Chenoa

For me, this fragrance is like a declaration of love to life itself. Supposed opposites meet here... what seemingly doesn't fit together, in the end fits together harmoniously and fluently in a new frame.

Following the archaic patterns, I too have the passion of a collector and hunter, although I have rarely ever really "found" anything while searching.
The encounter between the "nun" and me was more or less a chance meeting. A dull day in February in Munich, wanting to do something good for my soul and senses and just hopping into the luxury department store I trust, which has an exceptionally well sorted perfumery department. Not really with the intention of wanting to buy, but more in the hustle and bustle. Normally I like to sniff around on my own - this time it was a coincidence (or whoever) that the department was empty and a friendly saleswoman came up to me. Could she help me? Yes ... what did I actually want? I started a timid attempt: mhm ... well, I would like to have a fragrance that is not too opulent, but rather quiet, without being banal. I love powdery oriental gourmand, but I have enough. Frankincense would not be bad, but please without musty dullness. It should be bright, but not fleeting. And because it is sometimes difficult for me to put my thoughts into words, I have brought a few examples from my private collection for illustration.

I had not really noticed a gentleman who had been standing with his back to us all the time and apparently "tasted" scents. After my rather inadequate attempt to describe what I was looking for, he suddenly turned around, took a card, sprayed something on it and gave it to me with a slight smile and the words: "Try this one. It might fit." ??!! Mhm!! What is it? "La réligieuse". By Lutens. Really?! Before I could ask him why, he left. All the other test strips that "my" salesgirl imaginatively presented afterwards, unfortunately didn't stand a chance.
"La réligieuse" is exactly SO. It doesn't fit into any category, it's bright and cheerful, and yet there is a certain melancholy underneath. It has depth and presence. It never pushes itself into the foreground or even gets out of hand, but subtly stays with me all day long. I have been approached about him many times, but always only after a certain time.

I didn't take him right away that day, I went home. All sensible and mature. Or something. In the evening my husband: "Mhm, you smell so good." I thought he meant the scent I was wearing that day anyway. It's a good thing I like to get to the bottom of things. He was talking about my arm, from which "La réligieuse" floated discreetly towards him. And I wasn't "allowed" to buy it myself, but got it for Valentine's Day. The secret of our love? Being close to each other without wanting to own. Freedom without obligation. Love for all that IS. That is exactly what I associate with this fragrance. And that's why I can wear it every day and every night.