Rendez-Vous

I have tried all but a handful of the Ateliers and this is one of the few that is most likely making my FB list. It is a lovely, mild osthmanthus "apricot" leather scent. Thankfully I don't get too much violet, though it's there and also what smells a bit like Iris. The patchouli is so low key, I don't perceive it readily. In fact that is becoming a pet peeve of mine in this aromachemical perfume world where chemists are tinkering so much at the molecular level with notes. If there is patch, it's been scrubbed. I wish this perfume was deeper and richer, but as it is, the leather-floral-apricot scent is lightly sensual for all occasions and very soothing. Many of the Ateliers, even when they are generally likeable (as in not a scrubber) have a synthetic smell, but this one is more natural. This is a good all around scent, great for a date or even at the office since it's not a powerhouse. I still think they do "citrus" best (neroli, pomelo, mandarin), but this is a solid offering, and one that if it's on sale I may go FB.

I became addicted to Rendez-Vous after receiving a sample, ordered from the Atelier Cologne website. I ordered the full bottle. It came with a 30 ml bottle as well and an engraved leather pouch. I also received a complimentary 30 ml bottle of the fragrance of my choice. The high concentration of essential oils and rare ingredients are unmistakable. The experience is euphoric. The quality is brighter and more luxurious than Bottega Venetia (which I also like). The words and feelings that come to mind when wearing this are unique, creative, independent, wind and water.

This is a truly enchanting scent - soft suede and a restrained intriguing floral scent, which must be the chrysanthemum (or Chinese osamanthus). There are times when this reminds me of Gris Montaigne for the suede effect, but Rendez-vous is definitely more complex. It is certainly in the same realm as Bottega Venetta EDP and Iris Prima, but I think this is stellar in this genre. Perfectly unisex too imo.

I had higher expectations for this cologne considering the price point and that it forms a part of Atelier's Collection Les Exclusives (along with Sous Le Toit de Paris). Sadly, Rendez-Vous did not impress me at all. In essence, if I renamed Rendez-Vous, I would call it Bottega Venetta BV au Legere (Lite). I really dislike the BV and the good news is that I can tolerate this lighter version, although I would prefer some more florals. RV is mainly patchouli and suede and some sort of leafy note on me, which I'm presuming is the violet leaf, and a very subtle sort of floral, which must be the osmanthus. The base is soft and musky, and overall the scent is pleasant and well-blended, with a soft sillage and a longevity for about 4-5 hours.

I've never smelled anything quite like Rendez-Vous. It is a cool, leathery apricot fragrance that brings to mind an image of violets blooming on a rainy spring afternoon. It is instantly relaxing yet also quite intriguing. From what I have read, the subtle apricot note comes from the Chinese osmanthus flower. Though Rendez-Vous is a stellar creation, I do find it very similar to Sous le toit de Paris, also made by Atelier Cologne. The latter fragrance is perhaps a lighter, more feminine alternative to Rendez-Vous.