1980s dark floriental to compliment velvet and taffeta
Laura Ashley’s second foray into fragrance, released in the early 80s as a suitable cold-weather, sophisticated evening scent, meant to evoke the traditional Christmas and darker season. It reminds me of my mom’s signature, Bal a Versailles, but without civet and insense.
Company advertising originally listed notes of bergamot, rose, ylang-ylang, iris, vetiver, patchouli, musk, and vanilla. It also has orange and clove notes, reminiscent of home-made Christmas pomanders. The vanilla, when compared to the bombastic vanilla of modern designer perfumes, is barely detectable but does add a syrupy richness. It is basically a slightly loftier version of a typical 1970s-80s oriental, and brings to mind the darkly saturated plush velvets and taffeta that Laura Ashley featured in their winter formal gowns.
