L'inspiratrice

Another wonderful creation from this marvellous house. I'm impressed with the quality, really. So it's possible making an excellent production in times of IFRA restrictions, of poor originality, without costing the earth. It is. L'Inspiratrice opens with a velvety rose mixed with a few other flowers which I am not able to detect, I suppose peony is one (but I am not good at guessing notes). Soon after the sweetness leaves (not a candy sweetness), the softness remains and a marvellous forest opens in front of you. You are not left alone: the rose accompanies you, taking you by the hand on a path which is not rough because of the rose by your side. I would not say this is a strong rose scent: rose is present throughout but her presence becomes more and more subdued. You are the star, not her. You are the star when wearing this scent: elegant, opulent but not overwhelming, opulent because rich in its material, very beautiful, chic and perfect for every occasion. I'm impressed. Truly.

L'Inspiratrice is a glorious classical floral, rather golden-amber in tonality, not especially rosy. The florals have a subtle, delicately shimmering mille-fleurs effect like the first breath of spring. This is one of Divine’s grand, traditional feminines, and it’s fantastic. More than anything else, L'Inspiratrice reminds me of Chanel No. 5, in its dense, seamless golden elegance; but it’s less aldehydic, less hissy, softer, with a bit of a boozy note in the amber. Over time, I feel something of a deeper, browner base, but it’s still very subtle and airy, and definitely not like realistic patchouli. It’s also smoothed with a lotion-y, tonka-vanilla grace. L'Inspiratrice is every bit as good as Divine Pour Femme, but in a warmer, softer key, golden-pink rather than silvery-pink.

This is my second perfume by Divine - Spirituelle is my signature scent. But while these are both roses, the similarity ends there. While Spirituelle is a warm, almost fruity rose, it is definitely a "day" perfume, inviting and approachable but not assertive. L'inspiratrice is the more worldly, earthy and sensual sister. To me the top note is almost like the whiff of tobacco - like the afterthought of a fine cigarette. What opens afterward is a dark oriental rose with definite, but not overwhelming undertones of patchouli, musk and tonka. The sillage is incredible. I have gotten into the bath at night to have the perfume bloom again in the steam of the bath and I remember that incredible smell is me. Next to Spirituelle, this is my favorite of the Divine parfum line.

Opulent. A deep, powdery oriental floral with freesia, which is not listed in the notes above, but prominent in the sample card I was sent from Divine. I get an abstract impression rather than distinct notes, but the olfactory journey moves from a bergamot infused swirl of florals in a musky cloud, which is gradually deepened by patchouli, tonka bean and vanilla. This is a luxurious experience and, like the best of all things, moreish. Bottled decadence. Distillation: opulent floral a moreish experience for decadent days

To me this is like a forerunner (and better version) of La Petite Robe Noir by Guerlain. The biggest difference I think is the heavy use of tonka bean in this fragrance and the abscence of almond. It is not listed as a note but there is definitely something juicy in here reminding me of cherry liqueur. And instead of it being sweet like LPRN, it is powdery. It is beautiful and would please lovers of vintage fragrances.