10/21/2024
Elysium
846 Reviews
Elysium
1
The Chicest Manhattan’s Neighborhood
I know Manhattan's SoHo. I visited the neighborhood several times during my business and leisure trips in the United States, the last time in August 2019. As with other neighborhoods in Manhattan, the name SoHo comes directly from its position on the map. It stands for "South of Houston" precisely because it is located south of Houston Street, southwest of Manhattan. Recently, it has become one of the chicest neighborhoods in Manhattan. The goal would have been achieved if Alcott's inspiration for this new fragrance was elegance. To my great surprise, and I also admit a bit of reticence and prejudice, at the first trial, I found myself in front of a refined perfume, certainly not one of those saccharine and cheap ones that circulate in clothing chains for teenagers. It would be very credible if it were a new launch of a well-known design brand. The packaging, the minimalist square bottle, the honey-like color of the juice, the signed metal cap, and the very refined sprayer go far beyond expectations and the low cost of the perfume. Alcott Soho is a fragrance that expresses the bold and sophisticated spirit of the iconic Soho Cast-Iron historic district.
SOHO essence opens with an aromatic fougère accord, so green and sparkling that it recalls the pungent smell of the air at the wee hours of the autumn morning in the secondary streets that cross from west to east and divide the main avenues of Manhattan into blocks. It is the chilly wind coming from the Hudson River. I unmistakably recognize the slightly incensed and musky aroma of the velvety leaves of dewy sage together with the aromatic and balsamic one of the lavender spikes and sprigs. Accompanying this herbaceous accord in the debut is a splash of talc bergamot and sweet orange peel. The citrus component, however, does not steal the scene from the more verdant one. I get the citrus fruits combo off the top, but it's not a bright, sweet fruit the way it comes off. It is a fresh, tonic, airy, dewy, medicinal, and mentholated opening. It opens the lungs with its balsamic and camphoraceous notes, creating a sensation of well-being.
If sage introduces an aromatic freshness at the opening, smooth and warm like suede, the more intense leather notes announce the coming heart. It is a delicate and silky leather, not as rough as a Tom Ford habit. Something fruity and tart is similar to tart raspberry or unripe apple. I feel the acidic crunch of the apple without the sugary facets. The warm heart joins wild and herbaceous accords, creating a sensual and intriguing depth. Sometimes, the middle phase releases the puff of pink geranium with its dewy rose aroma; also, I capture some nuances of anise on my skin, similar to licorice and dusty flowers like violet and iris. Dusty but without the smell of makeup or vibrations of lipstick. I don't want to scare anyone, but if I clear my nose by smelling something else and then go back to SOHO, I catch the camphoraceous nuances of mothballs. So, some camphor must be in the formula, for sure. The essence lingers on its aromatic, fresh, spicy, and leathery accords.
Light, spicy, and woody nuances complete the composition, giving it moderate persistence. Approaching the dry-down, the aromatic and spicy accords subside, and SOHO turns more musky, woody, and earthy. Some resinousness comes from pine wood. However, it is not too sticky, courtesy of some creamy sandalwood and powdery vanilla touches. Be aware that vanilla and coumarin enhance the powderiness without turning the fragrance into a gourmand pastry. Presumably, the earthiness that oozes in the trail is because of patchouli oil. I might pick up other closet shades, but the fragrance remains devoted to those accords.
Alcott Soho is the perfect fragrance for fall, offering a modern fougère perfume with aromatic, herbal, leathery, and musky nuances. If you enjoy perfumes like 'Fierce (Cologne) | Abercrombie & Fitch,' 'Y (Eau de Parfum) | Yves Saint Laurent,' and 'Ralph's Club Parfum | Ralph Lauren,' you'll appreciate the unique blend of Alcott Soho. Despite its EDP concentration, the perfume is not overpowering, making it suitable for everyday wear. Its performance is average, but further wear will help me evaluate its behavior and understand people's reactions. For now, I can say that it pleasantly surprised me, and I continue to discover new notes and accords with each use.
I am writing my impression based on a bottle I've owned since October 2024.
-Elysium
P.S. I initially thought the perfume was named after the SoHo neighborhood in Manhattan, not realizing it could be Soho, a neighborhood in the City of Westminster and part of London's West End. I apologize for any confusion and will ensure to provide accurate information in the future.
SOHO essence opens with an aromatic fougère accord, so green and sparkling that it recalls the pungent smell of the air at the wee hours of the autumn morning in the secondary streets that cross from west to east and divide the main avenues of Manhattan into blocks. It is the chilly wind coming from the Hudson River. I unmistakably recognize the slightly incensed and musky aroma of the velvety leaves of dewy sage together with the aromatic and balsamic one of the lavender spikes and sprigs. Accompanying this herbaceous accord in the debut is a splash of talc bergamot and sweet orange peel. The citrus component, however, does not steal the scene from the more verdant one. I get the citrus fruits combo off the top, but it's not a bright, sweet fruit the way it comes off. It is a fresh, tonic, airy, dewy, medicinal, and mentholated opening. It opens the lungs with its balsamic and camphoraceous notes, creating a sensation of well-being.
If sage introduces an aromatic freshness at the opening, smooth and warm like suede, the more intense leather notes announce the coming heart. It is a delicate and silky leather, not as rough as a Tom Ford habit. Something fruity and tart is similar to tart raspberry or unripe apple. I feel the acidic crunch of the apple without the sugary facets. The warm heart joins wild and herbaceous accords, creating a sensual and intriguing depth. Sometimes, the middle phase releases the puff of pink geranium with its dewy rose aroma; also, I capture some nuances of anise on my skin, similar to licorice and dusty flowers like violet and iris. Dusty but without the smell of makeup or vibrations of lipstick. I don't want to scare anyone, but if I clear my nose by smelling something else and then go back to SOHO, I catch the camphoraceous nuances of mothballs. So, some camphor must be in the formula, for sure. The essence lingers on its aromatic, fresh, spicy, and leathery accords.
Light, spicy, and woody nuances complete the composition, giving it moderate persistence. Approaching the dry-down, the aromatic and spicy accords subside, and SOHO turns more musky, woody, and earthy. Some resinousness comes from pine wood. However, it is not too sticky, courtesy of some creamy sandalwood and powdery vanilla touches. Be aware that vanilla and coumarin enhance the powderiness without turning the fragrance into a gourmand pastry. Presumably, the earthiness that oozes in the trail is because of patchouli oil. I might pick up other closet shades, but the fragrance remains devoted to those accords.
Alcott Soho is the perfect fragrance for fall, offering a modern fougère perfume with aromatic, herbal, leathery, and musky nuances. If you enjoy perfumes like 'Fierce (Cologne) | Abercrombie & Fitch,' 'Y (Eau de Parfum) | Yves Saint Laurent,' and 'Ralph's Club Parfum | Ralph Lauren,' you'll appreciate the unique blend of Alcott Soho. Despite its EDP concentration, the perfume is not overpowering, making it suitable for everyday wear. Its performance is average, but further wear will help me evaluate its behavior and understand people's reactions. For now, I can say that it pleasantly surprised me, and I continue to discover new notes and accords with each use.
I am writing my impression based on a bottle I've owned since October 2024.
-Elysium
P.S. I initially thought the perfume was named after the SoHo neighborhood in Manhattan, not realizing it could be Soho, a neighborhood in the City of Westminster and part of London's West End. I apologize for any confusion and will ensure to provide accurate information in the future.
Elysium
