Perfume houses K-L

Karl Lagerfeld
Fashion designer who started out as an apprentice at Balmain in the 1950s, then worked for a number of other labels before becoming designer at Chanel in 1982. As Time Magazine noted in 2008, "It is how Karl Lagerfeld has pushed the boundaries of what is possible, reinventing classic Chanel pieces without compromising the integrity of Coco Chanel's original designs, that commands such respect."

A line under his own name was added in 1984, although it has not always been active; Lagerfeld also currently designs for Fendi. The Lagerfeld brand name was purchased by Tommy Hilfiger in 2004; Hilfiger was since purchased by Apax Partners. For more biographical detail, read the 2007 New Yorker Profile.

Fragrances include Photo (1990), Sun Moon Stars (1994), Lagerfeld Femme (2000), Lagerfeld Man (2002).

Recent releases include Karl Lagerfeld Kapsule (2008).

Kate Moss
English model who has appeared in numerous fragrance campaigns for other brands. Her debut fragrance under her own name, Kate by Kate Moss, appeared in 2007 and was made under arrangements with Coty.

Recent releases include Kate by Kate Moss Luxury Edition (2007), Velvet Hour (2008).

Where to buy: not currently distributed in the US.

Kate Spade
American designer of handbags & other accessories. One fragrance, Kate Spade, introduced in 2002.

Keiko Mecheri
Niche perfume line based in Los Angeles, and founded by Keiko and Kamel Mecheri. They started out, I believe, in the late 1990s as Bazaar des Senteurs, focussing on scented body products and candles. There are now over 25 fragrances in the line.

Where to buy: at fourseasons, lacremebeauty, luckyscent, neimanmarcus, theposhpeasant. In Canada, try theperfumeshoppe.

Kenneth Cole
American fashion designer who started with women's shoes in 1982.

Fragrances were introduced in 2002 with Kenneth Cole for women and Kenneth Cole for men. Later releases include Black for men (2004), Reaction for men (2004), Kenneth Cole Black for her (2004), Reaction for women (2005), Signature for men (2005), Reaction Thermal (2006) and RSVP (2006).

Kenneth Cole's fragrance license is currently held by Coty.

Where to buy: at online discounters or selected department stores.

Kenzo
Fashion house of influential Japanese designer Kenzo Takada, who moved to Paris in the 1960s and established his Jungle Jap store there in 1970. The Kenzo brand was purchased by Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy in the early 1990s; Takada retired in 1999.

Fragrances were introduced in 1988 with Kenzo for women. Subsequent releases include Kenzo Pour Homme (1991), Parfum d'Ete (1993), Kashaya (1994), Jungle L'Elephant (1996), KenzoAir (2003) and Flower Le Parfum (2003).

Recent releases include Flower Oriental (2005), Kenzo Summer (2005), Kenzo Amour (2006), Tokyo by Kenzo (2007), KenzoAmour Indian Holi (2008), Peace by Kenzo Vintage Edition (2008), FlowerbyKenzo Summer 2008 (2008), 7:15 am in Bali (2008), Kenzo Power (2008), L'Eau Par Kenzo Ice (2008), Les Eaux de Fleur Collection (2008), Winter Flowers (2008).

Where to buy: at major department stores or online fragrance discounters.

Kiehls
Apothecary line established in New York in 1851, and now owned by L'Oreal.

Kiehls Original Musk was reportedly developed during the 1920s and rediscovered in the late 50s/early 60s. The line also includes a few single-note essence oils and a number of scented body products.

Recent releases include Forest Rain (2008).

Where to buy: the Kiehls line is carried in a number of department stores.

Kiton
Naples-based company best known for their hand tailored mens suits & apparel, although they now produce other clothing and luxury items as well.

The first fragrance, Kiton for men, was introduced in 1996. Other scents include Donna & Napoli (both 1998). Fragrances are created under arrangements with Estee Lauder.

Recent releases include Kiton Black (2007).

Knize
Viennese tailor/menswear company established in 1858. Their first and best known fragrance is Knize Ten, which launched in 1924.

Where to buy: in the US, try parfumsraffy; in Germany, first-in-fragrance, in London, lessenteurs.

Korres
Greek line established by George and Lena Korres in 1996. Korres specializes in natural bath and body products, and produces a line of Body Waters (described as "half perfume, half toner") currently available in 7 fragrances. See review for Lemon Basil & Vanilla Cinnamon Body Waters.

Where to buy: widely available online, check ebubbles & sephora, among others.

Krizia
Italian fashion house founded by Mariuccia Mandelli in the 1950s, and named for a character in a Platonic dialogue about vanity. The house is popular in Italy and Asia, but is no longer as well known in the United States as it once was.

Recent releases include Krizia My Afrika (2006).

Kylie Minogue
Australian-born pop star who appears to be famous just about everywhere except in the United States, although she did win a US Grammy Award in 2004. Her battle with breast cancer in 2005 was widely publicized.

Fragrances, produced under arrangements with Coty, were introduced in 2006 with Darling.

Recent releases include Sweet Darling (2007), Showtime (2008), Sexy Darling (2008).

La Base de Magic Helvetia
Niche line established by toxicologist Marianne Masshardt in 1994, and inspired by the landscapes of her native Switzerland. Two fragrances: La Base for women and La Base for men.

Where to buy: at luckyscent and at Takashimaya in New York. In Germany, try first-in-fragrance.

Lacoste
René Lacoste was a French tennis player nicknamed "the crocodile"; in 1933, he set up a company to produce the polo shirts with his logo on the front. Now, of course, the shirts are known worldwide and Lacoste is another "lifestyle" brand (i.e., they make everything from glasses to shoes to perfumes).

Fragrances were introduced in 1984 with Lacoste Original Pour Homme. Subsequent fragrances include Lacoste Pour Homme (2002), Lacoste Pour Femme (2003), Style in Play (2004) and Touch of Pink (2004).

Recent introductions include Essential for men (2005), Touch of Sun (2006), Inspiration (2006), Lacoste Cool Play (2006), Lacoste Hot Play and Touch of Spring (2007), Elegance (2007), Dream of Pink (2008).

Where to buy: department stores and online fragrance discounters.

Lagniappe Oaks
Small perfumery in Louisiana owned by Lisa Webre. In 2007, the Lagniappe Oaks business was taken over by Webre's sister, owner of Bourbon French (see).


Laila
Brand established by Norwegian Geir Ness. There are two fragrances, Laila for women ("the essence of Norway") and Geir for men.

Where to buy: available at beautycafe and nellbutler, or at selected Nordstrom stores.

Lalique
French manufacturer of crystalware, jewelry and accessories. The firm was founded by René Jules Lalique (1860-1945), a world renowned designer of art glass and jewelry. In 1907, Francois Coty hired Lalique to create perfume labels, later, the bottles produced by Lalique for the Coty brand helped to revolutionize the packaging and marketing of perfume.

Lalique produced its first fragrance under its own brand name in 1992: Lalique for women. Recent releases include Flora Bella (2005), Lalique Le Parfum (2005), Perles de Lalique (2006), Encre Noire (2006), Amethyst (2007), Lalique White For Men (2008).

La Maison de la Vanille
Niche perfume line with a focus on vanilla-based fragrances. There are two lines: Vanilles du Monde, which includes Vanille Divine des Tropiques, Vanille Givree des Antilles, Vanille Sauvage de Madagascar, Eau Noire du Mexique, and Fleurie de Tahiti; and Arome des Iles, which includes Regliss, Kilikao & Vanili (note: these are no longer listed on the Maison de la Vanille website).

Recent releases include Vanahé (2006), Moai (2007?).

Where to buy: b-glowing, beautyhabit, beautyintuition, luckyscent, scentier, sephora.

Lancome
Lancôme was founded by Armand Petitjean in 1935 as a cosmetics and fragrance house. Petitjean had formerly worked for Francois Coty, and he began his line with five fragrances: Tendre Nuit, Bocages, Conquete, Kypre and Tropiques. Later releases include Magie (1950), Tresor (1952), Ô de Lancôme (1969), Poeme (1995) and Miracle (2000).

In 2005, Lancôme began to reissue some of their classic fragrances under the line La Collection Lancôme. The initial set included Magie, Climat (1967), Sagamore (1985) and Sikkim (1971). In 2006, they added Mille et Une Roses, a reissue of 1999's 2000 et Une Rose. In 2007, Cuir de Lancôme was released, but not in the US. Peut-Être was launched in 2008.

In 2006, Lancôme launched Collection Voyage, a series of travel retail-exclusive scents, with Tropiques (2006). Benghal followed in 2007, Cyclades in 2008.

Recent releases include Hypnôse (2005), Trésor Eau De Printemps Sheer (2006), Miracle Forever (2006), Hypnose Homme (2007), Hypnose Sheer (2007), Tresor Sparkling (2007), Tresor Elixir (2007), Hypnose Homme Fresh (2008), Magnifique (2008).

L'Oreal acquired Lancôme in 1964. In 2006, Lancôme opened its first freestanding boutique & spa in New York.

Lanvin
French couture house established by Jeanne Lanvin in 1889. The first fragrance, Irisé, appeared in 1923. Well known fragrances from Lanvin include My Sin (1925), Arpege (1927, relaunched 1993) and Scandal (1933). Arpege was created for Lanvin's daughter, Marguerite, and is known for the bottle design featuring a drawing of Lanvin and her daughter by artist Paul Iribe. A complete list of the house's fragrances, including discontinued scents, is available on the Lanvin website (see link below).

The Lanvin fragrance license is owned by Inter Parfums.

Modern releases from Lanvin include Oxygene (2000), Eclat d'Arpege (2002), Lanvin Vetyver (2003), Arpege Pour Homme (2005), Rumeur (2006), Lanvin L'Homme Silver (2006), Eclat d'Arpege Summer (2007), Rumeur 2 Rose (2008), Jeanne Lanvin (2008).

La Perla
High end lingerie and accessories line; the men's counterpart is known as Grigioperla. Fragrances were introduced in 1986 with La Perla, now known as La Perla Classic. Other fragrances include IO La Perla (1995) and Eclix (2000).

Recent releases include Blue (2004), Charme (2005), Grigioperla Attitude (2006), Grigioperla Hedo (2007), Love Frills trio (Dark Extacy, Languid Vanilla, Ruby Perlage, all 2007), J'aime (2007), Grigioperla Hedo White (2008), J'aime Les Fleurs (2008).

Where to buy: department stores and online fragrance discounters.

La Prairie
Swiss skincare line. Fragrances were introduced in 1993 with La Prairie. Recent releases include Silver Rain (2004), Midnight Rain (2006) and Brilliance Silver Rain (2006).

L'Aromarine
Paris-based niche line of perfumes and scented body products.

Where to buy: at b-glowing, beautyhabit, hamptonct.


L'Artisan Parfumeur
French niche perfume house founded by Jean Laporte in 1976. Laporte later left the brand to establish Maître Parfumeur et Gantier.

In 2003 L’Artisan was acquired by Cradle Holdings, but they have recently been spun off as an independent, privately held company.

Fragrances include Mure et Musc (1978), Vanilia (1978), L'Eau de L'Artisan (1993), Voleur de Roses (1993), Premier Figuier (1994), Drole de Rose (1996), Mechant Loup (1997), Passage d'Enfer (1999), Dzing! (1999), Jacinthe des Bois (2000), Verte Violette (2000), Framboise Tralala (2001), The des Sables (2001), Un Bouquet en Mai (2001), Safran Troublant (2002), Piment Brulant (2002), Poivre Piquant (2002), Premier Figuier Extreme (2003), among others.

Recent fragrances (other than the special series scents, see below) include Fou d'Absinthe (2006), L'Eau de Jatamansi (2007), Aedes de Venustas Eau de Parfum (2008).

L'Artisan also produces a number of home and car fragrances. See L'Ambre candle, Sous La Glycine candle, Intreccio no. 1 candle, Tilleuls au Vent room spray, Aedes de Venustas room spray. See also: announcement for the Chez Moi fragrance diffuser.

Special series from L'Artisan:

Every summer, L'Artisan produces a summer limited edition (if it is popular, it eventually gets added to the regular line). The special editions are in "fun" bottles, and usually cost less per ounce than the regular line. Summer editions include Thé Pour Un Été (1996, now in regular line), La Chasse aux Papillons (1999, now in regular line), Fleur de Carotte (2000), Un Zeste d'Ete (2003), Ananas Fizz (2004, now in regular line, and also see review for Creme d'Ananas, the matching body cream), Extrait de Songe /L' Ete en Douce (2005, no in regular line) and Mandarine Tout Simplement (2006).

In 2003, L'Artisan introduced a series of travel-inspired fragrances with Bois Farine. Timbuktu followed in 2004, Dzongkha in 2006, Fleur de Liane in 2008.

In 2005, L'Artisan introduced Fleur d'Oranger 2005, the first of a projected series of "harvest" fragrances, e.g., fragrances based on a particular harvest of flowers. These fragrances are more expensive than those in the regular line, and feature more elaborate packaging. The 2006 entry in this series is Fleur de Narcisse. For 2007, there are 2: Iris Pallida 2007 and Fleur d'Oranger 2007.

Where to buy: aedes, beautycafe, luckyscent. Also carried by Henri Bendel and Bergdorf Goodman in New York, and at selected Neiman Marcus and Barneys stores. L'Artisan has several free-standing boutiques in New York and London (see shopping reports for the L'Artisan boutique on Madison Ave in New York City and on Marylebone High Street in London).

In Brussels, L'Artisan is available at senteursdailleurs; in Germany, at first-in-fragrance, in the UK, at escentual.

L’Atelier Bohème
Small French niche line of perfumes and home fragrance items. As of early 2008, there were three fragrances: Immortelle, Hélianthe and Fil de Soie.

Where to buy: in the US at luckyscent, or through the brand's website.

Laura Biagiotti
Italian fashion designer who presented her first collection for women in 1972; Biagiotti is now known as the "queen of cashmere".

Fragrances include Roma (1988), Venezia (1992), Laura (1994), Roma Uomo (1994), Sotto Voce (1996), Emotion (2001), Aqua di Roma (men & women, 2004).

Recent releases include Due Donna & Due Uomo (2006), Laura Biagiotti Donna (2008).

Laura Mercier
French makeup artist who established her own line in 1996. In 2001, she added fragrance with L'Heure Magique, and a scented bath collection, Collection Gourmande.

Recent releases include Ambre Passion (2005), the Eau Gourmande Collection (2006), Violette Eau Gourmande (2008), Neroli (2008), Nuits Enchantees (2008).

Where to buy: high end department stores, including Saks, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

Laura Tonatto
Eponymous line of Italian perfumer Laura Tonatto. See review for Plaisir.

Recent releases include Anni Venti (2007).

Where to buy: now rather hard to find in the US. In early 2008, parfum1 had a small selection.

Lavanila Laboratories
Line of vanilla-based fragrances established in 2007 by Laura DiGirolamo and Danielle Raynor. Lavanila reportedly uses a "healthy" formula with "treatment benefits" from antioxidants and vitamins.

Fragrances were introduced with Pure Vanilla, Vanilla Grapefruit and Vanilla Blossom (2007). Subsequent releases include Vanilla Coconut (2008).

Where to buy: at beauty.com, nordstrom or sephora.

La Via del Profumo
Italian line of all natural perfumes, attars and aromatherapy products. La Via del Profumo also sells components, including animal-derived raw materials and tincturing kits.

Le Couvent des Minimes
Le Couvent des Minimes is a L'Occitane-owned brand of fragrances and bath & body products that was established in 2004. The formulas were "inspired" by historical recipes used by the nuns at the convent of the same name in Provence. Current lines include Lavender & Acacia, Verbena & Lemon, and Honey & Shea.

Where to buy: at bathandbodyworks and bigelowchemists in the US, at Marionnaud in France.

Le Labo
Niche perfume line established by Fabrice Penot and Eddie Roschi (both formerly of Giorgio Armani fragrances) in 2006. Le Labo started with 10 fragrances by well-known perfumers, and is known for blending the essential oils with alcohol and water at the time of purchase.

Initial releases in early 2006 were Fleur d'Oranger 27, Jasmin 17, Labdanum 18 (originally Ciste 18), Ambrette 9, Iris 39, Bergamote 22, Rose 31, Vetiver 46, Patchouli 24 and Neroli 36. In each case, the number in the fragrance name refers to the number of notes that make up the scent's composition.

Tubereuse 40 (2006) was the first in a series of city-exclusive fragrances; it is sold in-store in Le Labo's New York venues only (no phone or internet orders). Later city-exclusives include Aldehyde 44 (2006, Dallas), Vanille 44 (2007, Paris).

Where to buy: through the website or the free-standing boutiques in Nolita (New York), Los Angeles or Tokyo; at Barneys in NYC, Las Vegas or Dallas; at Colette in Paris; at Liberty in London. In the works: a boutique in San Francisco.

Leonard
Fashion house established by Jacques Léonard in 1943. Daniel Tribouillard became designer and company director in 1958, and later purchased the company. Leonard is famous for their print designs; the line is very popular in France and in Asia, but less well known in the United States.

Fragrances include Balahe (1983) and Leonara (2002). Recent releases include L'Orchidee Leonard (2006).

Le Petit Prince
Line of children's fragrances inspired by the book of the same name by author Antoine de Saint Exupéry. See reviews of Le Petit Prince, Le Petit Prince B612 and La Rose du Petit Prince. Other fragrances include Dessine Moi un Mouton and Les Triplés.

Where to buy: at beautyhabit or Fred Segal.

Le Prince Jardinier
French line of garden clothing, tools and accessories founded by Louis Albert de Broglie in 1995. A series of garden-inspired fragrances includes L'Eau du Prince Jardinier, Arboretum and Bouton de Rose.

Where to buy: beautyhabit, luckyscent.

Les Bains du Marais
Parisian day spa with four fragrances available in Eau de Soin (a body water formula) or Huile de Soin (body oil): Rose Confiture, Fleur d'Oranger, Jasmin or Musc Blanc.

Recent launches include Figuier à Bordighera, Citronnier en Sicile, Soleil de Corse et Verger en Méditerranée (2007).

Where to buy: aedes, beautyexclusive, beautyhabit, or newlondonpharmacy.

Les Gens du Sud
Jewelry & perfumes. As of early 2008, the line included four fragrances: Chic-Chic, Clemarine, Magic Ethic and Mystica 48.

LesNEZ
Indie perfume house established in Switzerland by René Schifferle. The line launched in 2006 with three perfumes, The Unicorn Spell, Let Me Play The Lion... and L'Antimatiere, all created by perfumer Isabelle Doyen.

Where to buy: from luckyscent in the US, first-in-fragrance in Germany, or directly from LesNEZ.

Les Parfums de Rosine
Paul Poiret (d.1944), the Parisian fashion designer, was famous for liberating women from corsets and popularizing harem pants. He launched what has been called the "first line of designer fragrances" in 1911, naming the house Parfums de Rosine after his daughter. The house flourished initially, but was eventually a victim of the Great Depression.

In 1991, Bernard and Marie-Hélène Rogeon opened their Paris boutique, Les Parfums de Rosine, and launched new versions of several of Poiret’s fragrances. The house specializes in rose-based fragrances. See reviews for Ecume de Rose, La Rose de Rosine scented candle.

Recent introductions include Rose d'Homme (2005), Une Folie de Rose (2005), Rose de Feu (2005), Rose d'Amour (2005), Twill Rose (2006), Diabolo Rose (2007), Rose Kashmirie (2007), Zephir de Rose (2008), Rose d'Ete Eau Fraiche (2008).

Where to buy: in the United States, at aedes, beautyhabit, your-cosmetics or at selected Barneys stores. In Germany, at first-in-fragrance.

Ligne St. Barth
Ligne St Barth is a family-owned company from the island of St. Barthelemy. The line includes skin & body care items as well as a number of fragrances, including Vanille, Tiare, Lys & Santal.

Recent releases include Vanille West Indies, Quanalao, Tijuca, Les Alizés, Fleur de Canne à Sucre, Patchouli Arawak, Eau de St Barth and Fleur de Gingembre (2006).

Where to buy: at apothia, beautyhabit.

Lili Bermuda
Bermuda-based perfume house established in 1928.

Recent releases include Fresh Water (2008).

Lily Lambert
Oregon-based jeweler who launched her own perfume line after working with Sarah Horowitz Thran of Creative Scentualization.

Recent releases include Pavo & Spectrum (2007).

Where to buy: b-glowing or theposhpeasant.

Lisa Hoffman
Skincare and bath/body line established by Lisa Hoffman (wife of actor Dustin Hoffman) in 2006.

Fragrances were introduced in 2007 with the Variations Collection (French Clary Sage, Tunisian Neroli and Tuscan Fig).

Where to buy: via apothia or Bergdorf Goodman in the US, Colette in Paris, Harvey Nichols in the UK, or via the website (see below).

Lisa Simon
Upscale skin and body care line inspired by India.

Fragrances include Monsoon Season (Saison des Pluies in France, 2006).

Where to buy: in the US at beautyhabit and Henri Bendel.

Lise Watier
Montreal-based company founded by Lise Watier, who started in 1968 with a spa, L'Institut Lise Watier, and in 1972 established her own cosmetics brand.

Fragrances include Neiges (1996), a best seller in Canada, and Neiges Pour Homme (1999).

Recent releases include Desirable (2008).

Liz Claiborne
The Liz Claiborne line was founded in 1976 by Liz Claiborne, Art Ortenberg and Leonard Boxer. The line's early offerings focussed on career clothing and sportswear for women. Claiborne and Ortenberg retired in 1989; Liz Claiborne herself passed away in 2007. Liz Claiborne brands now include Dana Buchman, Ellen Tracy, Curve, Juicy Couture, Lucky Brand Jeans, and Mexx.

In 2008, the licensing rights for all fragrances under the Liz Claiborne umbrella (Juicy Couture, Usher, Curve by Liz Claiborne, Lucky Brand, Liz, Bora Bora and Mambo) were acquired by Elizabeth Arden.

Fragrances were introduced in 1986 with Liz Claiborne, followed by Claiborne for men (1989), Realities (1991) and Curve (1996), among others.

Recent releases include Liz (2005), Soul by Curve (2005), Lucky Number 6 (2006), Curve Chill (2006), Vintage Soul by Curve (2006), Curve Kicks for women & men (2007), GraphiteBlue by Realities (2007), SweetDesire by Realities (2007), Mambo Mix (2007), Bora Bora Exotic (2007), Curve Connect (2008).

Where to buy: department stores and online fragrance discounters.

Liz Zorn (Soivohle)
Ohio-based artisanal perfume house formerly known as Zz's Petals. Fragrances include Man Spray, Citrine Rose, Jhango Bay, Palomino & Allegory (2007), (Ankhara, Calcutta, Chado, Quan Yin, Oolong & Yin Hao, 2007), Peace on Earth (2007).

In early 2008, Liz Zorn was renamed Soivohle', and many of the fragrances were renamed. New releases include BOV-08-N, VVL-08-N, CDR-08 and DVO-08 (2008).

Where to buy: theposhpeasant or through the brand website (see below).

L'Occitane
French retailer of bath, body and home fragrance products. The company was established by Olivier Baussan in Provence in 1976; the first boutique opened in Paris in 1986. Today there are over 500 boutiques worldwide.

See reviews for Verbena/Verveine, Eau des Baux, Candied Fruit Solid Home Perfume, Amber Home Perfume Spray, Honey Foaming Jelly for Body & Hair and Green Tea with Mint Leaf-Light Body Gel.

Recent releases include Citrus Verbena Summer (2006), Ruban d'Orange (2006), Rose & Reine (2007), Cherry Blossom (2007), White Tea (2007), Notre Flore Cedre, Myrte, Iris & Neroli (2007), Honey & Lemon (2007), Feu d'Orange (2008), Cherry (2008), Citrus Verbena Intense (2008), Notre Flore Jasmin (2008).

Where to buy: at L'Occitane boutiques, Nordstrom, beautyhabit.

Loewe
Established in 1846 as a leather goods store in Madrid; today, Loewe is one of the luxury fashion, leather goods and accessories brands in the Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy stable.

Fragrances include Agua de Loewe (2000), Esencia Femme (2002), Aire de Verano (2003).

Recent fragrance releases include I Loewe You (2005), Quizas, Quizas, Quizas (2007), Aguazul & Solo Loewe Intense (2008).

Lolita Lempicka
French ready-to-wear fashion house founded by Josiane Pividal, who changed her name to Lolita Lempicka after the brand became popular. Fragrances are created under arrangements with the Korean company Amore Pacific.

Fragrances were introduced with Lolita Lempicka (1997). A variation, Lolita Lempicka Midnight, was introduced as a limited edition in 2004, and been followed by Midnight Stardust (2005?), Midnight Sun (2006), Midnight Flower (2007).

Other scents in the line include Lolita Lempicka Au Masculin (2001) and L de Lolita Lempicka (2006).

Recent releases include Les Caprices de Lolita (2007), Fleur Defendue / Forbidden Flower (2008), Coral Flower (2008).

Where to buy: at department stores and online fragrance discounters.

Lollia
Personal care line founded by Margot Wells in 2004. The initial launch included 3 fragrances: Breathe, Dream and Relax, each available in a variety of products including Eau de Parfum, candles, sachets, etc.

Recent releases include Wish, Inspire & Believe (2007), Always (2007), Imagine (2008).

Where to buy: at beautyhabit, drugstore.com, your-cosmetics.

L'Oreal
French cosmetics firm founded in 1907 with single hair dye product; today, L'Oreal is one of the largest cosmetics companies in the world.

L'Oreal does not market any fragrances under the L'Oreal brand name, but owns or has licensing arrangements with the following brands: Cacharel, Diesel, Giorgio Armani, Kiehls, Lancome, Paloma Picasso, Ralph Lauren fragrances, Viktor & Rolf.

In early 2008, the following fragrance licenses were added to the L'Oreal group: Boucheron, Ermenegildo Zegna, Oscar de la Renta, Stella McCartney, Yves Saint Laurent.

Loree Rodkin
Los Angeles-based jewelry designer with three fragrances: Gothic I, Gothic II, Gothic III.

Where to buy: at lacremebeauty and selected Neiman Marcus locations.

Lorenzo Villoresi
Italian perfumer (see an interview with Lorenzo Villoresi here) who launched his eponymous niche line in 1990. In 2006, Lorenzo Villoresi won the Prix Francois Coty.

Popular perfumes include Teint de Neige and Piper Nigrum. See reviews for Donna (1994), Musk (1995), Garofano (1995), Dilmun (2000) and Yerbamate (2001).

Recent releases include Alamut (2006).

Where to buy: at lacremebeauty, lafcony, your-cosmetics. In Canada, try theperfumeshoppe; in Germany, first-in-fragrance.

L'Orientaliste
Niche line made in France, inspired by Morroco. See brief review of Jasmin.

Where to buy: at beautyhabit or lacremebeauty.


Lothantique
Provence-based line of scented bath & body products and home fragrances.

Lostmarc'h
Niche line of fragrances, body and skin care established in Brittany in 2006 by Antoine Vuillermet. Fragrances include Aod, Atao, Lann-Ael, Ael-Mat and Din-Dan.

Recent releases include Iroaz (2008).

Where to buy: through the website (see below) or from first-in-fragrance in Germany.

Lubin
Lubin was established in Paris in 1798. According to Edwin Morris, the perfume house, "...which began under Napoléon and became linked with the name of his sister Princess Borghese, was the first to solicit the North American market, aiming particularly at the plantation culture of the southern United States" (Scents of Time, p. 87) Morris reports that Lubin was still a "major perfume house" in 1940s Paris. They continued to release new fragrances into the early 1980s before disappearing from the scene. You can read more about the history of Lubin here.

In 2005, the newly reestablished house of Lubin released Idole. More recent releases include L'Eau Neuve, Vetiver (2007).

Where to buy: at aedes, beautyhabit, luckyscent in the United States, and at first-in-fragrance in Germany.


Luciano Soprani
Italian fashion designer who started out with Max Mara in the 1960s, then started his own business in 1982. Soprani died in 1999.

Fragrances include Donna (2004), Just Free (2005), Sulky (2005), Pretty Girl (2005).

Recent releases include Soloamore (2006), Miss Soprani (2007), D Luciano Soprani (2007), Soprani Uomo (2008).

Lucien Lelong
French fashion designer; according to Women's Wear Daily, "By 1918, he had transformed the small couture business his parents had set up into the House of Lucien Lelong, which defined Parisian elegance for 30 years". (1/18/2006). Lelong died in 1958.

Parfums Lucien Lelong released some 27 fragrances during Lelong's lifetime; the best known was Indiscret (1935). The current owners of Parfums Lucien Lelong have re-released a number of the line's classics.

Lulu Castagnette
French fashion line established in 1996 and specializing in "affordable fashion" for women & children. Fragrances include LuluCastagnette, Indomptée, lol ;-), je t'M :-) and Lulu.

Recent releases include Just 4 U :-X (2007), Luluforever (2008).

Lulu Guinness
Lulu Guinness established her fashion accessories business in London in 1989. Her eponymous fragrance launched in 2003, and was followed by Lifes a Bed of Roses (2003, limited edition), Pink Pearls (2005, limited edition), Cast a Spell (2005) and Fairytales (2006, limited edition).

Where to buy: sephora or selected department stores.

Lush
UK based. Lush began as Cosmetics To Go in 1988; the company, founded by Mark Constantine, was reconstituted as Lush in 1995. By 1997 they had 19 stores, today, they have over 350 worldwide.

Lush specializes in soaps and bath products, and features fun packaging and quirky names (Demon in the Dark soap, You Snap the Whip body butter). There are currently two fragrances, Ginger and Karma. A "sister company", B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful, also sells fragrance in addition to color cosmetics.

See reviews for Snowcake soap and Smitten hand cream, Bathos Bubble Bar, Lush Charity Pot, Jasmine & Henna Fluff Ease.

Recent releases include Go Green and a new solid perfume range (2007, see reviews of Silky Underwear and Potion).

Where to buy: at Lush boutiques or selected Macys stores.