fragrant friday

How to Smell Like a Shakespearean Romance

Atkinsons' Love in Idleness
Atkinsons’ Love in Idleness Photo: Courtesy of Atkinsons

Meet Love in Idleness, a new fragrance by Atkinsons that completely debunks the notion that a fragrance can’t be both romantic and completely original. Named after the mythical love-potion flower from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Love in Idleness is a tart berry-meets-earthy scent that’s a far cry from the usual run-of-the-mill romantic floral notes. It’s both sweet and grounded with patchouli and a mossy, green note as it dries. The opening raspberry layer is so unexpected and robust that I crinkled my nose in confusion at first whiff. It’s certainly a love it or hate it fragrance, in that if you can’t get over the initial blast of light, summery, berry (and it’s just too tart for your nose), then you’ll probably want to immediately jump in the shower. But I think it’s safe to say that despite the eau de toilette’s centuries-old inspiration, it’s a jammy scent that still feels romantic.

Atkinsons’ Love in Idleness, $210 at Barneys.

How to Smell Like a Shakespearean Romance