Candy from Strangers

Fragrances centered around actual violet, rather than the violet-and-iris combination or violet leaf, are not abundant. Most perfumes that feature violet as one of their main notes are either too sweet, too powdery, or too leathery. Candy from Strangers is an amazing, candied but very natural-smelling violet fragrance. It has a bit of everything - freshness and greenness, powderiness and sweetness, leatheriness and a micro touch of animalic - Francesca's DNA. Its gothic, damper, and gloomier sister is Violetta Mannara by Strega del Castello. Viole Nere would be the most gothic and dusty of them. The sweetness is definitely there - just not to the extent of Insolence by Guerlain (to my nose), which is a lovely fragrance with an amazing violet note. I only wish Insolence was not so sweet.

Love the fragrance. Hate the name. This is one of those rare fragrances where I can genuinely smell every layer. The raspberry, leather, caramel, iris, jasmine, and bergamot blend together beautifully while each note still has its own moment to shine. The composition is rich, decadent, and incredibly well balanced. The performance is exceptional. The rich oils allow the fragrance to melt into my skin, creating a scent that feels luxurious from start to finish. It projects beautifully, has incredible staying power, and never loses the character that makes it so captivating. The fragrance deserves an award. The marketing department deserves a gentle conversation.

The woke overreactors clutching pearls at the name of this fragrance are seriously in need of group therapy. This review section looks like a pan ode to cancel culture and conspiracy theorists. It’s embarrassing and more than a little troubling that so many people thought it was perfectly normal that their brains went immediately to perverts and their children SA victims. The fragrance itself is delicious, like all of Bianchi’s creations and like all of her creations it smells familiar to the entire line...especially Tyger Tyger. Strong leather, syrupy florals. Very feminine.

i kicked myseld hard yest as i smelled this the first time, trying to remember what it reminds me of. then it clicked: violette volynka, not 1:1 copy but probably inspired by. i really love it though. all year round, the bergamot in the beginning can be a bit harsh but it did accentuate the candy-like sweetness in the violet. lasts all day too. try it!

I don’t care about the name. This perfume is lovely, light violet dragee with subtle wooden accord. I think it’s the most wearable one, out of all FB’s creations.