Couture! Moschino 2003

Couture! by Moschino, one of the few that survived my decluttering phase years ago. I miss some (like L’Insolent by Charles Jourdan), while with others I wonder why I kept them. This one falls into the latter category, a frustration purchase from years ago, and I never really warmed up to it (until today:-). However, I do find the bottle really pretty, which was probably also the reason it was allowed to stay.

Well, today after such a long time, I’m giving it another try and I’m pleasantly surprised: The opening must have scared me off back then, because I’m not greeted by a single peppercorn, no, it’s even a whole mill! But - thanks to the bergamot and the slight sweetness of the mandarin, it becomes immediately softer and more pleasant, even delicately soapy, just enough for me to like it, because I don’t like it too soapy. On my skin, there’s now a clear transformation: although the flowers are now showing, it never becomes too sweet or too floral, the jasmine does seem a bit fresher due to the pomegranate blossoms, yet a pleasant powderiness emerges that merges with my skin.

The longer I smell on my arm, the more fascinated I become! Fine, slightly sweet vanilla is enveloped by a cool, somewhat bitter breeze… This combination is so tempting and enchanting, I could bathe in it! Luckily, it also lasts the longest in this phase, I can perceive it for up to 4-5 hours.

Conclusion: Certainly not an easy fragrance, one that you have to discover, that unfolds, and I needed time to understand it. You have to be a bit careful with the dosage, otherwise, you might get peppered!
I wouldn’t want to wear it daily, but now and then when I need something special, then definitely! However, I can imagine wearing it in any season, thanks to the coolness it radiates, it would surely be well-suited for summer evenings.

I’m glad it still has its place in my display…