Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.
To be perfectly honest, the news of Prada launching Infusion de Vétiver did not catch my attention last year. The main reason was that my perfume shelf was breaking under the weight of all of the fantastic vetiver fragrances available today, from the classical Guerlain Vétiver to the avant-garde interpretation of Annick Goutal. Now I regret waiting so long to make myself acquainted with the luminous and refined version presented by Prada. Perfectly executed, it pays great homage to this classical perfume note, while lending a romantic aura, which is not something I find in other vetiver fragrances.
The natural grapefruit bitterness present in vetiver, a woody material derived from the roots of a grass native to Iran, is extended in Infusion de Vétiver with dry citrus notes—bergamot and lemon, layered with a salty cilantro note. The initial freshness is maintained throughout the development of the composition. As in Martin Margiela Untitled, the woods are rendered as sheer and silky, with the vetiver retaining its vivid green hue into the late drydown. It has the rejuvenating quality of a citrus cologne, yet the interplay of sensations—freshness, warmth, crispness—lend it a far more complex character than one would find in a classical citrus-vetiver blend.
Like other Infusion fragrances, Infusion de Vétiver was created by perfumer Daniela Andrier, whose work I have loved since I discovered the exuberant Kenzo Le Monde Est Beau. Despite its transparent structure, Infusion de Vétiver nevertheless has great tenacity and a distinctive sillage. This summer it has been my little black dress perfume, the one that can make a perfect transition from morning to evening.
Prada Infusion de Vétiver includes notes of vetiver, tarragon, pepper and ginger. It is available from Prada boutiques and select department stores (Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys New York.)
Sample: my own acquisition
Image credit: Dandelion puff by T.Kiya via flickr, some rights reserved.
10 Comments
Timka: I love Infusion d`Iris and I was waiting for another great Infusion perfume from Prada. Infusion de Vetiver sounds very promising, I have to try it. Thanks for the great review! July 5, 2011 at 4:46am
Memoryofscent.wordpress.com: I also have no room for another vetiver in my wardrobe (I think…. or do I…. 🙂 ) but you are right that the Infusion series have a unique ability of lasting forever on the skin and making their appearance long after you believe they have died. It must be one of those things that we have to thank aromachemicals for, but I really like it. July 5, 2011 at 6:32am
another perfume blog: You captured my attention with “Perfectly executed, it pays great homage to this classical perfume note, while lending a romantic aura” — I think I must try this. Thanks for this lovely review. July 5, 2011 at 11:06am
Victoria: Iris and Vetiver are my favorites. Vetiver is downright addictive in this summer heat. July 5, 2011 at 12:21pm
Victoria: I love how this fragrances presents vetiver as a silky, sheer note. Very interesting and quite different from my other vetiver favorites. So, I was glad to add another vetiver to my collection! July 5, 2011 at 12:22pm
Victoria: You are welcome! Do let me know what you think about this fragrance when you sample it. July 5, 2011 at 12:22pm
Axum: Vetiver is the only Prada I really like to wear. It’s nice to see other people like it too! July 5, 2011 at 2:30pm
Victoria: I rarely hear it being mentioned, so I am also glad that I am not the only one who loves this fragrance. July 5, 2011 at 4:16pm
Undina: I also like Infusion d’Iris so I should probably try this one (though the previous two flankers did absolutely nothing for me). July 13, 2011 at 2:08am
Lizzy K.: They’re bringing this back as part of a new Infusions line, comprising of three past Infusions (Iris, Vetiver and Fleur d’Oranger) and three new ones (Iris Cèdre, Amande and Oeillet April 2, 2015 at 4:40pm