SCENTUAL ADDICTION: Datura Blanche By Keiko Mecheri

Keiko Mecheri's Loukhoum was the first fragrance I bought back in 2003 when I was still a publicist for Luckyscent. I wore it not because a perfume critic or a blogger raved or ranted; I wore it because I loved it, because I said “ca sent bon”.

Born in Atami, Japan and raised in Beverly Hills, Mecheri was introduced to paint and ink and piano at an early age. She went on to study Design and Art History at UCLA and after earning a degree, began to explore abstract painting. Her first piece was commissioned by none other than Sean Hepburn, son of the late legend Audrey Hepburn, and now a close friend. At the encouragement of the Hepburn family and seeking inspiration for her art, Keiko exiled herself to Europe, traveling far and wide until she found herself in Paris, in the heart of historic Montparnasse, headquarters of the pre-war French surrealists. What are her inspirations? Everything from POP Art to culinary art, medieval music to Japanese ikebana, ancient Zuni mythology to French Existentialism, the latest fashion trends to travel destinations.

Six years later, Mecheri has created a new iconic scent. And to my scent-sibility, it is one of the best fragrances of 2009: Datura Blanche, a sultry, husky, narcotic of a fragrance.

The history of the datura plant is as captivating as Mecheri’s fragrance. The plant is indigenous to the New World and the flowers - which are used in this perfume - exude a beautiful, narcotic scent, especially at night. Spiritual master Carlos Castaneda learned about Datura from his mentor Don Juan. The wise old brujo was never too fond of the 'devil's weed', claiming its power as like that of a woman. "She is powerful, She distorts men.. She makes them weak in the middle of their great power."

What more can you ask for in a perfume?

I could tell you the notes, but what does it matter? Instead, think Bogey’s addiction to Bacall, and know your man may become slightly disoriented by the intoxicating scent of this perfume. You may need to remind him: "Just put your lips together and...blow."

Available at Luckyscent.com and KeikoMecheri.com.

- Michelyn Camen

Fashiontribes Editor-at-Large Michelyn Camen is a New York City based writer and consultant who is a former Brandweek Marketer of the Year and Ad Age 100 recipient. She slipped off her power suit to pursue her passion for beauty and fragrance. Camen is a fragrance specialist and the owner of FifthSense N.Y.C., where she consults for niche luxury, fashion, beauty and fragrance companies. She is an Editor for Fragrantica.com, the Fragrance Editor for UptownSocial.net, the former Senior Contributing Writer for Sniffapalooza Magazine, the former New in Niche Columnist for Basenotes and was the Editorial Director for Beauty News NYC & LA. Email her at fifthsensenyc@aol.com or Michelyn AT Fashiontribes DOT com.