Tournament Of Roses

Bond 9's Harrods Rose
Review by Cavewoman

If you had asked me early in my perfume loving years if I were a rose-scent lover, I would have said no, and I would have said it emphatically! I have always been a big white floral lover, the bigger the better. My first impressions of rose scents were formed when my neighbor lady soaked herself in Ombre Rose and its scent-twin, Lutece. She was a lovely lady and a good neighbor, but when she wore these perfumes, I could barely be around her. Silly me, I thought all rose scents smelled like these two perfumes. I didn't like them at all, to put it mildly, and therefore declared to myself that I hated all rose fragrances.

A few years later, on a trip to New York City with my sister, we were in Bloomingdales for a Mary McFadden event (I have to say this because she was so cool!) and as we walked through the fragrance department, a very chic and sophisticated sales associate offered to spritz me with a new scent from Yves Saint Laurent, and the name of that scent was Paris. She handed me a silk rose petal that she had sprayed with the fragrance. I carried the petal around with me during our time in Bloomingdales, and before we left the store, I purchased a bottle. All thoughts of the offensive Ombre Rose were gone. This is what rose fragrances are supposed to smell like. I have used up six bottles of Paris, and several of the Springtime and special edition versions as well. A rose-scent-lover was born that day! And it was me!

Since that revelation-revolution of rose, I have sought out and loved many rose-based perfumes. I've shared samples and raves with a few other rose lovers, especially Jessica, who is the first person I think of when I try something new in the rose category. We both love Bond No. 9 West Side! Recently the Cleveland Gang assembled for some fragrance counter perusing and wrist-testing, and I discovered (and bought, in record time I might add) the beautiful Bond No. 9 Saks-En-Rose, and it brings a smile to my face when I remember one of the gang following me around the store remarking over and over again that this was indeed a perfect scent on me. I'm glad I caved on the large size bottle. I've been wearing it so often that I am worried about the level in the bottle!

And so, when I read on the Bond No. 9 website that Bond was launching another rose scent, I could not wait to try it! When my sample arrived, the box was opened and the juice was on my wrist within a New York minute. And I was instantly in love.

Harrod's Rose begins and ends with the rose. There is no crispy breezy top note of the stuff you always wish would dissipate quickly so you can get to the heart of the scent. This fragrance gets down to business immediately, sweet and delicious, womanly and big. The sweetness comes from the white narcissus enhanced with tuberose. White roses are the main focus of the scent, powerful and proud. This is the big white floral, rose-dominated, that I have come to love over the years. In the base, musk is listed as one of the notes although I don't detect it at all. Ambrette seed and cashmere woods are the other base notes. The wood notes are the perfect compliment to the florals. They appear quickly and hold up the rose as if presenting the prize bloom to the wearer.

The bottle design is an adaptation of the Harrod's Bond bottles, originally designed by my friend Shawn, this time in the softest pink with gold lettering. I love the shape of the Bond bottles, the way they feel in the hand, and did you know that the bottles are made in Italy? Just a little tidbit there for you!

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Bond No. 9. I have purchased many Bond fragrances over the years. I like to think I'm their biggest fan. I am beyond thrilled to give Harrod's Rose this rave review. Harrod's Rose is a drop-dead, devastatingly feminine scent, self-assured and voluptuous.

As I turn 60 today, I've been thinking of how I would mark a birthday that ends in a zero. Starting the day with a big cup of coffee, chatting online with friends, talking to Mom on the phone, watching some fun television shows, and ending the day with TurboKick class, that is just how I want to spend the day. I'll be wearing Harrod's Rose all the while. I'll always associate this fragrance with this milestone birthday. A big day deserves a big perfume!

Editor's Note: Happy Birthday to my dear friend and frequent contributor to Blogdorf, Patti aka Cavewoman. Have a wonderful Bday!

Disclosure: A sample vial was provided by Bond 9