Bel Ami, a seductive fragrance
In 1867, Hermès was awarded the first class medal at the Universal Exhibition. Her first perfume “Eau d’Hermès” was a real success. In 1986, Hermès unveiled “Bel Ami”, a masculine fragrance built on the interpretation of a then new material, leather.
The tribute to Guy de Maupassant
“Bel Ami” is inspired by the eponymous novel by Guy de Maupassant, of the same name. It therefore embodies all the clichés conveyed by the literary world of the end of the 19th century. The ambiguity and the intrigue are as astonishing in the composition as in the novel. Against the backdrop of the colonial war, Maupassant describes the close links between capitalism, the press, women and politics … “Bel Ami” embodies a man who fits fully in his time, in his time. Elegant and concerned about his appearance, the “Bel Ami” man asserts his virility in high form. He perfectly masters the art of appearing and that of seduction. Like Guy de Maupassant’s hero, “Bel Ami” is both lover and friend, strong and fragile. Bel ami is ambitious and upstart, and his story also tells one of social advancement and success.
The smell of leather from Bel Ami
Signed by Jean-Louis Sieuzac, the fragrance of “Bel Ami” puts leather in the spotlight and its scent is omnipresent. “Bel Ami” leaves a powerful trail and has excellent hold. “Bel Ami” begins with citrus, lemon and mandarin notes, associated with aromatic notes, sage, petitgrain. The heart is animated by spices such as cinnamon and cardamom, while the expression of leather already reveals its splendor. “Bel Ami” reaffirms its virility thanks to patchouli, vetiver, labdanum, styrax, castoreum and leather. Sandalwood and cedarwood finally bring woody tones, while vanilla offers a sweet sensuality to the whole composition. The bottle is elegant, sober and romantic. Revisited, the current bottle is presented in one of the iconic bottles of the house of Hermès. Since 2014, each classic Hermès fragrance is flanked by a label bearing its name. The heavy and transparent glass is topped by a black cabochon, displaying a final touch of masculinity.
Released in 1986, ” Bel Ami “is considered” A remarkable and assertive writing. An indisputable, devastating and distinguished leather… ”. If the fragrance” Bel Ami “refers to the eponymous novel by Guy de Maupassant of the same name, like him, it displays opulence and character. Against the backdrop of the colonial war, Guy de Maupassant’s novel embodies a man deeply rooted in his time. ” Bel Ami “is the representation of a beautiful personality, of a light that manages to unravel all the secrets. Here, leather is in the spotlight and its composition is signed Jean-Louis Sieuzac.
Bel Ami, a novel of scents signed by perfumer Jean-Louis Sieuzac
It’s the perfumer Jean- Louis Sieuzac chosen by the Hermès house for this atypical rewrite. Jean-Louis Sieuzac began his career with the Roure company (now Givaudan). After several years, Jean-Louis Sieuzac evolves into the company Symrise. Jean-Louis Sieuzac likes powerful scents with a strong character and he is particularly known for having produced “Opium” by Yves Saint Laurent. Jean-Louis Sieuzac is a very discreet perfumer and never does talk about him. We owe him great successes such as “Opium”, but also “Fahrenheit” by Christian Dior or “Play For Her Intense” by Givenchy.
Bel Ami d’Hermès, a scented all-leather writing
Jean-Louis Sieuzac switches here from chypre leather to woody leather with exceptional elegance. “Bel Ami” takes off on a multifaceted freshness with the presence of tangerine, clary sage and basil, all enhanced by cardamom which offers its power and character from the start. Native to southern Europe and western Asia, clary sage grows naturally in many countries bordering the Mediterranean such as Morocco, Algeria, Greece and France. Often referred to as a “priest’s garden plant,” clary sage is first used in culinary preparations and then used for its medicinal properties. In perfumery, we obtain the essential oil of clary sage obtained by hydrodistillation of the leaves of the plant. It gives off aromatic, herbaceous and camphoric tones. Then, the heart of “Bel Ami” is the combination of floral and spicy notes and combines carnation, iris, cedar and cumin. Named “Jupiter’s flower” by the Romans, the carnation was part of the wreaths given to athletes. The carnation was introduced to Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. In the language of flowers, the white carnation symbolizes pure love and loyalty. The red carnation represents deep love and the purple carnation embodies fantasy. In perfumery, carnation gives off scents that are both floral, spicy and rosy. Finally, the base of “Bel Ami” is opulent and powerful and the leather accords are most breathtaking. The base notes combine labdanum, leather, vetiver, oakmoss, castoreum and styrax. Sober and slender, the bottle displays its masculinity through a heavy and powerful glass base.
Woody Leather