Pluie de Soleil

Burst Of Summer

Phaedon 2011

“The shops in Paris all have their own… style.” This was the observation my ten-year-old son made recently during our stay in Paris, his expression thoughtful as he struggled to find the right term. He undoubtedly meant that enviable sense of style that seems to be innate to the French (as well as the Italians).

The “style” of Phaedon is particularly quiet. A still-style or style. I wonder if I have encountered one that, let’s say… had a bit more guts. No, my previous test candidates were original (Cendres de Thé), cozy (Tabac Rouge), indecisive (Oliban/Grisens), fine (Sable Marocain), and nonexistent (Hesperys). Just don’t make a fuss, yes, better not to stand out.

Today’s candidate does not stray from the line. In fact, it earns several of the adjectives mentioned above.

Starting from the front: It opens with peach, or rather very ripe pineapple. Along with a hint of something cheesy, which seems to be the only contribution of bergamot. The thickened synthetic wood may also play a role; like acidified Duro-Cashmeran, just viiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii much weaker. If I have finally succeeded in deciphering this cheesy note - that alone would have been worth testing the fragrance.

Regarding the strawberry, I am initially unsure, as after a quarter of an hour, it has burst and the scent is on the skin. It now has more of a smoothie quality, everything equalized and muted, and possibly a bit indecisive.

But then: I sense pyramidally concealed spices from the curry corner, very gently, they hardly stand out from the wood. Cumin and turmeric? I have to guess, something is there. Our smoothie is cleverly spiced! Original. Overall, it does its job well, and it seems quite consistent that the fruit has turned into a purée, which now speaks for a laboratory general fruit. This gives the spicy wink a little more room.

Back to the supposedly quiet fruit. Surprisingly, my favorite colleague immediately said “strawberry” when she entered my office. In general: The fruity note is relatively(!) pleasant, at least considering that it comes across as quite artificial. And because too much of such things is known to be not good, it gradually settles down throughout the morning: Around lunchtime, Pluie de Soleil has cozily settled in. Dried fruits in a small wooden bowl perhaps. Bowl, not “-box,” the namesake Slumberhouse is a completely different caliber. Next to it, a few flowers. Please be nice!

Throughout the afternoon, the scent drifts harmlessly and cheerfully towards sweet-creamy, before it finally becomes woody after about six or seven hours. A hint of musk is likely present at the end as well.