Louis Vuitton has launched three new summery colognes and we're obsessed

By Fiona McKim
The word Cologne might bring to mind Brut, or something equally whiffy your school boyfriend used to douse himself in, but there’s so much more to this classic perfumery style.
Technically speaking, Eau De Cologne is a fragrance made with fresh, citrusy, herbal notes, so has bags of modern appeal on crisp spring days. Colognes are generally clean, well balanced, gender neutral (very 2019) and can be spritzed with abandon on skin, hair and as the French do, clothes, without suffocating whoever sits next to you on the train.
Leading the way on the current cologne revival is Louis Vuitton with a collection of three new Colognes inspired by California; Sun Song, Cactus Garden and Afternoon Swim. As you’d expect from the très chic French house the first thing you’ll notice about these fragrances is their appearance.
The three gloriously bright glass flacons that burst with dressing table appeal and sit in pop-art bright boxes designed by LA artist Alex Israel.
Of course, it’s what’s on the inside that counts, and Le Maison Louis Vuitton do not disappoint on that front either. Think of the dreamiest, most impossibly perfect holiday you’ve ever (or never) had – one where the sun shines every day but there’s always a breeze when you need it, the days are lazy and laughter-filled and the nights sultry and long. The cuisine expands your gastronomic horizons, you pack the perfect wardrobe for every eventuality so that not one item comes back unworn and you fall so deeply in love with the landscape, culture and your travel companion you decide to never go home. This collection is that, bottled.
Sun Song, in its juicy yellow bottle, is one of those scents that can’t fail to raise a smile. The blend of orange blossom absolut and neroli makes for a deliciously a zesty opener, then dries down to warmer, softer notes of musk.
Afternoon Swim starts with a wave of freshness from punchy orange and mandarin then mellows out with ginger and ambergris.
Then there’s Cactus Garden, my favourite of the trio, and definitely the most unusual of the three. The overall feel is of a dense, lush greenness, like a botanical garden hothouse, nicely set off by yerba matè, a smoky South American tea, and balanced by zippy acidity from bergamot and lemongrass.
Of course, this much quality comes at a cost, £185 to be precise, but that is reflected in the quality of the ingredients, the artistry of the design and the lasting power of the scent (most cologne only have low amounts of perfume oil, whereas these are made with the same levels as high-end parfum).
If you are looking for a new signature scent that’s anything but generic and will see you through spring and summer with a smile on your face, these could be just the thing.
Discover and shop the collection at UkLouisVuitton.com
Will you be picking up a bottle for this summer?
-
-
The Queen cuts a poignant figure sitting alone, as she bids a final farewell to husband Prince Philip
The Monarch occupied a row to herself due to Covid-19 restrictions at the funeral of her husband of 73 years, the Duke of Edinburgh
By Lauren Hughes •
-
The Duchess of Cambridge's subtle tribute to the Queen at Prince Philip's funeral
The Royal Family bid an emotional farewell to the Duke of Edinburgh today
By Lauren Hughes •
-
Time for a purchase: Lady Gaga's makeup artist made a cosmetic storage collection that's practical and adorable
We have our eyes on the brush holders
By Danielle Valente •
-
Viola Davis' beauty routine is the perfect form of self-care
Viola Davis shared her beauty secrets and how she used it as a form of self-care
By Rylee Johnston •
-
Here’s how to wash your face properly for healthier skin, according to dermatologists
Learn how to wash your face the correct way to encourage cleaner, healthier, glowing skin, no matter your skin type
By Miriam Herst-Stein •
-
Magnetic eyelashes: why both beginners and experts love this fun, "user-friendly" innovation, plus our best picks
Lash glue? So over. See why magnetic eyelashes, the latest trend in false eyelashes, are winning over both beginners and lash experts alike
By Courtney Leiva •
-
8 easy hairstyles you can do to look instantly pulled together
Low-effort yet high-impact? Yes, please: All these easy hairstyles get you perfectly coiffed up in less than 5 minutes
By Brittany Leitner •
-
Double cleansing 101: We dish the details on this “transformative” skincare step
Just how much of a difference does double cleansing make? We take a deep dive into this fundamental Korean skincare step, plus give a quick guide on a proper double cleanse regimen
By Eunice Lucero-Lee •
-
The Curly Girl Method: Everything you need to know about this groundbreaking curl care technique
The Curly Girl Method is the viral haircare approach at the center of the curl community. Here's how to master it
By Keeks Reid •
-
Anne Hathaway once borrowed this texturizing hair spray from a set (it’s THAT good)
Want hair like Anne Hathaway? Using her favorite haircare products is a pretty good place to start
By Lucy Abbersteen •