There seems to be a consensus among many people that Frédéric Malle fragrances this decade aren’t worth the effort and money. Au contraire! I hate the name of the 2023 release, Frédéric Malle Heaven Can Wait EDP. Sorry. But I love the scent. (FYI: The Suzy Le Helley creation, Acne Studios x Frédéric Malle, launched in 2024, is also worth checking out.)
FM regular Jean-Claude Ellena – Angéliques Sous La Pluie (2000), Cologne Bigarade (2001), Bigarade Concentrée (2002), L’Eau d’Hiver (2003) and Rose & Cuir (2019) – brings a twist to his love of powdery florals (iris) in Frédéric Malle Heaven Can Wait.
As in a twist of warm spice, especially cloves and capsicum, without weighing it down. In the background, the fruitiness of peach and plum adds to the appeal, while the earthiness of vetiver mingles with creamy vanilla in the drydown. In typical JCE style, Frédéric Malle Heaven Can Wait EDP is a composition that fuses lightness, sensuality and distinctiveness.
Here, it’s captured in a new find of mine, The Reef Hotel, in the Johannesburg CBD. What was once an office block is now a 120-room hotel in Marshalltown, the part of the CBD where security and the potential for rejuvenation is strongest.
The pioneering spirit that built Johannesburg is alive and well, both in ethos and the industrial touches throughout the building.
These details extend to the rooms with their exposed concrete ceilings and photography on the walls behind the beds. Each floor also has its own theme with corresponding information on the city.
My Deluxe Double Room, including the bathroom with a shower and a bath, was super spacious. Just what I needed to counter a recent bout of cabin fever. Standard Double, Standard Twin and Deluxe Twin rooms are available, too.
The recently opened Premier Lounge on the third floor brings a touch of airport VIP-lounge glamour and personalised attention.
And then onto the Elevate Rooftop Bar on the 16th floor, with its incredible urban views. If this doesn’t take your breath away, sorry for you, please check your pulse. Open Tuesday to Sunday, it has a vibe, even when not busy.
The Reef Hotel, 58 Anderson Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg.
Tel: 011 689 1000. reservations@reefhotel.co.za https://www.reefhotel.co.za/
Frédéric Malle Heaven Can Wait EDP is available in South Africa at Skins stores.
Clove isn’t my friend in perfumes, so maybe this can wait a bit longer! I always want to check out a rooftop view. Are hotels a new area of focus for you?
Ah yes, it can be a tricky one, so your response is perfectly understandable! Ha! Ha! An urban rooftop view always does it for me. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for ever, and the opportunity has presented itself recently. Hope to do more in the future.
Love hearing about potential downtown Joburg adventures… ;-)))
Put this one on the top of your list, dear Andre. ;-))) Dankie baie.
I must have been anosmic at a certain point and to certain aspects of this one, Rich. I enjoyed its warming spice opening, but after about an hour I couldn’t smell anything. Great review and photos as always. I enjoyed the tour of the hotel in Jo’burg.
Thank you so much, dear Daniel. That happens sometimes. If you’re ever in Johannesburg, I’d be be happy to take you for a real tour.
Great review, Richard. My personal take on this perfume is Heaven Can’t Wait. While I love clove, the overall experience was a bit of a letdown. The longevity and sillage were lacking, and the price wasn’t great value for what you get. I wasn’t really impressed overall. This spicy-iris conception wasn’t what I was expecting from Jean-Claude Ellena, but it seems like the brand is on a different trajectory these days.
Big thank you, dear Flaconneur. Ha! Ha! I see what you did there. Fair enough. With all the general commentary, I wasn’t expecting this one to appeal to me. But JCE surprised me in such a good way.
It’s an interesting subject perfume and hotel rooms. I love Iris, so will definitely go smell this one
It’s a combo I hope to explore more in the future, dear Aurore. Anything iris and my nose is there.
Inspired work, @Richard Goller.
Agree that ‘Heaven can wait’ seems clunky. Rather call it ‘Heaven is here, now’!
Thank you, dear Yvonne, for the great compliment. Ha! Ha! Yes, let’s go for that option!