The Essence of a Southern Lady
An opulent bouquet of classic white Southern flowers: gardenia, jasmine, honeysuckle, antique white rose and a heart of magnolia blossoms.
"Belle" is Original Southernness. Few people know that Southernness actually entered the fragrance business quite by accident. "Belle" was not originally created to be shared with the public, but instead was intended to be a very personal gift for my wife. I had been studying painting in Paris and had become homesick for my beloved South. I love France and most things French, including the people, but I missed hearing the honeyed drawls, the sweet tea, and, particularly, the fragrant gardens.
One afternoon, after a private watercolor lesson, I went to a quaint perfumery on the Champs-Elysee in the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe and asked them to blend "a huge bouquet of iconic blossoms of the American South." The perfumers indulged me for much of the afternoon. We tried many scent combinations, but most, frankly, seemed too heavy. They could have been perfect for a ballgown but I knew my wife, like most women, would love the florals but prefer a lighter scent. I wanted a signature, very Southern, very feminine, fragrance to delight her as a homecoming gift. I hoped she would love her new fragrant creation and want to wear it every day and night to celebrate her "southernness."
Ultimately, working with this French perfumer, I created what has been called "the ultimate, the quintessential fragrance for Southern ladies." My wife loved the gift and as she wore it, women would plead with her to share the formula. Now "Belle" is a timeless classic enjoyed by hundreds of Southern ladies and by many others who simply adore this refined bouquet created by an artist. One can imagine a Southern lady of the Old South thoroughly charmed by "Belle," but it is lovely and light and perfect for today as well. "Belle" is indeed "The Essence of a Southern Lady."