A Mediterranean idyll & a bright and bold original Perfume Review
I was fortunate to have the opportunity of sampling two beautiful scents recently, both released by the world-renowned perfumers Floris London, who are nearing their third century of existence as creators of distinctive, elegant fragrances. Many of their products are already classics of mythical status. The simple names of No. 89 and Special No. 127–preferred aromas of James Bond and Grand Duke Orloff of Russia respectively–are bywords for sophistication, and well into its eighth generation of family ownership, the company, instead of succumbing to our fast-paced times, is still providing the choicest of aromas to discerning individuals.
The two flavors of Seringa and Night Scented Jasmine, which I have enjoyed as eaus de toilette, seem to me fast bound for mythical status, too. On first encounter, I preferred Night Scented Jasmine of the two, and it’s perhaps easy to see why. Released in its present form in October 2006 but based on Juan Floris’ 1806 original, there is something immediately comprehensible about it. It’s been called “evocative of balmy Mediterranean evening walks through air rich with the sweet heady notes of jasmine”—it is dreamy, multilayered but gentle. You can imagine the sounds of the surf and picture moonlight dancing on water as you bask in the top notes of violet, citrus, neroli, and mandarin.
