Recently Ihad the pleasure of spending the afternoon at Neiman Marcus for the release of Jo Malone's new fragrance line; The Herb Garden. London is of course known for their breath-taking gardens, and why not treat yourself to a fragrance that can instantly transport you to Queen Mary's Garden in Regent's Park. Start your day off with one of your favorite perfumes that bring you joy and beautiful memories.
Nasturtium & Clover spoke to me the most - Nasturtium - The name nasturtium flower comes from the Latin word for "nose" and "twisted" because their smell makes the nose wrinkle. Clover - According to Irish folklore, the leaves of a four-leaf clover stand for faith, hope, love and luck. That all sounded quiet lovely to me...
Wild Strawberry & Parsley / Lavender & Coriander / Carrot Blossom & Fennel / Sorrel & Lemon Thyme / Surround yourself in flowers, fruit, spices, sweet, twigs, and the smell of the earth. Collection of five kitchen garden colognes with an unexpectedly intriguing twist.
Jo Malone's packaging is just as special as the fragrances. Before you even lift the lid, it's an experience. I remember when my husband returned from London, and he brought me my first bottle of Jo Malone perfume; Orange Blossom... the velvety cream bag, the decorative box. the black, grosgrain ribbon...it's hard to let the box go, so I came up with a reason to keep it.
The Orange Blossom Body Lotion / Nasturtium Perfume / Tuberose Angelica Cologne / For you purse -a small leather pouch with two scents, opulent Peony & Blush Suede and playful Nectarine Blossom & Honey
Clementine flower sparkles over a heart of orange blossom and water lily, with warm undertones of orris and balsamic vetiver and enriched with coconut oil. I spray the Orange Blossom Cologne over the body lotion, so light and summery.
Tuberose Angelica / The queen of white florals. Sensual, with the green spiciness of angelica. Modern rose smell...earthy and seductive.
Right away the tinted green bottles have a very calming feeling. Each bottle has a print of the herb on the back.
Lilly walks me through all of the notes in the Herb Garden Collection. We shared our fragrance stories, and a few dreams along the way. 80 year old model Gitte Lee is the face for The Herb Garden Collection.
The Herb Garden Limited Edition Box : The Herb Garden Colognes are found in a special limited edition box. Inspired by the classic craft of flower pressing, the box is wrapped in a sleeve decorated with pressed herbs. Sorrel, lemon thyme, clover, parsley, lavender and coriander, each one picked straight from the garden.
Ideal small leather pouch for when you're on the go, or traveling. Includes two scents, opulent Peony & Blush Suede and playful Nectarine Blossom & Honey (layered over the Orange Blossom Body Lotion) delightful...
You also receive a; Plant Your Seed Ball. Each one has a mix of wildflower, herb and vegetable seeds: geranium, aster, cornflower, coriander, flat-leaf parsley, lavender, thyme, rocket, carrot & nigella. In about 4 to 6 weeks I will see my seedlings begin to sprout.
Thank you Lily, Bryan and Lusi... Your passion and enthusiasm were contagious. It was a wonderful afternoon getting lost in The Herb Garden.
Jo Malone - One of the many magical displays for Jo Malone boutiques in London.
Jo Malone is a lifestyle, it's romantic, passionate and it tells a story. Fragrances can bring you back instantly to a time in your life, it can create a moment, and enhance your mood. I can still remember my first Jo Malone fragrance my husband gave me. Orange Blossom...and it's why I continue to buy it over and over again...memories. Here I am with my purchase of Orange Blossom at Jo Malone Boutique in London on Sloane Street. I'd love to know if you have a favorite Jo Malone perfume or body lotion.. share with me a memory you have from one of your favorite fragrances.
Long after one has forgotten what a woman wore, the memory of her perfume lingers. Christian Dior
Jo Malone, born Joanne Lesley Malone was born in November 1963 and grew up in a council house in Bexleyheath, Kent. She had severe dyslexia and left school realizing the education system was never really for her. At 13 years old she cared for her mother who had suffered a stroke, and In her early twenties, Malone followed in her mother's footsteps and worked as a florist by day and gave facials at night.
Unable to afford a business space, she worked out of her apartment. As her business grew, she wanted to give back a token of appreciation to her clients who had helped her along the way. Jo began mixing batches of bath oil in the kitchen on her stove. Her first was a nutmeg and ginger concoction, and her clients loved it. Then a customer bought 100 bottles to put by each place setting at a party. Shortly after eighty-six people came back for more. As the business grew, Malone's husband had quit his job as a surveyor to help bottle and sell her products, and in 1983, the Jo Malone fortune began in her kitchen.
In 1999, she ended up selling the brand to Estée Lauder for undisclosed millions. FYI; Estée Lauder ’s kitchen was the beginning of her fortune too. Jo stayed on as a creative director and had a son. In 2003, Malone was diagnosed with breast cancer. She left the company soon after, she had one round of chemotherapy which didn’t work - and then another, and thankfully now is healthy and feeling grateful.
In 2013, She opened the doors of her new collection; Jo Loves.
Of course, her new packaging is beautiful…pristine white paper wrapped with a ruby red bow. Once again the passionate Jo Malone Brand will live on and on, in our hearts and our noses.
Maybe the education system wasn’t for her, but the magical gardens of London had a different plan for Jo Malone.