Chantal Thomass

Growing up, Chantal Thomass’ lingerie and lingerie-inspired creations were the stuff of fantasy; I devoured the photos from each new Season in the magazines in my fashion- and style-starved teenage existence in what was so sadly not Paris, London, New York or another equally glamorous location, dreaming of being able to create fabulous concoctions like these. Lace, silks, tutus, cuts to die for... *sigh* Fast forward to finding this bottle in that emporium of treasures TK Maxx and yet another blind buy. The box! The shape of the bottle! An actual frilly tutu! *Oh-la-la!* The fragrance itself is frivolous more than ‘shocking’ – a wink from a fancy, frilly boudoir, like a giggly girls’ night in with bubbles and joyous laughter, this is as elegant and flirty as the delicious clothes designed by this house. Like a fruity cocktail, it draws you in with the raspberry, cranberry and cherry – sweet and zingy; yes, the tomato is unexpected but not prominent – rather it props up the floral notes by being slightly tart; add soft sandalwood, patchouli and musk (not much amber!) and this is a lovely, fun fragrance for dreaming yourself away to another place and time.

This was a blind-buy from TK Maxx that I don't regret. It was on my test list because of the tomato note which sounds like an interesting twist, but I can't smell any tomato in it. Nevertheless Chantal Thomass is a very nice fragrance. It's full of cherries, berries and a hint of licorice. It has a plastic note, especially in the opening, but in a good way - makes me think of a giant cherry made of dark red vinyl for some reason. The texture of the scent is smooth and shiny like patent leather. I get a nice heliotrope and powdery florals too. Many compared this to La Petite Robe Noire and Lolita Lempicka, but I don't think it's a dupe of either. This is a soft and creamy perfume, not as sparkly as LPNR and not as dark and violet-focused as LL. It's is a playful fragrance that is relatively light and therefore easy to wear every day all year round. But it's still a bit sexy and not too serious. Only thing I don't like about this is the huge, bulky bottle without a cap.

This has become my signature fragrance. No matter where I go, someone asks me what I am wearing. It starts out a with a pop of startling fresh berries. Evolves down to a creamy vanilla-berry shake, And about 2 hours later it mellows to a sweet sweet yummy candy based, but with an element of sexy energy. This parfum has a note of excitement underlying the sweetness. It is just exceptionally feminine that is far different than the teen girly fruitys or the heavy powdery granny fragrances. It has a mystery to it without negating a comfort factor. This lasts for a good 6 hours or more on my redheaded dry skin and the sillage is way out there. LOVE.!

EDT and EDP versions are totally dofferent. EDP is a lot deeper and fruitier, therefor it was my choice. I got a sample of this fragrance when I was 17, it was given to me in a perfume shop. I fell in love with it straigh away - rich and sexy berry scent. Not too sweet or synthetic, just right. I ended up buying it couple of years later because I was told it has been discontinued. It represents lingerie brand well - sexy and luxurious at the same time. My husband doesn't usually like perfumes but he can't get enough of this one.

I'm so pleased I found a bottle of this as I missed it when it was first released. It's strange but when I first spray it it smells of blackcurrant and licorice,neither of which are notes in this perfume! It must be the combination of the berries and the musky elements together. The lasting scent once the top notes have worn off is a lovely powdery and musky floral with a hint of rose and violet- lovely.