Stella McCartney launched her debut fragrance, Stella, in 2003. Beautifully feminine with a modern edge, the rose-toned scent has been among my three favorite fragrances. Over the years, the Stella collection grew and grew, with Rose Absolute (a stunning creation that shouldn’t have been discontinued), Stella in Two (Peony & Amber), StellaNude, and the annual limited-edition Sheer Stella (2004-2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011).
I always wondered when (rather than whether) a second fragrance would be launched and how it would compare with Stella. The anticipation was over with the arrival of L.I.L.Y this month.
The name/acronym L.I.L.Y is the nickname of Stella’s mother, Linda McCartney, from her father Paul McCartney, and it stands for “Linda I love you”. Lily of the valley is one of the elements in this scent inspired by springtime, love, and nostalgia.
Top note: truffles
Middle note: lily of the valley
Base note: oak moss
Both Stella and L.I.L.Y are collaborations between Stella McCartney and perfumer Jacques Cavallier. I would characterize L.I.L.Y as a floral-toned green. In the first few moments of wear, the lily of the valley note is surrounded by green and earthy notes of oak moss and truffles. Then, the foresty moss note soon takes the lead and lasts throughout the wear. The moss-toned drydown is earthy and masculine.
(image from www.stellamccartney-fragrances.com)
The contrast between femininity and masculinity is reflected by the bottle design, which also displays a contrast between the vintage and the modern. The oval cut-glass center, which carries a feel of vintage glassware, is encased in a rectangular silver frame. The 30ml bottle (featured in the photo at the top) is not framed, but the sharp lines of the cap, which I think stand out more in the 30ml bottle than in the 50ml and 75ml bottles, certainly contrast the oval center.
Some of the key characteristics of Stella are seen in L.I.L.Y as well. Both reinvent and modernize a classic floral note, both have clarity and depth, and both bottle designs contain elements of femininity and masculinity.
I don’t think I love L.I.L.Y as much as I love Stella. It is partly because I adore Stella so much and partly because I feel the moss note is a little too dominant for my liking. I also feel that, in terms of the fragrance composition, Stella has a stronger identity. Nonetheless, L.I.L.Y is a thoughtfully crafted creation that is far from ordinary and predictable, and it is wonderful (as well as comforting) to see consistency and continuity in Stella McCartney’s creative ethos in perfumery.
L.I.L.Y is available in eau de parfum in 30ml, 50ml, and 75ml. The range also includes Shower Gel (200ml) and Body Cream (200ml).
(The product featured in this article is provided by Stella McCartney.)
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