In which we meet Wales Perfumery, Eau de Boujee, Shloksha and Angela Flanders.

Wales Perfumery

Just behind the Vallense stand, was Wales Perfumery, with my old pal Louise, being kept very busy with her new collection, The Celts and, surprisingly, an even newer collection of three fragrances called Storii. Louise had kept this one quiet until the soft launch at Barnes and I was thrilled to be able to try them all. You can wear them alone, or layer them together in any combination that you prefer. Trade was brisk, but I managed a brief catch up with Louise, who was much in demand that day.  I’ll be attending the “hard” launch of this later in June, so watch this space.  My personal favourites are Votadinii from The Celts and Storii Chapter Three: Fig. Check out Seren too, because it literally smells like a night sky. Brilliant.

Olfiction, Eau de Boujee and a thumping good read.

A little further along, I had time to very briefly catch up with Pia and Nick of Olfiction. You may have noticed me mentioning that Pia is the perfumer behind Vallense, as well as many other fragrances such as Beaufort London Terror & Magnificence, Soul Notes, MOH and LUSH, not to mention her own range for Olfiction, including the incredible Eau de Boujee fragrances and candles (now discontinued, but Boy! They were good!). Pia and Nick are very approachable and friendly and always happy to talk fragrance. You might want to check out Pia’s recent book Demo Accords:  a unique fragrant take on politics, polemics, perfume and sometimes, Pia herself. Always something interesting brewing at Olfiction. My firm favourites are Gilded and Infleurno.

A First Time for Shloksha

Although I hadn’t got my camera out at this point (this is not in chronological order), I was really pleased to see Jay of Shloksha had a stand this year. We bumped into each other last year as I had been reviewing the Shloksha range. What I like about Shloksha is both its originality and its quirky names. Godfather’s Pudding, anyone? My stand out Shloksha favourites are Soapy Heart and Nicotine Factory, which smells nothing like cigarettes but has a retro violet/leather accord.

Angela Flanders and The Atelier Collection

After two Barnes visits, I finally found a space in front of Angela Flanders, founded by the late Angela herself and now managed by her daughter Kate Evans, who took time to talk me through the collection. Angela used to be a theatre seamstress, and as homage to that, Kate has named part of the collection named after fabrics: Taffeta, Shantung Dream, Leather Rosa and Lawn. Reader, I nearly married Taffeta. Maybe it was the hyacinth. Maybe it was the rose and iris.  Maybe it was the vetiver and lavender. Maybe it was the evocation of taffeta, the fabric of every ballgown in my distant university days. Either way, it emerged my clear favourite.

What I enjoy about Angela Flanders is that it is a small, family brand and has affordable samples and travel sizes. Oh yes, and the perfumes are beautiful!

Stay Tuned!

That rounds off Barnes Part Two, but stay tuned for Part Three in which I will reveal my favourites from Early Modern, Gallivant, Kingdom Scotland and 4160 Tuesdays. After that? I’ll tell you all about the little make your own set that I brought home from Elix Fragrance. Go on, put the kettle on.

Disclosure

Everything I review is my own opinion and any purchases I made on the day, I paid for myself.