I re-learned a lesson today in the art of perfume appreciation. When I was 18, my father was working in Cannes, France for the summer and my mother and I had the good fortune of joining him there for six weeks. It was a transformational trip for me… my first time in Europe and the beginning of my life long love affair with European culture. During our time in the South of France we visited the perfume laboratories in Grasse, the perfume capital of the world. I knew little to nothing about perfume back then and was fascinated with the tour of the facility at Fragonard, where I learned about the art of appreciating fine perfume.
Today I tried a sample of Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle based on several positive reviews I read in books and over the internet. My initial reaction was neither positive or negative. The top notes seemed to linger for a long time and were very heady and spicy. I dismissed it as not being “for me” and almost washed it off my wrist when I arrived home an hour and a half later. Something stopped me, however, and I am so glad I let the fragrance linger! It has since developed into an intoxicating aroma that has mixed with my body chemistry like a heavenly match. I am so glad I gave this one a chance!
Of course, they suggested this at Fragonard so many years ago… but I somehow forgot that one must have patience when waiting for fine things to develop.
Coco Mademoiselle has top notes of orange, bergamot and grapefruit. Middle notes of Litchi, rose and Italian Jasmine; and base notes of Indonesian Patchouli, Hawaiian vetiver and Bourbon Vanilla.
www.coco-mademoiselle.com
The real question is what variation did you try? I'm right now wearing the pure parfum which really emphasis the floral middle, the highlight being an incredible creamy jasmine. The edp reminds me of a pomander and the edt has a wonderful cologne like quality.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment! I did try the parfum, not the edt... I was just discussing this very thing with a colleague of mine. I was so fascinated with the development of the scent- it really evolved over several hours. Loved it!
ReplyDeleteI am somewhere into the learning curve regarding perfume, but after a summer of lingering experiments, I can wholeheartedly support you in your (& Fragonard's, and others') suggestion to be patient, and let things develop.
ReplyDeleteThis can sometimes take a couple of hours, and I have a few scents which would never have stayed in the collection had I not allowed myself to experience the full drydown. In some cases, I had to experience it more than once, as weather and other factors can influence the ultimate outcome.
I have not had the opportunity to experience this with Coco Mademoiselle; will try to change that as soon as possible!
I'm really glad you have had such a good experience with Coco Mademoiselle as it's a scent I'm very fond of too. For some years it was my main scent before I became a real perfume obsessive and it's stil one I wear lots and find suits most occasions.
ReplyDeleteI like all the concentrations- they are all quite different I agree. The EDT is much crisper while the EDP an parfum are much jasmine-y and bloom on the skin more.
I actually think it scent combines with it's big sister Coco quite well although have only done this a couple of times.
Rose- That is really good to know... I actually haven't tried the edt yet. I would be interested to see what its like and would also love to try it with coco!
ReplyDeleteAm very much into interior design at the moment as we are fixing up our town house here and there and was on www.coco-mademoiselle.com looking through "the apartment" they they used for the Keira Knightley ad and it is divine!.
Sort of Art Deco (which I know we both love!) meets Chinoiserie. I'll probably write a posting on it at some point... Thought you would find it interesting.
Hi- that does sound like a great idea for a post and I would love to read it!
ReplyDeleteYes I remember thinking the apartment in the advert with Keira was amazing but didn't know you could view it on the website- I need to do that!