Let us now introduce Perfuming Persuasion, in which we matched characters from the new Netflix version of the Jane Austen novel to scents we felt really reflected their characters (and, possibly, yours…) in our ongoing series scenting popular culture movies, books, and music.
Persuasion Perfume. ‘What is right to be done cannot be done too soon’ – The exquisite fragrance starts with hints of luxurious frankincense and myrrh and a contrasting touch of Sicilian mandarin. These are balanced by a core of mineral-rich spring water, brimming with light. Lastly, the foundation of Indonesian patchouli and frankincense anchors the scent in gentle woody notes that capture the spirit of fall.
This “scenting of” is a two-way street because it might be difficult to accurately describe a perfume (there being no distinct words for any smell in the English language). Lacking precise words, we therefore constantly attempt to compare a fragrance to anything else, including music, architecture, colors, locations, and, yes, people. Then, all of a sudden, it becomes real, something you can grasp and at least somewhat comprehend.
Following the annual Jane Austen Festival, where people from all over the world gather to share their love of the timeless novel by dressing as their favorite characters or donning period attire, Persuasion is a fantastic movie to use for this because, despite being a classic novel adaptation, it has a very modern aesthetic and breaks the fourth wall by having characters speak candidly to the camera as if they were speaking directly to us. Think of Fleabag, The Favourite, and Bridget Jones’s Diary when you think of these movies. Additionally, the clothing exhibits a more current fusion of historically accurate and uniquely modern forms (not quite as obviously as in Bridgerton, but that was a modern novel set in an almost fantasy historical setting). allowing Austen’s satirical societal observations
Netflix says: “Persuasion is a story about the one who got away.” The main character, Anne Elliot, is still not over Captain Frederick Wentworth, eight years after calling off their engagement. The 27-year-old is alone and lonely in a family that doesn’t understand her since she is the middle of three sisters. She must decide between finding true closure and getting another opportunity when the brash blast from her past unexpectedly smashes back into her present. Can she accept it long enough to quit destroying herself? Persuasion, which is based on Jane Austen’s third book, is full of eccentric, lovable individuals that make up Anne’s social circle. Learn more about some of them below.
Anne Elliot (Played by Dakota Johnson): Wilgermain Passion Victim
The occasionally faulty narrator that guides the audience through the diverse ensemble of people who inhabit her world is 27-year-old Anne, who is sarcastic and funny. She was living with her father and elder sister when we first meet her, having rejected her big shot at love and happiness over ten years before.
Anne would rock Passion Victim with aplomb since she was unconventionally free-spirited and frequently sarcastic in her social observations. The “usual suspects,” as they called them, of vanilla, cistus, and frankincense being shot through with mandarin, feel as though they are floating in motes of gold dust suspended in tendrils of smoke, not that they are victims (other than to their darker emotions, at times). As it throbs to the surface, simmering with intensity, it transcends into becoming genuinely exquisite.
£170 for 100ml eau de parfum harrods.com
Captain Frederick Wentworth (played by Cosmo Jarvis) – Jean Paul Gaultier Le Beau Eau de Parfum Intense
After Anne rejected Lady Russell‘s suggestion, Wentworth looked for adventure in the British Navy. He has much better chances for marriage when he returns to England as a wealthy man. Does he still remember the person who crushed his heart, though?
This swashbuckling-ly attractive perfume, which was inspired by giving in to temptation, has a muted swagger; it isn’t overtly sexy, but it sure does build. Bergamot burnishes the exotically creamy coconut in the center, while the addicting tonka bean is enough to make you totally drool. You get the impression that this is worn by a more worldly man who wears his medals with pride rather than ostentation; a fierce spirit who has seen combat but is ultimately more willing to bow to genuine authority.
£64 for 75ml eau de parfum intense jeanpaulgaultier.com
Lady Russell (played by Nikki Amuka-Bird) – To the Fairest Aubine
In her absence, Lady Russell, who was closest friends with Anne Elliot’s deceased mother, serves as a mentor, confidante, and role model. She always tries to make up for pushing Anne away from Wentworth all those years ago because she feels bad about it. She is a widow with no desire to be married again, preferring to go for lengthy periods of time to Europe instead, where she can enjoy sexual adventures on the continent without anybody judging her. Thank you very much.
A glorious celebration of honeyed light, gardenia, frangipani, and orange blossom feels gilded, as though filtered through amber glass. Embracing the warmth of sunsets and new beginnings, this stunning bouquet of brightness blossoms into something altogether honeyed, assured and humming with secret, self-assured sensuality. The frankincense and woods in the dry-down, meanwhile, offer a welcome hug of reassurance that you’ve got this: keep going!
£85 for 50ml eau de parfum tothefairest.com
William Elliot (played by Henry Golding) – Carolina Herrera Bad Boy Cobalt
The mothers of Bridgerton would refer to Anne’s wealthy and available cousin as a “capital-R Rake” since he had turned down Elizabeth by, gasp, marrying an American. He is now single again, back in England, and looking for a new bride. Better guard his back, Wentworth.
The salt-licked wind transitions to a contemporary, stylish lavender, with a rosy-tinged geranium enhancing the heart, elegantly “redefining a modern masculinity.” Confidence abounds in the base with ultra-smooth cedarwood, vetiver, and addictively moreish smoked oakwood that are enhanced by truffle. Overall, this Bad Boy is handsome, well-groomed, and difficult to resist. He is aware of it.
£60.50 for 50ml eau de parfum
Mary Musgrove (played by Mia McKenna-Bruce) – Olfactive O Gourmand
The younger, spoilt sister of Anne is only concerned with herself. She is married to Charles Musgrove and treats him and their kids in a similar way to how she regards Anne: as disposable beings given the chance to enhance her personal comfort and happiness.
We believe this wonderfully scrumptious and soul-soothing fragrance would be beneficial for Mary (and those like her who could, shall we say, be prone to dramatizing situations and casting themselves as very much ill done by). It covers your knees with a velvet rug, gives you fresh-baked chocolate cake, honeyed rum, and an embrace. You can’t find a finer place to satisfy all of your needs every day than this.
£65 for 30ml eau de parfum olfactiveo.com
Elizabeth Elliot (played by Yolanda Kettle) – Contradictions in ILK Nonchalant
Although it’s absolutely conceivable that she invented the notion, Elizabeth is largely regarded as the Elliot family’s beauty. She is her father Walter’s pride and pleasure, and the only one who goes to Bath with him in an effort to avoid bankruptcy. She is vain and snobbish.
We wonder whether Elizabeth’s refusal to accept a suitor led to many criticizing her as conceited, but isn’t it preferable to being engaged to someone you despise just for the purpose of it? Let’s allow her to raise an eyebrow in this in the spirit of believing in your own value. Ripples of raspberry and scarlet berries are wrapped in cinnamon-dusted violets and interwoven with beautiful frills, giving out the scent of abandoned love letters and a dressing table full of magnificent accessories.
£125 for 50ml extrait de parfum
Sir Walter Elliot (played by Richard E. Grant) – Penhaligon’s The Blazing Mr Sam
The father. In Persuasion, Anne remarks early on that he has never encountered a reflecting surface he didn’t appreciate. That very well describes Sir Walter—a spendthrift dandy whose main fatherly inclination is to try to mold his kids into becoming more like him.
What could be more appropriate for Walter than this pleasantly spicy and warmly woodsy fragrance, which was, according to Penhaligon, inspired by a guy who “lived quickly, spent freely, and spoke loudly”? This scent is bold, brimming with self-assurance, and living in the present. It settles into the nicest leather chair in the club, diving into deep seams of pepper-flecked vanilla and copious amounts of tobacco (which he’ll pay you back for, no, he means it this time). Smooth and completely endearing
