Fragrances of the World, the 2013 edition

There isn’t a fragrance writer alive who hasn’t bemoaned the utter impossibility of testing every single scent that comes out.

Now think of Michael Edwards. In 2012, he had no less than 1330 new products to analyze, discuss and classify for the 2013 edition of Fragrances of the World. That’s up from a measly 101 in 1992 and 464 in 2002 – which in retrospect almost looks like a manageable figure…

The niche sector alone has trebled its output in a decade, from 100 in 2002 to 331 in 2012.

1992 saw the launch of a mere 11 flankers and no limited editions. They accounted for 459 launches last year. For Michael Edwards, “Limited editions remain strong:  206 in 2012, compared to 228 in the previous year. More and more, though, I sense that the seasonal fragrances are being used to test the market: if successful, they tend to join the regular line-up.”

Fragrances of the World is certainly the best resource to wade your way out of this tsunami.

You’ve got until January 28^th to order the 2013 edition with a 10% discount, using the code FOTW13 at fragrancesoftheworld.com.

This new edition features gorgeous photographs by Gary Heery in collaboration with Saskia Havekes of Grandiflora Sydney, whose floral designs you can covet by clicking here.

Grandiflora will soon be presenting its signature fragrance, a particular thrill for me since I have long admired its author, who has signed very few scents and is featured in The Perfume Lover.