Mugler’s incredible Les Exceptions Cuir Impertinent. One of the biggest trends in fragrance in 2015 is the rise of artisanal niche scents. These are very premium fragrances for men and women crafted by the world’s top perfumers and blended with the very best and expensive ingredients. We saw the trend begin with Serge Lutens, Frederic Malle and most recently Le Labo. But existing fragrance houses aren’t missing out on the growing fascination for very special scents. Chanel has its Les Exclusifs, Guerlain offers its limited edition prestige editions, and Thierry Mugler unveiled his high end line last year called “Mugler Les Exceptions”.
Les Exceptions is kind of an insider secret in the fragrance and beauty industry. Beauty editors so love these fragrances they voted the brand “best scent of 2014” at the recent Canadian Fragrance Awards in Montreal. The collection was created by Thierry Mugler and master perfumers Olivier Polge and Jean-Christophe Herault. Olivier has since joined Chanel where he and his father Jacques Polge create all the fragrances for the French Fashion House.
“I describe Thierry Mugler’s approach to fragrance as olfactory clash,” says Herault. “He likes to use daring combinations in his creations and he likes to use ingredients that tell a story.” This approach is very evident in the bold Angel and the quirky Womanity – each incorporating unexpected notes. “Les Exceptions is really about the quality of ingredients. I like to say that nature is the best perfumer these days. We now understand how nature makes scents and we use this knowledge to create very special scents.”
Jean-Christophe writes his perfume formulas like a musician writes a song or symphony. The process is very similar. “I like to use intuition and strategy in my creations,” he says. This is evident in what is one of the finest fragrances of 2015: Cuir Impertinent. The perfumer pairs the darkness of tanned leather with the unexpected freshness of star anise. The unexpected, invigorating green note acts like an aromatic flash and makes the scent surprisingly addictive. It can be worn by both men and women. It is sophisticated and chic.
The giveaway: I gave away a bottle of “Cuir Impertinent” to give away to one lucky reader. I asked readers if they’ve ever worn a Thierry Mugler scent. @mzrobson told us and we drew her name from all entries. Congrats!!!
Mugler Les Exceptions Cuir Impertinent, 80 ml, $185
It is available at Hudson’s Bay, Queen Street & Yorkdale in Toronto, downtown Montreal and downtown Vancouver.
434 Comments
Charlotte/chalbe
September 7, 2015 at 11:15 amNever worn a Mugler scent but I’ve been tempted by Angle
@chalbe
Lydia
September 7, 2015 at 11:13 amThis is my first time hearing about this fragrance and I am sure it smells nice. Love angel. Always keep a bottle with me. @iamlydiaf
Margaret Murray
September 7, 2015 at 11:12 amI love Womanity so would love to try this new scent. @mm_murray
Carl Watkins
September 7, 2015 at 11:11 amI’ve never heard of it but if my lady has worn it I’m not aware. I would love to pass on the win to her. @cwcdw
rosie
September 7, 2015 at 11:10 am@rosie_13jr i havent
Rebecca
September 7, 2015 at 11:07 amI love his alien absolute so strong and it lasts all day! Perfect!! @RebeccaLyon15
Zoe Tousis
September 7, 2015 at 11:07 amMy favorite is Angel !!!!!!!? @zoitousi
Adele Wright
September 7, 2015 at 11:06 amI have never heard of this fragrance or his label,sounds interesting and would love to try@AdeleAWright
Branka Stefanovic
September 7, 2015 at 11:05 am@luckyBgirl has never won a Thierry Mugler scent. Help me change that Dave!! Happy Monday xo
Jarin Choudhury
September 7, 2015 at 11:03 amI haven’t tried one but I would love to. It sounds amazing!!
Twitter @jarin_choudhury
Email jarin15@hotmail.co.uk
Anastasia T.
September 7, 2015 at 11:03 amAlien is my favorite fragrance
@AnastasiaTT
Jayne K
September 7, 2015 at 11:03 amI’ve never worn a Thierry Mugler scent. Would love to add one to my collection though. @jaizduck
Jelly
September 7, 2015 at 10:59 amI have never worn a Thierry Mugler scent.
@Jaatchu
Pat B
September 7, 2015 at 10:54 amI haven’t. @bcgirll
Ellie Lane
September 7, 2015 at 10:54 amNo, never. I was given a tiny trial size bottle of Angel, but the day it arrived my neighbor came round after having an awful day, so I gave it to her to cheer her up. @ElaBluEyes
Demarchlier Pukanecz
September 7, 2015 at 10:54 amAwesome!
Honey McKinley
September 7, 2015 at 10:53 amAngel is my signature scent and I rarely wear anything else, so much so that friends often get surprised if they smell Angel and it’s not on me!
Laurie Prior @Amazing_L1fe
September 7, 2015 at 10:50 amThierry Mugler is a fragrance (and fashion) genius! His Angel created an entirely new category by introducing the world to “gourmand” scents. Over the years I’ve worn Angel and some of it’s offspring, Alien, Womanity, and one from his Mirror Collection. Thank you so much, Dave, for helping us get acquainted with Cuir. Leather is one of my favorite notes. I can hardly wait to try this…perfect for Fall!
Sandy Trojansek
September 7, 2015 at 10:46 amI adore the original Angel perfume! Still one of my favourites! @sassygirlcanada
Cindy B.
September 7, 2015 at 10:45 amI have never tried any Mugler scents @CindyBundun
Elena T
September 7, 2015 at 10:40 amI’ve never worn a Mugler scent yet!
@babygirlMV
Patrick Siu
September 7, 2015 at 10:30 amI haven’t @1hbit
Anastasia
September 7, 2015 at 10:29 amI haven’t!I love to. @eua_anastasia
Pau Jose
September 7, 2015 at 10:26 amI haven’t, but would love to try it! Twitter:@Pepirios
Kisses
Saleha taj
September 7, 2015 at 10:24 amI have tried Alien… Its was an experience! But this new fragrance with Star Annis & liquorice is going to be the perfect fall scent,