Cherry Blossom Floris 2013 Eau de Parfum

London is one of my favorite cities in this world, so the idea to spend my birthday there felt like the perfect choice. After researching local spots, I planned a visit to Floris on Jermyn Street before heading to watch Frozen: the musical. I wasn’t necessarily looking to buy a fragrance but was eager to explore their world, including some exquisite vintage scents.

I met the most delightful saleswoman ever, who took the time to introduce me to a couple of heavenly scents. What stood out to me was Cherry Blossom. As a lover of cherries, soft florals and anything creamy and powdery, this homage to Japan really spoke to me. While I’ve never smelled real cherry blossoms, this scent made me feel like I was standing under blossoming cherry trees, with sunlight on my skin and the fresh air of spring all around me.

She described it as an everyday reach, but I remember thinking that something so captivating should be saved for special occasions. Spoiler alert: we were both right. This fragrance is perfect for a sunny spring day but works beautifully year-round. It’s sophisticated yet subtle, never overpowering, and has a delicate charm that makes it truly unique.

"Cherry Blossom" by Floris could almost be called a colonialist perfume, without meaning to imply that in a derogatory way...

Here, the British interpret the Japanese cherry blossom in a very strict, routine, and professional manner... and so far, it works. It just lacks any flashes of inspiration, it lacks passion and fire, fizz and the highest quality to avoid blending into the uniformity of UK perfume culture. I think perfumers from the land of the rising sun could do this much better, more teasingly and engagingly. "Cherry Blossom" is a nice companion for the office and leisure. It never smells bad at all. Not even remotely. But it also clearly lacks that certain something. Easily wearable. Quickly forgotten, fleeting, a missed opportunity for an olfactory bridge. Quite a bit dull and banal.

Bottle: Floris & fine
Sillage: more delicate than smart
Longevity: 3-6 hours, very temperature-sensitive

Conclusion: solid cherry blossom juice with British self-assurance and Asian simplicity. It's okay. But it hardly enchants. I love its powdery makeup-like quality the most during parts of its existence.