Dream of India

The perfume called Dream of India was launched in 2014 and the inspiration came from the colors, architecture, and spices that make that country famous worldwide. India is one of the favorite places of the perfumer Manuela Pfannes-Völkel, as it manages to be exotic, sensual, and spiritual. And to portray such diversity, she created a fragrance that brings notes of rose’s water and oranges, in the head, followed by an accord of hot spices, combining curry, masala, black tea, and Champaca flowers, in the body. Finally, an oriental base, with plenty of amber and patchouli. On the skin, Dream of India is a spectacle! It follows the diverse and fearless style of Christopher Sheldrake's creations for the brand of Serge Lutens, but it has the delicate touch of Manuela, who seems to create complicated fragrances without any difficulties, through minimalist compositions that seem simple at first sight. The output is fruity, but not too juicy. The impression it gives me is that the rose’s water has diluted the most intense orange content, maintaining only its sweetest nuances. Then, almost immediately, a strong and spiced tea invades the nostrils and brings an aroma that refers to a mix of cinnamon with mate leaves and curry. The smell is addictive. Not seeming enough, the champaca - which is a type of rare magnolia with a stronger perfume - reveals the floral and exotic side of the fragrance. This stage is the most lasting and, subtly, Dream of India turns into a warm oriental scent, with a lot of amber and nuances that resemble the benzoin smell. Contrary to what you may be thinking right now, Dream of India is not too strong or too sweet. We have (at least, in Brazil) a very narrow view of the scents of India, because we are based on their incenses, food, and spices. But this creation is not limited to low temperatures or night events. And I'm not here saying that its fragrance is full of versatility, but that it is open to some opportunities that arise throughout the day. Without a doubt, Dream of India has already entered the list of my favorite perfumes from the Arts & Scents house. In fact, did I already say that it is a spectacle?