Editor’s Pick: Henri Bendel’s “Suite 712” Eau de Parfum

“Do I smell freesia?” asked Miranda Priestly to Andie Sachs in the iconic fashion film “The Devil Wears Prada.” Well, if you purchase Henri Bendel’s new delicious fragrance, “Suite 712,” you will smell blue freesia, white sandalwood, Italian bergamot, sparkling mandarin blossom, iris, cashmere musk, and a host of other wonderfully syncretized ingredients.

And though Miranda Priestly didn’t care for freesia, as one of the main ingredients in “Suite 712,” freesia is exactly the correct middle note that gives this new fragrance its luminous quality. “The middle notes or the core fragrance of this fragrance is built around fressia,” explains Yves Calderon, a perfumer for L Brands. “That was Pina Ferlisi’s idea, the creative director of Henri Bendel. We collaborated on this fragrance together.  We wanted to create a luminous floral which includes freesia.”

Suite 712 elegantly embodies iconic New York’s sophisticated affluence and understated extravagance. The fragrance rouses the senses as if stepping into the brand’s storied townhouse, or lounging in the backseat of a chauffeured luxury car. Its scent, distinctive and sexy, encompasses floral and woody notes such as freesia and suede. More than homage, it is a celebration. “Suite 712″pays tribute to the brand’s rich heritage and to generations of Bendel girls.

This deliciously subtle fragrance from Henri Bendel is totally in accord with what the iconic brand has become known for, elegance, sophistication, and charm. Exactly one hundred years ago Henri Bendel was one of the first American designers to launch a signature fragrance,  “Un Peu D’Elle.” And though the iconic brand has been launching fragrances for 100 years there is no need to fear that “Suite 712” will smell like your grandmother’s Victorian strong, powdery perfume. Not at all, this new fragrance is light, effervescent with a hint of whimsical frivolity.

“When we started working on this project, Pina said to me ‘Imagine that you driving up to your townhouse in Manhattan,’” detailed Calderon. “That is the mood we wanted to evoke with this perfume combined with whimsical fun.” And that inspiration works beautifully for this fragrance in that “Suite 712” is named after the New York City Henri Bendel townhouse store address.

A little secret tip, this fragrance is so light and non-gendered that guys could get also wear it. Remember, in the 21^st Century men are redefining the traditional mode of masculinity!! (The May issue of Vogue speaks to this.) And it has launched right in time for Mother’s Day, retailing for $98.

Miranda Priestly may not have liked the smell of freesias in “The Devil Wears Prada,” but I would bet that she would love “Suite 712.” Freesia indeed!!

—William S. Gooch