Francois Robert: 6 posts

Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.

The desire to capture a place impression in a scent has inspired many fragrances. One of the most trendsetting perfumes, Coty Chypre introduced in 1917 was an attempt to capture the scents of Cyprus (Chypre, in French). Similarly, Parfums de Rosine Rosa Flamenca (2004) was inspired by Marie-Hélène Rogeon’s visit to the rose gardens of Andalucia. My expectations were of hot red rose embellished by spices, however the fragrance is a powdery soft rose in the 18th century boudoir seduction vein–lace over powdered décolletage. Orange blossom paired with soufflé of roses appears in the top notes, however, soon the fragrance warms up, conjuring an impression of powdered hot skin. Although sensuality with the lady-like elegance is a combination that is rarely encountered, Rosa Flamenca manages to convey both, without accenting either characteristic too much.

Notes: orange blossom, bergamot, petitgrain, jasmine, rose, fig leaf; sandalwood, benzoin, musk.

Painting: Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Gabrielle with a Rose. 1911. Musée d’Orsay, Paris, France. abcgallery.com.