Champagne and perfume. They’re two luxury items we love to pop open. Usually at the same time. A nice bottle of bubbles, your favourite fragrance and you’re all set for a special occasion.
What if you could pick your scent to match your drink? There’s wine and cheese, whisky and chocolate, now we’re pleased to announce a brand new masterclass: Champagne and Perfume, presented by The Powder Room and The Champagne Dame.
Step into the world of these two glamorous women, Sam Taylor (The Powder Room) travels the world working with artisan perfume brands, and Kyla Kirkpatrick (The Champagne Dame), the darling of the French Champagne Houses and Melbourne’s own bubbles expert. They’re running two hour classes around Australia for those of us with couture taste buds.
It begins with a lesson in history. Did you know Catherine de Medici’s perfumer concocted poison among his potions? What about how Marie Antoinette was identified by her personal perfume when she tried to escape? Napoleon Bonaparte’s battle cry was: “Champagne! In victory one deserves it; in defeat one needs it.”
With a glass of champagne in one hand, the air heavy with scents, it’s impossible not to be drawn in. Sam and Kyla weave tales of mystery, love and adventure.
“This day is all about pleasure,” says Kyla. “The role of the Chef de Caves (champagne maker) is so similar to the perfumer. The power of the scent is unbelievable. It can evoke memory and mystery, it can take you back in time.” Free flowing Champagne throughout the day certainly helps.
Who knew a beautifully balanced Pol Roger’s aged creaminess and toasty flavours would taste even better once you’ve sniffed a gardenia-based scent from Penhaligon’s, an esteemed British perfume house.
Don’t expect to see Bollinger in your glass or Estee Lauder on your wrist. You’ll try four flutes from boutique bottles – Pol Roger, Perrier Jouet, Laurent Perrier and Veuve Fourny, each paired with an artisan fragrance that brings out the aromas of your tipple.
The Champagne Dame
Tickets are $149
Sydney: Mother’s Day, Sunday 12 May, 2pm – 4pm
Vendome 12 Castlereagh St, Sydney, 2000
Perth: Sunday 19 May, 2pm – 4pm
Lincoln and Kay Gallery Level1/ 137 St Georges Terrace Perth 6000
Melbourne: Sunday 26 May, 2pm – 4pm
Circa, 2 Acland St, St Kilda Melbourne 3182
