Moonlight Patchouli Van Cleef & Arpels 2016

What a fragrance!

The first time I smelled it was on a trip. In a Baltic capital, surrounded by beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, just before dusk. The whole atmosphere invited one to dream of another time...
If you imagined away the street signs and scattered advertisements, the scene could have been from the late 19th century.

And that is exactly where Moonlight Patchouli transports me.
To a glamorous metropolis during the Belle Époque. Elegant boulevards bathed in warm light from very modern gas lamps of that time.
The rattling sound of horse-drawn carriages bringing passengers in expensive evening attire to theater performances or opera nights.
The ladies in shimmering silk dresses with narrow corseted waists; on their heads, sophisticated hats; in their small handbags, an ivory or mother-of-pearl fan for the upcoming evening indoors.
Upon arrival, the gallant companions help them disembark, as the laced shoes with heels and leather soles offer little support.

In the foyer of the opera house, an entering couple is greeted by a loud buzz of voices and warm candlelight, which breaks in the floor-to-ceiling mirrors and lush gilding.

In no time, a glass of champagne is pressed into the hands of the two newcomers. The young woman's gaze searches for the large double door at the far end of the spacious foyer - it stands open, revealing a moonlit courtyard with beautiful rose arrangements.
Discreetly, she guides her partner through the large room, greeting acquaintances here and there, until they reach the door. A cool refreshing breeze sweeps in, bringing the scent of lush dark roses and smoldering pipe tobacco. An older gentleman, in a uniform suggesting higher military rank, has escaped the clamor and heat of the room into the silence of the courtyard. The scent of his pipe mingles with the aroma of fine suede gloves and that of elegant wooden parquet, regularly maintained with beeswax.
The atmosphere in the room sparkles like the cool champagne in the glasses: Tonight, a celebrated singer is performing in a new role, about which scandalous things have been heard...

This little microcosm is what "Moonlight Patchouli" transports me to.
Finest suede, dark rose, and woody undertones create a scent impression that is among the most elegant I have ever smelled.
And all of this comes with a beautiful sillage and a longevity of at least 7 hours.

My new favorite for autumn!