Budget Beauty: Quartz by Molyneux

by Tom Edward Molyneux was an Irish/Frenchman who started a couture house in London. He was known for clothes that had a certain flair to them; a touch of theatricality that was almost Hollywood Glam, but filtered through a veil of European refinement. He had previously dressed such luminaries as Garbo and Vivien Leigh, retired in the 50s, returned to fashion with ready-to-wear in the 60s only to retire again in 1969. His Studio Molyneux continued under the direction of his cousin until it closed the year Quartz was introduced. I honestly don't know if he had much or anything to do with the scent that bears the name of his house or even if he smelled it, but it seems perfect for his house. I reeks of, well, well-bred flamboyance seems the best way to put it. It's a fruity floral, but I hate to type that because it brings to mind one of those gawawful celeb scents like Britny's Midnight Froot Bowl and this is 180 degrees from that. The notes of white flowers, peach, aldehydes (I think) and sparkly citrus are delightful: youthful but ladylike, with a lovely light woody amber drydown. It's no more me than a sundress and espadrilles, but if you're looking for a really lovely, inexpensive summery scent then Quartz might be for you. Quartz is available at shockingly low prices on the internets. Amazon has it for a little over $30 for 3.4 oz. My sample came from my friend Sue's bottle.