Padme Lotus

Padme Lotus is a gorgeous floral fragrance which goes on surprisingly strong and fresh, much like Muelhens 4711 Original. The neroli and tagetes (marigold) are bright and refreshing to open and suggestive of a drop of bergamot--a little herbal and fruity. As the citrus accord dissipates, lotus appears--lucid, yet deep, like a mysterious oriental pond full of blooms. Osmanthus and a touch of rose are sensual and support the ethereal beauty of lotus perfectly with rich softness and depth. Although tuberose is not listed at the DSH website, there's an accord there that feels awfully close. Violet leaf keeps this fragrance green and luminous in a clean base that glints with a touch of warmth here and there. A very natural and uplifting feel; a fantastic warm weather floral.

I was expecting DSH Padme Lotus to be primarily floral. To my surprise, in the opening it reminds me a bit of the drydown of Sama Loup des Steppes. It's very woody and natural smelling with some citrus and darkness. The floral aspect is not at all dominant. Sandalwood and vetiver are much more prominent to my nose. That's probably a good thing, since I have had mixed reactions to lotus in perfumes. To me, this is a completely unisex creation, even veering a bit toward the masculine side. Very woody, detectable violet leaf, not so flowery, although the marigold (tagetes) does become stronger in the drydown. I noticed that the origin of the ingredients is emphasized: Australian sandalwood, Israelian blood orange, Brazilian vetiver, Rosa centifolia absolute, Neroli, Osmanthus, Pink lotus, Tagetes, Violet leaf, White lotus Australia, Israel, and Brazil. Much better than "cold, sterile laboratory located n'importe où"!