What is a Perfume Accord?
In this article, we describe and introduce the four main perfume accords known in perfumery.
An Analogy
Olfactory or Fragrance Pyramid
Perfume Accord: Chypre
The chypre accord is a rich but fresh and yet sophisticated, refined accord reminiscent of moss and wood, i.e. a woodland smell. The main building blocks of this timeless accord are:
- Bergamot in the top note,
- Rose in the heart, and
- in the base Patchouli and Oak Moss.
Some perfumers simply it further by saying it is the combination of Citrus with Oakmoss, the citrus freshness with the typical warmth of oakmoss.
A unique feature of the chypre accord is its substantivity or long-lastingness due to the Oakmoss.
This classic construction combines well with the following notes: green, fruity, leather, animalic. In recent history, modern chypres include floral notes, fruit and musk.
The most famous Chypre perfume is "Chypre" by Coty (1917 by Fracois Coty) which defined the chypre accord.
We have a more complete and detailed introduction to the Chypre accord in our Encyclopedia.
Oakmoss in Perfumery, a Magical Partnership
Perfume Accord: Cologne
The word Cologne has several meanings in perfumery:
- Eau de Cologne refers to a perfume spray with a lower perfume oil concentration than an 'Eau de Toilette', 'Eau de Parfum' or 'Parfum'.
- In the USA, Cologne is synonymously with 'After Shave'
- it 3rd meaning is an accord, i.e. the Cologne Accord.
The Cologne accord is a typical combination of citrus, aromatic and orange blossom notes. It has a very natural, soft and fresh character and was historically used for freshening up and in personal hygiene.
The accord has maintained its popularity to this day in Southern Europe and more recently because of its 'natural' character.
The first cologne is credited to Giovanni Paolo Feminis in 1695, with his perfume "Aqua Mirabilis".
In time, we will add a more complete and detailed introduction to the Cologne accord to our Encyclopedia.
The freshness of Bergamot, not just for Connoisseurs
Perfume Accord: Fougère
Fougere is translated as 'fern' in English but we don't like this translation, as it implies a single ingredient or smell.
Instead, it is a classically masculine combination of aromatic notes: lavender, geranium, oakmoss, coumarin and tobacco. Many perfumers describe the sweet warmth of coumarin in combination with the freshness typical of lavender and geranium, as the signature of Fougère. A modern Fougère can also contain spices, ambers, powdery notes, orange flower.
This is the archetypical masculine grooming fragrance that is also sometimes referred to as the 'barbershop accord'. "Brut" by Faberge is an example.
The first fragrance in this olfactive family was "Fougère Royale" by Houbigant, introduced by Paul Parquet in 1882.
We have a more complete and detailed introduction to the Fougère accord in our Encyclopedia.
Lavender, a key component of multiple Accords
Perfume Accord: Amber or Oriental
The Amber Accord is typified by its combination of warmth and sensuality. It is constructed around the intensity and softness of ingredients such as vanilla, amber, balms and resins.
The following ingredients are frequently added to this accord to modernise and change its character: refreshing citruses, fruity and floral notes, warm spices and resins, animalic accents, musks, wonderful woods and more recently gourmand notes,
"Ambre Antique", by Coty in 1908, is the most famous early perfume in this family.
This accord used be to called the 'Oriental' Accord but the Perfume Industry believes the term is out of date, as it stems from Eurocentric view of perfume.
Instead, the term 'Amber' is being adopted and fragrance classifications are changing:
- Soft Oriental becomes Soft Amber,
- Floral Oriental or Floriental changes to Floral Amber,
- Woody Oriental morphs into Woody Amber,
- ... you get the gist.
In time, we will add a more complete and detailed introduction to the Amber accord to our Encyclopedia.
Amber, the new Oriental
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Vanilla, a Vital Ingredient of the Amber Accord
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