From the moment she swanned in fashioning a boxy blue jacket, a peek of a white silk shirt, hair beautifully undone, and some seriously kick-ass boots clip-clopping down the stairs it’s fair to say the gaggle of ladies awaiting her arrival were already eating out the palm of Stella McCartney’s hand. Myself and some beauty buffs were congregated in the basement of her Fulham Road store surrounded by some rather lovely panties and heels (I want them all) in the lingerie and shoe room, to witness the launch of her newest fragrance, L.I.L.Y ABSOLUTE*; and if you hadn’t gathered already I have a major girl crush going on.
She spoke with knowledge, love and sass for her latest release, a darker venture into L.I.L.Y. Stella likes the personal touch and L.I.L.Y is obviously a scent close to her heart, named after her father’s pet name for her mother (Linda I Love You – Lily) and its top note Lily of the Valley, was the flower which made up her wedding bouquet. But she fancied toying with the more masculine notes in the scent, resulting in the new ABSOLUTE version, which delivers bigger hits of truffle and moss. A few random Stella facts? She’d love to launch a makeup line (score!). Her favourite everyday scent is that of her children’s breath which she laughed off as being completely weird but comforting. She wants me to be her best friend. Ok so perhaps the last one wasn’t true, but I wish it was.
After dousing myself in the stuff last night I’m pleased to report back the experience of bathing in L.I.L.Y ABSOLUTE is a pleasant one. Think of this as a darker, richer and woodier scent than the original. The first waft you get is one that is slightly peppery, the black truffle notes come through and then the lily of the valley cuts in. Patchouli and amber anchor the mix and it cumulates into a lightly spiced floral affair once dried down. On initial spritzing this reminded me of Gucci Guilty, and although it shares its pink pepper, amber and patchouli notes, L.I.L.Y ramps up the floral and leaves the fruity flavours of Guilty completely out of the equation. Those not fond of floral need not apply for this fragrance, but if you’re a fan of Stella’s previous offerings, then a penchant for this is on the cards.
Head over to Selfridges now if you fancy a sniff for yourself and 50ml bottle of this EDP will set you back £65. Girl crushing over, I’m off to equip myself with a while silk shirt Stella-stylé pronto.
*PR Sample
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