Overture Woman

Overture Woman Amouage (USD 150, A36522G089, 2022 batch, 2nd hand with box, 99 ml. left) First Impression, My appreciation, Hail to Annick Menardo. Another masterpiece is born.. Overture Woman was bring to my attention in December 2023. I think it smell nice, boozy and cozy, sweet and enjoyable but it just didn't call me that time. Until middle of Luna New Year when I wear "Parfum de la Nuit 2" the boozy amber fragrance but old way. I had small thought to myself, "Old World Boozy Amber is so nice", it could be great if I can find something slightly. cheaper for daily wear, I just cannot spray USD 350 fragrance every day. It costs a fortune. Then the quest for alternative was began. I, then recall overture woman that I tasted out a few month back. I tried to seek a profile using supports from Fragrantica's tool but It is just can't. The range I was looking is so specific, apart from few offers from By Killian, It seems to be new way than old way. I finally land on someone's offer and I so happy now to have her in my collection.. Please first, all boozy / fruity fragrance is not natural. it is twist on note to create something new. In Overture woman, I think it is something twist from French Labdanum to create Calvados accord. The opening is sweet dry apple that have certain hint of dryness / balsamic undertone to it, boozy but fresh at a same time the phase linger around 2 hours. The leather is kind of there from get go, it adds mild animalic tone but not went to far into animalic note territory. As scent progress, the Calvados accord reduce into woody-spicy experience But dry apple sweetness still linger, but something in this reminds of woody scent. that similar profile to Bois d'Aragant. It build around Cinnamon + Myrrh. Fragrance reaches final dry down in 4 hours post wear, At this, still tiny tiny bit of Calvados accord left in more like a tint of booze. But major experience, was Olibanum and Leathery Labdanum scent. It is not really balsamic like the Labdanum dominant (I think majority of note twisted to use in top already)... also as final stage, it reminds me of Rose Incense a bit. Overall, it is smooth and fun Boozy-Amber experience. Its sweet, its dry, its ambery but I wouldn't say it is luxurious experience. It is not the same experience as "Parfum de la Nuit 2" which heading to Animalic amber with rum, very society. Overture profile provide more youthful and sexy. But I think the twist is same in both fragrances. It is manipulation of Labdanum and it definitely a fun wear. The point I would like raise is on cloth the apple boozy accord won’t go anywhere and I get a whiff all the time, in the last end it is labdanum and mild brown leather experience. I believe this is definitely try-on or full bottle worthy. Score 10/10 Projection Moderate-High for 4 hours, become 1 foot closer to wearer. Longevity: 9 hours+ Classification: Unisex-leans femme Summary: Old Booze in the house. Extension 1 : Dec 20, 2024 - I retest this today, This time I get it almost jelly like texture I recall often When Labdanum is strongly involve in fragrance. And I do understand vinegar comment as it is the sourness from Labdanum. It can be pushed as far as FM Promise but in this still pretty much boozy rose dominant. The Leathery is Saffron and Labdanum combination similarly. I think this most "Fun" Amouage offering from the whole line. Not girly or Feminine but fun, not as rich as typical Amouage but still high-quality amber. It's very Fun fragrance to wear.

Annick Menardo and her team made this masterpiece of a perfume, I absolutely love her work and this fragrance is amazing. I am writing this review after wearing, testing understanding this fragrance after almost 5 - 6 months. This perfume maybe termed as for women but in all honestly this is a unisex fragrance. My first encounter with this fragrance was in Kualalumpur Malaysia, I was shopping there and I found an Amouage boutique, there I was sampling multiple fragrances and I was hoping to find myself an old bottle of Jubilation XXV because the new bottles are very weak in performance, anyhow the sales representative introduced me to Amouage overture women and when I asked him about the overture man, he recommended me to try the women fragrance and without a doubt he was 100% correct to do so and he mentioned that this is more masculine and as a oriental fragrance lover he was very much on the point and it was instantly amazed by it because its such a beautiful fragrance. About this fragrance, this is absolutely amazing, its not as fruity as Erba pura where you literally smell like a mix fruit juice box, this perfume helps me with the fruity itch / craving that I have but not over the top like Erba pura. Overture women is very fruity, floral, dense and heavy, just the way I like my middle eastern fragrances to be. This perfume bas basically 2 stages, the opening followed by mid and the mid followed by base, its semi linear but complex at the same time, unlike other fragrances where it changes a lot this does change but not too much, there is a good consistency about this fragrances. The opening of this fragrance starts off with a juicy fruity apple and berries and after an hour or so the floral heart pops which stays there for a long time and after lik 7 - 9 hours or so you can smell the base which is this rich deep heavy oriental smell with fruits, flowers, woody and amber. This is spectacular work done by the perfumer same as she did with another masterpiece called Amouage figment man TLDR - Fruity oriental - Insane longevity and projection - Masterfully blended - More masculine leaning (IMO) - All year round but works best during winter & Autumn. Cons - Some people find it "overpowering" (which I disagree because there is no such thing as too powerful fragrance, its a matter of when and how you apply it) - Complex fragrance where you need test it out and wear it properly to understand. - High price point

This is the second women’s perfume I buy for myself, don’t really care, I love this scent! And I love it so much more than Overture for men, which in fact I kind of dislike... on the contrary, in Overture for women I can’t find a single note I don’t love... and that is very difficult with Amouage perfumes, which for me are a bit all over the place... as even the ones that I do like, such as Reflection or Jubilation, have some weird note somewhere in the construction. Overture for women is a bright, fruity, spicy, and somewhat leathery, delight! Longevity is amazing, it’s been hours since I sprayed it and keeps going strong, projection is moderate. I don’t think this perfume is as “fresh” as some reviews say, for me sweet perfumes fall in a category of their own. The only blind buy I would recommend from Amouage. ***Update*** First some context... my original review was from spraying myself at the store the day I purchased it... I sprayed only my right arm, and had at least two other perfumes on myself that day, one in my left arm, Black Powder from Jusbox which I also sampled and purchased, and Drakkar Noir which I had sprayed in the morning and was almost completely gone. Today I decided to wear Overture again, but now on its own, and as it turns out, the Black Powder perfume which I had sampled together with Overture, muddled or even disappeared two distinct accords from the latter... the first, a sweet honey opening, very likable and very reminiscing of honey perfumes and oils from Guerlain or Carolina Herrera... the second, a not so likable accord that smells like a very well perfumed woman who has been smoking all day and is now impregnated with cigarette smell. By the way, It’s not a tobacco note, it’s a smoking cigarettes all day smell. Sadly, as I said earlier, Amouage always adds a certain weird note to their perfumes... I thought Overture Woman was the exception... but it isn’t. Still an amazing perfume!

When I was first trolling through the Amouage offerings, I found a lot of them unwearable. I wanted to like the house, but usually there was too much incense, spice or burning plastic (as is true for Interlude). Eventually I discovered Overture Woman and I instantly fell for it, drawn into its warm, sweet amber. Interestingly, I began seeing the house in a different light and found myself enjoying what I had previously found offensive. For instance, I began to understand the complex textures of Interlude and found creamy amber behind the smoke and incense. It's always this way isn't it? Where your love of one perfume catalyses a love for the wider brand? The opener is very powerful, projecting resinous amber, boozy apple and a grating leather/birch note. This scent is much stronger than your usual amber/myrrhs (ambre nuit, ambre sultan) such that I'd put it in a separate genre. Up close there is a hint of aromatics/woodiness and yet despite these 'harsh' additions, the projected scent is a lovely, agreeable apple-amber warmed with cinnamon. The progression of the scent is mostly linear. The sharp edges smooth out, leather becomes less prominent, tonka pokes through a little more alongside slight smokiness from labdanum and spiciness from myrrh. The apple-tinged amber becomes airier, more muted, yet still projects substantially 5 hours in. Longevity is unreal, lasting over 12 hours. Though I would consider Dark Lord as my signature during nights, Overture Woman is what I'll put on if I need to run something less risky. Overture is an alluring, inoffensive powerhouse that will create a strong first impression. P.S: As much as I hate to admit it, Wanted by Azzarro does smell similar-ish (from the card). Though it is more masculine aromatic (juniper, sage), there is a similar apple-amber drydown. This could be an ideal cheaper alternative.

Most of older Amouages are complex and multifaceted and Overture Woman is in that same level. So many different traits are sweetly mixed in the scent. At first it amazes you with its bold and enigmatic side, it’s like a big mystery. It’s like a magic wand which put a spell on you and you don’t understand straight away what has happened. Overture Man is full of very realistic notes and personally Overture woman has been somewhat abstract to my nose since the beginning. It’s delicious and almost syrupy but still it’s not edible. It clearly reminds me of fruity apples and has boozy vibe in it but I have never tasted Calvados which has this kind of aroma. I mean this is utterly irresistible and I’m not a good friend with Calvados. Together with the elegance of Saffron in the opening it seamlessly combines with warmth and sophistication from the heart where Benzoin, Myrrh and Cinnamon create a golden aura and a subtle rosy touch offers a tiny hint of feminine elegance. Leathery base with Labdanum and Amouage's signature Incense is seductive and completes the fragrance as a completely unisex. The whole concoction is rich, polished and refined, everything in it intertwines perfectly. The scent is like a beautiful melody that lingers in your head even after the music itself has stopped. It is unforgettable. Like Overture Man, Overture Woman truly shines during the festive season and especially during Christmas time. The longevity is great, around 8 hours and the sillage is strong. Thank you for reading, I hope my review was helpful. I would appreciate a lot if you want to follow me on IG and/or YouTube (English subtitles): @ninamariahperfumes It gives me a lot of motivation to write more. 🤗

From the very first moment, Overture Woman reveals a character that feels somewhat familiar yet undeniably beautiful and well-balanced. It opens with a sumptuous boozy-fruity accord, reminiscent of aged wine laced with a sticky sweetness akin to dark plum jam. This opulent opening does not come alone but intertwines with delicate saffron nuances carrying a smoky leathered undertone, lending the fragrance a mysterious allure, as though one were stepping into a theater hall veiled in smoke and dim light. At its heart, the fragrance transforms into a more complex and dramatic scene, where a bitter amber tone, saturated with smoke, unfolds. Around it swirl subtle jasmine-like floral hints—unannounced yet discernible—that I believe stem from methyl anthranilate, which reinforces the grapey fruitiness. These impressions are enriched by a warm cinnamon hue that melts the sweetness into a spicy oriental nuance, deepening the balsamic body and binding it more firmly to the boozy-fruity character. As it settles on the skin, a rich and opulent base emerges, oscillating between smoky amber and dark leathered warmth. Here, labdanum takes the lead, releasing a dense resinous smoke that blends with a frankincense undertone, while a deep leathery streak runs beneath, enhancing the boozy dimension. Heavy yet fluid, this is a fragrance that straddles the line between the oriental and gourmand families: fruity without excessive sweetness, sweet yet restrained, oriental but never drowning in overwhelming woods or leather.

This is an experience to be had. Such an absolutely brilliant combination of notes to create a grand and dramatic character. When I first dabbed it on, I got the apple, booze, and a big blast of leather and saffron in a polished seat accord. I like leather, so I didn't mind it, but as it dried down and I pressed my nose in overeagerly, I got a plasticky rank from the note that I didn't love. This fortunately lasted only about 10 minutes before I got this bright trail of warming brandy and juicy fruit coming far off of the application point, with the leather being most apparent close to my arm. Thereafter the leather stays, but no more animalic rank after 20 minutes, even close to my skin. The sweetness, juiciness, cinnamon, and leather completely and gloriously balance out. It's slightly resinous and has base, but it isn't impenetrable, and it doesn't quite resemble an old school oriental. I've never smelled anything so seductive and boisterous projecting off into the air, nor felt such a progression between close to the skin vs. the sillage. You will have to enjoy leather and saffron (probably the two most divisive characteristics in the perfume) to go from like to love with this fragrance, but I think the craft will be appreciable regardless of whether it’s your taste. Not to mention that the bottle itself embodies the scent perfectly. If you love boozy fragrances and have a taste for the truly unisex, you just have to introduce yourself to this beauty.

Overture Woman was a blind buy which really took me by surprise. It’s a fragrance I’ve really had to explore and spend time with to be able to fall in love with it, but I’m very glad I granted it that patience - I’m enjoying it more and more with every wear. I can however see why this could be a rather polarising scent, I myself sometimes wonder if I even like it at all, but always find myself back in the comfort of loving it. The most powerful note here is the apple - of course there is no raw material which comes from apple, and so a synthetic accord is the only option. Admittedly, it does smell noticeably synthetic and a little plasticky which can be off putting in the opening, this is what I struggled with. I had the same issue with Frederic Malle’s Promise when I first got that, I almost sold it after having it a week, but I gave it time and now I adore it - I sense the same is happening with this. This juicy, slightly rubbery apple rests on a bed of intensely dry sweetness. Spicy cinnamon and rugged leather combined with a touch of smoky, almost papery resins contrast the apple beautifully. This is perpetuated by an almost obnoxious overdose of sweet saffron, which can be headache inducing if smelled up close! I was expecting the brandy to be more prominent, but I actually find it rather subtle. Overall this is a gorgeously unique evening-wear fragrance, one I definitely recommend testing but probably not blind buying.

This opens up with a blast of boozy fruits. The smell of apple is actually very recognizable. Boozy, fruity, spicy. The opening is EXTREMELY potent, like, two sprays on the arm fried my nose. After 10-15 minutes it gets spicier and the leather starts appearing. There's definitely a slight floral aspect after ten minutes. It's in the same family as fragrances like Angel's Share : boozy, fruity, spicy. The resins do differenciate it from perfumes like AS, Oajan or Ambre Narguilé, this is more mature. This smells high in quality and Annick Menardo showed once again how she's an insanely talented perfumer. I really do not know how they chose to release this as a woman marketed fragrance. This is unisex and has absolutely nothing feminine at all, at least on my skin. Maybe the florals in the mid ? But they're completely in the background. If anything, I find it leaning slightly masculine, especially after 15 minutes, as this a strong concoction of booze, spices and leather. If you're a lady and you love feminine fragrances only, do not blind buy that. Performance is very good, lasts an eternity and projects massively in the first hours before becoming a scent bubble.

Testing a sample. Overture! What a beauty! For me it opened with lots of leather, bergamot and saffron. Sweet, fresh, juicy apple shows up right after, just minutes later and becomes stronger as the leather notes slowly becomes softer and less prominent. There is a moment in transformation of this fragrance that all I can smell is apple. I tried this perfume a few times and it happened every time. Overture is projecting quite well and stays on for hours. To me Overture smells like Nettuno and Siro (Mendittorosa) had a lovechild. I love both of those, and wanted them both, but now I think I will just get Overture. It's very soft, sweet, juicy fragrance, leather adds a bit of sophistication to it and makes it more grown-up. Just looking at notes I knew I was going to love it, and I was right. Overture is climbing fast on the top of my 'want' list. I have tried a few apple fragrances (Sirio, La danza delle Libellule) and even though beautiful, each smelled like apple scented candle... This one doesn't, there is something different about it... Classy, unique, mature yet playful and sweet. I want to smell like Overture! I do! Love it!

I have perhaps 3-4 leather fragrances and Overture is, no doubt, one of the best. I always write, when I do perfume reviews, that many things depend of personal tastes and different people can have very different perfume perceptions. Factors such as climate, humidity, season, skin pH, hormones, diet, etc. all impact how any perfume will develop on our skin. Overture opens with a strong note of apple and brandy. I deeply love saffron in perfumes but here it's not a very noticeable (to me). The leather note is not oppressive (like, again to me, it is in Tuscan Leather by TF); it's more like suede really, a delicate suede jacket. Also, no rose for me but pleasant and warm resins. Initially, Overture seems fresh and fruity but deep down it's a warm, evolving fragrance which can be used in summer but only if you don't overspray. Very wearable in spring, fall and winter. If you like leather perfumes, give this one a try. Also, in a smiliar smell profile is Paramour by Oman Luxury, only there, instead of apple, the most dominant note is raspberry.

Truly a well blended masterpiece. This screams (not in a literal way) elegance and luxury! It is leathery, saffronic yet warm, inviting (but also a giving a bit of a cold hearted person vibe at the same time), careless and classy. It has some gourmandy aspect and really reminds beer/bread, maybe a tad bit if dried fruit. I do not like BR540 at all, but I love Spirito Fiorentino by Tiziana Terenzi, and these two seem like two very distant cousins, mostly because of their beautiful, very wearable leathery aspect. And probably performance too. Aš one could expect, performance is outstanding. Last night I overstayed a bit and then got into a car for 1 hour drive, so it was quite suffocating. Lasts ages, sillage is good but not extreme. Would recommend for anyone who wants absolutely luxurious, yet not "old rich woman" scent. The person wearing Overture is young/average in age, stunning in appearance (not barbie like, but a very balanced attractive way), a bit distant yet drawing everything towards them, and enjoying luxury.

My mind keeps coming back to this scent more than any of the other 12 samples I received in the Amouage Discovery Set, mostly because it is so complex and unique. But don't get me wrong—this is not your usual go-to people-pleasing fragrance. This is a perfume Cleopatra would wear, a scent suited for a queen. If you found yourself in her presence, you would probably be completely captivated. This is a statement of power, strength, and regality, with a hint of something sweet and seductive. This is elegance in a bottle. From the listed notes, I can mostly pick up rose, saffron, leather, a bit of smokiness, and perhaps some resin. I usually do not gravitate toward boozy fragrances, but in this case, the complexity of the scent makes it incredibly alluring and unforgettable. It also leans toward the sweeter side. I would not recommend wearing this in small, enclosed spaces, as it could be too heavy and headache-inducing for others. Nevertheless, it is very well suited for evenings.

I’m in the process of rediscovering the collection of Amouage fragrances. Initially, during my niche perfume journey, they seemed a bit overwhelming. However, I've now started considering the idea of wearing them, not just appreciating their composition. Overture Woman was the first to catch my attention. I got a full bottle rather quickly, and I don’t regret that decision. It’s truly a beautiful fragrance. On my skin, it starts a bit powdery, but quickly the apple takes over, combined with the booziness of liquor/brandy, creating a perfect, smooth concoction. The saffron note is also pronounced, yet it doesn’t come off sharp. Everything is perfectly blended, and while I can’t say it’s overwhelming, my partner tells me it projects greatly and fills the whole room. I've heard some people call it Amouage’s hidden gem, and I agree! I’ve never heard it being hyped, which perhaps makes it even better. It adds to its uniqueness ✨

I am absolutely in love with this fragrance from Amouage. It is truly one of the most beautiful scents I have ever come across. The apple brandy, combined with the slightest hint of animalics and smoke, as well as the addition of saffron, creates a truly unique and captivating experience. The boozy and leathery notes are balanced perfectly with a touch of sweetness. I also have the men's version of this fragrance and found it to be quite different. The men's version is straight up dry and animalic, while this version is softer and sweeter, with a beauty that the robust men's version lacks. I would say this fragrance is straight down the middle unisex, I believe many more guys would love it if they had the chance to test it, as it has a unique balance of masculine and feminine notes. For me personally, it is absolutely beautiful

I was just browsing through the fragrance dept at Bloomingdales. Ok, I think I’ve smelled every fragrance before and certainly didn’t need to purchase more fragrances. When I saw Amouage Overture Woman, I was immediately reminded of the awful experience I had with a sample of Overture Man (see my review). Reluctantly, I tested prayed Overture Woman. I was blown away! It’s a warm spicy amber with a bozzy fruity apple accord. Then it transition into a woody leather with some floral rose/incenses in the background. Finally 10-12 hrs later, there’s a musky animalistic freshness in the drydown. This is pure elegance! Men don’t be worry about the “woman” version. This fragrance could easily be marketed simple as Overture. I purchased the last bottle. Expensive but definitely sample/decant worthy.

Pure class in a bottle. Like a smooth, refined drink. A light brandy/cognac with a dash of apple liqueur and cinnamon on top. The apple is steeped rather than baked or caramelised. The resins lend to the sweetness but not in a vanillic or overly smokey way. The leather and saffron bring an edgy but not rough feel, especially in the dry-down where they round out the composition and give it depth. I don't get much of the other notes (bergamot, geranium or rose) probably because they are blended so well. Opulent and addictive. Definitely not blind buy safe as it may not be everyone's cup of tea. If you found Angel's Share (not the scent but the profile) too boozy/foody/gourmandy, this is the perfect balance of these elements. Worth the price especially from discounters. Highly recommend.

This is Amouage’s rendition of BR540esque fragrance and it’s a good one. We have several on that bring about that same scent trail. For me, this falls closest to the following: Oud for Greatness but less leathery: very close to PDM Kalan but definitely not as spicy: and while it’s the essence or BR540 it isn’t as sweet or smooth. I enjoy these saffron, leathery scents as a woman. This one is very much unisex but suspect men will veer in the direction of initio (although I find that one very unisex as well) if looking for something like this. Will I add it to my collection. I’d love to if it were more readily available but not a must have as I am more than satisfied with those already existing in my collection.

If His Highness Sayyid Hamad bin Hamoud al bu Said, had a dream to restore the great Arabian art of perfumery to the region, then he sure as hell did it with this work of art. When I first tested Overture, I was entranced by the green apple and brandy pairing. Then I got a kick of saffron and I was done! I will be wearing this when I have to do some "Big Game Hunting" and closing deals. This is a HBIC frag...no doubt about it. Overture found its way into my heart and wallet. Purchased a FB right there on the spot. It's going to be perfect wearing it in the Fall and Winter because the myrrh and leather give it an incense-y vibe. Finally, I found an Amouage fragrance that suits me!

Overture Man was a love at first sniff for me so when I saw OW in the mall I was curious to know if the ladies were as lucky and WOW I was blown away and a bit jealous lol. They may be even more lucky! This is just intoxicating! I could not leave without a sample for the Mrs. that I may or may not reach for on occasion ;). Sweet, juicy, boozy, warm & spicy with the rose giving it the added depth and complexity. I am a big fan of this. This is not encouraging men to go out and buy as this is definitely feminine leaning but it is absolutely amazing and I will love it from afar.