I posted about this rare and very exclusive scent here a while back, when Cara first told me about it. At the time, I had not sampled it, and posted only on the basis of the description, the reviews and the website.
I don't know Alexander, but he was nice enough to send this sample of his scent from Vienna, the city that inspired it. I can't tell you exactly what I expected - but just because the scent was created on the basis of the 19th century tradition of handkerchief perfumes, I assumed that it would be the sort of light and organic fragrance that smells heavenly at first application, but vanishes into thin air in less than twenty minutes.
In this, I was entirely wrong. The original WienerBlut scent (I believe this is the one called Clubwasser) is a strong, rich scent which lingers. It goes on pure and true, with none of the initial alcohol scent that makes so many modern perfumes and colognes difficult to digest for the first few minutes after application. It presents exactly as it should be perceived, in all its natural, warm, complex glory. And it stays. It stays, but it also changes. As time passes, one note after another gradually recedes to allow a new note its place in the olfactory spotlight. An hour later, or two, or even three, the scent remains, strong and assertive, but return to it and you will find a new dimension ready to be discovered.
I'm not by any stretch an expert at describing scents, but at first impression this scent is, for lack of a better word, rich. By that I mean that it embodies old-school luxury. It reminds me in some basic way of the heavy cut-glass bottles of Chanel that used to occupy the dressingrooms of glamorous people like my grandmother back in the early '60s. It has that quality of old-world glamour that have never, to my mind, been achieved in the modern day. I have always been a fan of old-world craftsmanship, and if there is craftsmanship in scent, this is certainly its epitome.
So, this collection of artisan wonders is something that I value on several levels. For now, it is largely for my own complex pleasure, both in the artifacts themselves and in the people behind them. Later, they will be a legacy, an heirloom for the Q.
Thank you to all those who have sent us magical things through the international post. It means so much to me. These are my treasures at this stage of my life, when acquisition takes a backseat to wonders of human relationships.
7 comments:
oh! this is really nice. such great feelings come out of this post. and the photos - magical! thank you sweet Maia.
I like more masculine scents too! I just saw your illustrations on your other blog and they are amazing.
You write so beautifully Maia, your good heart shows through every word. What a wonderful scent to be able to experience. The kindness of your friends is lovely to behold. Put that amazing scent in the refrigerator.
Maia, I was so touched by your thoughts on my brother's perfume. Thank you! And I agree with Yoli, you write so beautifully. It's such a pleasure to read your blog! Bises, Cara
Cara, thank YOU, both for the wonderful creations in your shop, and for the introduction to your brother's amazing and rare scent creations. As I've said, I'm very picky when it comes to scents, but his is one so unique and masterful that I would actually go back and purchase (if I could find it!).
Well put, especially the last sentence. Love the illustrations with Q, too.
Hi! I asked Alexander and it looks like they sold out of it at Colette in Paris and he won't be able to restock until sometime this summer... I'll keep you posted :)
Post a Comment