L'Eau Jolie Lolita Lempicka 2013
Not Lolita, for better or for worse
My admiration for the fragrances of this brand had always been rather limited to the visual aspects. Although I had the privilege of smelling the original EDP every week during my school days, it wasn't until a few years later, when I delved deeper into the hobby of fragrances, that I discovered the name of the classic.
Whoever had given it to my classmate, the otherworldly scent in a fairytale apple could have been tailor-made for the nymph she was.
My expectations of L'Eau Jolie were aroused by many reviews that seemed to welcome this flanker as the Lolita for those who unfortunately could not identify with nymphs and other mystical beings. Perhaps this was the chance for me to finally justify owning at least one of these beautiful objects?
Unfortunately, the fruit of joy turned out to be another fruit défendu. My nose perceives the citrus the most, which on my skin again borders on astringent cleansers. The pastel-coloured bouquet of delicate florals and the dewy fruit notes translate to me as a somewhat thin, watery, and slightly sweet, floral-fruity shampoo with longevity corresponding that of an EDT.
Without a doubt, the content of L'Eau Jolie is faithful to its presentation: a very spring-like, transparent, inoffensive, youthfully feminine fragrance without any sweet or remotely gourmand aspects; even an innocent aura, as if the eponymous heroine had been freed from all her premature qualities and attempts at seduction and manipulation with her sex appeal. Both the translucent pink glass and the naming really fit in well with the concept that evokes the untainted, healthy 'joy' of a girl of preteen age, without all the dark facets that were aptly portrayed in the other versions. ... And yet, a delicate and powdery (not listed) violet, which peeped out from time to time, reminded me of the original and proved the connection to Lolita Lempika: a mutation within the DNA - more Dolores than Lolita.
The phenomenon regarding the reception of this fragrance that I observed reminded me of "Peace, Love & Juicy Couture". It apparently failed because of the discrepancy between the expectations of the core fan group and actual deliverance.
A sudden, massive shift in fragrance type could have expanded the target group, while the passionate apple collector would have accepted anything, if only for the bottle. The enthusiastic fans of the 'traditional' LLs, however, seem to have dismissed it as something foreign and almost a betrayal - while the more neutral (and somewhat hopeful) other end of the spectrum, like me, could not be sufficiently convinced. This is even truer when one considers the price charged, which seems to be more based on the brand's name and value of the collectors' bottle - without meaning offense, I would personally think that there are numerous quite pleasant alternatives at a much lower price point.
In my teenage years (and even in my early twenties), I might not have resisted the temptation to keep this perfume because of its visual appeal... but since I was definitely no longer in the target group, I gave it to someone who would do it more justice and show appreciation by wearing it instead of dragon-hoarding the glittering treasure.
Still, it's a shame that none of the beauties were meant for me in the end.
Originally written 17/9/2016
Whoever had given it to my classmate, the otherworldly scent in a fairytale apple could have been tailor-made for the nymph she was.
My expectations of L'Eau Jolie were aroused by many reviews that seemed to welcome this flanker as the Lolita for those who unfortunately could not identify with nymphs and other mystical beings. Perhaps this was the chance for me to finally justify owning at least one of these beautiful objects?
Unfortunately, the fruit of joy turned out to be another fruit défendu. My nose perceives the citrus the most, which on my skin again borders on astringent cleansers. The pastel-coloured bouquet of delicate florals and the dewy fruit notes translate to me as a somewhat thin, watery, and slightly sweet, floral-fruity shampoo with longevity corresponding that of an EDT.
Without a doubt, the content of L'Eau Jolie is faithful to its presentation: a very spring-like, transparent, inoffensive, youthfully feminine fragrance without any sweet or remotely gourmand aspects; even an innocent aura, as if the eponymous heroine had been freed from all her premature qualities and attempts at seduction and manipulation with her sex appeal. Both the translucent pink glass and the naming really fit in well with the concept that evokes the untainted, healthy 'joy' of a girl of preteen age, without all the dark facets that were aptly portrayed in the other versions. ... And yet, a delicate and powdery (not listed) violet, which peeped out from time to time, reminded me of the original and proved the connection to Lolita Lempika: a mutation within the DNA - more Dolores than Lolita.
The phenomenon regarding the reception of this fragrance that I observed reminded me of "Peace, Love & Juicy Couture". It apparently failed because of the discrepancy between the expectations of the core fan group and actual deliverance.
A sudden, massive shift in fragrance type could have expanded the target group, while the passionate apple collector would have accepted anything, if only for the bottle. The enthusiastic fans of the 'traditional' LLs, however, seem to have dismissed it as something foreign and almost a betrayal - while the more neutral (and somewhat hopeful) other end of the spectrum, like me, could not be sufficiently convinced. This is even truer when one considers the price charged, which seems to be more based on the brand's name and value of the collectors' bottle - without meaning offense, I would personally think that there are numerous quite pleasant alternatives at a much lower price point.
In my teenage years (and even in my early twenties), I might not have resisted the temptation to keep this perfume because of its visual appeal... but since I was definitely no longer in the target group, I gave it to someone who would do it more justice and show appreciation by wearing it instead of dragon-hoarding the glittering treasure.
Still, it's a shame that none of the beauties were meant for me in the end.
Originally written 17/9/2016
Anessa
