Hey Posse. Remembering Cinnamon’s London Sniff Post I have saved an excellent addendum till now. While we were in Harrod’s sniffing and flirting shamelessly with the SAs we got talking to the Thameen London rep. His knowledge of the brand was extensive and he was even interested in giving us the full story after he knew we were sniffing, not shopping. He was one of those rare SAs that really loves his product, his job, and making a connection with people. His being ridiculously handsome and fit had nothing to do with it. Anyway, halfway through we realised that this new release, Fanfare, was creatively directed by Amouage’s ex-CD Christopher Chong (boy do we miss having him at the helm). Woo Hoo! So I’m very excited to be writing about it. Thanks to the adorable Harrod’s Thameen London SA who gave me a sample.
Fanfare by Thameen London
Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Neroli Lemon Bergamot Floral Notes
Heart: Vermouth Juniper berry Rosemary
Base: Vetiver Musk Patchouli
Created by Firmenich nose Bruno Jovanovic who you may know from Masque Milano Times Square, CK Reveal, Dries Van Noten par Frederic Malle, Paco Rabanne Lady Million and others including a couple of Amouages. I love how diverse his range is.
So how does Fanfare smell? The opening is all smooth white flowers with a tart, sparkling citrus that takes over almost immediately. The citrus is lip puckeringly juicy. Fresh and energising.
Soon after there is a waft of greenery that creates a little drama beneath the citrus. As it makes itself known there is a return of the white flowers, they seem crisp and powdery like the touch of peonies on your cheek. Then the greenery becomes juniper berries clear as day, this awesome ingredient seems to be swimming among the others and shows itself in this way a few more times during the heart. It’s like a game of peek-a-boo. I find myself hoping for its return as I lift my arm to deep sniff.
From arms length the white flowers are more pronounced but they have a green hue. A unisex white floral. Not just anyone can wear all perfumes but Fanfare seems to be a perfect choice for guys who like the idea of a white floral but are nervous to cross the line. This could definitely be a contender. Especially as we head to dry down and the oily, grassiness of vetiver and earthy patchouli. There seems to be something else I can’t name but it’s like angelica or wormwood. Dark, slightly bitter. Very interesting. The base is foresty. Yeah, terrible descriptor but I think you’ll get it if you try Fanfare.
Fanfare has such a lovely story, segues are smooth for me, longevity and projection are moderate. Though the soft wash of green lasts really well. You have to be close but it’s there.
Are you excited that Christopher Chong is back in the game?
Portia xx
Maybe it’s more a classic Agua de Colonia. They have BWF floating around by the shovel full!
Interesting Alityke.
This reads wonderful- I am going to hae to seek it out. Even if I don’t get to experience the hunky Harrods SA (or have fun with you two!)
Yes, I am glad CC is back in the game. He is a talented one.
HA! Tom, I bet ALL the Thameen SAs are sexy AF. It’s good business.
Agreed, Christopher is amazing. I’m so excited he’s back.
Portia xx
Fanfare sounds like a really refreshing and breezy white floral, Portia. Enough green and citrus to give it lift and keep it from getting too heady. My kinda thing. Thanks for the great review.
Welcome DinaC,
Fanfare is worth a try. If I was a little more flush there would be a bottle here by my side.
Portia xx
Ooooh, this sounds lovely! White flowers, citrus, and green … what a treat. That London trip is the gift that keeps on giving! And I love an SA who’s really into the line and wants to discuss and share and isn’t just waiting for you to buy something.
HA HA HA! I replied to Cinnamon below with that exact phrase March. Serendipity.
You would have loved our day out.
The Thameen SA was everything you want your sales staff to be.
Portia xx
That was such a fun day and that SA was so sweet and dishy. I can’t recall what this smelled like, given all the things we sampled, which means I have an excuse to revisit 🙂
That day was the gift that keeps giving Cinnamon.
HA! Yes, you really do need to go back to London. PRONTO!
Portia xx
Portia this sounds like spring in a bottle ?
I’m in London in August/September and will be heading to Harrods to try this one ?
Excuse the question marks they where supposed to be heart emojis
WOO HOO! Do it Chris, I think it will blow your socks off.
Portia xx
Oof, I’d love to try this but the €€€!
Yeah, I hear you Cassieflower.
Portia, the sounds like the most superb version of a classic cologne or summer spritz with a good, strong corset as underpinnings. Oh how I love this style if astringently strict but sexy underneath style.
Thank you for not calling it a neo or modern chypre.
Those prices though…. OUCH!
Same here.
Yeah, classic cologne modernised and BWF for all Alityke. Never even thought of it being a chypre but you might have a point….
Oh yes, the $$$$$$$ it’s a bloody lot.
Portia x