D'ORSAY

D'ORSAY is a Parisian perfume house whose origins go back to 1830 and to Count Alfred d'Orsay, the dandy and artist who, the house tells, composed a fragrance as a tribute to his love for Marguerite, Countess of Blessington. That scent is remembered as one of the first worn by women and men alike, and the modern house has built its identity on that idea: every D'ORSAY fragrance is unisex.

The contemporary collection is named for people rather than products. Each Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette carries a person's initials after its name, from À Cœur Perdu. L.B. to Dandy or Not. G.A., and each scent is presented as a facet of love or attachment. The Extrait de Parfum line, concentrated above 30%, drops the initials for single bold ideas: Tonka Hysteria, Rose Blaze, Vanilla Affair, Holy Berry, Flower Lust and Incense Crush.

D'ORSAY works with well-known perfumers, among them Dominique Ropion, Olivia Giacobetti, Jordi Fernández, Nathalie Lorson, Fanny Bal, Sidonie Lancesseur, Julien Rasquinet and Tanguy Guesnet. Fragrances are made in France and sold in 50 ml and 90 ml bottles, with the house also producing candles and home fragrances. Its Paris boutique is at 44 rue du Bac.

What to try: Tonka Hysteria for powdery tonka and iris, Rose Blaze for a rose with sandalwood and benzoin, Sur Tes Lèvres. E.Q. for iris and musk, or Tilleul d'Ailleurs. C.G. for the house's historic linden.