Une Ville. Un Parfum - 05 Shanghai Guerlain 2012

Well, at least I hope so.
Today, we know Shanghai as a colorful and extremely modern city. But when I look at pictures of the city from the past, I realize it didn't look that modern back then. And it wasn't really that colorful either, and NO, it's not the black-and-white pictures that are to blame.

Rather, the way the city looked back then could also be found in France or even England. Very simple, graceful, but not really Chinese at all. Modern without being modern. Does that make any sense? I hope so.

I admit, I'm not a big fan of Mon Précieux Nectar, and that as a huge Guerlain lover (that's how I now refer to myself!). It just wasn't my thing. But Shanghai does this much better.
Like a delicate powder dream, here the blossom intertwines with almond, along with a touch of vintage.
But through the herbal nuances, Shanghai becomes unique. And I really like that a lot; it suddenly turns into a feel-good fragrance.
You are almost embraced and hugged, a bit like silk gently moving over the skin.
And fittingly, it's by no means too loud, staying rather close to the skin and holding solidly throughout. NO, a fragrance doesn't always have to last 12h+. That's really absolutely fine here.

But I still wonder... did Shanghai perhaps smell like this back then? Powdery and elegant through the streets, without much opulence and fuss?
I guess I'll never know, and since I've only been and stayed in Europe so far, Guerlain - Une Ville. Un Parfum 05 can be my feel-good fragrance.

You understand - for home, of course.

PS: The bottles from the entire line are really pretty and charming, fitting the concept but still chic.