You’ve found your signature scent, you’ve been wearing it day-in-day out and everyone knows you’re in the vicinity thanks to your fragrance of choice. But you’re craving a change. The notes have become less stimulating with daily wear, and you’d like to subtly switch things up. Sound familiar? If so, it’s time to explore the world of fragrance flankers.
To the uninitiated, fragrance flankers are a variation or spin-off of an existing perfume. Created by the same house or brand that originally released the parent fragrance, they often maintain the DNA of their parent fragrance, with new elements or variations introduced to serve up a scent that is both familiar and fresh. It’s the industry’s equivalent of the ever-changing 2000s Sugababes lineup.
Don’t mistake a flanker for a pale imitation of its parent fragrance, however. Reworkings often go on to become best-sellers. Take Dior Homme for example: the 2005 men’s cult classic spawned a gamut of flankers – Dior Homme Eau, Dior Homme Sport and Dior Homme Intense which have all stood the test of time.
With Autumn being the season for fragrance launches, a host of new flankers were released from the big perfume houses, just in time for Christmas. One of the most coveted is Prada’s Paradoxe Intense, a reworking of the fashion brand’s 2022 bestseller Paradoxe. Crafted ‘for the woman that is impossible to frame’, Paradoxe Intense is a traditional floral amber perfume with an ultra-feminine aura and trail.
With top notes of pear, neroli and bergamot, middle notes of moss, jasmine and neroli essence and base notes that include bourbon, vanilla and amber, the result is a clever, democratic scent that will suit most ages and tastes. Sweet – but not sickly, floral – but not powdery, grown-up without being overpowering – this elixir fits the brief of conveying a mysterious, undefinable woman.
If you’re seeking a Christmas gift for a label-lover, Paradoxe Intense will thrill Prada enthusiasts thanks to the three-sided bottle which takes its form from the brand’s well-known triangular label.
Elsewhere, building on the success of its 2022 hit fragrance Good Fortune, Viktor and Rolf’s Good Fortune Elixir Intense launched last month. A darker version of the original, this scent will stimulate the senses with its rich vanilla and ambery wood aroma. Designed to appeal to a modern spiritual muse, it’s unsurprising that artist FKA Twigs was recruited to be the face of the parent fragrance. It features top notes of uplifting incense, middle notes of solar jasmine super infusion, and base notes of rich bourbon vanilla, mystical Palo Santo accord, and precious Caledonian sandalwood. This scent looks and feels like a magical potion – if you like your fragrances deep, dark, and mysterious, this one is for you.
The mystical aura continues through to the bottle – a weighty crystal ball shape that appears to ‘levitate’ above a golden pedestal, all finished with an imitation amethyst crystal stopper. That friend who enjoys sound baths, meditation sessions and practises yoga would be a grateful recipient of a bottle of this.
Both these fragrances – and more – are available to buy online from Escentual.com. The beauty etailer of skincare, make-up and haircare carries over 130 products, from the most sought-after scents to niche perfumes. We love shopping for aromas on Escentual.com thanks to the expert curation of brands and affordable prices.
Be it Prada Paradoxe Intense, Viktor and Rolf’s Good Fortune Elixir Intense or a flanker of your signature scent, this industry hack will refresh your daily fragrance for a new season, eliminating the need to search far and wide for a totally new perfume. Call off the search – a little bit of what you know, combined with something new, could do you good.
