The scents of memory by Serge Lutens

French photographer, filmmaker, hairstylist, fashion designer and perfume art-director Serge Lutens has created a world of of fragrance and beauty using inspiration from the city of his childhood — Lille. Arguably best known for his art direction for Japanese cosmetics company Shiseido in the 80s he has grown to build Les Salons du Palais Royal (a house for perfume) and subsequently Parfums-Beaute Serge Lutens.

With a mouth-watering array of scents from the Les Salons Du Palais Royal Shiseido collections, part of his philosophy is that: “Serge Lutens perfumery isn’t for men or women, it’s for both [just like] there isn’t music or art for men or women.” Like a painter, there’s story behind every perfume that unfolds: Five o’clock au gingembre has uplifting top notes of ginger and bergamot that give way to honey and patchouli, you can wear this at five or at anytime you need a little perk.

Delicate plum, violet and peach give Féminité du bois a subtle but classic scent freshness without being overpowering — feminine but very wearable. A smokey essence comes with Santal majuscule as sandalwood and rose evoke memories of Luten’s boyhood — defiant with a touch of whimsy, this fragrance has a universal quality to it.

Finally for this peep into the world of Lutens, there is Sa Majesté la rose that gives you a walk through a rose garden on a hot summers evening with bourbon rose and blue chamomile, simplicity for any rose lover.

Five o’clock au gingembre, Féminité du bois, Santal majuscule and Sa Majesté la rose 50ml are priced at £69 and available from Liberty, Harrods and the Serge Lutens website.

Zehre Rushby