2008 in Review and looking at 2009

We’ve done our Best of 2008, but 2008 in perfume was more than just coming up with the best perfumes.  What did we get this year?  Scads of new releases, many of them pretty awful, some of them that were okay, some that were good but overpriced, and a few that were really great.  Considering there were hundred of releases, it was disheartening to see so few that were great.

I’ve been thinking a lot about which of those released this year will endure and become classics.  When I think classics, I think those perfumes that will be around and selling well in five years.

This is my prediction for the niche/mainline perfumes that I think will make that cut from 2008. My opinion is not necessarily based on the genius of the perfume or its merit.  It is based on the line it comes from, its marketing, name, etc.  We’ll see how good my crystal ball is in a few yars.

• Chanel Sycomore – Chanel brand and a great scent
• Chanel Beige – ditto
• Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere – ditto again
• Comme des Garcons Stephen Jones – I may be wrong on this one, but it’s my hopeful pick, and the packaging may be enough to help it along into a mainstream breakthrough.  One mention/picture in Allure or a star’s interview should do the trick
• Creed Love in Black – The name, the name, the name. The juice is perfectly fine, and I like it on me a lot, but it’s not a classic just based on the juice, it’s the Creed name and the image the name of the perfume invokes.
• Prada Infusion d’Homme – Prada, guys, nonoffensive, what’s not to love here?
• Ralph Lauren Notorious — not sure why exactly, but this one just seems to have some legs to it, though I think the actual perfume is a little bland.  I think the name will drive sales on it and make it one of RL’s bestsellers
• Van Cleef  & Arpels Feerie — I like this scent well enough, but I think that bottle captures attention and will drive its sales/popularity for quite a while

Now, looking ahead to what’s out there for 2009, these are the things I’m most looking forward to sniffing and believe, based on my very cloudy crystal ball will be great:

• Annick Goutal Un Matin d’Orage (Feb)
• Serge Lutens Cellophane thing (Jan)
• Hermessence Vanille Gallante (Jan)
• Monique Lhullier
• Two new CdGs, Daphne Guinness and Jun Takahashi
• Bond Brooklyn

Hmm, that’s a pretty short list for 2009.  So what’s on your list for classics for 2008 and what you think will be big and great in 2009?