The un-shy violet: Balenciaga Paris

Balenciaga Paris is what I imagine a Vogue photoshoot would be centered around the idea of Parisian business woman. She is urbane, chic, but still remembers her bohemian roots. She is not about exuding sexiness but rather she wants others to know she is unique.

It starts off with raspberry leaf and then quickly transforms into violet that is supported by a tangy green note that just hints at anise,  this is my favorite stage, but sadly the shortest on me. The middle stage is all about cool mossy powdered skin it lasts for awhile before it segways into a nutty mossy woods with hints of powder that is pretty prevalent these days.  I think I would love Balenciaga Paris if it did not end on those rather prevalent base notes. It is definitely one of the most interesting mainstream fragrances to be released in years in that offers a scent that has nothing to do with seduction not that it could not be seductive but rather it is all about personality with confidence and ease.

image "The Casserole" by Victor Ngai 

Ava Luxe's Midnight Violets

(above thee Beau Brummel)

Notes: Violet, Blue iris, Orris, Earth, Black hemlock, Galbanum, Pink pepper, Cinnamon, Cedar, Sandalwood, Incense, Wood balsam, Moss, Civet, Cashmere musk. On the website she says this is for both men and women and I can believe. I think there is some definite inspiration from Balmain's Jolie Madame in this, what it doesn't have is the sweet gardenia/violet banana middle or the leather/asthtray note in the dry down. The violets are subdued and other wise the woods and incense take over with the galbanum bringing that note of harsh green soapiness. This definately has a chypre quality running through it but a bizarre hint of creaminess (which i can only assume comes from the cashmere musk and sandalwood). This would be lovely on a man; of course my perfume dream is to smell Jolie Madame on a man. The earth note runs strongly through this and the cedar definitily has its moment. Overall this is a smoother more approachable version of Jolie Madame, but does not lose the qualities that make Jolie Madame unique and wanted by those discerning few. A lovely earthy violet scent. Now to find a man to wear.