoires de Parfums shows a predilection for classic Parisian shows apart from famous French authors, it seems, which continues: After his recent fragrance release dedicated to the infamous and titillating fame of Moulin Rouge, Ghislain focuses on the equally well-known L'Olympia Music Hall.

The legend of L'Olympia, as famous as other mythical Parisian show theaters such as Les Folies Bergeres or Crazy Horse, is palpable: Iconic performers include the black gazelle Josephine Baker, the "sparrow" Edith Piaf and the gloriously androgynous Dalida as well as Gilbert Becaud, Johnny Hallyday and Yves Montand—a line-up to make anyone sit up and take notice!

To capture this glamor and history wasn't easy. The ambience of the stage is captured in a smoky woody with leathery and floral accents. The fragrance of L'Olympia revolves around a heart of rose, freesia and peony, freshened on top with the bracing note of black pepper, the tartness of assorted citrus essences and the soft bitterness of saffron —a very popular note in recent releases (another one featuring it is Black Saffron Byredo). The sensuous background notes of patchouli, vanilla, chocolate and a "suede accord" create the mystery and warmth of a packed L'Olympia at the height of its glory.

Olympia Le Parfum will be presented at Pitti 10 Fragrance Exhibition this September in Eau de Parfum concentration in bottles of 2oz and 4oz. The fragrance will then be internationally available in October 2012.

Additionally, Histoires de Parfums will launch a Gold edition of Edition Rare in a trio of scents, named Veni, Vidi, Vici, in February 2013.

Author: Elena Vosnaki is a historian & perfume writer from Greece and a Writer to Fragrantica. She is the founder and editor of Perfume Shrine, one of the most respected independent online publications on perfume containing fragrance reviews, industry interviews, essays on raw materials and perfume history, a winner in Fragrantica Blog Awards and a finalist in numerous blog awards contests. Her writing was recognised at the Fifi Awards for Editorial Excellence in 2009 and she has been contributing to publications around the world.