French fragrance brand Berdoues celebrates 120 years in business. Since the brands arrival in South African in 2019, Berodues fragrances have become a favourite of mine.
The house of Berdoues began life in 1902 when Guillaume Berdoues, a hairdresser and barber, developed an amber coloured Cologne to complete his clients’ shaving ritual. Thereafter, he became passionately involved in the fragrance world, and before long opened a perfume boutique on Rue Lafayette in the city center of his hometown, Toulouse.
In 1936, Guillaume’s son Henri – a chemical engineer and artist at heart –, created a delicate scent inspired by the violet of Toulouse. He developed an innovative distillation process that was the first to make use of the leaves instead of the flowers, which brought the fragrance a soft, verdant note.
Fast forward to 2009 and Sophie, the 4th generation in the family company and a qualified pharmacist, has been bringing exquisite care to the composition of fragrances, making them ever “cleaner” and better for the consumer.
Eleven fragrances are available in the Berdoues Collection Grands Crus line, each with a rare blend of materials that create sublime alchemies. Each Grands Crus fragrance is inspired by a region in the world and offers a unique interpretation of that place’s olfactory identity. These scents combine freshness, elegance and refinement.
Below are some of my favourite scents from the brand.
ASSAM OF INDIA R1,675 for a 100ml – BUY
This is my favourite Berdoues scent and is meant to conjure up the tea plains of Assam in North India. Assam Of India is a beautifully subtle, unisex scent that combines just 3 notes: Assam tea leaves, citrus and sandalwood.
On first spritz, there is a strong citrus opening, thanks to the lemon. A few minutes later, the tea comes through, giving the scent a very comforting yet fresh personality. As the scent dries down, the warm sandalwood becomes more prominent.
AZUR RIVIERA R1,675 for a 100ml – BUY
Imagine an idyllic view of the Cote d’Azur with aromas of brown algae, cool and pure jasmine and mildly salty and sparkling orange blossom wafting through the air. The floral bouquet is emboldened by a fresh sea breeze that gives a specific atmosphere to the Riviera and makes this scent rather addictive. Azur Riviera is THE perfect summer scent!
GUARIA MORADA R1,675 for a 100ml – BUY
This gorgeous fragrance is, in essence, an olfactory interpretation of Coast Rica’s exuberant beauty. Inspiration was taken from the countries lush landscape and the its unique and iconic flower: Guaria Morada. This beautiful French fragrance contains top notes of Ylang-Ylang, pear & orange blossom; heart notes of mandarin and Tuberose and a base of Patchouli and vanilla. Guaria Morada falls into the fruity floral fragrance category and is easy to wear, has good longevity and will resonate with most age groups.
SELVA DO BRAZIL R1675 for a 100ml – BUY
Translated into English, Selva do Brazil means ‘Forest of Brazil’. And this scent smells exactly like I’d image a lush rainforest to smell like after a downpour.
The fragrance notes include Petitgrain from Paraguay, Tonka bean from Brazil and Guaiac wood from Argentina. Berdous perfumers have recreated a rainforest note by melding a dry, inimitable green note that gives this scent such a unique, fresh and lush personality. This is a simple, uncomplicated, botanical UNISEX scent. It’s very fresh, earthy and herbaceous.
GIVEAWAY
Stand a chance of winning one of the Berdoues fragrances featured in this post valued at R1,675
To enter, leave a comment below telling me which of the 4 fragrances featured appeals to you the most.
Please ensure you include your email address when commenting (only I can see it) so I can contact you, should you be the winner.
The winner will be announced on In My Bag’s Facebook page (FOLLOW HERE) next week Friday 19 August 2022
This giveaway is only open to residents of South Africa.
You can view the full line up of Berdoues fragrances HERE
