Moments in Fragrance >> A Floral Affair

The close of another year isn’t just the turn of a calendar page. It’s a chance to look forward and anticipate the fragrance trends that will infuse our upcoming year. Some of the most delightful scents that will perfume 2017 will certainly be white florals.

A bouquet of white luxury

When we think of white florals, the fragrances that come to mind are jasmine, lily of the valley, tuberose, wisteria, magnolia, honeysuckle and freesia, among others. White florals tend to be rich, heady, intoxicating aromas, ones that are memorable and distinctive. Whether it’s a household cleaner, imported eau de parfum or a candle, any product that is fragranced with white flowers exudes a rich, luxurious feel.

Not your grandmother’s white flowers

One of the classic perfumes that features while florals is Elizabeth Arden’s White Shoulders, though its statement can be perceived as a bit heavy-handed compared to modern fragrances. What differentiates the newer fragrances on the scene is a playful approach that tempers the intoxicating white flowers with warm notes of vanilla like in Maison Lancôme’s Jasmins Marzipane or with patchouli and smoke as in Burberry’s My Burberry.

Modern white florals are skillfully layered, weaving together the sweet richness of lush blooms with notes that brighten, lighten and ground potentially overwhelming floral notes.

A statement in white

Like a bride in a wedding gown, white florals make an unforgettable statement that’s paradoxically demure and confident at the same time. It is a testament to the wide appeal of these alluring flowers that they’ve endured – in a dizzying array of iterations – for so many years.

The only difficult part of selecting a particular white floral fragrance is the astounding volume of choices. Yankee Candle Company offers candles in White Gardenia, Midnight Jasmine, Tahitian Tiare Flower, Beach Flowers and a number of other fragrances that incorporate white florals.

Perfume powerhouse Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb made its statement with the original perfume based on jasmine and freesia, and later iterations blend in roses, patchouli and orchid notes for a fresh appeal.

Even skincare is suffused with white floral notes. Both Fresh and Kenzoki luxury brands offer white lotus face creams, moisturizers and cleansers.

White right now

If you’re looking for a new signature fragrance, seeking out one in which white florals play a role – whether it’s starring or supporting – is a great start. Looking for a splash of citrus to freshen up the aroma or a musky patchouli to provide earthy roots helps keep your fragrance profile fresh and current for 2017.