Marie Antoinette’s Perfume
Let them wear perfume!
Sorry, I couldn’t resist that, and I couldn’t think of a less cliche opening sentence for a Marie Antoinette-related article. Anyway, let’s get on with it:
Today the Palace at Versaille is releasing M.A. Sillage de la Reine, a new fragrance based on the one once worn by the fallen French Queen. This reproduction of the original fragrance formula uncovered by historians will be sold by order only. The price is $463, but a very limited edition of 10 crystal bottles of the fine stuff will sell for about $11,000.
The scent, originally concocted by Marie Antoinette’s perfumer (tangent: don’t you wish you had a perfumer? Then you could say things like, “No, Sally, I can’t meet you for lunch today, my perfumer is coming over” or “Oh, thanks, I’m glad you like it. My perfumer whipped it up for me”) Jean-Louis Fargeon, is said to be very authentic, completely natural and “intensely floral.” It’s primary notes include rose, iris, jasmine, orange blossom and sandalwood.
P.S. If you’re interested in Marie Antoinette’s life, I recommend Antonia Fraser’s fascinating biography. It’s what Sofia Coppola’s film was based on, and it clears up a lot of misconceptions. I read it earlier in the summer and loved it.
