Violetta Penhaligon's 1976

The violet in fragrance often carries an "old maid" reputation: violet scent accompanied the "Miss" in a dark gray flannel suit, with a bun and comfortable flat shoes; the old lady with lace gloves and a cloche hat.

The light to dark violet flower faces with their classic five petals are among the first harbingers of spring.
Like lizards, they have nestled in the crevices of one of our historic cemeteries; as if they wanted to savor the first pale warmth of the sun to the last drop.
In contrast to the "multi-layered" white and violet Parma violets, the "bourgeois" five-petaled relatives sometimes appear, especially when they are a bit "overripe," with their somewhat "droopy lower lip" like sulking children.
Or do they perhaps think they descend from the Habsburgs?

Their charm and little personalities are mostly left to the fatty layer of enfleurage.
What is then made from them can smell quite different:
delicate and soapy, enchantingly young and innocent, alluring and voluptuous, cloying or simply cheap!
The little flower face promising spring is helplessly at the mercy of this development.

Now, I love violets, as well as lily of the valley and lilacs, and in recent years, thanks to many dear perfume friends, I have already gotten to know some very different fragrance compositions.
Yatagan, our perfume lavender scent specialist (and my very own "Luca Turin"), knows of my preference and therefore included a sample of Penhaligon's "Violetta" in the last fragrance mail.
Thank you, dear friend!

Although this brand has not particularly impressed me so far, I had to immediately dab "Violetta":
the beautiful light blue color of the liquid surely lured me!
And - astonishing! - we liked each other right away.
Thus, I got to know an "English violet": clear and pure and classic - somewhat in the style of "English Lavender."
The entrance is immediately sympathetic due to the special scent of geranium; it shares the stage with fresh bergamot and lemon aromas.
They marry, and this harmony transfers to a large bouquet of fully blooming violets, accompanied by a hint of fresh green leaves and heavy earth.
I perceive this scent scenario so far not only as floral and slightly green-fresh but also as something originally natural; as if it couldn't be any other way.
Violets clearly dominate but remind us that we are dealing with a very feminine floral scent that flatters and adorns.
The base note of slightly erotic, slightly oily sandalwood and spicy cedar clearly represents British understatement: "feminine, unexcited, yet present and slightly seductive" is probably the motto here.
Musk seems to envelop the entire fragrance creation like a fine net; thus, it lends a bit of warmth and depth; it becomes round and cuddly.
Are you ready for our five o'clock tea, dear?

Penhaligon's "Violetta" is an "English violet" and cannot be compared to its southern European, sun-kissed, and very lush siblings.
The light blue color of the fragrant liquid may be a sign of this: far from the velvety violet bloom, yet still decidedly enchanting and romantic, while also being well-behaved.
So: simply lovable!

For those who like violet scents, I can only recommend this "Violetta"; a deeply harmonious liaison is surely guaranteed!
There is still time for these little flowers before the warmer days let the queen rose reign supreme!
Because, please, let’s not forget: It is spring!