Hanae Mori Eau de Collection No. 8 Eau de Parfum

At No. 2 in Hanae Mori's Eau de Collection series, I was introduced to Mori's fragrances and seduced - her fragrances are thoroughly addictive. The latest member of Hanae Mori's Eau de Collection ($99) is No. 8, which is currently a Nordstrom exclusive and will be more thorough launched in August (e.g., Neiman Marcus, Saks, and other premium stores). Like her distinct designs that merge Eastern and Western elements, fashion designer Hanae Mori's signature scents are exceptional.

I was thrilled to receive a press sample of No. 8 from a Hanae Mori representative. I tested it immediately, something I don't often do. I am a serial tester, and I have to try only one scent/day to keep from confusing my nose. Because of my experience with and love for the prior eau de parfums in the series, I was eager to try it.

Mori's first scent, and her most well-known, was Butterfly, created in the 1990's. It is a complex blend of florals, fruits, and woods. I purchased it last year. Butterfly arrives in a jubilant flutter of wild strawberries, sweet blackberries, blackcurrant, and bilberries. Its heart opens in a melange of lush Bulgarian rose, ylang-ylang, lilting jasmine, and French peony. Butterfly's lasting impression is the deep warmth of rosewood, gentle almond wood, rich sandalwood, and French cedar. Since the debut of Butterfly, every elegant fragrance in Mori's collection has been a work of art - from the bottle to the scent. I realize I just described Butterfly, not the new No. 8, but I got distracted. Today I want to give you a heads up on No. 8.

The Hanae Mori Eau de Collection series of limited-edition, numbered fragrances started with Hanae Mori No. 1 and skipped No. 5 (for obvious copyright issues). These fragrances have all been produced in France from alternative energy sources, including sun and wind power. Their harmony with the natural world makes them special to me. I have two I've never featured: No. 3 (a fruity floral) and No. 6 (a green floral). No. 7 was introduced in 2012, and it's a fragrance you must experience. It's délicieux.

No. 8 is the last in the series - the grand finale of Mori's remarkable Eau de Collection fragrances. With notes of Kyoto cherry blossom, plum nectar, and passion flower, No. 8 is a delicious gourmand fragrance (some may argue that it's a fruity-floral). Reminiscent of lush flower gardens in Asia and topped with fruity delicacies from Europe, this sweet scent is a blend of East meets West, a signature of Hanae Mori’s fashion. The number 8 on the bottle represents an infinity symbol, a reminder to embrace life’s infinite possibilities and live your dreams, just as Hanae Mori has done in all of her endeavors. It's really nice that part of the proceeds from the U.S. sales will go to The National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund in October 2013.

This gourmand fragrance has top notes of Sicilian orange, Kyoto cherry blossom, and plum nectar. It starts its journey on the skin with a divine, sweet, fruity scent. The herat notes are the passion flower (a sublime example of nature's beauty), Sambac jasmine petal, and pink freesia. The base notes that characterize the dry down are Indonesian natural patchouli, Australian natural sandalwood, and musk. The patchouli is "there," but it doesn't overpower the dry-down. Instead, it lends an earthiness to temper the sweetness of the sensory experience of wearing No. 8. It's also the best patchouli a perfumer can use (in my humble opinion). The synthetic stuff in unbearable.

I think No. 8 will appeal to anyone who enjoys fruity-florals that lean sweet. Its gourmand sweetness may remind you of a fruit tarte. Just writing that makes my mouth water. Be on the lookout for Hanae Mori's Eau de Collection No. 8 - now at Nordstrom and next month at other retailers. Please let us know what you think.

Photos courtesy of Hanae Mori and Japan-guide.com