L’Artisan Parfumeur has been making niche fragrance since the 1970s. They were the first niche brand, in fact and ever since their inception way back when, L’Artisan Parfumeur has continued to create fascinating fragrances that are often quirky and always beautiful. They are a cult brand who have always managed to inspire passion on perfume lovers across the globe, working at the cutting edge to create perfumes that always bring something new to the table, whether that be an entirely new style or a new perspective on something familiar. In short: L’Artisan Parfumeur rocks and I for one am always interested to see what they’re up to. Which leads me nicely on to some lovely L’Artisan newness!
Histoire d’Orangers is the brand’s latest offering and it has come just in time for summer. Created by Perfumer Marie Salamagne (Jo Malone London Mimosa & Cardamom) and is inspired by her memory of travelling through the Moroccan region of Souss, which sits in the foot hills of the Anti-Atlas. Of her trip, Salamagne says “‘my memory of the sunset on Taroudant walls remains untouched. Suddenly, the valley takes on exceptional shades, a warm light intensifies the colours of the raw land and the atmosphere gets fresher. Each time I think of this majestic landscape, I think of orange tree flower water. A delicate and delicious water, ultra-refreshing and incredibly luminous.” A rather evocative description, no? The scent plays with the contrast between the heat of the sun and the cool of the shade, creating a vibrant and incredibly sunny orange blossom that L’Artisan describes as “exquisite”. My nose is ready for it.
The Notes
Musk, Neroli, Orange Blossom, White Tea, Ambrox and Tonka Bean
How Does it Smell?
Histoire d’Orangers opening is akin to the sun rising above the horizon at dawn. It’s glowing and fresh with bright, sparkling citrus notes that dazzle and dance. The initial impression is incredibly cologne-like, with the sharpness of mandarin blending with the golden light of neroli to create the olfactory equivalent of lens flare. It really is dazzling and whilst it may all sound impossibly light an airy, there is a heft to Histoire d’Orangers thanks to the heady concentration of florals in the heart.
The heart is an aria of orange blossom, neroli and petit grain that is delightfully radiant and creamy. There’s a strong honey character in the midst of the florals, but instead of feeling sticky and sweet the impression is of honey diluted, acting more as a glistening glaze on the flowers, providing sheen without weight. White tea brings the idea of the leaves of the bitter orange tree into play but also adds a gauzy, out of focus nuance that blurs the lines between the top and the heart, and the heart and the base. There’s such a softness to the overall tone of the fragrance, making it surprisingly comforting for an orange blossom.
The base is pure white musk, specifically that breezy and luminous musk that is so in favour these days. Personally I love this style of musk, it adds power to a fragrance, giving it lift and creating a sense of expanse. In Histoire d’Orangers the musk feels completely pure and almost sterile, giving it a starchy laundry-like feel. It also ensures the longevity of the scent, giving it a surprising amount of oomph for what could otherwise have been a sunny orange blossom cologne. Long live the musk, I say! An “Ambrox overdose” extends the musk impression further, giving it a warm, skin-like feel that is decidedly intimate.
Histoire d’Orangers perfectly captures the essence of the bitter orange in tree in its fullness. There is sparkle of the fruit, woven with the greenery of the leaves and the creamy whiteness of the flowers. All of this is driven by a gusty summer breeze that blows itself up the trunk and through the plumage, releasing the whole scent of the true. It’s beautifully symphonic and euphoric, but also startlingly simple too. Histoire d’Orangers is as easy to wear as a freshly-laundered cotton shirt. It’s as lovely as a summer’s day and resplendent as the bitter orange tree in nature.
Availability
Histoire d’Orangers is available in 100ml Eau de Parfum for £118.
Disclaimer
Sample, notes and quotes via L’Artisan Parfumeur.
The Candy Perfume Boy 