Many scents are described as soft, but few actually convey the sensation of resting your head on a floating pillow of immaculately-shaped petals. Penhaligon’s Orange Blossom – the latest release in their ‘Anthology’ line of reissues, put together by Bertrand Duchaufour – is just such a fragrance: a quiet, verdant little cushion. Eschewing the eponymous ingredient’s animalic tones, the opening opts for a blanket of gentle white buds, not unlike last year’s much-praised Amaranthine. Citrus notes peer through and more traditional florals – mainly rose and jasmine – are allowed a moment to shine as well, although they too are kept elegantly pearly. Finally, the smoky woodiness of petitgrain is just permitted to hover in the background, brushing the whole with a wisp of richness. On paper, the effect is much sharper and more citrusy, so a combination of fabric and skin application is probably the way to go with this one, but regardless of how you choose to wear it – and despite the fact, that strictly speaking, it should have a different mame – you’ll most likely enjoy the tender halo it creates around you.
[Review based on a sample of eau de toilette obtained in 2010; fragrance tested on skin.]
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I've been looking out for this at my local Fenwicks, which carries the Penhaligon line, but when I asked the sales assistant about this she looked blankly at me, so I don't know if we'll get it here. Interestingly, I noticed that Amaranthine doesn't appear to be stocked here anymore, although that might simply be a stock issue.
Hi Michael. As always: thanks for your comment. It means a lot to me when people take the time to write.
Your Fenwicks experience is a bit strange! I suppose you're aware Penhaligon's have a pretty good website, but that's not much help when you're trying to get samples.
I don't know where you live, but the staff at the P shop in Cambridge couldn't be more helpful, so I'd definitely suggest popping in to see them if you're ever in that part of the country. In fact, if I were you, I'd give them a ring, explain your Fenwicks experience and ask if they'd consider popping a sample in the post for you. Worth a try!
what a gorgeous review!
Why, thank you, kind reader.