Côte Vermeille by Karen Timson Fine Fragrance

If I was Doctor Who (and don’t rule anyone out of the race) I would go back to the 1970s because that’s when a flower smelled like a flower. These days, very few bought bouquets carry scent, with a handful of exceptions. Is this why I fell head over heels for Karen Timson Côte Vermeille after one spray? Because it harks back to when carnations smelled like carnations? Reader, it is.

 Link arms with me as we mooch down memory lane for a moment. Bear with me, I know where I’m taking you. Do you remember when carnations smelled of cloves or those pink and white stripy humbugs? When a bouquet of them could scent a whole room with their spicy, frilly petticoats petals? Do you feel sad that now they smell of nothing? Let’s come back to the present.  My husband, thoughtful man that he is, planted some carnations for me and joy! The white ones have that old-fashioned carnation smell, just like the good old days. I have to bend like a pretzel to smell them as they are near the ground and away from the path, but it’s worth it.

Karen Timson Côte Vermeille smells like carnations oughta. If you told me that it was created in the 1920s and had only just been discovered in perfect condition in an attic, I would believe you. This independent perfumer has the ability to stop me in my tracks, and she has done it again.

The brand notes describe it as “A floral amber fragrance inspired by Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s bold interiors at 78 Derngate, Northampton.” It is a fitting tribute. Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s watercolour painting displays his love of the genus in “Pinks”. I’m certain he would have loved Côte Vermeille.

So where does the Mediterranean influence chime in? And why is Mediterranean so hard to spell? Côte Vermeille has a sunshine feel. This could be the hint of orange grove or the blowsy magnolia or the sharp green bergamot. You can almost smell the breeze cutting through the heat.  Musk fans (no, not him, the scent) will be as delighted as I was with Côte Vermeille’s magic trick. As the carnations eventually fade, your skin is left with a to-die-for white musk that comes out just as everything else is going to bed.

Côte Vermeille is an extraordinary fragrance and cements my opinion that the UK has some of the best independent perfumers in the world.  Karen Timson has created a 2025 classic that could have been made in 1925,and I love every drop.

Where to buy it.

You can buy Côte Vermeille eau de parfum (say Coat Ver-MAY) by Karen Timson Fine Fragrance from the website here. Available in 2ml, 10ml or 50ml. All her fragrances are cruelty free.

Disclosure

I was sent a 10ml bottle of Côte Vermeille by Karen Timson. No conditions were attached and as always, my opinion and my decision to review remain my own.