As I sit here, surrounded by the warm glow of Luxe Noir and Élégant, I am transported back to the beginning of this journey. It began with a simple goal: to create scents that honor the memory of my late mother and grandmother. But as the process unfolded, it became so much more—a journey of scents that stir emotions, invoke memories, and connect people to places they thought they had forgotten.

I spent hours, days, weeks, and months, sampling essential oils, testing blends, and combining notes, all in search of the perfect fragrance to capture the essence of the two women who shaped me. The process was far more than just mixing oils and balancing notes; it was a deeply personal exploration of memory and scent.

Élégant: A Window into the Past

Élégant is, in many ways, a love letter to my grandmother Georgette. Whenever I light the candle or catch the scent of the room spray, I’m back in her Midtown Manhattan apartment. I can picture it now—her bathroom cabinet lined with delicate glass bottles, each holding a piece of her daily ritual. My grandmother was a woman who loved beautiful things, especially when it came to fragrance, from classic Elizabeth Arden perfumes to Lancôme products. One bottle that always caught my eye was her Jean Naté After Bath Splash. Its notes of bergamot, lavender, musk, lemon, and jasmine filled the room with a refreshing elegance, something clean yet deeply comforting. That scent—the way it lingered in her space—has stayed with me through the years.

Creating Élégant was my way of bottling that memory: a scent that captures the freshness of bergamot and lemon, balanced by the gentle floral heart of jasmine and soft musk. It’s a scent that feels like coming home and evokes the same refined simplicity that defined my grandmother. She was always so put together, effortlessly chic but approachable and warm, and Élégant captures that balance. It’s the scent of quiet strength and elegance.

Luxe Noir: A Tribute to Timeless Sophistication

Luxe Noir was inspired by a different side of my grandmother—a side of her that was sophisticated and graceful, yet had a kind, welcoming spirit. She moved through life with a sense of poise that I admired, an elegance that made an impact without needing to announce itself. Luxe Noir mirrors that spirit. It has a depth that draws you in, with earthy vetiver and musk, while the vanilla orchid adds a subtle sweetness, a nod to the kindness and approachability she always showed.

Creating this fragrance was about more than just mixing notes; it was about capturing the essence of my grandmother’s presence. Luxe Noir is a tribute to her confidence, her class, and the warmth she shared with everyone she met. It’s a scent that carries an air of mystery and depth, but it has a softness that makes it feel like a warm embrace.

A Scent Experience Beyond Just Smelling Good

What I hadn’t anticipated was how deeply these scents would resonate with others. I’ve watched clients tear up when they smell Élégant, one even telling me how it reminded them of their childhood and their father, who has since passed. Another was brought back to memories of family gatherings, times that felt warm and whole. Hearing these stories has been the most rewarding part of this journey. It confirmed what I’ve always believed: that scent is tied to emotion and memory in a way that few other senses are.

These candles, diffusers, and room sprays aren’t just products; they are portals to another time, places that are deeply personal yet universally felt. They remind us that scent is more than a pleasant aroma; it’s a bridge to the past and a foundation for the memories we build now.

Share Your Memory

I created The Belfong Candle Collection to be exclusive for a reason—each piece is crafted in small batches, making it as special and unique as the memories it evokes. I invite you to experience Luxe Noir and Élégant for yourself. What memories do they stir for you? What stories do they bring to life? I would love to hear your experience, so please share it and tag us @georgettemarise.

These scents are available only through Georgette Marise Interiors, and once they’re gone, they may not return for months. Don’t miss the chance to bring one of these exclusive pieces into your home and see where the scent takes you. Pre-order your scents HERE and join us on November 16th, 2024 as we celebrate the launch of our diffusers and room sprays! RSVP >>>Click here.