Carnation is the spicy floral of vintage glamour, smelling like cloves, pepper and warm flowers with a distinctive spicy-sweet warmth. It was the signature of early 20th century perfumery, all old-Hollywood elegance and powder-room sophistication. The real flower is rarely used; perfumers build carnation accords from clove, ylang and rose molecules. It brings a warm, spicy depth to retro florals and oriental bouquets. In India, carnation's spicy warmth is wonderful in winter, when its clove-like heat feels cosy and festive. In summer it is strictly for evenings if at all. A note for vintage lovers and anyone drawn to perfumery's golden age, it smells like a silk gown and red lipstick.