Paradis Provence Shalini 2019

Freshly rubbed lavender blossoms create an elegant prelude, flanked by delicate citrus notes. Here Maurice Roucel has worked out the floral quality of lavender with a calm hand - hardly any trace of green stem or leaf, no suspicion of soap or even laundry bags. The effect is so unagitated and discreet, and the composition is wonderfully balanced. Moderately floral supported, I did not consciously notice the jasmine mentioned, the thyme slowly comes into play in a green and slightly smoky way. It forms the present backbone of the perfume, flanked by two powerful but reserved companions: the ethereal spiciness is carried by a blob of honey, the spicy density is aerated by a careful layer of light moss. We let all of this rest within ourselves and are pleased that sweet notes were dispensed with. More could not have been left out.

Maurice Roucel has seen a lot. He is decorated with two contributions for Frédéric Malle, has created milestones like Rochas Man or Iris Silver Mist. He knows how Fougère walks. The art now lies in having created a classicist yet modern fragrance from a few components, whose power lies in its tranquility. Our bad luck is that this was done for a brand with absurd pricing