Once upon a time, the woods were for men and the flowers were for women. Coco Chanel and her perfumer Ernest Beaux rebelled against these stereotypes by creating Bois des Iles , a dark woody composition that was as elegant as it was shocking.

We've all heard the pap the perfume machine puts out. Here are some examples from recent releases: Uh huh. You wear this and you're sweet, strong, and adventurous, but not much of a speller. Or Come on, people. Someone paid for that copy? I'm already asleep.